The spiraling cost of living is seeing an unprecedented number of people surrendering dogs they can no longer afford to maintain.
Staff at Castlemaine’s Mount Alexander Animal Welfare shelter say seeing owners in tears as they surrender the family dog to the shelter because they can no longer cover basic expenses, is becoming an increasingly common sight.
“It’s bad. People are having to choose between buying food for themselves or feeding their pets,” shelter manager Rosey Skinner told the Mail this week.
She says the shelter began noticing an increased number of people surrendering dogs at the start of July, and that since then the trend has only continued.
“In Castlemaine the shelter has never experienced anything like this,” Rosey says.
The shelter manger says the trend appears widespread with animal shelters and re-homing services reporting a similar story state-wide and beyond.
It’s also being amplified by people who adopted pets during the pandemic lockdowns of ’20 and ’21 now giving them up.
“At the moment we have 15 dogs (including pups) and we’re seeing pretty much 10 to 15 dogs at any one time where normally it’s one to five” she says.
“We’re in the midst of it and we’re trying to help people come up with solutions.”
Rosey says that those who are in a position to help can do so by adopting a surrendered animal, or by simply donating pet food or finances to the shelter.
“We’re also introducing an individual pet sponsorship program which I’d expect to be operating by the end of September and people can check that out through our website.”
The impacts of the rising cost of living in real terms is reflected also in the experiences of the local branch of the Salvation Army.
“We’re starting to see people who previously wouldn’t have asked for help,” Castlemaine Salvo’s captain, Annita Allman says.
“We had one lady recently who sought assistance because she couldn’t afford her dog registration fees.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever had anyone ask for pet registration assistance.
“And we’ve also had people asking for pet food as well with food parcels. We’re actually getting specific requests.
“Donations of dog and cat food are the essential ones which would be really helpful.
“We’re also seeing lots of people just walking in and we’d really appreciate people making appointments first. It really helps us to manage our day.”
Rising costs are forcing some to choose between feeding themselves or their pets
Magpie Women look to bounce back in Preliminary Final tonight
A stand out crowd of over a thousand people made their way to Camp Reserve on Sunday to cheer on the Castlemaine Women’s Football team in their historic AFL Central Vic semi-final against rivals Golden Square.
Despite the team’s success over Golden Square twice previously this year, the season debutantes entered the ground as the underdogs.
Minor premier’s Golden Square displayed a professional outfit with significant finals experience ready to compete. With a strong list against Castlemaine’s injury ridden side, the Magpies had a fight on their hands.
Having lost Eloise Gretgrix (forward line) and Olivia Holbert (back line) some weeks back to injury, more recent casualties including experienced forward Lily McNair and back line general Michelle Barkla had an impact on the Magpies side.
Castlemaine came out strong in the first quarter displaying a number of linking plays however Golden Square’s defensive work kept the Magpies from scoring. The first term concluded with Golden Square 1.1 (7) to Castlemaine’s 0.0, the home team still very much in the game.
Scoring opportunities remained fairly even in the second term with each team kicking two goals, one each for Castlemaine’s Shelby Knoll and Lily McMahon. Despite this Golden Square continued to put pressure on the debut side, leading the Magpies into forced errors and mistakes. The Bulldogs kept their one goal lead into the half time break.
The Magpies aimed to return fire in the third quarter and push for a lead however the Bulldogs came prepared shutting down the home side at every turn. Despite the home crowd cheering them on Castlemaine’s game structures fell apart as they were continually pressed from all angles.
Key intercept players Jemma Finning, Tia Davidge and Aisling Tupper worked hard to keep their team in the game with Finning putting her body on the line multiple times. Golden Square kicked five of their own whilst the Magpies struggled to make the most of Knoll in full forward. Scores at the break were Castlemaine 2.1 (13) to Golden Square 7.4 (46).
Back line player Taylah Sartori exited the game at three-quarter time and rover Aisling Tupper was also lost. Messages from the coaching team were to hold and keep up their intensity for the final twenty-minutes of the game. The team responded, effectively neutralising the visitors in the final term. It was all Castlemaine could do to tighten up their defensive structures and hold the Bulldogs at bay.
Back line players Jess Ross, Meg Tong and Beppina Marshall had a tough task all game and lifted heroically through the fourth quarter. Final scores were 2.2 (14) to 7.6 (48).
Whilst disappointing, Castlemaine will have a second chance this Friday night against evenly matched Bendigo Thunder. Both teams will be vying for a grand final spot against Golden Square who get the weekend off to rest. Assistant Coach Jordan Cochrane remained positive after Sunday’s defeat.
“Glimpses throughout the game showed our players have what it takes to compete with the top end of the competition but now need to string it together for four quarters. Thunder are a very strong competitor but I’m confident our side has what it takes to come out on top,” Jordan said.
Come down and support the Magpies in tonight’s September 2 Preliminary Final to begin at 7pm against Bendigo Thunder at Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk.
Owners of vacant properties asked to help housing crisis
Rental stress across Mount Alexander Shire is hitting an all-time high and owners of vacant dwellings are being asked to consider renting their properties out as affordable rentals.
The call comes from local housing advocacy group My Home Network (MHN) as it continues its work of bringing the community together to create housing solutions for local people.
MHN Vacant Dwellings Working Group spokesperson Lee Nicholls said the housing situation had reached crisis point and more locals were feeling the pressure.
“Nearly 90 per cent of local tenants cannot afford their rent and rental stress is at just over 50 per cent due to a combination of rental affordability and rental supply,” Lee said.
“We have a shortfall of more than 100 diverse, affordable rental homes and we need at least 687 social housing units.
“Increasingly we are hearing how renters, including elders in our community, are being forced to leave their homes – away from family, supports and community – to find affordable rentals elsewhere. More people are living in campgrounds or their cars simply because there are not enough affordable rental properties to meet demand.
“Employers say they cannot find workers partly due to the affordable housing shortage,” Lee said.
“We understand that there can be a range of reasons why some property owners choose to keep their houses unoccupied, but this potential under-utilisation does present a very viable housing opportunity.
“According to ABS data, there are more than 1300 vacant dwellings in our shire so releasing some of these dwellings as affordable rentals could relieve some of the rental stress experienced by an increasing number of our community members.
“Mount Alexander Shire has 175 Airbnbs, so there are still a lot of non-Airbnb vacant dwellings that we would love to see released as affordable rentals,” the advocate said.
The initiative to approach owners of vacant properties is one of a range of strategies outlined in MHN’s 10-year social and affordable housing strategy. The strategy sets out objectives, priorities, and targets towards creating affordable housing delivery and reform.
MHN believes everyone has the right to access to affordable, secure, safe, sustainable, and appropriate housing.
Lee encourages owners of vacant dwellings who want to find out more to contact MHN’s Kaz Neilson at kaziwnt@gmail.com
My Castlemaine: with petanque player George Forster
G’day George, now I know you’re secretary of the Maldon Petanque Club, but you actually live in Castlemaine. How long have you called Castlemaine home?
Most of my life. I moved to Campbells Creek when I was young and went to school there… My father and my brother had the upholstery shop in Castlemaine in the late 50s… And then after school I got married and moved here (Castlemaine). Designed and built this house, well Ivan Girvan actually built it although I did a lot of work on it myself and so did (wife) Janet…
Wonderful! So what’s your working background?
I worked at Thompsons. Thompsons, Kelly and Lewis it was then, and now it’s Flowserve. I worked there all my working life.
Were you an engineer?
Yes… I drew up housing plans for friends and then went on to have a small business drawing up plans for houses. That was while I was at Thompsons and then when I left Thompsons in 2000 I just set up as a small business then for another ten years or so. I worked for (garden designer) Kevin Walsh for a while too. I did drawings for him.
What’s keeping you busy these days?
Mainly the petanque club. I was secretary of the West End Hall for about thirty years. The new group have taken over and they’re doing a good job… I’m in U3A.
What do you do there?
Play petanque. They have a Friday group. I just go along and enjoy myself… And they have another group going at Maldon at the Penny School and I joined them as well, a sort of social group. They play alternate Sundays to when we play at the St Brigid’s Church. That’s where we (The Maldon Petanque Club) have our setup. We’re a fully incorporated registered club.
So all up how many times a week would you be playing petanque?
Well every Friday at Campbells Creek, every second Friday out at Maldon at the St Brigid’s Church grounds, and every other Sunday at Avoca with the Pyrenees club.
Do you welcome new members to the Maldon Petanque Club George?
Yes we do. We encourage people to come along and have a look and have a game if they like. They can play a couple of games before we’ll ask them to join.
And you do travel around a bit to compete against other petanque clubs too don’t you?
Yes we went to Woodend last weekend and played the Woodend-Hanging Rock Club there. We beat ’em!
Congratulations. Does your wife, Janet play too, George?
She helps with the scoring and organising.
Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Just try and enjoy life. Take it as it comes.
Pet peeves?
Can’t think of anything at the moment.
OK. Three dream dinner guests?
Just family I think. My wife Janet, and two children.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading Stephen King books. They’re a bit frightening though. And Lee Child books, Jack Reacher books. I’ve gone through all the Terry Pratchett books that I can find.
Do you have any particular musical genre or artist of choice?
I enjoy the dance music that we used to dance to. Something with a nice beat.
What do you enjoy most about where you live?
It’s a lovely place to live. Nice and quiet. Good neighbours. Lots of birds.
Let’s take a look back at Chewton Gardens in the 1850s
Then: Chewton Pleasure and Flower Gardens, Circa 1850s. This image was sourced from the P. & O.R.A. collection. The Pleasure Gardens was once located on the corner of the Melbourne Road and Golden Point Road Chewton and was conducted in conjunction with Tom Meridith’s British and American Hotel, shown here on the right, which was built in 1854. The Gardens opened annually for the summer, and reportedly horse drawn omnibuses left from Castlemaine at 10 minute intervals. In the background, lines of grape vines and orchards line the hill and were accessible by paths lit by lanterns at night. There was an aviary as well as shaded summer houses with seats to rest on, dotted about the gardens. The Gardens also had a water fountain, an outdoor dance floor and a subterranean cavern.
Now: This modern day photograph shows the same area, but there is now little evidence of the old gardens. A monkey puzzle tree and a very large oak tree are visible in the centre of the image. The oak tree is on the state register and is one of the largest oak trees in Victoria. There is a large hole that was the subterranean cavern, and there are stone remains of a summer house, while the base of the water fountain is still visible near the oak tree. The tree behind the old hotel in the earlier image can now be identified as a large red gum. The two cypress trees in the centre foreground are also just visible hiding behind the fence in the earlier image. When the light is right the remains of the paths on the hill can still be seen. Images and historical details courtesy Ken McKimmie.
Local doctors clinics working towards being carbon neutral
Local medical clinics are doing their best to address climate change and reduce their impact on the environment putting a range of environmental sustainability measures in place in a bid to work towards becoming carbon neutral.
The efforts of local clinics have been praised by members of the Mount Alexander Zero Net Emissions Working Group, which have been encouraging local businesses and organisations in our shire to take action on climate change by moving to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 or earlier if possible.
Previous Mount Alexander Zero Net Emissions Working Group success stories have appeared in the Mail and our sister paper the Midland Express and highlighted the efforts of local furniture business Like Butter and businesses at The Mill complex.
Dr Louisa Hope from the Mostyn Street Medical Clinic said the clinic has installed around 50 solar panels on its roof and a Tesla Battery to provide a green source of energy.
“We are absolutely delighted with the results. Our Jan-March quarter saw a reduction from $1309 (2020) to just $109 (2021) by comparison!” she said.
Dr Hope said the solar panels and battery storage also provide electricity security for their vaccine cold chain – protecting precious vaccines from the impact of power outages.
“We were seeing more and more power outages and a member of staff would have to rush in and insulate the fridge to try and make sure the vaccines would be remain viable. We did lose some vaccines. The new system offers piece of mind,” she said.
The clinic also sterilise their surgical instruments rather than have single use equipment and wear cotton gowns for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and wash them each week to reduce disposable surgical gown waste.
The clinic has also looked to reduce its use of paper, planted native plants for carbon offset, encourages staff to ride to work, and has switched banks to a bank not investing in mining fossil fuels.
“We choose three things to focus on each semester – such as temperature control in the building, led globes and e-waste,” she said.
With the support of the Mount Alexander Zero Net Emissions Working Group the clinic is now planning to do an audit of their carbon footprint and make more efforts to reduce waste given that health care apparently contributes to about 5 per cent of emissions.
Mount Alexander Zero Net Emissions Working Group member Terry White said while many organisations are moving towards 100 per cent clean energy by tapping into renewable energy in the north of the state, they hope to encourage organisations to make big changes here on the ground where the community can see and learn the benefits.
“We want businesses to provide a positive example to other community members right here,” Mr White said.
All three local medical clinics have made positive changes installing solar and batteries, wearing cotton gowns for PPE and sterilising the surgical instruments. They are also using recycled paper, recycling soft plastics, moving to telehealth and e-scripts where possible to reduce paper use, and taking part in conversations between Doctors For Environment Australia (DEA) and Australian Medical Association (AMA) across the various medical departments regarding emissions reduction.
Goldfields Medical Group (formerly Lyttleton Street Clinic) manager Belinda Carra said they are also deeply committed to doing what they can to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The doctors and staff do their utmost to save what they can and improve the environment we all live and work in,” she said.
Get a goog-full! The Chook Show launching at Castlemaine’s Lot 19 is ‘clucking good fun’…
Noted for their witty banter with weekly MainFM radio show Girls on Air, Castlemaine’s Jan Palethorpe and Melissa Scott have extended their wings to produce a new art exhibition celebrating the humble chook.
The Chook Show at the Googenheim opens tomorrow at Castlemaine’s Lot 19 gallery and is chockablock with original works, not to mention fowl pun-opportunities, inspired by the backyard goog-layer of which Jan has three.
“They’re known as the Three French Hens,” says Jan who has produced an in-your-face array of sculptural pieces made from an eclectic array of assorted objet d’art sufficient to enliven any nest with an excellent colour boost.
Meanwhile, artistic accomplice for this creative project, Melissa Scott has focused her photographic lens on the goings-on in the chook runs of four of her associates to capture the antics of their feathered friends.
The result is 20 fun-filled portraits of the chook at large for visitors to The Chook Show to pick over.
“We’ve been working on it all year,” Melissa says.
“This all started because Jan became obsessed with chickens.”
The show includes some very original semi-abstract (foot)prints done by the Three French Hens themselves when they attended a recent printmaking workshop with Penny Peckham (“yes it is her real name”).
Jan says producing the pieces for The Chook Show was clucking good fun.
“This is art for the chook house,” she says.
“As anyone who has ever kept chooks knows, they’re very visually attuned, so this is to inspire them culturally.”
Both she and Melissa have also contributed works to another, completely different exhibition also launching tomorrow in the adjoining larger part of the Lot 19 main gallery space.
Running in tandem with their chicken-themed show, the Loss exhibition includes works by both Melissa and Jan along with two other well-known local artists – Miranda Watts and Leslie Thornton.
It deals with loss in various forms ranging from the deeply personal to the internationally political.
Chicken enthusiast Ken Killeen, who not-so coincidentally is rumoured to keep 90 different chickens in his own coop, will officially launch both exhibitions tomorrow from 2pm, with all invited.
You don’t have to be a chook-lover to attend but Melissa and Jan say the free range eggs that will be available for purchase on site afford “extra incentive to roll up”.
The gallery will be open Saturdays and Sundays 11-4pm with both Loss and The Chook Show running through to September 25.
National recognition for Travel & Cruise Castlemaine
Travel & Cruise Castlemaine is thrilled to be a finalist in the prestigious National Travel Industry Awards for the ‘Most Outstanding Travel Agency – Leisure Category.
Travel & Cruise proprietor Fiona Oliver said they are absolutely delighted to be recognised after what has been an extremely tough couple of years for independent travel agents in light of the challenges faced with covid.
“We are absolutely elated to have been shortlisted as a finalist with four other incredible small businesses which have managed to defy the odds and get through this terrible time,” Fiona said.
“In the initial weeks of covid we worked to help many local people get home from overseas, even those who hadn’t booked their trips with us,” Fiona said.
“We also worked hard to help many international travellers get home as the crisis took hold, borders slammed shut and international travel ground to a halt,” she said.
In the painstaking months that followed the team knew they would have to pivot if they were going to keep afloat.
“We diversified to offer a wide array of travel themed homewares and merchandise and more recently we purchased our own bus to offer trips and group tours.
“We have held an extremely successful Silo Tour and we are gearing up to hold a tour to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival shortly, and have plans underway to hold another Silo Tour, this time taking a different route,” Fiona said.
“It is also fantastic to see people getting back into interstate and international travel. We recently enjoyed a guided tour on the Ghan and we have been busy tailoring trips for local residents to a wide array of destinations,” she said.
Fiona looks forward to attending the Australian Federation of Travel Agents Limited (AFTA) event in Sydney in October which will be a real celebration of the industry.
“It’s just starting to sink in that this is quite a big deal. Awards include Most Outstanding Airline, Cruise Operator, Accommodation Supporter and Travel Wholesaler – the who’s who of the travel industry will be there!” she said.
“I even had the CEO of Travellers Choice ring to congratulate us!”
Fiona thanked all those who have continued to support the local business during this incredibly challenging time.
“We wouldn’t be here without our community. Many think you can get a better deal if you shop online or go to bigger firms in Bendigo, but you don’t get the customer service and expertise that you do when you book through your local agency and the support just isn’t there when you need it,” she said.
“Thanks to our affiliation with Travellers Choice we have that buying power to get you great deals with that unbeatable personal touch,” she said.
Camp Reserve plans revealed – info session this weekend
Mount Alexander Shire Council is encouraging residents to provide input on plans to improve Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.
Council released the new designs late last week and is encouraging community members to attend one of two drop-in information sessions to be held at the Camp Reserve clubrooms tomorrow Saturday September 3 from 10am to 1pm and next Tuesday September 6 between 4pm and 7pm.
Residents can also share feedback via council’s Shape Mount Alexander website at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au and complete the online survey.
Hardcopies of the draft designs are also available to view at the Civic Centre in Lyttleton Street.
In September 2020, council approved a master plan for the site, which provides direction for improvements at the reserve over the coming years.
The first stage of priority works includes the construction of a new pavilion and netball courts, which will provide modern facilities that are fit for purpose and meet the needs of sporting clubs and community members, now and into the future.
Council has developed draft designs of the proposed improvements, which include: construction of a new single sports pavilion with additional change rooms, new social room and community space, match day kiosk, umpires all gender change rooms, and public toilets. This building will be located on the western side of the oval and will replace the three existing pavilions at the north of the site.
The plans would also see the relocation and development of two new netball/multipurpose courts towards the south of the reserve (adjacent to Forest Street).
The proposed works would include improved car parking, pathways, access roads and landscaping surrounding the new development zones.
Mayor Bill Maltby said the improvements provide safe and accessible facilities for the whole community to enjoy.
“These improvements have been developed following community input, and stand to benefit the entire community,” Cr Maltby said.
“It will transform the space into one that’s modern, multi-functional, and able to be used by a larger proportion of residents.”
The master plan aims to strike the right balance between keeping historic features and traditions at the reserve, while bringing the major sports facility up to modern day standards.
Construction of proposed works outlined in the first stage of the master plan will require the removal and replacement of some existing vegetation at the reserve. This includes the removal of one Peppercorn Tree and two English Elms, located near the Forest Street entrance and frontage, two River Red Gums near the internal access road and one small Eucalyptus near Gingell Street.
The proposed removal of the trees to make way for the netball courts is strongly objected to by some local residents. There is also opposition to the placement of the pavilion on the western edge of the reserve, closer to residences in Gingell Street, and upset over what residents say has been a lack of community consultation.
As part of the next stage of design development process, council says it will develop a comprehensive tree planting plan to guide how new vegetation can be introduced into Camp Reserve to complement existing and new features.
Elements at the reserve with heritage significance such as the agricultural pavilion and horse stables will remain.
“Camp Reserve is an important community asset so it’s important we hear your feedback on what you like about the draft designs and what could be improved,” Cr Maltby said.
Council will carry out the recommendations in the master plan over a number of years, and in various stages pending funding. Feedback closes on September 22.
Teenage Dads set to visit the Bridge Hotel
Long live LIVE Australian music! There’s nothing like the experience of seeing a band strut their stuff on the live stage. It’s an emotion we missed for two years and will never take for granted again. It’s also an essential element for connecting new bands with new fans and for Mornington Peninsula four piece Teenage Dads in 2022, that connection keeps getting stronger with every show.
Currently on tour with Spacey Jane as special guests on their ‘Here Comes Everybody’ Tour and performing to sold out audiences each night, Teenage Dads have been winning new fans with shows on their own headline tour, kicking off this Sunday, selling out as quick as they are announced.
Dubbed the ‘Ready Teddy Go’ Tour, in support of their new single ‘Teddy’, the band announced a show at Sydney’s Lansdowne the day after their first show with Spacey Jane. The show sold out in an instant. Not to disappoint fans, two further shows at the Lansdowne were announced, both of which also sold out in a matter of hours.
The 19 date tour now includes shows in Brisbane (now sold out), Melbourne, an extra show in Western Australia and a show right here in Castlemaine at The Bridge Hotel.
‘Teddy’ tells the story of someone running away from their responsibilities. Teddy decides to take on the cops for a crime he’s committed rather face the consequences. Spoiler alert…..the cops catch up with poor old Teddy.
‘Teddy’ follows Teenage Dad’s April release ‘Exit Sign’ and 2021’s lauded ‘Club Echo’ EP. The band are preparing more songs for a wider release soon.
Teenage Dads are very excited for what’s ahead.
“This year has easily been our busiest yet with plenty more to come. Playing ‘Teddy’ at our recent shows has really been a highlight. The Spacey Jane has been so incredible. We can’t wait for these headline shows plus Springtime festival and BIGSOUND too!”
For tix to their October 14 Castlemaine show visit tickets.oztix.com.au.
Mail on Main podcast: September 2, 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.
Magpie netballers finals bound for the first time in a decade
Castlemaine Football Netball Club’s senior netball sides are thrilled to make their return to Bendigo Football Netball League finals action this weekend for the first time in a decade.
When Castlemaine recruited former Adelaide Thunderbirds, dual Commonwealth Games and World Cup netballer Fiona Fowler, and former Victorian Men’s netballer and long time coach Gary Cooke for the 2022 Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) season, the challenge to resurrect the club with an A Grade team and make finals was never going to be an easy goal to achieve.
They set out to recruit as many local players back to the club as possible and hit the ground running at the start of the year with a fitness and skills orientated heavy pre-season training program.
For the first time since 2017, Castlemaine was starting the season with an A Grade team filled with a mix of experience and youth, plus three other full squads in the remaining senior grades in the competition.
An exciting 17 and Under team full of local players topped off a full roster of netballers for the club. And since the season started there has been no looking back!
The first half of the season was hit with injuries, Covid, work commitments and pregnancy, however nothing was going stop the new look Castlemaine squad from reaching their goal of playing finals. The last time the club managed to make an appearance in the finals was in 2013 where the A Grade team was eliminated in the first round.
A reasonably successful first half of the 2022 season proved the catalyst for setting up the A Grade squad for a powerful second half of the year. With the return of Fowler from the birth of her second child in late April, the belief that Castlemaine could and would achieve their goal became more evident as the wins on the scoreboard increased and provided more confidence in what this new look team is capable of.
Pushing all the top four teams through the season, it was the round 14 dominant win over fourth placed South Bendigo that made the competition take notice.
Heading into the final round of the season last Saturday, Castlemaine were faced with the enormous task of playing three time reigning premiers and ladder leaders Sandhurst. After a slow start and the score being doubled, the decision was made to call on the bench and mix up the Magpie line-up.
Castlemaine managed to turn the game into a more competitive spectacle. Nine goals down at half time, there was a feeling that the game was starting to swing their way.
The second half saw Castlemaine take control of the game, from their dominance in defence, the speed through the mid court and the accuracy in goals, Sandhurst were overwhelmed by an effective and composed Magpies. In the dying seconds they scored the winning goal to run out victors 47 to 46 leaving their opponents stunned.
With finals kicking off at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo this weekend, Castlemaine have achieved an incredible result with both their A Grade and A Reserve team finishing fourth on the ladder. This makes history for the club by having their two senior teams heading into their first finals appearance in almost 10 seasons.
Co-Coach and player Fiona Fowler said they are thrilled.
“We are just so proud of the players and all the hard work they have put in this season. Reaching our goal of making finals is the result of all the work and effort they have put in,” she said.
Co-Coach Gary Cooke they are absolutely ready for finals.
“We look forward to every challenge that is thrown our way. We have every confidence that we can match it with the top teams, just like we have done throughout the season,” he said.
Both our Castlemaine Magpie sides will play off against South Bendigo at the Queen Elizabeth Oval (QEO) on Sunday August 28 with A Reserve to hit the court at side at 2pm and A Grade at 3.20pm.
