Castlemaine Community House wants you!

Kez Jennings (Community Development Worker), Kerrily Flanagan (Project Worker), Poppy Cullen (Community Development Student), Peter Nunn (Customer Service Volunteer), Martyn Shaddick (CCH Manager), and Peter Cole (NILS Client Support Provider) invite community members to join their team. Photo: Anouk Prince.
Kez Jennings (Community Development Worker), Kerrily Flanagan (Project Worker), Poppy Cullen (Community Development Student), Peter Nunn (Customer Service Volunteer), Martyn Shaddick (CCH Manager), and Peter Cole (NILS Client Support Provider) invite community members to join their team. Photo: Anouk Prince.

Anouk Prince
The Castlemaine Community House (CCH) is inviting new volunteers to fill a diverse range of roles within their organisation.
In particular, the group is looking for a volunteers keen to take on the position of No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Client Support Provider.

Local resident Peter Cole has volunteered at CCH as the Client Support Provider for NILS for 12 years, but is now retiring. Peter supports locals struggling to make ends meet to get a loan to purchase necessities. This often includes white goods, car repairs, school supplies, medical bills, and vet trips.
CCH manager Martyn Shaddick said the program was one of his favourites and provides a vital service to the local community.
“Peter has built a great rapport with our clients, and often refers them to additional services also offered by Castlemaine Community House, including financial counselling, free tax help, and Centrelink services.”
Peter has really enjoyed his time volunteering. “It’s reciprocal.” said Peter of the work he does with NILS. “It is rewarding and satisfying for me to be able to help people.”
Peter said the NILS domestic violence scheme and Indigenous programs also reach beyond the Mount Alexander Shire, aiding people from Romsey to Daylesford and everywhere in between.
The position requires volunteers with good people skills who are eager to help individuals and the community. Many clients return to NILS and build a good rapport with volunteers, so somebody personable with some financial skills and sensitivity to personal and private information is ideal. Peter hopes to find someone keen to start soon so he can show them the ropes before he leaves. CCH provide a phone, tablet, computer, and printer to support the role which usually requires a commitment of one day a week. The worker has the support of 8 loan agencies, with Bendigo associates covering 1000 loans each month.
Peter said there are also social and networking opportunities within NILS. “NILS volunteers are eagerly anticipating an upcoming conference where they will have the opportunity to meet others and share their experiences.”
All volunteers are greatly appreciated as the impact of COVID-19 is still being felt in volunteer numbers at the Community House. CCH offers a large program and diverse volunteer opportunities available to people of all ages and interests. They would love to welcome some more volunteers into their customer service and garden teams, but many opportunities exist. A safe environment with air purifiers, screen protectors, and masks is provided, and the building offers wheelchair accessibility. Volunteers appreciate extremely flexible hours and the opportunity to meet a variety of people. The friendly team are always excited to welcome new members to contribute to their great work for the Castlemaine community. If you are interested please contact manager Martyn Shaddick on 5472 4842, email reception @cch.org.au, or visit www.cch.org.au.

Vaping myths busted and facts highlighted in local workshop

Vaping is becoming more prevalent in the local community and local schools. In fact, it has also been identified in local primary schools.
Vaping is becoming more prevalent in the local community and local schools. In fact, it has also been identified in local primary schools.

What is vaping? And why are the kids doing it? Is it harmful, or is it just water vapour? This was the subject of the ‘Parenting in the Modern World’ series at Castlemaine Library last Thursday evening, August 18.
Local parents, health officials, and some interested young people turned out to the informative session which featured a panel of local experts including Dhelkaya Community Health nurse Bron Grieve, Leading Senior Constable Wayne Cairnes of the Castlemaine Police and Castlemaine Secondary College Wellbeing Team member Shera Blaise.
The trio were welcomed to the library by Mount Alexander Shire Council youth development officer Shannon Lacy.
Bron opened the session explaining to those in attendance what vapes or e-cigarettes are and how they differ to traditional cigarettes, noting they are actually an aerosol not water vapour.
Leading Senior Constable Wayne Cairnes then spoke about the regulations and laws surrounding vapes and Shera Blaise gave some insights into how the issue is impacting CSC students and what the leadership team is doing to address the problem.
The takeaway messages from the night were that despite the belief of many young people vapes are not ‘safe’ and up to 96 per cent of vapes found in Australia contain nicotine. In fact, some vapes can be equal to 50 cigarettes.
The majority of vapes also contain 26 compounds harmful to humans, 10 chemicals similar to cigarettes and many actually contain pesticides and disinfectants. Some vapes have also been know to contain cannabis.
The trio said that unlike in the UK, our governments have been slow to regulate the industry and 90 per cent of vapes coming from China are unregulated meaning many vape users have no idea what they are inhaling.
The other concerning statistic is that while young people seem to have got the message that smoking is bad for your health and it is becoming more taboo, those that vape are actually three times more likely to take up smoking.
Bron urged parents to step into their child’s shoes when addressing the issue.
“We need to understand that our young people want to be socially accepted and when so many people are vaping it can be hard to say no. It’s important to open the conversation and keep coming back to it and walk alongside them on the journey,” she said.
Ms Blaise said CSC are also aiming to tackle the issue from an education standpoint.
Whilst students who are found vaping at school do receive a suspension, they are also required to undertake training modules geared to help them learn about vaping and the potential health hazards so they can make an informed decision.

Council Youth Development Officer Shannon Lacy, Leading Senior Sergeant Wayne Cairnes, CSC Wellbeing team member Shera Blaise and Dhelkaya Community Health nurse Bron Grieve are pictured at the workshop.

Support Castlemaine Legacy: ‘Little badge, big impact’

The Castlemaine Group of Bendigo Legacy is all set for Legacy Week 2022 which runs from this Sunday August 28 to Saturday September 3.
The motto this year is “Little Badge – Big Impact”, the notion that even the smallest of donations will have a real and heartwarming impact on our veterans’ families. Badges, pens, bears (including a new bear), and card sets will be on sale at stands set up outside Maxi IGA Supermarket 9am until 5pm on Thursday September 1 and Friday September 2, Castlemaine Newsagency from 9am until 3pm on those days, Barker Street IGA from 9am until 3pm Thursday and Friday, and 9am until 1pm Saturday September 3.
Maldon will set up outside the butchers on Friday September 2 from 9am until 3pm, and 9am until 1pm Saturday September 3.
Legacy members will be on hand to answer any questions about the role of Legacy in our community.
Legacy was formed in Australia in 1923 and for almost 100 years has kept the promise to thousands of veterans’ families – helping provide financial and social support for those in their care.
The Castlemaine group of Legacy volunteers group was formed in 1958 and currently supports over 70 veterans’ widows and children in Castlemaine district and Maldon areas, providing services such as homecare visits, financial support for home and appliance needs, energy financial support, education support, and annual Christmas gifts and luncheon.
Donations can be left with Barb at Castlemaine RSL clubrooms, 10am-12 noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or call Chairman Denis Cox on 0409 258 963.

Local fires quickly contained, police investigating Camp Reserve shed fire

Local fire crews attended a call out to a home in Chapmans Road, Castlemaine last Sunday morning after a bathroom heat lamp caught alight.
Castlemaine CFA captain Terry Franklin said the fire burnt up into the roof cavity and melted plastic water hoses which actually put the fire out.
“Melting plastic fell onto a plastic chair below and started a second fire but this was quickly extinguished by the quick thinking elderly resident,” he said.
“While there was some damage to the home fortunately the woman was unharmed,” he said.
This followed a call out to the Camp Reserve last Wednesday night after a fire started in the old heritage listed chook sheds at the rear of the facility.
During the mop up crews discovered an e-bike which had been stolen from the Castlemaine Railway Station earlier in the day. Police are investigating the fire which is believed to have been deliberately lit.
Anyone with information is urged to call Castlemaine Police.

Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group nominated for award

MASARG's Lions McDonald Hill Respite House provides a vital service to the local community.
MASARG's Lions McDonald Hill Respite House provides a vital service to the local community.

Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group (MASARG) have been nominated in the 2022 Victorian Community Achievement Awards!
The awards celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2022 and are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities and businesses make throughout regional and rural Victoria. There couldn’t be a group more deserving of recognition than the hardworking team at MASARG.
Many of us will at one time or another have felt the weight of caring for our families bear down on us.
We all love our families, but every now and then, a little “me” time couldn’t hurt, right?
Now imagine if one of your family members had a disability and the multiplying effect it would have on your current responsibilities.
This is the experience of people like Robyn, who has been a parent carer for over 30 years.
“I just need a break from being two people all the time … two people’s hair to wash, two people’s teeth to clean,” she said.
But unlike those of us who can lean on family or friends to take the kids for a night or two, carers don’t have that option due to the special needs that their loved one has, which often requires special training and modified facilities at home.
MASARG president Jan Steen said they felt we had an obligation to address the critical need for respite accommodation and found that the community was equally positive about the idea of building a custom facility for the benefit those living with disabilities.
“The Castlemaine community rallied around us and in 2016, the Lions McDonald Hill Respite House was opened, with Bendigo-based NDIS provider, Amicus as operators,” she said.
“We are really proud of what we have created with this facility and encourage carers within the community to take that break they so desperately need and deserve, with the knowledge that their family member will have a great time during their stay,” Jan said.
The house, which is often called the Melissa Court Respite House, is located in the suburb of McKenzie Hill and is set in a beautifully landscaped garden. It can accommodate four participants and has all-abilities features throughout, with 24-hour care provided by highly trained Amicus support workers.
All participants who stay at the Lions McDonald Hill Respite House, can look forward to one-to-one support, regular community outings and a great range of skills development activities to choose from.
Those who want to find out more about how they can book respite at the house, are encouraged to visit amicus.org.au or call 5441 2666 today.

Incredible 500 game milestone for Harcourt Lions legend Suzie Rinaldi

Harcourt netballer Suzie Rinaldi is proudly pictured with her husband Eddy Rinaldi, mum Carol Thompson, grandson Hudson and children Beauden, Maycee and Jessie with her 500th Game banner last Saturday.
Harcourt netballer Suzie Rinaldi is proudly pictured with her husband Eddy Rinaldi, mum Carol Thompson, grandson Hudson and children Beauden, Maycee and Jessie with her 500th Game banner last Saturday.

Harcourt Football Netball Club netballer and Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL) legend Suzie Rinaldi recently notched up her 500th match.
Suzie’s Harcourt Lions club decided to mark her incredible feat with a surprise celebration at the ‘den’ last Saturday creating a banner for the club legend to run though prior to her match against Newstead and inviting her family along to celebrate the special milestone.
Harcourt FNC coach Lauren Peeler said 500 games is a massive achievement, especially at one club, and they wanted to celebrate Suzie’s netball career and contribution to her beloved Harcourt Lions both on and off the court.
“Suzie started her journey with the Lions in 1989 as an 18 year old and that year was named the ‘Most Consistent Player’ in the A Grade side,” Lauren said.
“Now after 28 seasons with the club she is still one of our most consistent players, dominating in our C Grade side which finished as minor premiers this season,” she said.     
“Suzie has actually notched up more than 500 games in the league as she also spent a year playing for Campbells Creek A Grade when our club didn’t field a side early on in her career,” Lauren said.
Suzie’s achievements include being part of four A Grade premiership sides, two B Grade premiership sides and four C Grade premierships.
Suzie has also racked up 20 Best and Fairest Awards for her Harcourt Club and six runner-up Best and Fairest honours.
A prolific goaler, Suzie claimed the League Goal Shooting Record in 2001 with 810 goals and has also claimed lots of Blue Ribbon medallions and other game-day awards in-between, as well as some ‘Best in Finals’ awards during her long playing career.
Suzie is also delighted to have seen her two daughters Jessie and Maycee follow her footsteps and play netball at Harcourt.
“Suzie plays with so much heart and tenaciousness in attack, she always has and I’m sure she has plenty more in her as she puts in such a huge work rate outside of netball training,” Lauren said.
“Suzie also fosters the development of the next generation of netballers coaching our 13 & Under side,” she said.
Suzie was really moved by the surprise celebration.
“It was lovely to have my family there to celebrate,” she said.
The Harcourt netballers have had a fantastic season.
The 11 & Under side had a wonderful last game showing their improvement, scoring a whopping 5 goals against Newstead. A team that they only managed to score one goal against at the very beginning of the season. The Lions can’t wait to see these little cubs back out there next year.
All other Harcourt Junior and Senior sides will continue on into the finals which is a pretty impressive achievement from the club. All sides except the Under 17 and Under side have gained a double chance at the silver wear! Go Lions.

Footy finals return to the Camp Reserve this Sunday

The Castlemaine Women's Football team gave their all against Bendigo Thunder at the Camp last Sunday. Photo: Max Lesser.
The Castlemaine Women's Football team gave their all against Bendigo Thunder at the Camp last Sunday. Photo: Max Lesser.

It’s been over 20 years since Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve has hosted a senior football final and this weekend that drought will be broken by the inaugural Castlemaine Senior Women’s Football team.
In their first season in the AFL Central Vic Women’s League, the team has gone from strength-to-strength under the coaching of sibling duo Tiahna and Jordan Cochrane.
This weekend the top ranked side will take on Golden Square in one of two Central Victoria Football League semi-finals to be held this weekend.
Castlemaine has remained a favourite to watch this season as they’ve upset the tight hold of league forerunners Golden Square and Bendigo Thunder.
In fact, the Magpies four point win over minor premiers Golden Square in Round 7 was the first time the Bulldogs had been bested since joining the competition in 2019.
Golden Square will have everything to prove this weekend and both teams will be fighting for a grand final ticket. Loser will have to play next Friday night in a preliminary final.
Assistant Coach Jordan Cochrane is confident the Magpies can get up.
“Our best footy is a level above the rest, we just need to string it together for four full quarters,” he said. Castlemaine last hosted Golden Square in Round 16 earlier in the month, narrowly avoiding defeat as the Bulldogs made a final quarter push coming from four goals down to within two points.
The Magpies held on for a 6.8 (44) to 6.6 (42) win. Since that game the team have been working hard on their forward transition of the ball from defence.
Castlemaine experienced its first loss last Sunday in a thrilling one point defeat by Bendigo Thunder in front of a home crowd.
Golden Square will no doubt aim to find the same chink in Castlemaine’s armour this weekend.
CFNC Women’s Football Operations Manager Georgia Banks is impressed with the tenacity of the playing group and how close they’ve become in such a short amount of time.
“The power of this group of women is that they’re up against teams who have been playing together for years, and they’re not just holding their own – they’re winning. The club is really proud of where they’re sitting coming into finals”.
There certainly is a broad range of talent in the Castlemaine squad.
Shelby Knoll was back from injury last weekend kicking three goals for the Magpies. A top talent recruited from Kangaroo Flat, Shelby has also been assisting to coach the CFNC Under 16 Girls team this year. She will aim to make an impression this weekend, whilst fellow key forward Lily McNair is a hopeful return from ankle injury obtained against Eaglehawk a fortnight ago.
Defender Michelle Barkla will sit out this Sunday after a head knock last weekend.
“Mich is a significant asset in our backline and we’ll miss her this weekend,” said Coach Tiahna Cochrane, “but we have the depth to rotate other girls in and are confident we’ll be covered for the game ahead”.
Tiahna herself will be playing this weekend in what will be her fourth game for the season after recovering from illness.
The ex-Carlton AFLW player will cover the forward flank and will be essential in achieving forward entries and opening up the forward fifty for Knoll.
“There’s a sense of history with this team,” she said “at least ten of the girls playing this weekend were part of Castlemaine’s Youth Girls team back in the day. To have these women alongside us this weekend shows how important it is to have development pathways in women’s football,” she said.
Banks said everyone across the club is excited to see what our women’s footballers can do this weekend.
“The support from our men’s sides in particular has been fantastic this year and the whole club has really gotten behind the team’s journey”.
The semi final kicks off at 11.30am Sunday August 28 at the Camp Reserve. Entry is free and the club will be running a BBQ lunch.

Letter to the Editor: Was Banksy in Castlemaine?

Catch the final weekend of Signs of the Times this weekend.
Catch the final weekend of Signs of the Times this weekend.


Sherene Clow, Co-Host of Queer and Now 5pm Tuesdays on MainFM

Your most recent edition of the Castlemaine Mail created quite a discussion at our dinner party last weekend, when I staged the question of whether the Sign of the Times exhibition could actually have been opened by Banksy, to which my guests scoffed.

I showed them, the What’s On and they pointed out Banksy was misspelled as Banskie, but I further pointed out that one of the featured artists, Tracey Naughton has also suggest Banksy as a dinner guest earlier in the paper during the ‘My Castlemaine’ feature and this was also misspelt…a Castlemaine typo or a deeper conspiracy that suggests that not only are our artists of the finest calibre here in town, but that they also rub shoulders with artists whose identities are unknown to us mere mortals.

Here is one quote from that night from my radio co-host Amalie, “Whilst Castlemaine is an enviable, formidable hub of artists and creatives, and has been for many years, the idea that the – not just elusive but *anonymous* – Banksy himself would physically show up to open an exhibition here is quite frankly hilarious. We have spent the last few days giggling uncontrollably at the mere idea of it. I mean maybe he did? Even if there were pictures of the event, no one would be able to prove or disprove that the person ‘cutting the ribbon’ at Lot 19 was Banksy because no one in the world knows what the man looks like. Sorry, off to giggle again.”

So can anyone sort this out for us? It was discussed again on MainFM on Tuesday at 5pm…was Banksy actually here and brazen enough to open a local exhibition?

Editor’s Note: We are told that ‘Banksie’ did in fact open the exhibition, but as to who Banksie or Banksy was I guess only those in attendance will really know. And perhaps that’s the way it should be if Banksy is to retain his mystery. Be sure to catch the final weekend of the show this weekend, with an artist’s talk Sunday at 2pm.

80s legends Huxton Creepers to rock the Royal tonight

The Huxton Creepers will hit the Royal tonight.
The Huxton Creepers will hit the Royal tonight.

Take a trip back to the 80s with Melbourne’s legendary Huxton Creepers at the Theatre Royal tonight, August 26. The band will be joined by special guests Intoxica.
The Huxton Creepers were the first of a new generation of punchy power pop and ’60s-inspired rock ‘n’ roll guitar bands in Melbourne in the early ‘80s; our own version of the Sunnyboys and the Hoodoo Gurus.
United by a love of The Saints, The Flamin’ Groovies, Iggy Pop, Radio Birdman, Blondie, Creedence Clearwater Revival and the like – all of whom they memorably covered at different points in their career – the Creepers won a generation of fans on the back of their always rocking live performances and some great records.
Performing in regional Victoria for the first time in over a decade, the original Huxton Creepers – lead singer Rob Craw, guitarist Paul Thomas (later of Weddings Parties Anything) and the rhythm section of Matthew Eddy and Archie Law – will crank out their hits like “My Cherie Amour”, “The Murderess”, “I Will Persuade You” and “Autumn Leaves” as well as fan faves including “Shake Some Action”.
Joining the band as they traverse the Time Tunnel for both their Melbourne and Castlemaine shows will be long time local faves Intoxica, who were born out of two bands who shared many a stage with the Creepers back in the day, the Corpse Grinders and the Olympic Sideburns.
Doors open at 8pm. Tix can be purchased at theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au

The Huxton Creepers are reliving their glory days with shows in Melbourne and regional Vic.

My Castlemaine with Castlemaine CFA 1st Lieutenant Trent Dempster

Castlemaine CFA volunteer and Oscar 1 - Mine Rescue team member Trent Dempster.
Castlemaine CFA volunteer and Oscar 1 - Mine Rescue team member Trent Dempster.

Trent Dempster

Hi Trent. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. When did you come to Castlemaine? Were you born here?

No I was originally born and raised in Geelong. My family later moved to Welshmans Reef. I live in Castlemaine now.
Most people locally would know you as a volunteer at Castlemaine CFA, but I understand you also work for the CFA?
Yes I have been a volunteer with the CFA for about six and a half years. When I moved to Castlemaine a number of my housemates were volunteers with the brigade and they encouraged me to get involved. I am currently 1st Lieutenant of the local brigade. I have also volunteered with the CFA’s Oscar 1 – Mine Rescue group for about five years, and I work for CFA. I am based at the CFA Kangaroo Flat and I work on tower and communications maintenance.
How long have you worked with the CFA?
About three and a half years now. I started out as a mechanic and two months ago I moved into my new role as a Tower Overseer.
So you’re a qualified mechanic?
Yes I originally trained as a mechanic and then I decided to broaden my horizons and take my skills across into the CFA. There are loads of opportunities within the organisation.
You must have undertaken a lot of training with your CFA and volunteer roles?
Yes I have really enjoyed a broad range of training over the years. As a member of the Oscar One – Mine Rescue team we are on standby to provide support to Central Deborah Gold Mine and back-up to onsite Response Teams at the local mines. We have also assisted with the rescue of a number of dogs from mineshafts dotted across the region. The most recent was at Tarnagulla where we rescued two dogs.
Wow incredible. Your work must have taken you far and wide?
Yes I travelled to New South Wales a few years back to assist with the bushfire effort there and work on broken down trucks. There was a lot of broken down trucks!
I am sure they appreciated the support!
Yes its a real team effort attending an incident like that. The whole community lends a hand from CFA to Red Cross. It’s great to be able to help people during their darkest hour.
You must have attended some challenging incidents as a volunteer and CFA member?
Yes from house and grassfires to road accidents. The great thing about volunteering with the CFA is that our members are welcome to fill whatever roles they feel comfortable in. Some prefer to just do communications. Some of our more senior members are starting to step back but they still turn out and helps us with the clean up and pack up. There is a lot of encouragement and support. Some members are happy to turn out to grassfires in the summer, but they may not be comfortable turning out to a house fire or accident and that’s totally okay. You don’t have to attend every incident, every time there is flexibility and a place for everyone. Volunteers are most welcome at the CFA and are needed right across the community after covid.
Is there anything that people may not realise about you Trent?
Not really. Outside of work and volunteering I enjoy camping and four wheel driving. I am also trying to get back into mountain bike riding but I am pretty busy these days!
What’s your favourite musical genre or artist?
I enjoy all sorts of music. I don’t like listening to the radio as it always drops out in the truck depending where you are. I am always changing up the CDs as if your travelling long distances and have to listen to them over and over it gets monotonous!
OK. Three dream dinner guests?
I am not really into dinner parties. I just enjoying having a few mates around for a barbecue.
Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Treat others the way you want to be treated and don’t ask someone to do something you wouldn’t.
Do you have any pet peeves?
Not really. I try not to let things get to me.
What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
The rural lifestyle. You don’t have to travel or commute to enjoy the bush, its right here on our doorstep. It’s definitely an upside compared to living in the city.

VIEW Club welcomes new members

Rhonda Butterworth has enjoyed her involvement in VIEW Club.
Rhonda Butterworth has enjoyed her involvement in VIEW Club.

Castlemaine Evening VIEW Club (Voice, Interests, and Education of Women) has been busy recently raising funds for The Smith Family’s ‘Learning for Life’ initiative.
The group has also been having fun enjoying social activities including exhibitions, lunches, garden tours, and a trip to the Post Office Farm Hellebore Nursery near Woodend.
VIEW member Rhonda Butterworth told the Mail she was invited to join VIEW five years ago.
“It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The friendships I have made, and the satisfaction I feel being able to raise funds to help disadvantaged children with their education is very rewarding and lots of fun. There is something for everyone, so please come and join us,” Rhonda said.
As well as social events, the club has a very enthusiastic craft group.
Dinner meetings are held on the third Tuesday evening of each month at the Castlemaine Golf Club.
New members are always welcome. To find out more on how you can get involved phone Judy on 0406 580 116 or Valerie on 0408 510 592.

Mail on Main podcast: August 26, 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.

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