Four tip cells at Castlemaine landfill site will be capped after the Mount Alexander Shire Council this week approved awarding a $5.49 million contract for the work as part of an overall project worth $7.5 million.
The Castlemaine Landfill Cell Cap Construction Project is focused on capping four as yet uncapped tip cells and connection to three already capped cells as part of one of the largest project’s in the council’s history.
“This project is fully funded from council’s waste reserve,” Cr Tony Cordy said in moving the motion in favour of awarding the $5.49 million capping contract to Apex Earthworks whose tender was one of three compliant tenders the council had received.
Cr Cordy noted that the landfill site – also known as “the tip” – is an EPA licenced landfill consisting of seven cells but had ceased taking waste into onsite cells in April 2020 with waste processed off site since then.
EPA regulations for licensed landfills require operators to rehabilitate and continue to manage sites after closure and councillors at this week’s July meeting were tasked with determining whether to award the major contract to Apex Earthworks in line with the technical officers’ recommendation.
“This is a very important project, perhaps one of the largest that Mount Alexander Shire Council has ever undertaken,” Cr Cordy said in moving the motion in favour the recommendation.
Seconded by Cr Christine Henderson, and unanimously supported by all councillors present – except Cr Gary McClure who left the council chamber declaring a conflict – the decision also approves allocation of $549,689 as variation provision for construction of the new capping.
Councillors also noted that the Castlemaine Landfill Cell Cap Construction Project cost estimate overall is $7,541,747 including a contingency of $692,000.
“$7.5 million is certainly the biggest (Mount Alexander Shire) project I’ve seen,” Cr Henderson said.
Council awards $5.4M tip capping contract, part of $7.5M project
Big implications for tiny houses? Council set to revisit local law 13
Mount Alexander Shire Council is set to revisit one of its bylaws in a move which may end up having significant implications for opportunities to use tiny houses as accommodation shire-wide.
Presenting a special motion to review the council’s local law 13: Camping on private property, Cr Matthew Driscoll made it clear he was motivated by a desire to help tackle the council’s housing affordability crisis.
“Our community has told us they are concerned about housing affordability in our shire,” Cr Driscoll said, moving the motion at Tuesday night’s July council meeting.
“We have approximately 600 households in our shire with unmet needs for affordable housing,” he said.
“Tiny houses are proposed as an affordable, accessible solution to Australia’s homeless situation and the housing market crisis.
“Our council is committed to finding solutions which could help provide more homes for more people.
“But the current laws around tiny houses are too short term and do not go far enough in offering a realistic, affordable more permanent solution to our housing crisis.
“As an additional choice for accommodation, tiny houses can offer dignity to people at risk of homelessness as well as for people who wish to live more sustainably.”
Cr Driscoll’s motion won the support of all councillors and their unanimous decision to support it will now see council officers formally requested to assess and make recommendations on use of caravans or tiny houses as places of temporary residence through the review of local law 13 – and to then provide advice on the subject by the end of next month.
Supporting the motion Cr Rosie Annear described the move as “timely”.
“It seems a lot of people don’t fully understand what the local law says on this at the moment,” Cr Annear said.
“Things are really bad out there. There are lots of people out there with nowhere to live.”
Mail on Main podcast: July 22, 2022
Editor of the Castlemaine Mail Lisa Dennis chats with Dr Bridget Haylock to discuss the top local stories of the week.
You can listen to this segment every Friday on Main FM‘s Femme Fortissimo program. Proudly sponsored by the Castlemaine Mail.
Castlemaine Safe Space opens its doors to those in need
The Castlemaine Safe Space was officially launched with a community celebration at The Salvation Army Hall in Castlemaine last Friday afternoon and began operation this week.
The community were welcomed to the inviting new space with music from members of The Peace Choir, a sausage sizzle and warming homemade soup.
The new space aims to provide a non-clinical drop in space for anyone in the community in emotional distress, experiencing loneliness or suicidal thoughts.
It is a community designed and led, and staffed by trained peer volunteers with lived experience from within our community.
The space has been 18 months in the making and has been created thanks to the dedication of the team from local community group Every Life Matters (ELM), the dedicated Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group, and support from Mount Alexander Shire Council, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership, and suicide awareness and prevention charity Roses in the Ocean.
Roses in the Ocean general manager Stephen Scott said they were proud to support the local working group in their efforts to establish the new space which will be one of 15 pilot spaces around the country.
“Castlemaine community members who visit the space will find a compassionate response and assistance finding access to services from someone who has lived experience of these issues and who understands,” Mr Scott said.
Every Life Matters (ELM) and Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group member Rachel Stewart thanked each and every one of the working group members for being the “driving force” which made the space a reality.
“There are no appointments, no referrals or assessments and no names. Your details will remain confidential. Once you set foot in the door you will find a listening ear and you will have agency and power over what happens next. It’s your choice,” Ms Stewart said.
“We have seven full trained volunteers ready to hit the ground and another 15 currently undertaking the training,” Ms Stewart said.
Mayor Cr Bill Maltby said the space was so important as it provides a tangible place for anyone struggling to seek support.
“A space like this is working towards a future where every member of our community feels safe, connected, included and valued. It is actively increasing awareness of mental health services and it is breaking down barriers to accessibility,” Cr Maltby said.
HALT founder Jeremy Forbes said he visited similar space in Soho in the UK and is thrilled the Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group had found a way to get this incredible initiative off the ground here in Castlemaine.
“It warms my heart. It is quiet place where people can feel safe, be vulnerable and start those important conversations,” he said.
To close the ceremony a candle of remembrance was lit in honour of all those lost to suicide and the loved ones left behind.
The new space will ‘pop-up’ in two locations weekly at the Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre in Mechanics Lane Castlemaine (next door to the library) Tuesday evenings from 6pm-8.30pm and at The Salvation Army Hall in Kennedy Street (next to the train station) Saturdays from 1.30pm-4pm.
The first weekly sessions were scheduled for Tuesday evening July 19 and this Saturday July 23. Just look for the Castlemaine Safe Space banners and signage outside each building.
Castlemaine Floristry join forces with local arts on new work
The talented team at Castlemaine Floristry were proud to partner with Bendigo artist Lauren Starr recently to help the local artist realise her latest stunning creation ‘Abundance – memento vivere’.
The stunning work now hangs in pride of place at Castlemaine Floristry in Mostyn Street.
The flowers for the artwork were carefully selected and arranged by Castlemaine Floristry’s Patrick Grant.
Lauren said with orchids, anthurium, large dahlia and roses, the stunning arrangement screamed luxury and beauty and one couldn’t help but be inspired.
“Adding in giant helpings of fruit and the story began to build. A narrative of abundance. The lush natural scene, attracting all manner of life to it,” the artist said.
“From bees to snails, frogs, lizards, butterflies and spiders. Pollinators and predators, the whole circle of life. Each animal, each flower has it’s own special symbolism,” she says.
“That’s what I love about still life – the secret language. The skull teaches us to enjoy our abundance. It is everywhere. We are here for a short time. Memento vivere is Latin for ‘Remember that you live’. I enjoy framing my work in curtains. It adds to the theatre of the piece. It’s ridiculously OT, bright and abundant,” Lauren laughs.
Castlemaine Floristry’s Lynne Jolly said they were lucky enough to have Lauren’s art on display in their shop during the last Castlemaine State Festival as part of the Fringe Festival’s ‘Shop Window Art Tour’.
“We absolutely loved Lauren’s work, so when this opportunity came up we were thrilled to take part. Hopefully we can work on another project again soon,” Lynne said.
Castlemaine district artists invited to join new artists group
There is a movement afoot to form a new art group in Castlemaine.
Visual artists from across the region keen to be part of the friendly new collective are invited to attend a meeting to be held the Anglican Church Hall cnr Forest and Kennedy Streets, tomorrow, Saturday July 23 at 2pm.
The meeting will decide the name and formal direction of the new group.
Sutton Grange artist Chris Moule said Castlemaine, we are told, has more visual artists per square kilometre then any other town in Australia.
“In spite of this, Castlemaine has no viable multi-media artist group to join,” Moule said.
“Castlemaine Creative Artists which were a regular fixture at the Castlemaine State Festival are inactive, the popular Watercolour Group run by Betty Morris at the Mount Alexander Golf Club has ceased. The Plein Air Group is down to two or three active members,” he said.
“In the last few years the Agitation Hill Artists have also put on a successful art exhibition for the Castlemaine State Festival, but the AHA does not meet as an active group,” Moule said.
An initial meeting of interested local artists was held in June and some positives suggestions were tabled.
“We have decided that a new focus and new direction is needed and we are inviting local artists of all ages and mediums, and interested community members which would like to be part of the new group, to join us to chat about what this may look like,” he said.
Some of the suggestions discussed include regular demonstrations from well-known artists, as well as members; instructions in techniques of drawing and painting and different mediums using educational DVD’s; Plein Air Painting, Photography and Life Drawing classes; a biennial exhibition as part of the Castlemaine State Festival; and other opportunities for members to display and sell their work in regular group exhibitions and online.
“The Anglican Church has kindly made the hall available for members to come and paint each week or month, as decided by the members. Come along and help us shape a new chapter in the Castlemaine arts movement,” Moule said.
The meeting will run from 2pm-4pm. If you are unable to attend and would like more information you can call 0402 238 870.
Castlemaine District Netball Association squads shine at Maryborough tournament
The Castlemaine District Netball Association (CDNA) development squads made the trek to Maryborough last Sunday July 17 for their annual tournament.
Wow what a great day it was! Both Castlemaine teams making the grand finals!
Squad coaches Vanessa Saunders and Tegan Maddern said both sides dug deep and produced a fantastic effort they should be extremely proud of.
“The 15’s played their hearts out with only seven players all day and ended up going down by just one solitary goal,” Tegan said.
“The 13’s gave it their all and ended up losing by three in the grand final after overtime. Congratulations to both sides on a fabulous effort. We couldn’t be more proud,” she said.
“Massive thanks to all the parents, Elouise Jones and Jessica Rhone for umpiring and the coaches on the day,” Tegan said.
Falcons host Thunder as standalone clubs compete
Last Sunday July 17 saw a major milestone for women’s footy in our region in a first match between two standalone, regional footy clubs dedicated to women and gender diverse people – the Mt Alexander Falcons and Bendigo Thunder.
Another strong crowd turned out at Harcourt Recreation Reserve to support the Falcons, braving the wet and cold conditions to cheer on the local team.
With the Falcons playing just their second home game at Harcourt and the Thunder enjoying a season among the top sides in the competition, the Thunder proved the stronger team and enjoyed the majority of the attacking play.
Playing generally on the back foot, the Falcons defended with discipline and launched counterattacks with strong numbers in support.
The standout moment of the Falcons’ defensive game was Amy Downing tackling multiple opponents in the same play, with even some Falcons tumbling out of the way.
Other highlights included Casey Soulwa’s relentlessness in the backline, Gabe Smith’s strength in slipping out of tackles and Alice Taylor’s huge mark in the midfield in the third quarter.
All three players were among the Falcons’ best players on the day, in addition to Jesse Boylan, Carly Chapman and Mads Toohey.
The Falcons now have two games remaining in this run of fixtures, away to Kyneton this Saturday July 23 and away to Kerang on August 7.
Time for arts funding model change
Bob Clutterbuck, Newstead
I’m writing to endorse the sentiments expressed in the letter you recently received from Suzanne Donnisthorpe penned to Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards (Opinions, June 10) about arts funding. Specifically how the available funds are distributed and how little goes directly to artists themselves.
Ms Edwards will remember the numerous meetings from a couple of years ago, in which the RedShed Arts Workshop (previously the Newstead Arts Salon) and the Newstead Arts Hub, met with representatives from various bureaucracies including, DEWLP, Regional Development Vic and Mt Alexander Shire Council? Ms Edwards attended some of these meetings herself. The focus of the meetings was to highlight the difficulties and inadequacies of the current funding model, and to develop a new model which could properly meet the needs of community organisations such as ours.
Among the criticisms and frustrations we had then included the short term nature of funding, the way in which grants are procured, the number of hoops required to jump through, and the crumbs on offer in most cases, if one was successful. Nothing has changed.
Suzanne rightfully points out that most of the large grants available are for building/s. Little funding goes directly to artists.
RedShed Art Workshop is in the fortunate position of having access to a long term sublease of the Newstead Good Shed through the VicTrack Vacant Rail Buildings for Community Use Program. VicTrack are indeed spending a sizable amount of money on renovating the building and we are looking forward to shortly being able to operate out of that facility. To be sure, we are very grateful for it, and to you Maree in helping us secure the building. But you, more than most, know how long we had been pushing to get that space and the machinations required to get it.
There are a number of things common to most of the groups Suzanne listed, including ours. Across the arts, these organisations act as core groups… promoters, facilitators, venues, galleries, vectors, propagators, workshops, call them what you will, they all foster engagement by, with, for artists, practitioners and supporters alike. They are nearly all run voluntarily. They are all cash strapped.
They create all sorts of community benefits well beyond the services which they provide directly. Economic spin offs for small business, tourism, as has been pointed out, as well as numerous cultural, educational and health benefits, particularly mental health benefits etc. Chiefly among them is employment opportunities for artists and artist venues. In our case, once we are fully functioning, we hope to be employing between 6-8 art teachers a week, for forty weeks a year, as well as an administrator and technical staff. Many groups would similarly be employing artists directly or indirectly through art projects, concerts, performances etc, if the funding was available.
The funding model needs to change.
As Suzanne said, what is required is REAL funding.
That means long term, sizable grants which would allow for some stability, longer term planning and the alleviation of the constant turnover of members of volunteer committees due to burnout. Arts funding needs to reflect the strength, economic significance and potential of the arts industry, especially in Central Victoria.
Funding to directly or indirectly employ artists or applicable positions should be a big part of the available grant monies.
There needs to be a significant redistribution of grants towards grass roots arts funding and not just prioritising high end art product, be that buildings or otherwise.
The artists should get a bigger share of the pie! The process of applying for these grants needs to be kinder, simpler.
There needs to be a different approach to funding with different priorities and that necessitates a different approach from the state government.
As a community, the arts collectively has always been progressive and has long supported progressive parties like the Labor Party. Time to return the favour. To borrow from our new Prime Minister…’We can do better than that.’
Dominos Castlemaine raising ‘dough for local community groups
Domino’s Castlemaine is hosting an entire week of ‘Doughraisers’ this week (July 18-24) donating $1 from every pizza and 50c from every garlic bread sold to a different local cause each day.
On Monday funds were donated to Windarring (Disability Support), Tuesday funds were dedicated to Mount Alexander Animal Welfare (MAAW), Wednesday Thompson’s Foundry Band were recipients, Thursday funds went to the Elphinstone Land Management Association, and today, July 22 monies raised will go to the Castlemaine Football Netball Club.
Tomorrow Saturday July 23 Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club will be the beneficiary and finally on Sunday, July 24 funds will got to Castlemaine SES.
Domino’s Castlemaine local franchisees Lindsay and Jason Tod said they are humbled to support the local community through this week-long fundraiser.
“As small business owners, we are so passionate about giving back to the local community in which we operate, and the Castlemaine community is so supportive of us, which is why we always eager to return that support,” Mr and Mrs Tod said.
“We have held a number of ‘doughraisers’ since taking on the Castlemaine store six months ago and have had overwhelming support from the community at these events, as well as groups asking how they can get involved,” the pair said.
“One of our core values is giving back to the local community and we have hopes of raising more than $3,000 across the seven days for these amazing groups.
“Times are tough at the moment, and we know that every little bit counts – especially for those groups that rely on donations and volunteers. Each day we will be donating $1 from every Large pizza*, and 50 cents from every garlic bread sold to one of these local causes. There is no easier way to support your community – simply have a meal at Domino’s!” Mr and Mrs Tod said.
(*excluding mini pizzas).
My Newstead: with retired GP, talented nature photographer Patrick Kavanagh
G’day Patrick how long have you resided in the Newstead area?
We’ve had our place at Strangways (just out of Newstead) now for 28 years, and we’ve lived there full time for 23.
Where did you move from?
We moved from Melbourne. I’m originally from Sydney, and we (wife Megan and I) went travelling together and wound up in Victoria. Ours was about the fourth place we looked at. We just fell in love with it.
Where are you from originally?
Originally from Sydney. Near Dee Why. Before it was all developed.
What’s Dee Why?
Northern beaches.
Oh lovely. That’s the posh part isn’t it?
It is now. It wasn’t then… It was where I grew up and loved the bush. It was all basically built over by the time I was an adolescent. I’ve been looking for the bush ever since…
Great. Is your house anything notable in terms of energy arrangements?
Yeh. We live off grid. It’s a very small Californian bungalow, relocated from Pascoe Vale South.
What’s your line of work?
I’m retired now. I used to be a General Practitioner.
Ah. A doctor. Do you still carry the title?
When it’s to my advantage.
When’s that?
When I’m a patient so that people know they can actually explain to me properly what’s going on.
So a GP. For how long?
I was a GP for 35 years or so but most of that time I focussed mainly on mental health and psychotherapy…
Well Patrick, here you are well known for your photography. Can you tell me about that aspect of your life?
Yes. I’ve always been interested wildlife photography. Ever since Life on Earth with David Attenborough came out on TV… I’m always out there photographing a bird or a beetle or a bit of fungus or moss…
Or the cosmos I believe?
Or the cosmos. Yes astronomy’s another passion of mine. I don’t do much astrophotography but I’ve got a telescope that I wheel out and look at the stars on a clear night.
Of which there have been a few lately! Are you a member of any particular club or group?
I’m a member of a bird photography forum called Feathers and Photos. It’s a great way to learn about all types of photography. A very friendly and warm community and I’ve learnt heaps from it.
Any other involvements in the community?
Newstead Landcare.
You’re secretary of that group aren’t you?
Yes. I’ve been a member since about 2000 and I love this bushland around here and Newstead Landcare is a great avenue to look after it. We’re always welcoming new members. People can contact me on 0437663345 or email me at patrickkavanagh@bigpond.com
Three dream dinner guests?
David Attenborough of course, and the Delai Lama. But our community is more than just humans so what about the White Winged Choux’s. They’re the most amazing, funny, quirky birds with this complex social structure. I reckon they’d have a pretty good sense of humour.
Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
I practice Zen and I find that a very useful approach, one of acceptance and openness to what is… And being aware of our deep interconnectedness with things, out inter-being with things.
Any pet peeves?
Yeh. A few, and they’re mostly to do with the unnecessary things that we do that damage our environment. Things like barbed wire fencing which captures and kills sugar gliders and raptors and owls. And people using second generation rat poisons which go on to kill raptors.
Not all rat poisons are equal are they?
No. Exactly. The older, first generation ones like Ratsak are just as effective for the rodents around here, and they don’t get transmitted to the body of an animal that can eat the dead body of the rat or the mouse. Whereas the newer ones, the second generations ones like Talon and The Big Cheese that’s sold at Bunnings, they get transmitted to the owl or the eagle that will eat the dead animal will then build it up in their system and die. They’ve found enormous numbers of dead powerful owls with rat poison in them. So, if you’ve got to use it, get an old one – Ratsak or something like that which will work just as well and save our wildlife… Birdlife Australia’s got all the info.
OK. What are you reading at the moment?
The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. A great history of the world seen through the lens of the ancient trade routes across Asia into African and Europe.
What’s your music, or musical genre of choice?
Mostly these days I’m listening to my running playlist that I made up which is a lot of more recent dance music, bit of pop music. One I really like is Janelle Monáe.
Last question Patrick. What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
Everything. It’s the most beautiful place. To live among this incredible wildlife and nature. To be able to see the stars at night. It’s an incredible privilege. Also this little community here has so much strength and social capital.
Stage play Gibbo tackles drink spiking, date rape as new theatre co launches
A woman enters a farmhouse where she was drug raped twenty-four years earlier, to confront the man she believes committed the crime.
For Jeff and Claire Gibbs, this will be the biggest test of their marriage.
For Cynthia, the moment she’s been waiting for.
And so goes the synopsis for a fairly intense new stage play about to be staged at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway next Friday July 29 and Saturday July 30.
“Gibbo is an exploration of the wrongs we do to each other, and the consequences of those wrongs – for the survivor, the perpetrator, and those who love them – even decades later,” says playwright and director, Malmsbury-based Sandy Fairthorne
The production of Gibbo features cast members Rebecca Barnett, Stephen Mitchell, Kate Stones and also marks the launch of a new local theatre company Suckerpunch Theatre.
“The story revolves around a woman turning up at a farmhouse twenty-four years after she believes she was drug raped, wanting, among other things, to make the farmer living there confess to the crime,” says Fairthorne.
“The ensuing drama takes the audience on a suspenseful 90 minute journey, exploring the effect this kind of crime can have on all involved, even decades later.”
The scriptrevolves around a likeable farming couple, Gibbo and Claire, whose world is tipped upside down when a woman walks into their home twenty four years after a party at which she believes she was drug raped.
“She has only one request to make of this man,” says Fairthorne, “But it requires that he admits he committed the offence. Therein lies the challenge.”
The playwright wants to get more people talking about about the subject, following her own personal experience over three decades ago.
“It’s always bothered me – how to write about this subject. Then one day I thought, ‘What if..?” and the spark for the play was started,” she says.
The production also features original music composed by Malmsbury based composer Krzysztof Derwinski.
Following its two upcoming evening debut dates at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway, Gibbo will go on to tour to Melbourne, Bendigo, and Kyneton throughout August. Bookings can be made via suckerpunchtheatre.com
