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.
National recognition for Travel & Cruise Castlemaine
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.
Castlemaine Community House wants you!
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
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.
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
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 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
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.