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Council ranger’s vehicle involved in accident

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Ranger’s vehicle was involved in a collision on October 26, resulting in damage that is currently in the process of being repaired. 

Council has one ranger vehicle in its fleet that is used for the safe collection of animals. While the ranger vehicle is off the road for the moment, the council has been working in collaboration with MAAW, the shire’s animal welfare shelter, to assist to collect any animals reported to them.

“We appreciate the assistance of MAAW at this time, and continue to encourage residents who find an animal wandering to report it to council on 5471 1700,” said Georgina Hope, Manager of Development Services, Mount Alexander Shire Council.

“We are looking forward to having our ranger’s vehicle back on the road as soon as it is safe and practicable.”

Local resident into the semi-finals of the Doug Moran Portrait Prize

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Local artist Allis Hamilton who suffered a brain haemorrhage when she was 34 is now a semi-finalist for the Doug Moran Prize.

By Melanie Barnes

Local resident Allis Hamilton is a semi-finalist for the 2022 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with her painting ‘Where the Old Horse Wanders on the Crest of the Hill’.

The Mail caught up with Allis to talk about her life and work. Allis feels at her best when she is in nature. She paints, writes music and poetry, and creates visual art.

Allis fell in love with the area 20 years ago on her way to pick apples and remembers turning off the highway and driving along the forest-lined road into Chewton which instantly resonated with her love of nature. At the time Allis didn’t know she would end up living in the area. 


‘Where the old horse wanders on the crest of the hill’, is a self-portrait with an old 
horse friend of Allis’.

“I love that Castlemaine is a town nestled among forests with abundant waterways scattered within and around her. I love the moss, the wildflowers, the multitude of native creatures that I am blessed to share my days alongside, like sugar gliders, powerful owls, choughs,” Allis said. 

Spending time overseas, her first trip to the UK with her grandmother who was 87 at the time “was a dream trip” Allis said. 

“The waters, moss, the poetic culture of the UK – the lands of most of my ancestors I find utterly inspirational. Ireland, Scotland, and England – the old Celtic cultures hold poetry and the arts in high esteem. It felt so good for me to be in a place that has respect for these things, for creativity,” Allis said.

During her travels exploring her creative side in England, she spent time playing music and participating in a poetry residential. Being a poet in Australia, Allis finds people are cynical but has found in older cultures, creativity has always been considered a vital part of life, enriching the community and that continues. She is appalled to see the arts being removed from school curriculums. 

“Music, if you learn to play it, is a friend for life: an outlet for emotions, a form of expression, a way to channel energy in a very constructive manner. A way to create beauty. I feel that the imagination, the creative realm is a vital component of life. We are creative beings. To me, creativity is a fundamental aspect of life.

My Campbells Creek with local resident Steve Adamson

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Hi Steve. You’re a well-known Campbells Creek resident. Were you born locally? 

No, I am a twin and my sister and I were actually born at the Bendigo Hospital. I weighed 2 pounds 13 ounces and Karen weighed 3 pounds 14 ounces. We weren’t expected to live and spent our first three months in a plastic humidicrib. I grew up in Castlemaine. I started school at the South School and later attended Winters Flat and Castlemaine High School. 

How long have you lived in Campbells Creek? 

My wife Kerrie and I settled in Campbells Creek about 27 years ago and raised our two sons there. 

What was your first job? 

I first worked as a Telegram boy for Australia Post Castlemaine. I started in 1977 and the bike they gave me was 1950s vintage! I recall I had a new outfit for my first day as you did not get a uniform for a few months. One of my first jobs was a deliver an ‘Urgent’ telegram which were placed in a red envelope to a local lady. When I arrived at the house I could hear water running and when I knocked on the door she emerged in a towel. Given the situation she asked me to read the telegram out to her. As I read the telegram which read ‘Unfortunately, your mother passed away this morning’ she dropped her towel in shock. It was the first time I’d seen a naked woman. I took off so fast I got my pants caught in my chain and got grease all over them. Later that afternoon I had to deliver a parcel and when I arrived at that address I came across two naked men sunbathing in their garden. What a day! (Laughs). 

How long did you work for Australia Post? 

I eventually became a postie riding motorbikes and then I worked my way up to Post Master of Delivery in Bendigo. All up I worked for Australia Post for 20 years. 

What did you do after that? 

My wife and I ran the mixed business that was the Five Flags General Store for three years. It was previously operated by my wife’s parents Eddie and Marj Farthing in the 1970s. We slept in the same room as her parents did and our boys slept in the room she grew up in. 

I later managed the former BP and Castlemaine Tyre Service Centre in Barker Street (where PJs Tyres is now) for 18 months before I followed in the footsteps of my Dad and became a prison officer at Loddon Prison. He attained his 20 year service medal. I am close to receiving mine. My eldest son will receive Pop’s medal and my youngest will receive mine. 

You’ve also had a long association with football in the region? 

Yes I was involved with the Harcourt Football Netball Club for 16 years, Campbells Creek Junior Football Club for 10 years and then moved on to the Campbells Creek Football Netball Club for 22 years. My Dad played in the last premiership side there in 1953. I believe I may be the only local person to hold four Life Memberships for football with Harcourt FNC, Campbells Creek JFC, Campbells Creek FNC and the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League. My sons both played for Campbells Creek and a few years back they were the first brothers in the club history to take out the Senior and Reserves Best and Fairest honours in the same year. It was a proud moment. 

You are known for your role raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease through the annual MND Up the Creek Ice Bucket Challenge. 

Yes we held four very successful events and raised a total of $63,000 for this really important cause. I was also honoured to have the opportunity to participate in the Daniher Drive in 2018 with Neale himself. It was one of the best trips of my life. 

OK, any other community involvement in this part of the world? 

One of my proudest moments was a fundraiser we held for local mum Maggie and her children. Maggie was suffering from cancer and we held the fundraiser to raise funds to support her family. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at the Campbells Creek Community Centre and I wore a pink suit provided by Mensland Castlemaine to MC the event. 

What’s next for you? 

I have a bit of a vision in the pipeline to create a local initiative to enable people with disabilities to try a range of sports for the first time. We have more than 30 local sporting organisations in the region and I would love to pave the way for those with disabilities to be able to try their hand at various sports and help them discover their passion. 

Sounds amazing, any philosophies by which you like to lead life? 

Never judge a book by its cover. It’s what’s inside that counts. 

Nice one! Three dream dinner guests? 

Neale Daniher, Kevin Bloody Wilson and Nathan Buckley. I am a Collingwood supporter. 

Do you have any Pet Peeves? 

People who drive too slow! 

Who is your favourite musician? 

John Denver. 

What are you reading at the moment? 

I don’t read books. At high school we were forced to read Macbeth and then see a play about it! I only read newspapers – the Herald Sun, Midland Express and of course the Castlemaine Mail. 

Just finally then Steve, what do you enjoy most about the place you call home? 

I really love where we are living now. We are minutes from town but surrounded by the bush. I love spending time outdoors. I am always in the garden and mowing the lawn. We also enjoy visiting our two gorgeous grandchildren in Queensland. 

Locals fight to stop sale of historic Yandoit church

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Members of the Yandoit Cultural Committee Suzie Cordell, Nikki Marshall and Jessica Bleechmorn.

A group of Yandoit locals has banded together to stop the old Uniting Church from being sold, successfully securing a lease until November 2023. 

Thanks to the work of these dedicated volunteers, Yandoit Cultural ‘the old church in the bush’, hosts regular musical performances that fill the beautiful redbrick building with music that echoes across the valley. 

“This building was built by, funded, and cared for by locals,” said Yandoit Cultural volunteer Suzie Cordel. 

“Originally the Methodist Church, it was built in 1875 using clay from the farm next door, brought across by wheelbarrow. The wheel from that barrow is now a feature of the building with beautiful primary-colored stain glass,” Suzie explains. “It still houses the original, locally made pews and there is a beautiful old raked wooden floor which creates the most amazing acoustics.” 

This Sunday the historic church will host a benefit concert, raising funds for Ukrainian refugees, featuring performances from Aria award winner Kavisha Mazzella, with an introduction by Ukrainian-born Michael Olijnyk. 

“Musicians who perform in the church say it is an absolute pleasure. They hear subtleties they don’t normally hear and their music rises because of it,” said Jessica Bleechmorn, Yandoit Cultural volunteer. 

Yandoit Cultural evolved as a sub-committee from the Community Planning Group for Franklinford, Yandoit, and Clydesdale, to try and keep the community asset accessible to the local residents. 

“The parish dwindled significantly over the past six years,” said Suzie. “We held a number of fundraising events during that time. The regular events we hold now cover the costs associated with the lease. Past parishioners and the Castlemaine Uniting Church Minister, Sarah Tomilson, have all been very supportive of our endeavors to keep the building for community use.” 

Visitors will be treated to real country hospitality at Kavisha Mazzella-Benefit Concert for Ukrainian Refugees at 4pm on Sunday, November 13 at Yandoit Cultural, Uniting Church Road. BYO grog. Entry by donation. For bookings email: ycfcpg@gmail.com or phone/ text Nikki on 0432 232 073. 

A non-stop whirlwind: Circus Mania coming to Castlemaine

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The long-awaited ‘Circus Mania’ Festival is set to hit Castlemaine from November 17-20. 

Saturday and Sunday ‘Big Tops and Tiny Tots’ will perform for the littlest festival goers. A circus adventure for three to six-year-olds, Big Tops and Tiny Tots is a non-stop, whirlwind of plate-spinning, hula-hooping and unicycling fun brought to you by Solid State Circus.

Performing Friday to Sunday, the ‘Suitcase Circus’ is an energetic all-ages circus show. Set in the glory days of the past, this show is full of awe-inspiring, gasp-worthy tricks from a mesmerising cast of world-class, award-winning circus performers! There are acrobats, agile and athletic, defying gravity as they tumble and roll and create human towers on each other’s shoulders. There are aerialists, elegant and strong, plunging down the silks and being flung across the stage. There are jugglers and balancers, skillful and dexterous, as they manipulate with incredible timing and focus.

After dark, a circus for grown-ups, with the headline cabaret act ‘Rouge’ performing a decadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret, and twisted burlesque.

Local circus performer and event coordinator, Caz Walsh, is planning to create a real community atmosphere with something for everyone.

“There be three shows each day as well as live music, food trucks, a Garden Bar thanks to support from Shedshaker Brewing, and other festivities taking place each day,” Caz said.

A 300-seat big top, The May Wirth, will be erected at 74-80 Forest Street (opposite the Western Reserve).

Tickets are now on sale. Visit: circusmania.com.au to get yours today!

Golf interrupted by dismal weather

By
Castlemaine Mail
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A bleak outlook outside the clubhouse on Cup Day.

With more rain, events this week at Castlemaine Golf Club were once again interrupted.

Although the ground was soggy after recent rain, some rare fine weather attracted 29 for stableford last Saturday. 

Rhys Jenkins (4 and 36) and Jason Cordy (5 and 36) led the field in A Grade, with Rhys coming home in first place on a countback. In B grade, Andrew Dzioba (27 and 33) was a couple ahead of William Burgess (16 and 31). Birdies were plentiful: Jason Cordy and Shane Burke (4), James O’Brien, Brad Sturgess and Rhys Jenkins (2) and William Burgess (1). Rhys Jenkins finished the day off nicely with the nearest the pin prize on the seventh. Megan Carroll was closest on the 12th.

A small field of brave (or crazy!) players ventured out on Tuesday, Melbourne Cup Day. 

Drenching downpours made the going extremely tough, resulting in several dropouts along the way. 

Mick Kehoe (20 and 34) battled his way through to complete the round in top place, with William Burgess (16 and 32) trundling home in second place. William Burgess played a handy shot on the seventh, which gave him the NTP prize. Balls were given to all the others who made it to the end, probably as compensation for giving it a go in such trying conditions!

Some disappeared home immediately after play to dry out. The remaining players made it inside to relish the comfort of a dry and cosy clubhouse, and to join about 30 others for a tasty lunch and friendly conversation. Thank you to all of the club’s helpers, especially to Peter Gresswell and Marianne Allan, who prepared the chicken and salads, to Glenda for the after lunch chocolates, and to Phil for running the sweeps.

Tomorrow, Saturday November 5, is the Men’s Monthly Medal, and the Men’s Medal of Medals for 2022, starting at noon (shotgun). 

The regular chicken parma dinner starts at 6pm tomorrow evening. It is essential that bookings are made for catering purposes by midday on Saturday. Text to Garry (0414 684 201) to avoid missing out. 

The next golf lesson is on Monday November 7. Text your booking to Peggy (0409 232 919) by Sunday.

Fastest time ever: New course record for Castlemaine Parkrun

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Chelsea Saw, first finisher (female) in a time of 20:13, and Ben Kelly, first finisher (male) in a time of 15:39 – a new course record for Castlemaine parkrun.

Castlemaine parkrun ended the month with stunning times including a new course record and the first five finishers all completing the event in under 20 minutes.

Ben Kelly in only his second parkrun blitzed the course in 15:39 – our fastest time ever. He was followed across a mere six seconds later

by John Howorth in his first event, an amazing start to his parkrun career and in what is understood to also be a record time. Third over was Thomas Martin at 16:23, Jack Cooper was fourth at 19:00 minutes even, with Ian Chadwick next and completing the complement of sub 20-minute runners at 19:52.

Chelsea Saw was the first of the female runners to complete the course and she finished in another impressive time of 20:14. Chloe Russell at 22:48 was the next female across with Sarah Neild next at 25:35.

Chelsea was completing her sixth parkrun – another comparative novice to the event, but obviously not to running.

Eighty-five runners, walkers and strollers took to the course with numbers consistently climbing now the worst of winter is behind us (though obviously the wet weather continues pretty much unabated). To this already impressive number is added Jane Harding, Judy Hill, Owen

Howlett, Thomas Martin, Nicole McIvor-Francis, Colin Moore and Glen Taylor who made up the volunteer contingent for the day. A heartfelt thanks to every one of them.

Castlemaine parkrun is managed by an all-volunteer group who give up their own chance to run in order that the event can go ahead.

Seven people managed a Personal Best on Saturday. 

Jack Cooper was mentioned earlier for his great 19:00 minute run. Gary Russell, in only his third event bettered his previous best too and he was followed across by Dean Podger and Elliot Hutchinson in what was for each of them only their second ever parkruns.

Dale Hamilton, Riley Harris, and Fiona Craigen made up the rest of the PB performers so ‘well done!’ to all of them.

October was officially ‘parkwalk’ month, where people have been encouraged to come along and simply walk the course. For some people this is an ideal introduction that sees them eventually start running, but for many others it isn’t a matter of choice. And for many parkrunners, it is a temporary respite as they recover from some niggle or other.

In any case they are all welcome and are regarded as fully-fledged members of the Castlemaine parkrun community.

If you’d like to join them, as a walker, or if you’d like to target Ben’s new course record, all you need to do is register online and download your barcode. Then simply turn up at the barbecue pavilion at the Botanical Gardens a bit before 8am on Saturday for the briefing.

Castlemaine parkrunners would love to meet you!

‘Don’t NAB our future’: students protest outside bank

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Student protesters gather outside the National Australia Bank in Castlemaine.

Last week a group of school students gathered outside the National Australia Bank in Castlemaine to demonstrate their disappointment and anger at NAB’s continued investment in coal and gas companies. 

The students are part of the movement, School Strikes for Climate, an Australia-wide student-led group of young people, united by their concern for the future of the planet. 

Thirteen-year-old local Arlo Hill joined School Strikes for Climate in 2018. 

“I became involved because what’s happening (environmentally) is really scary and I didn’t know what to do,” he told the Mail. 

The movement has partnered with the group ‘Move Beyond Coal’, a community movement, working towards stopping coal expansion, and phasing out coal by 2030. 

“The collaboration is good because it means there is a range of voices from all generations getting involved,” Arlo said. 

A NAB spokesperson said the bank had been transparent about their total level of lending to fossil fuels, with $1.91 billion invested in fossil fuel-powered energy, $2.98 billion in oil and gas, $.46 billion in oil and gas, and a further $5.63 billion lending to renewable energy. 

“NAB recognises climate change is a defining issue of our time and the important role we play,” the spokesperson said. 

“NAB has been carbon neutral in operations for more than a decade and we continue to reduce emissions across our business. 

“We are proud to be supporting our customers to lower their emissions too and build climate resilience. We do this through the funding we provide and we are proud to be the leading Australian bank for project finance to the global renewables segment.” 

Protesters around Australia, both young and old, will continue to make their voices heard as they push for NAB to end all forms of finance for companies or projects that expand the coal or gas industry by 2025, starting by committing to no further financing of Whitehaven Coal (an Australian company with mining operations across NSW and QLD) and Santos (an Australian oil and gas company with operations across Australia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea). 

Petition against weed killer

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Photo by Anton Murygin on Unsplash

Community concerns over Mount Alexander Shire Council policy on the use of glyphosate and other chemicals as a weed killer have led to a petition being presented to the council. 

MASC tabled the petition at the meeting on October 18. Council acknowledged receipt of the petition however further discussion and a report will occur at the December 20 council meeting. 

Residents are concerned about the effects of the chemicals, which have been shown to be carcinogenic by some reports. The use of weed-killing chemicals raises concerns about council’s duty of care to the community. 

Concerned residents previously presented a petition to the council to stop using the chemical near schools and childcare centres and other children’s services. Previously council voted five against two not in favour of removing the use of chemical spraying. 

“The council has a Health and Wellbeing Plan to 2025 with no mention of chemicals in that plan,” resident Chris Hooper said. 

“Many municipalities in states of Australia and other countries have banned the use of glyphosate.” 

Vigil for Cassius Turvey held in Castlemaine

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Uncle Ron Murray addresses the crowd.

By Melanie Barnes 

A large crowd of people gathered in Victory Park Castlemaine on Wednesday to mourn the death of Perth teenager Cassius Turvey. 

About 100 people gathered at 6pm to express their sorrow for the death of 15-year-old Cassius who was bashed and later died in hospital in Western Australia. 

All around Australia vigils were held to honour Cassius and his family. 

Cassius died on October 23, 10 days after being attacked while walking home from school in a north-eastern Perth suburb. A 21-year-old boy has been arrested by police and is in custody. 

Organiser of the Castlemaine vigil, Ally Oliver-Perham, was verging on tears as she spoke to the crowd. 

“I am speaking for a lot of people about such a horrific thing, and it shouldn’t be happening,” Ally said. 

People stood with candles and a sense of mourning spread among the crowd. 

Emma King read out the statement written by Cassius’ mother Micelle Turvey, which set an emotional and heartbreaking tone. 

Uncle Ron Murray, a local Castlemaine resident and descendant of the Wamba Wamba people, also spoke to the crowd. 

Uncle Ron told the story from his mother’s side, the Tatiara people, about the first ever death. It was about the animals trying to understand what death was and a reassuring tale of rebirth. 

“It was nice to see people coming out for someone they never knew,” Uncle Ron said. 

Uncle Ron acknowledged the struggles experienced by First Nations people and spoke of his love for Castlemaine and the care of the community for the diversity of its population. 

He asked the crowd to close their eyes while he played the didgeridoo. 

The Mail spoke to people in the crowd to capture a sense of their thoughts. 

“It is heartening to see such a widespread response to this appalling attack. We can’t put it right but we can have a deeper understanding of these things,” Vic Say said. 

Emma King is inviting non-Indigenous people to have a conversation about the history of colonisation and its consequences. If you would like to participate in these conversations, send an email to reflectionconversations@gmail.com

Workspace to get $3 million in state funds for relocation

By
Jade Jungwirth
-

Workspace Australia will receive $3 million in state government funding to assist in relocating the Halford Street site to the old Etty Street Secondary School campus. 


Workspace will be moving from its current Halford Street location to the former secondary school in Etty Street by January 2024. 

Announced on Monday by local MP Maree Edwards, the funding aims to ensure the continued presence of Workspace Australia’s business incubator in Castlemaine while freeing up the current building occupied by Workspace for use by Dhelkya Health to redevelop as a much-needed community health facility. 

“I’m delighted to announce support for Workspace Australia in Castlemaine to help our region reach its full potential with more jobs and exciting projects,” Ms Edwards said. 

The works to the Department of Education-owned building, leased by Mount Alexander Shire and subleased to Workspace Australia, will be completed by December 2023, with licensees moving into the building as soon as January 2024. 

The buildings have been vacant for a number of years (apart from the two buildings leased to Autoplex) and require significant site works to repurpose the space, including electrical and access upgrades. Workspace Australia contributing a further $1.5 million to the project. 

Stage one of the project will see the old administration building and the two-storey science building developed for use by 40 businesses. Stage two will include upgrades to the canteen building to provide further space for 14 businesses, with the possibility of further expansion in the future. 

Workspace CEO Rebecca Dempsey told the Mail the funding announcement was “unbelievable”. 

“Work on this project began in 2018, including a number of studies and surveys to develop a master plan,” she said. 

“Surprisingly there was a huge amount of foot traffic in the area with a lot of people riding or walking.” 

Businesses currently operating at the Halford Street site (operational since 1998) at the end of their three-year lease period, will be moving on, allowing new businesses to sign a lease, with all money generated going back into expanding Worksafe. 

Ms Dempsey said Worksafe Australia had six sites but the Castlemaine site, leased to 68 businesses, was by far the largest, making up half of the operating businesses. 

“There has been such a large demand since COVID,” she said. “A lot of people have lost their jobs and have no other options. This way they can have a go with less risk. They’re the ones with fantastic ideas and skills.” 

According to Ms Dempsey, pre-COVID the Halford Street site had 70 per cent occupancy with an increase to 98 per cent post-COVID. 

“All of the other workspace sites are at 100 per cent capacity, with waiting lists accumulating,” she said. 

“We have six food businesses operating in Castlemaine at the moment. 

“Puds for All Seasons, Peddling Pastry, Woodley’s Pies and Pastries, Geeza and Firebean Organic Coffee. 

“And what’s really exciting about the Etty Street space is the capacity for at least six dedicated kitchen spaces. 

“At the current site, there is only one dedicated kitchen, leaving the other five food businesses having to adapt the rooms to suit.” 

Let’s take a look back at Barkers Creek Valley in 1872

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Barkers Creek Valley 1872: This Holtermann image taken in 1872 has been artificially coloured by Malcolm Qualtrough (click image to zoom in). The view is towards the south from near the Walker Street rail crossing. On the right, the old Gaol stands out clearly on the hill as does the old Castlemaine Hospital, once located below it on Gingell Street, while the Camp Reserve occupies the lower land in the background. The train station with its two goods sheds is in the background but unfortunately, one of the sheds met with an accident with a train and was later demolished. At this stage, the only change to the landscape of the river valley has been the construction of dual railway lines. To the west or right of the railway line, the valley slopes down gradually to the creek located behind the small residence and enclosed by the wooden rail fence.
2022: This modern image was taken from as close to the original as possible and shows the station in the distance with the one remaining goods shed. Since 1872 virtually the entire rail corridor to the west or right of the main line has been filled in and built up to the level of the railway line. In recent times, structures have been built on this raised area to support the Castlemaine – Maldon Railway project, and the buildings can be seen in this image. This infilling of the land has in fact created a gigantic levee bank on the eastern side of Barkers Creek and where once any flooding would have spread to the east and the west of the creek, nowadays it has only one way to go, and that is the west bank of the creek in Gingell Street where flooding frequently occurs.
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