All are being welcomed to attend next Friday’s launch of Castlemaine’s first ever pop-up Safe Space that’s about to be trialed as the first of its kind anywhere in rural Australia.
The ELM Network (Every Life Matters- Suicide prevention, postvention and awareness in Mt Alexander) is launching the space to provide mental health support for people with emotional distress or thoughts around suicide in an inclusive, safe, welcoming and non-clinical space.
“Attendance is free, there are no appointments or referrals necessary, and all are welcome,” says Rachel Stewart, a member of the local Safe Space Working Group.
“The space will be staffed by trained volunteers with a lived experience of such concerns, who will provide agency to guests in terms of the kind of support they would like to access.
“We will be officially launching the Castlemaine pop-up Safe Space on Friday July 15 from 4pm – 6pm at the Salvation Army hall next to the Castlemaine train station,” Ms Stewart says.
“We will have guest speakers, music, a barbecue and lots more.”
The Castlemaine pop-up Safe Space will initially be located at the Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, next to the library on Tuesdays from 6pm – 8:30 pm starting Tuesday July 19, and at the Salvation Army hall on Saturdays from 1:30pm – 4pm starting Saturday July 23.
“We also plan to ‘pop up’ all over the place, so we’re more of a pop up Safe Space,” Ms Stewart says.
“The Castlemaine Safe Space has been modelled based on feedback from the Castlemaine and surrounding community regarding what is missing currently in terms of support.
“Our peer volunteers have been trained and have lived experience of emotional distress and suicidality.
“Our financial supporters are the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Mt Alexander Shire Council, Roses in the Ocean, the ELM Network and Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership.”
“The space itself is created to be warm, inviting, safe and comfortable so that guests can come in, have a cup of tea and somewhere to relax, and a chat to one of the space’s trained peer volunteers,”Ms Stewart says.
The Safe Space model was first used in 2014 in the UK and has since been trialed in a number of states in Australia.
Safe spaces will soon be popping up in the ‘maine in a trial that’s the first of its kind in rural Australia
My Harcourt … with this week’s guest, keen Nordic pole walking group leader Ruth Hay
Hi Ruth. What a brilliant view you have from your loungeroom overlooking beautiful Harcourt Valley! How long have you called this view your own?
Two-and-a-half years.
And where are you from originally?
Last stop was Melbourne. Before that was Tasmania.
Are you originally from Tas?
Yes. North west coast and there’s still family in Wynyard where I come from.
Beautiful! What brought you and your husband, Phillip, here to Harcourt Ruth?
I was force-retired early and no-one wants to employ an older strong-willed woman in the industry I was in. So we moved out of the huge McMansion we’d had with four children having grown up in. We moved into a new estate into a brand new house which was easy-clean, no back yard. This was Melton… No garden really. I had a vegie garden. That was it. And within two years I was going around the bend. I said ‘I can’t do this. I can’t live here’. We had lived in Melton for 37 years but I found I’d never actually lived there. I’d slept there. But I’d never actually lived there. And it had changed so much in those 37 years since I’d had children. I had got my university degree at 30 and went straight into the workforce.
And what’s your area of work and expertise Ruth?
I’ve got a Bachelor of Arts but I ended up, through a series of weird turns, to be a graphic designer.
Who did you work with?
I worked for large printing companies. And when I was at university at 30 it was when computers were just coming in to the industry and so I learnt everything on a Mac and suddenly everything was being done on Macs and I had the skills. The computer skills. I went in and taught the people with design skills the computer side, and they taught me the design side. I worked for a pre-press company for nine years and that was taken over by a printing company. And then I was head-hunted by an American world-wide company and I was put into offices like Heinz and General Mills and Kraft, Cadbury’s… and I was what was called their packaging expert… I would have to work the design to match the printing press.
So here you are now, you and Phillip, in Harcourt, and you’ve very quickly become part of the community here. Can you tell me a bit about what you’re involved with here?
Applefest. Nordic Pole Walking. We also volunteer for Gather Harcourt. We do a lot with that, mainly the set up and preparing, and helping on the day.
Well I know you and Phillip were Queen and King of this year’s Applefest.
Yep. We’re still on the committee of Applefest and we plan to stay there.
And can you tell me a little more about your role as a volunteer Nordic pole walking instructor?
Well I started doing that down in Melton when I got very ill and I had to do something because I was also allergic to the medication they put me on. So I could do that. I could Nordic walk. And I just fell in love with it because it’s an easy way of getting a lot of exercise through your body and it makes a huge difference.
So, you’re now actually one of the local pole walking session leaders aren’t you?
Correct. I came here and we were in lockdown as you know, and I had bought a sandwich to have in the Castlemaine botanical gardens. I looked up and there were some Nordic pole walkers! And I just joined straight away. I was walking with them the next week. That was through the community house and CHIRP combined, and then I got asked to be a volunteer, a helper. I did that for nearly two years and then the council paid to put us through a class which was wonderful so now we’re trained Nordic Pole Walking leaders. There’s seven of us out in the community.
Any other community involvements keeping you busy Ruth?
I do a lot with the Harcourt bowls club. I don’t bowl. I’m a social member. It was a great gateway for us to come into the community. That was really good. We were there the first Friday night we moved in, having drinks with them.
OK, change of direction Ruth. What are you reading at the moment?
It’s a very sexy novel (chuckles). I think it’s called The Lost Pirate or something like that. It’s not a Mills & Boon. It’s a next step up from a Mills & Boon… My BA is actually in professional writing and I’d love to write a novel… It’s one of those where you look at the front and think ‘Oh yeh! I’ll read that!’
What’s your musical genre of choice?
That’s a tough one. I’m actually a timpani player, a tuned percussionist. I played in a band in Melbourne and in Tasmania. I was in a band in Melbourne for over 30 years. I was going to join Thompson’s Foundry Band. Had teed up to go along and that week we went into lockdown. I’m missing the arts side of what I’ve always done. I’ve got a ukulele in there and I’ve taught myself that. All of my family play. My children. My daughter is in the Australian Women’s Choir. All of my children and their partners play musical instruments. It’s very much part of our lives.
Wonderful. Do you have any personal philosophies by which you like to lead life Ruth?
Just embrace it to the fullest. Don’t sit back and expect everything to come to you. Go out and find it. If you want something. Go out and grab it. Too many people sit and wait for life to come to them!
I think that’s a great philosophy. Thanks. OK then – any pet peeves?
American politics.
If you had to invite three dream guests to dinner, Ruth, who would they be?
This is going to be very controversial … I’d like Johnny Depp. To find out the truth. I’d just like to know the truth. Stevie Nicks. I’m a huge Stevie Nicks fan. And Mick Fleetwood ’cause he’s the drummer and I’d like to hear their story too. Their story is fascinating.
Our final question Ruth … what do you enjoy most about living here in Harcourt?
Have you looked out the window!? (chuckles)
Newcomers join the parkrun: remarkable performances follow
Castlemaine Parkrun was treated to a quite remarkable performance from some newcomers to the course on Saturday, and relatively speaking, newcomers to parkrun itself.
The first three runners have notched up a mere 10 runs between them, but they all broke the 20-minute mark and blitzed the field.
First across was Gordon Muir in 19:20, ahead of Russell Bourke on 19:47 with Lauren Bourke a mere one second behind. Russell is the veteran of the group with six parkruns under his belt, Gordon and Lauren were both on their second event – and none of them ran a PB.
The club hopes to see this talented trio back on its beautiful course in future and hopefully some of the locals can match it with them. Speaking of which, George Targett was the third bloke across in the terrific time of 21:12 on his 99th run – the club is looking forward to celebrating his 100th next run, a great milestone and one to be proud of.
Claire Brien was the second female to finish and she completed the course in 22:35, which was a PB, and Jodi Oakman was the next female over in 23:40.
These were all terrific performances in close to ideal weather – cool and with a bit of occasional drizzle, but lovely for running.
Another good turnout with 71 runners / strollers including Donna Faircloth, the ‘Tail-walker’. Donna has over 80 parkruns to her credit and as well has volunteered more than 25 times – a parkrun champion!
The other volunteers were Michael Constable, Jane Hamilton, Jane Harding as our Run Director, Colin Moore, and Dave Petrusma who stepped up at the last moment to plug a gap. Thanks go to the volunteers – Castlemaine parkrun is staged by volunteers and they do a great job staging an event every week that is marked by a level of professionalism rather taken for granted, but that belies the hard work and commitment of the team.
Clair Brien was the only PB for the day, but there were lots of newcomers to the course. There were too many to mention by name, but Stephen Black must be singled out for completing his first ever event and doing so in 27:44 – possibly not the first time Stephen has pulled on a pair of running shoes. That’s a great effort on his first parkrun and with luck he’ll be back on the course at the Botanic Gardens in future.
Parkrunners compete against the clock and every event is carefully timed for the particular course it is held on. The parkrun website lists the times, and the venues for each run. It is volunteer based and overseen by a small group of, again volunteer, run directors who share the load between their own participation on the track.
If you are interested they’d love to see you: just register online and get along to the botanic gardens a bit before the 8am pre-run briefing. More details can be found on the website: www.parkrun.com.au/castlemaine
Stevens claims Frank Edwards Trophy amid ‘toil, trouble and tumult’
On Saturday, the second and final round of Castlemaine Golf Club’s Gold Letter Event, The Frank Edwards Par Trophy, was played.
Stevens stole the show in a round of ups and downs, while Toohey came from the clouds.
After 36 holes of toil, trouble and tumult, Ross Stevens emerged triumphant after going into the second round with a two-point advantage over Jason Thompson and Greg Crowe.
Stevens might have had a few nerves coming into the second week, but didn’t show them as he took control of the game early, recording a +3 on the front nine. At the turn, he was a good four shots clear of nearest rival Crowe who looked relaxed and was striking the ball beautifully on what was his first full day of retirement.
Whether conscious or not, perhaps the thought of the win then started to weigh more heavily on Stevens’ mind as the first sign of stutters crept in. Returning to the clubhouse he came home with 0, 0, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1 and 0 to drop six shots and open the door for the chasing group. What a ride!
But the buffer he had built over the first 27 holes was just enough. Crowe went -3 on the second nine, Thompson went -2 for the day, and Wayne Toohey accelerated to +1, but it wasn’t quite enough to overtake Stevens’ overall lead. He finished -1 for the two rounds, winning by one point over Wayne Toohey who took out second place on countback (-2). Congratulations Ross!
In the day’s individual competition, it was Mark Brackley (13 & 0) scoring the win over Peter McCoombe (10 & -1) in A grade.
B grade saw Andrew Wilson (16 & 1) power home to win on countback over Wayne Toohey (21 & 1).
Place-getters were Sam Grimes (14 & -1), Jason Thompson (8 & -2), Brad Sturgess (16 & -2) and James O’Brien (-1 & -3).
Jeremey Bottomley dropped three birdies, while others plonked in for Glenn Carroll, Martin Cross, Greg Crowe, Sam Grimes, Callan Haynes, Garry Moore, James O’Brien (2), Matt O’Brien (2), Greg Sinclair and Wayne Toohey. NTP on the seventh was posted by Ross Stevens, and Greg Crowe scored the honours on the 12th.
The club also ran an 18-hole Irish Three-Ball on Saturday – a mixed team game – with teams drawn on the day. The team that led the field home was Geoff Margary, Jo Deppeler and Megan Carroll who scored a healthy 68 points, a good margin ahead of the runners-up, Ian Shields, Jen Dyer and Leonie Auhl (63 points), with three teams sharing third place (59 points). It was a fun day, and the club will do it again on Saturday July 30.
Pollard perfection!
More than 35 players turned out again on Thursday to compete in the midweek par competition, with plenty of great scores on display. In fact, eight players made their way into positive territory, going better than handicap and proving that on any day, anything is possible.
The best of the bunch was Daniel Pollard (5), one point clear of Matt O’Brien (4) who had a day-out of his own, recording a +4 and a round of two under.
In B-Grade, James McLeish (19) went +1, winning on countback over Tony Strong (17 & 1). Tony started the day strongly, birdying the first and keeping the tune going from there.
Other great rounds were posted by Lachy Brown (8 & 3), James O’Brien (-1 & 2), Gavin Lang (7 & 1) and Jason Cordy (5 & 1).
Birdies dropped for Jeremy Bottomley (2), Sam Grimes (2), Klai Jermyn (1), Brendan Josey (2), Gavin Lang (1), Kerin Lourey (1), Peter McCoombe (1), James O’Brien (4), Matt O’Brien (2), Daniel Pollard (3) and Tony Strong (1). Adam ‘The Snake Man’ Leslie scored nearest the pin on the seventh while Lachy Brown went closest on the 12th.
On Tuesday the club welcomed a visitor, Gwen Parsons (16 & 28). Gwen scooped the pool, not only coming in first, but also the Maxi IGA voucher for nearest the pin on the 12th! Just one behind was Swee Ho (28 & 27). A good field of 15 enjoyed some sunshine for a change.
Tomorrow is the men’s July Monthly Medal stroke, nine-hole stableford – and chicken parma, salad and chips in the clubhouse at 6.30!
This week’s results wrap is brought to you by Saw & Core concrete cutting, Castlemaine.
Put on the coat and hat, we’re off to Ballarat
Maldon Petanque Club’s two teams of five headed to Ballarat recently for the first round of the Golden Boule Round Robin competition, and were warned to rug up because of Ballarat’s climate reputation.
It was a 10am start and even though the sun was out it was cool. By the time the second game was played, the sun had warmed up enough to take off the heavy clothing. However, by game three the sun was covered by clouds and so it was jackets on again.
Maldon went for petanque, not the weather, and came away victorious winning seven games 16 points to Ballarat five games 14 points.
The next round of the Golden Boule will be against Smythesdale on Saturday July 16 at home on the St Brigid’s pistes again starting at 10am.
Rain, rain go away
We have petanque to play
On Sunday June 26, MPC was looking for pleasant weather for its fortnightly games, however, the clouds coming over Mount Tarrangower were looking threatening. Maldon welcomed a carload of players from the Pyrennes Club in Avoca, who had heard so much about Maldon weather that they came to play. By 1.30pm start time the rain was heavy so it was decided to have a social coffee in the hall before cancelling the day.
As the rain did ease, it was decided to play one game, but the weather improved and the regulation three games were played in reasonable conditions. At the end of play it was announced that the winner for the day was Geoff McLennan with three wins 21 points, followed by Phil Hopley three wins 12 points and Chris Przygoda to wins 13 points.
Maldon’s next games will be on Sunday July 10 at the St Brigid’s pistes commencing at 1.30pm.
“Insulting” graffiti attack on Castlemaine Library
Castlemaine Library is among public assets targeted in the latest spate of graffiti that’s left many calling for more to be done to address the unsightly problem.
The brazen graffiti attack left obscenities sprawled across the main glass door to the library entrance overnight last Wednesday with the damage left to be discovered and cleaned up last week.
Castlemaine resident Ian Braybrook was among several locals who contacted the Mail to express disgust at the defacing of the much-loved public facility.
“It’s degrading of the town. I noticed it when I went to the library and I was flattened when I saw it on the door,” he said.
“It’s an insult to the entire community and all the volunteers and people who work at the library.”
He suggested installation of well positioned CCTV cameras may be one solution.
“The cost of that would be much less than repainting structures like bridges all the time where you’ve got to bring in cranes and spend many thousands of dollars,” Mr Braybrook said.
“The cost of installing cameras would come out at a lot less and would be a comparatively simple preventive measure.”
Castlemaine Police Senior Sergeant Darren McQueen said CCTV had proven its value as both a means to helping catch offenders and as a preventative measure.
“Without speaking for council it would be something I’d be interested in,” he said
Senior Sergeant McQueen said the graffiti defacing the library entrance was “pretty brazen” and went a step beyond the “usual tags”.
The council’s Director Infrastructure and Development, Michael Annear, said graffiti was an ongoing issue for all councils, authorities and private property owners “with no easy solution to preventing it”.
“It is illegal in Victoria to mark graffiti on property without the owners’ consent,” Mr Annear said.
“Council continues to work closely with Victoria Police to monitor and patrol graffiti hot spots.
“Council will also be exploring the opportunity to work with community groups to respond to incidents of graffiti.
“Council has installed CCTV cameras in some locations over the last few years to reduce the incidence of graffiti however, this is a costly exercise.
“To assist us in identifying any new graffiti in the future we are encouraging residents to report graffiti vandalism via our Customer Request System on our website or with our customer service team…”
Castlemaine Mail launches digital subscriptions
Today marks a new chapter in the long and proud 168 year history of the Castlemaine Mail as we officially launch online subscriptions for the first time.
From today our loyal readers can opt to become a Mail subscriber and access their weekly edition of the Castlemaine Mail online.
Your Mail subscription also entitles you full access to our website enabling you to read all your latest local news online.
Castlemaine Mail editor Lisa Dennis said its an exciting day for the long running publication.
“We know that many of our readers like to get their hands on the weekly print edition of the Mail and we can assure you this is continuing, but for some time now we’ve been fielding requests from community members across the shire and further afield who’d love to be able to access a digital version of our newspaper,” she said.
“Your subscription enables you to access every page of the Mail via our website – including all your latest local news, community news, entertainment, letters to the editor, classifieds, birth, deaths and marriage notices, and all of our sport – and entitles you to full access to the news content on our website, as well as bonus content such as breaking news, additional photos, videos and online competitions.
“Our followers will still be able to enjoy a snapshot of the stories they can expect to discover in our weekly print edition via the website, as they have always done.
However, if you want to get the full story online that is now an option,” she said.
Ms Dennis said the paper is conscious that there is a large section of our community that is keen to support local journalism but wants a more sustainable option and the new digital subscription offers that.
“We also know many local residents have moved out of the shire or interstate and by the time their paper arrives by post it can be up to a week later, this way our subscribers can access the paper instantly at the same time as everyone else and can keep up to date with everything happening back home and breaking news as it happens,” she said.
READ: Six great reasons to become a Mail subscriber
Castlemaine Mail manager Lynda Brew said the long running newspaper has continued to thrive despite the challenges faced over the last two years thanks to the support of local businesses and the local community.
“Many newspapers have moved to online subscription only or stopped production altogether, but we continue to deliver a great local product each week.
Moving to offer a digital subscription is a natural progression,” she said.
“With the introduction of digital subscription we are delighted to be able to offer our loyal advertisers the chance to take their Mail advertising across into the digital sphere, offering more exposure through our online edition and exciting new advertising opportunities via our revamped website,” she said.
“The creation of the new digital subscription has been a joint collaboration between our editorial and advertising teams together with local digital expert Liam Runnalls and we are thrilled to launch the initiative,” Ms Brew said.
You can get your Mail subscription for just $10 a month, $52 for six months or $99 for 12 months.
Council adopts $44.42M budget: flood levees feature
A start to construction of flood levees for Castlemaine and Campbells Creek are among highlights in Mount Alexander Shire’s newly adopted $44.42 million budget.
The council has adopted the new budget for the new financial year ahead, outlining the resources required to deliver more than 100 Council services, along with a number of new initiatives and $13.32 million in capital works.
Allocations include significant investment to begin construction of flood levees, along with other improvements in Castlemaine and Campbells Creek, aimed at reducing the impact of major flood events on housing, businesses and community buildings.
The new budget also prioritises spending to upgrade sporting facilities in the shire, and improve local pools.
Subject to the receipt of grant funding, the council will be constructing a new female-friendly pavilion at Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve improving the netball court at Campbells Creek, adding flood lighting in Harcourt, and making improvements to Castlemaine’s skate park and Chewton’s Memorial Park.
Projects to improve roads and make the shire safer include a new pedestrian crossing on Walker Street between the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and the Mill precinct, and upgrades to Fogartys Gap Road.
The council has also opted to continued its commitment to scope opportunities to address affordable housing in the shire.
The budget is forecast to enable the council to deliver high quality services whilst navigating the economic challenges of the COVID pandemic.
Following community feedback, the council has committed additional funds to the BMX parks, weed management, Christmas decorations, and several other items.
Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire, Bill Maltby, said the newly adopted budget was developed in response to community feedback, and was worked on diligently by staff and councillors to meet the needs of our diverse community.
“Councillors have thought long and hard about the varying needs of our community, and I think we’ve developed a budget that will benefit the entire shire,” Cr Maltby said.
Copies of the 2022/2023 budget can be viewed at the Castlemaine Civic Centre, the Castlemaine Library or online.
Time to train for Run The Maine: fav fundraiser gets set to return in style
Organisers of this year’s Run the Maine are preparing for a big bounce-back after two years of virtual running of the popular event that raises significant funds for Castlemaine’s health service.
Be quick if you want to compete in this year’s half marathon, is the advice of event director Gavin Krasner ahead of RTM’s in-person return.
There’s a few exciting changes in store for the five km and 10 km courses as well. Tickets went on sale back in May and Gavin says they’re hoping for the biggest turnout yet for the distance running event that’s locked in for Friday September 23.
“We want to make this the biggest and best we’ve ever had,” he told the Mail this week.
“We’re aiming for 1000 plus participants … and the half marathon will sell out.”
After two years of virtual formats due to COVID, organisers are keen to see RTM return to in-person running in a big way.
And to encourage people to snap up an early bird ticket they’re offering a tasty incentive with the chance to win a night’s accommodation in a luxury local BnB and the option of a second night stay at half price.
“The new 10 km course is particularly brilliant with a wonderful section through the Walmer forest,” Gavin says.
“And the five km event will take in the botanical gardens again and it’s a super-flat, super-fast and super-inclusive course.”
Aussie world champion mountain runner Simone Brick returns also as event ambassador after debuting in the role last year.
Brick is this month set to visit the ‘Maine to appear in a special series of promotional and informative videos being made in the lead up the event.
The video series will see the champion runner visit on July 17 for the series of eight short videos to be made –- also starring RTM’s much-loved mascot, The Bird aka Dr Richard Mayes.
“We’ll be making a series of eight little videos featuring The Brick and The Bird with tips about things like hydration, pre-race warm-up routines and race-day nutrition,” Gavin says.
The Lake of Scars: NAIDOC week screening part of event-packed weekend
A special NAIDOC Week screening of The Lake of Scars happens 4.30pm on Sunday, July 3, at Theatre Royal Castlemaine, as part of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival that opens today and continues throughout the weekend.
In a corner of regional Victoria is Lake Boort, a place of astounding natural beauty and rare archaeological and environmental significance – and it’s being degraded on an annual basis. As the clock ticks, an unlikely partnership could see it saved for future generations.
‘Hosted’ by beloved Dja Dja Wurrung actor Uncle Jack Charles in a unique ‘in-cinema’ role, and including Jida Gulpilil – son of legendary actor, David – who brings his own flavour to his mother’s country, The Lake of Scars details the relationship between an ageing white farmer and members of Victoria’s Yung Balug clan of the Dja Dja Wurrung as they seek to protect Australia’s largest collection of scarred trees.
Amid a backdrop of treaty talks and the fight for water rights, can the relationship between characters of different backgrounds and generations survive the stresses of fighting for country, and overturn 200 years of protocol? Or does the road to reconciliation contain more bumps than we might imagine?
While exploring the beautiful, mysterious scarred trees, middens and stone scatters along the Lake Boort wetlands, we meet the people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, who are working against the clock to preserve what they can, including Jida Gulpilil – son of legendary actor, David – who brings his own flavour to his mother’s country. With organic relics at its heart, the film examines the preservation of culture and environment as our protagonists fight for scarred trees to be preserved, for middens and stone scatters to be protected and recognised, for environmental flows of water to be allowed into the seasonal lake, and for a ‘keeping place’ to be built.
A post screening panel discussion will follow with a conversation with festival guests, Uncle Jack Charles, Ngarra Murray and director Bill Code.
Lost headstone heads home to Castlemaine Cemetery
A headstone from the late 1800s has been returned to its original resting place at the Castlemaine Cemetery at Campbells Creek.
The link to our goldfields past was unearthed some years ago at a Castlemaine property whilst the owners were doing renovation works and has been now returned to its original home by the Wagstaff family.
Castlemaine’s Judy Wagstaff said the owners of the cottage had been doing renovations when they turned over their back step and were surprised to discover it was actually the headstone of ‘Kin Foay’.
The memorial had been erected in memory of Foay by Mary Ann Wagstaff.
Kin Foay late of Castlemaine had passed away on March 15, 1866 aged 41 years.
“The couple spoke to the lady next door about their discovery and she knew of the Wagstaff family.
Her daughter reached out to my late husband John to see if he wanted to come and have a look at it,” Judy said.
“John was researching the family history at the time and was thrilled to see it.
Negotiations were made for its purchase – two bottles of red wine! And it was then transported to our property in Muckleford where it was placed in our front garden,” Judy said.
The headstone remained a much talked about piece of garden art at the Wagstaff’s property for more than 10 years.
During that time John discovered the verse inscribed on the headstone was popular at the time and the Chinese inscription may offer some clue to Foay’s home of origin.
“After John passed away in February 2018, I decided to sell the Muckleford property so I had the headstone dug up and placed into storage until a suitable location could be found for it,” Judy said.
“After discussion with Castlemaine Cemetery Trust chair Debra Tranter it was agreed it would be returned to the cemetery and placed in the bushland section near other Wagstaff family members, including John who would be very happy to have it placed there,” she said.
“We have not been able to find out any information about Kin Foay despite quite a search by John.
He must have meant a lot to John’s great great aunt Mary Ann Wagstaff for her to have gone to so much expense to create a memorial of this size,” Judy said.
It is believed the headstone may have been one of several removed from the front section of the Castlemaine Cemetery in the 1960s to make way for a new lawn section, some of the stone was reportedly re-used across the township and some was moved up the back of the cemetery where some headstones were later recovered and have been placed on display along the entry road into the historic cemetery which was opened in 1852.
“We don’t know where Kin Foay was originally laid to rest, but it seems fitting that his headstone has been returned.
I will pick up where John left off and continue his research.
It’s certainly intriguing,” Judy said.
Then and now: Let’s take a look back at Castlemaine Primary School
THEN: This photograph (Courtesy G. and L. Barry.) was taken in 1884 after the present day building was completed in 1875.This structure replaced the earlier National School building that had operated on site since 1855. In the foreground a large number of young men or students, many with rifles, are lined up in some sort of colonial military parade. Until the early 1860s, this area in the foreground had a path running diagonally across the scene and was lined with many small dwellings, and was the site of one of the Chinese settlements in the town. The large building on the left was on the corner of Mostyn and Urquhart streets and during the 1860s it housed the O’Hara Burke Hotel, named after the ex resident of town who perished in 1861 on his expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
NOW: Fast forward to the present day and we find little has changed and the fabric of the building remains the same as it did in 1875, except the windows no longer have an arch over them and have been reshaped. In the foreground the area once referred to by the students as ‘the biggies’ yard’ has been modernised with the installation of a basketball/netball court next to the fence, while the rest of the area has an artificial surface with a running track marked out on it. In the left background the former double storey build-ings have been demolished and have been replaced by a weatherboard house. Now image and historical details courtesy Ken McKimmie.
