Hi Bronwyn. Here we are sitting in the beautiful surrounds of Castlemaine’s historic Buda home and gardens where you get to spend a fair bit of time in your capacity as president of the Buda Committee of Management. It’s a great contribution to make. What motivates you?
Buda is a very special place and it is all run by volunteers. People really connect with this place. It’s really a worthwhile place to meet others who are interested in keeping history alive. It’s marvellous. I attended the AGM and came onto the committee in 2013 after we first came to Castlemaine in 2011. I just thought it was such an exciting place. I put my hand up to go on the committee and I’ve been on it ever since. I really do find it very rewarding.
So you’ve called Castlemaine home since 2011 but where were you before that?
I spent 30 years in Melbourne.
What’s your working background?
I’m a building designer. I’m really interested in the built environment and in the 1970s when I was a student I came here and did a measuring project with a whole lot of other students. That was well before I ever thought I’d live in Castlemaine. We measured a number of other historical buildings in Castlemaine as part of the project and I just thought ‘this is a special place because there’s so much that’s intact’. In the ’70s a lot of stuff was being pulled down…
Also my great aunt was the same age as Hilda (Leviny of Buda) and in fact had mutual friends in Newstead, and so I sort of felt a connection with Buda through my great aunt.
Anything else keeping you busy in the community Bronwyn?
I’m a member of a number of things: the historical society and the Pioneers (& Old Residents’ Association). But on the whole it’s basically Buda for me.
Any philosophies by which you like to live life?
My philosophy is that I’m very blessed to have opportunity… and I just think it’s really important to give back to the community. Both of my parents were very involved in all sorts of community activities so I was always aware that if you could do something to help other people then that was a good thing.
Three dream dinner guests?
Stephanie Dowrick (writer), Hilda Leviny (of Buda fame) to find out a bit more about her life. That would be great. And I’d like to have dinner with my great grandfather, Fred Strangward. He was just a very interesting man. He did mosaic woodwork. Some of his work is in the Ballarat gallery and that work was given to the Ballarat gallery by (former Australian Prime minister) Alfred Deakin – whom he gave it to.
Pet peeves?
Negativity. It does a lot of damage…
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading Corporal Hitler’s Pistol by Tom Keneally. A very interesting read set in Australia.
Musical genre or artist of preference?
Oh I love My Friend the Chocolate Cake. I really enjoy putting that on when I’m cooking.
What do you enjoy most about life in Castlemaine?
I love being able to walk or ride my bike everywhere because I live in town. You can walk to the theatre. You can walk to the shops. You can walk to the station. I can walk up to Buda. I just love that. Not having to get in traffic.
My Castlemaine: with Buda committee of management president Bronwyn Rudolf
Castlemaine Fringe accepting expressions of interest after successful fundraiser
Castlemaine Fringe hosted a Winter Warmer at the Wesley Hill Hall on Saturday August 20 to raise funds for the 2023 Castlemaine Fringe Festival.
Local musicians, Meg Corson & Disco Panic, played a sensational set which really got the crowd moving. The band was followed by local DJ Mr Browns Funksolution.
The hall looked spectacular, the food was delicious and the cocktails were fabulous – thanks to the team of volunteers from the Castlemaine Fringe Planning Committee. It was great to see such a diverse crowd of people enjoying their night together.
Castlemaine Fringe would like to thank all of the community members who volunteered their time or loaned equipment to help make the night a success.
The Castlemaine Fringe Festival is now accepting expressions of interest for the 2023 festival which will be held from March 17- April 2, 2023. Head to castlemainefringe.org.au for more details.
National prize for Castlemaine’s Pyrenees Premium Cuts Butchers
A Castlemaine family-run butchery business has brought home the metaphorical bacon, with their kabana taking out first prize coup in a new national award.
The local Pyrenees Premium Cuts Butchers owned and operated by Hayley and James Collicoat has clinched the first place accolade in the Australian Meat Industry Council’s new small goods Charcuterie Excellence Awards announced in Melbourne last week.
Their chicken cheese and jalapeno kabana significantly impressed the judges when it was tasted against many other worthy contenders from around the nation, including some much bigger industry competitors.
It’s a major coup for the local regional butchery business that also has shops in Maryborough, Ararat and Avoca.
“For us as a small regional business to take home this award against these bigger competitors just says – ‘you guys have got gold’,” Hayley says.
“It is our most time-consuming product that we make and it’s been really popular.
“It’s already a cooked product but it can be cooked again to get a melting effect.”
Hayley says the addition of the jalapeno pepper is not sufficient to blow away heat-a-phobics, merely adding a dash of subtle kick to the winning kabana that was judged on factors including texture, taste, smell, consistency and overall appearance.
“We make it all by hand and cook it ourselves,” Hayley says.
The kabana win isn’t the only reason the Collicoats are wearing winners’ grins either.
They also took home gold for their boneless ham, smoked chilli cheese kransky and smoked cheese kransky.
Battle of Waterloo veterans honoured at Castlemaine Cemetery
An intimate and moving ceremony marked the unveiling of a memorial to honour two long forgotten Battle of Waterloo veterans at the Castlemaine Cemetery on Saturday.
Former Kyneton resident William Halliday and local resident Henry Stewart’s military service had gone unrecognised for almost 150 years, and the memorial designed by Castlemaine resident Tom Taft featuring the ‘Waterloo Medal’ awarded to both men, aims to provide the recognition and respect the two soldiers deserve.
Against all odds both men survived the Battle of Waterloo then immigrated to Australia, both living to a ripe old age, spending their final years being cared for at the Castlemaine Benevolent Home (now Dhelkaya Health).
The two soldiers were buried in public graves at the Castlemaine Cemetery and were not afforded a military funeral.
William Halliday died on July 13, 1878 aged 85 and Henry Stewart lived to the age of 105 and died on November 8, 1881.
Castlemaine resident and history buff, Tom Taft, had for many years sought to see the two soldiers recognised after spotting a story about their unmarked graves in our sister paper the Midland Express in 2019.
Tom took up the mantle from local veteran Len Peeler, who began the research into the two men, and Tom has worked hard to see the project to its conclusion.
When Tom approached Castlemaine Cemetery Trust chairperson Debra Tranter in May this year and explained his vision to install a memorial for the two men, he immediately gained the Trust’s full support.
Those in attendance Saturday enjoyed a moving service overseen by MC Danni Moore which shed some light on the incredible service of the two men in the Peninsular War (1807-1814) and at the Battle of Waterloo (1815) and an extract from our former sister paper the Kyneton Guardian about senior resident and war veteran William Halliday.
There were also renditions of ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Amazing Grace’, a tribute by bagpiper Bob Cummings and a reading of the poem ‘Immortality’.
Among those to attend the special memorial service was William Halliday’s great, great, great grand daughter Barbara Reid.
Ms Reid thanked Mr Taft for his efforts to honour her great, great, great grandfather.
Ms Reid was able to provide a little more insight into his extraordinary life.
After the war Halliday immigrated to Australia as part of a prison guard program and was initially stationed in New South Wales and later in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) under the promise of land at the end of his tenure.
“He was given land on the Tamar River in Tasmania but it was not suitable for farming and is still undeveloped today,” Barbara said.
“I am a descendent of his first wife Martha and their daughter Mary,” Barbara said.
After the death of his first wife he remarried and relocated to Victoria leaving his newly married daughter Mary, 12, and her siblings behind in Tasmania.
He later married a third time and eventually settled in Kyneton.
Tom Taft’s 87 year old brother, Joe Taft also made the trip to Castlemaine from Perth for the special event.
Joe served in the same unit as William Halliday and donned the unit’s traditional ‘green jacket’ for the ceremony.
Whiskies of Scotland tasting event will dispense myths, methods and marvels of Scotch
Castlemaine publican Pat Furze may be of Irish heritage but when it comes to a dram of top shelf whisky it’s the Scottish stuff he personally prefers.
So much so that the co-owner of Castlemaine’s Bridge Hotel recently completed an appreciative in person tour of the distilleries of Scotland.
In the process Pat, who also happens to be married to a Scottish lass, gained insights he’s looking forward to sharing with fellow Scotch devotees closer to home through a whisky tasting event he’s preparing to lead at the local pub.
Coming up Saturday October 1 the Whiskies of Scotland, whisky tasting event promises to dispense plenty of tastings of the liquid gold itself alongside a goodly splash of the myths, methods and marvels of Scottish Whisky.
“It’s a really good opportunity for people to try something exceptional and quite rare,” he says
“It’s one of these drinks that people are interested in but don’t tend to know about, but it’s steeped in history, culture and mythology.”
“We stopped at every whisky distillery we could,” Pat says recounting his research tour.
“We also drove a few hundred miles out of our way for some, like the Oban distillery on the Scottish west coast.”
Pat says the upcoming intimate whisky tasting event is limited to 16 people who will be taken through a selection of the very best Scottish single malts while learning a little about what makes Scottish whisky great.
“It will be focused on the whisky and learning how to appreciate it, how to taste it and develop a palate for it,” he says.
“I’ve been passionate about whisky for about 20 years.
“Going back pre-pandemic we’ve done some whisky tasting courses before but we haven’t focused on Scotch whisky before.
“If the demand is there we’d like to increase our course offerings to also do gin tastings and wine tastings as well.”
More info about next month’s Whiskies of Scotland tasting course is available via the pub’s website.
The need is ‘clearly there’: Castlemaine’s Safe Space now needs a permanent site
Two months after launching, Castlemaine’ own Safe Space is achieving exactly what it set out to, and is now keen to secure a permanent home of its own.
Volunteers with the new Safe Space, the first for regional Victoria, say the space has been well used from the get-go.
“Since launching we’ve had attendees at almost all of our sessions which proves there is a need in the community,” the Space’s Rachel Stewart says.
Like other such Safe Spaces Australia-wide and beyond, it aims to provide a safe non-clinical drop-in port of call for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts to sit and talk to a sympathetic trained volunteer with lived experience of suicide.
It’s currently operating Tuesday evenings 6pm-8.30pm from the town’s Senior Citizens rooms and Saturday afternoons 1.30pm-4pm from the Salvation Army hall on Kennedy Street.
But with storage an issue, the board and volunteers are now keen to secure a permanent home of their own and are appealing particularly to local real estate agents and landlords or other venue managers to get in touch if they think they can help.
“We’re looking for a permanent venue, somewhere central,” volunteer Rose Gubbels says.
“It’s been going well. People have been just coming in and checking us out and we’ve had some pretty good feedback. We are building up trust.”
They’re also particularly inviting more people to get on board and train to become peer volunteers.
Having a background in counselling, psychology or social work is not necessary – but being an empathetic listener with some prior lived experience of the needs of folk undergoing emotional distress or suicidality is, Rachel says.
She says anyone who thinks they may be able to assist the Space secure a new permanent home in central Castlemaine is encouraged to get in touch straight away.
Goldfields Quilters to show off their finest at 30th anniversary show
They are labours of love, works of art and frequently luxuriant family heirlooms to boot.
“They take a lot of time and effort and it helps if you’re a bit of a fabri-holic,” says Castlemaine’s Merlyn Pritchard describing what goes into crafting a quilt.
Merlyn would know. She’s created quite a few of them and, as a member of The Goldfields Quilters, she is also coordinator of a special exhibition set to showcase some of the quilters’ finest next weekend.
The Goldfields Quilters currently boasts about 30 members and their enjoyment of getting together to “sit and sew” has stood the test of time.
In fact the exhibition taking place in the Castlemaine Town Hall over next Saturday and Sunday – September 17 and 18 – celebrates their 30th anniversary
Merlyn says in excess of 60 handmade quilts will be on show during the two-day event which the quilters are keenly anticipating after being forced to move the event online over the past couple of years.
“Quilting is something you can do on your own but it’s great to do with others,” Merlyn says.
She says workshops are also something that The Goldfields Quilters do from time to time, and she is already looking forward to leading one planned for next year.
Next weekend’s exhibition will also feature a traders’ table with items made by members, materials and tools of trade.
“We’ve also got two traders coming from Bendigo,” Merlyn says.
Goldfields Quilter secretary Christine Christie says members will be on hand to answer questions about how to get involved in the time honoured craft and join the group that meets regularly at the Castlemaine golf course.
There’s also the chance to take home the raffle prize of an award-winning quilt that was collaboratively made by multiple group members and collected first place ribbon at last month’s Victorian Quilters Showcase awards held at Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Raffle tickets are currently being sold at Castlemaine’s Maxi IGA in the lead up to next weekend’s exhibition and will also be sold at the exhibition where the winning ticket will be drawn.
Christine notes that money raised through raffle ticket sales will go to Castlemaine SES and Campbells Creek fire brigade.
Enrolments now open for Castlemaine Secondary College
Sponsored Post
Over the past 5 years Castlemaine Secondary College has clearly established itself as the secondary school of choice in the local community, proudly supporting our diverse student population. In 2023 we anticipate that our student enrolments will exceed 800 students, which is the first time in many years, this indicates the confidence the local community has in the education that is being provided within our school.
Our education programs from Year 7 -12 provide a wide array of options for students, allowing all students to develop individualised pathways suited to their strengths and interests. Over the past 10 years our VCE median study score has consistently been higher than state schools in our region. Individual students have also achieved VCE scores equivalent or higher to those achieved in private schools, demonstrating that CSC is able to support a wide range of students in their educational pursuits. 2023 will also see the introduction of the VCE Vocational Major Certificate, which will provide opportunities for students who wish to pursue more practical based pathways
CSC is an inclusive school for all students, allowing them to develop and learn in a diverse atmosphere, that is reflective of our community. Our mentor program is unique to CSC which allows a teacher to develop strong connections with a student and their family over the 6 years that they attend our school. Our mentor program is underpinned by the Berry Street Education Model theme of ‘unconditional positive regard for all students.’ We pride ourselves on positive relationships, and continually seek improvement in the College values of Pride, Respect and Responsibility, in all students.
A specific focus heading into 2023 is the embedding of our school-wide instructional model. Our instructional model provides a clear framework for all teachers to follow whilst delivering the curriculum. Developing more consistency within classrooms across the college will ensure that the curriculum is accessible for our diverse range of learners. This will also maintain and promote improved teacher practice across the school. CSC has experienced and knowledgeable teachers, who are committed to continually improving their practice to enhance student outcomes.
If you would like to learn more about what CSC can offer your child, please contact the College’s Reception to arrange a tour or for information on how to enrol for 2023.
Spring in the air, spring in their step as 73 stride up for Castlemaine Parkrun
It must be spring because everyone is beginning to reappear at parkrun.
And no wonder.
Last Saturday was a beautiful morning, with clear fresh air, hints of budburst and just a little more warmth in the sun. After all that rain, the path was remarkably hard, beaten down by all those feet that walk the Botanical Gardens during the week. Parkrunners were welcomed by the sound of rushing water as Barkers Creek cascaded beside the path, and then surprised by the first of spring’s pansies so beautifully planted by the fountain.
A fabulous seventy-three people seemed to appear from no-where at 7.55am ready to go at 8am. At least five first ever timers joined as many visitors who swelled the ranks of super regulars, prams, kids and dogs, and all together they happily ran, walked, or jogged the 5k.
We welcomed Kerryne and Jeff Rogers, regular Bot Garden walkers who decided it was time to join parkrun.
Ursula van Dyke registered for her first run this week and was then the first woman over the line.
Jay and Samantha McGowan, with 393 parkruns between then, ran Castlemaine on their way home to Gippsland, having wintered in Queensland and joined parkruns at Cairns, Atherton as well as Cloncurry (Google it!).
Jay was also the first man over the line to celebrate his return to Victoria.
It was personal best weather. Nine people finished in their fastest ever time including Ben Priest, Mariam Meite, Tobias Marshall, Nicola Clarke, Emma Hamilton, Rebecca Morton, Dale Hamilton, Jenny Hughes and Leonie Chilvers.
Leonie has managed to run four PBs over five months of 2022, coming down from 41-35 minutes in that time.
Parkrun is about staying fit and well, putting in an effort and enjoying yourself with others. Fast or slow doesn’t matter. There is no cut off time. Consistency is what matters.
Most people do parkrun because it is regular. Some do it and then participate in other events.
This week for example, Chris Timewell volunteered as tailwalker, then on Sunday he ran the Burnley half marathon. Michael Constable is getting ready for a 100-k trail run at Anglesea and Around the Bay in a Day.
Others have their eyes on the Run the Main, 5k, 10k or 21k on September 23, or the Melbourne Marathon October 2. There is always something on in the running world.
Thank you to volunteers this week; Dianne Cox, Donna Faircloth, Michael Farr, Jane Harding, Gabrielle Smith, Glen Taylor and Chris Timewell.
Come along. Pick your fitness goal and let parkrun be one part of that. Castlemaine Parkrun is a weekly, free, timed event held in the Botanical Gardens commencing 8am.
It is a participation event for fitness and fun. You can come to walk, run, jog or volunteer. See
https://www.parkrun.com.au/castlemaine/ to register and get your barcode.
– Report from Di Cox
Frost claims Berry Powell Medal
Last weekend was filled with mixed emotions for Harcourt Football Netball Club (HFNC) members.
Unfortunately both the club’s Junior football teams bowed out of finals. Congratulations to them on making the semi finals and doing themselves and the club proud.
The Reserves had a disappointing end to their season, going down to Carisbrook by 40 points. Linga, Lenny and Clint battled hard all day but the boys couldn’t match the speed and class of the Redbacks. A big congratulations to Nick ‘Butch’ Holden who was runner-up in the league Best and Fairest.
The Seniors take on Natte this week in what is sure to be an exciting match. After a great win against Trentham the boys enjoyed a week off last weekend to freshen up and are primed and ready to go! We wish them the best of luck and hopefully they will be here again next week in the big dance! Congratulations to Brayden Frost who won the league Best and Fairest claiming the prestigious Berry Powell Medal.
In the netball, for our lovely little Under 13 cubs it wasn’t the desired ending. They’ve had such a strong year despite it not being their best game to end the season. Being a bottom age group, we know they’ll come back just as strong next season and we’re so proud of them for getting this far.
Our B Grade team matched up well with a physical Lexton side, their slick start really set them up for the game ahead. Lexton weren’t quite able to catch them and the Lions were able to build to a strong win.
It wasn’t quite the ending our A Grade dream team deserved, still with plenty of passion on display they went down to the persistent Lexton who fought their way back into the game every time the Lions broke away. Not much went our way this finals series, but what a wonderful group of women setting such a high standard of netball and sportsmanship for our club. We couldn’t ask for more.
Our C Grade side takes on Trentham this week to fight for a grand final appearance. Congratulations to Bec Waddington who won the league Best and Fairest!
B Grade will battle it out against Carisbrook and our very skilful Under 15’s will certainly be a highlight in Saturday’s preliminary final match up.
Be a superhero! Run for Dad this Father’s Day
Be a superhero! Start Father’s Day with the Bendigo’s ‘Run For Dad’ fun run at Bendigo Racecourse this Sunday September 4.
Run For Dad is designed to raise your heart rate and much-needed funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Organisers are calling on families from across Central Victoria to dress up as their favourite superhero and get along to this fun family event to support the heroes fighting prostate cancer.
The day kicks off at 10am with options to walk or run one lap (3.75kms) or two laps (7.5kms).
After your run, enjoy a free breakfast provided by some of the local Rotary Clubs plus entertainment provided by the Eaglehawk Brass Band.
Castlemaine Rotary Club member Trudi O’Donnell said the local club is proud to throw its support behind this important fundraising event, providing support and people power on the day.
In the lead up to the event on Wednesday night the local club also hosted a visit from Prostate Cancer Nurse Dave Heath from Bendigo who spoke to the local group about Prostate Cancer Awareness.
Rotarian Phillip Hay, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer three months ago, was also in attendance and will be among those participating in the walk with his daughter this Sunday.
To find out more about the White Hills based event and to enter visit www.runfordad.com.au or email Trudi at trudi.celebrant@gmail.com
Banksy?
Tracey Naughton, Castlemaine
Sherene Clow and friends (Opinions, Mail August 26). Apologies for the spellings. I know it can confuse – people get my name wrong too. Don’t worry, Banksy’s anonymity is secure. He opened the ‘Signs of the Times’ show in a yarn bombed hood and disappeared quickly. Do we seem like the kind of people who would get some English accented guy from Taradale to open our show? Of course it was Banksy. Please hold your ‘uncontrolled giggling’ and be serious.