The ‘Circus Mania’ Circus Festival is set to hit Castlemaine this November!
The long awaited event will be staged over four big days and nights and has been coordinated by local circus performers Caz Walsh and Mason West.
The festival was to be held in 2020 but was sidelined due to covid.
However, the festival has been locked in for November 17-20 and will feature in the couple’s own 300 seat big top – The May Wirth.
The big top will be erected at 74-80 Forest Street (opposite the Western Reserve) for the four day extravaganza.
The event will feature ‘Big Tops & Tiny Tots’ for the littlest festival goers. A circus adventure for 3-6 year olds! Big Tops & Tiny Tots is a non-stop whirlwind of plate-spinning, hula hooping and unicycling fun brought to you by Solid State Circus.
‘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, skilful and dexterous, as they manipulate with incredible timing and focus.
And after dark headline cabaret act ‘Rouge’ which received five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival will entertain the adults.
Rouge: Circus for grown ups is a decadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and twisted burlesque.
A non-stop celebration of the astonishing, surprising, subversive and the supremely sexy: award-winning Australian circus sensation Rouge brings an outrageous brand of adult circus.
“We have worked hard to create a program which offers something for every age group,” Caz said.
“Members of our very own Castlemaine Circus, where I am a trainer, will also be part of our all ages show,” Caz said.
And on the Saturday and Sunday Castlemaine Circus will also be offering a free opportunity for locals of all ages to come down and try their hand at some circus skills.
“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,” she said.
“We aim to create a real community atmosphere with something for everyone,” Caz said.
Early bird tickets are now on sale visit circusmania.com.au to get yours today!
Circus Mania set to hit!
Maldon Museum digitises 52 years of local news
Maldon Museum and Archives Association hosted a reception last Friday to celebrate the near completion of the museum’s project to digitalise the Tarrangower Times for the years 1858 to 1910.
In 2021 the museum was a successful recipient of grants from the state government’s Public Records Office Victoria and the Community Bank Maldon District. Two further private donations brought the total raised to almost $36,000 which enabled the project to go ahead.
The State Library of Victoria provided the National Library of Australia (NLA) with microfilms of the newspaper and the Maldon Museum and Archives Association then engaged the NLA to carry out the digitisation project and to make the records available online via the NLA Trove website, thus providing accessible, searchable records for researchers everywhere.
Maldon Museum and Archives Association are proud to have the Tarrangower Times for these years available online to all researchers and students of history and are very appreciative to the funding bodies for realising the value and benefit of the project.
It is hoped that in the future more years will be able to be added.
To explore the new resource go to trove.nla.gov.au
Thanks to flood workers one and all!
Andrew Le Clercq, Castlemaine
I want to sincerely thank all those unnamed legends from Powercor, their subbies, SES, CFA and all others who worked their arses off to initially keep the water at bay from the Castlemaine substation and, when the floodwater had hit the fan, safely shut down the substation and then in an amazingly short turnaround reactivated it without thundering a power surge through all our consumer electrical gizmos…
All during heavy rain, probably up to their ankles in water while dealing with high voltage. Respect.
Further flood fears as clean up continues
Mount Alexander Shire experienced widespread damage to housing, public property, roads, parks, and local businesses as a result of last week’s significant rainfall event and subsequent local flooding.
Members of the Castlemaine SES, local fire brigades, emergency services, and selfless community members worked around the clock in a bid to protect homes from flooding in Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Newstead, Harcourt, and surrounding areas.
And in the aftermath many pitched in to assist with the clean-up and help those impacted get back on their feet. On behalf of the community, we thank them for their tireless efforts.
Council opened a Flood Information and Recovery Centre at the Castlemaine Town Hall from Monday to Wednesday to provide information and support to those affected.
These types of natural disasters bring out the very best and the worst in humanity. Fortunately, the majority of local stories have been positive – locals jumping in to help thwart flooding at The Mill complex in Walker Street and assisting with the mop-up at businesses affected; community members lending a hand to fill sandbags to help protect new residences threatened at Harcourt; and our exhausted SES volunteers backing up their efforts by travelling up to the help the community of Echuca.
Then there are the stories of people out rubbernecking and driving through floodwaters unwittingly pushing waves of water into homes at Campbells Creek and those that chose to mock local residents at Harcourt (Opinions, page 14) rather than stopping to assist fellow community members facing their toughest hour.
With more wet weather on the way over the coming days, already swollen rivers and creeks, and sodden ground, local residents and emergency services remain on alert for further flash floods. In the days, weeks and months ahead hopefully we won’t see scenes like we did last Thursday. But if we do. Spare a thought for those affected.
The impact of last week’s flooding to parks, gardens, and trails in the shire has been significant and resulted in the closure of the children’s playground and public toilets at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, Campbells Creek, and Leanganook Trail, as well as Camp Reserve.
Camp Reserve will remain closed until an audit can be conducted which has resulted in the unfortunate cancellation of this year’s Castlemaine Show.
A large number of roads in the shire have been impacted by the recent rainfall and Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) staff has been working to clear debris from blocked drains and repair roads as a matter of urgency.
MASC is also working with the Department of Transport (DOT) which has responsibility for main arterial roads including the Midland and Calder Highways, to prioritise the works that are needed.
Emergency flood payments are now available to help meet immediate needs including food, shelter, clothing, and medication. If you have been impacted by flooding you may be eligible for payments of $2,030 per family, including $580 per adult and $290 per child. Residents can apply online at emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au/
The Castlemaine Transfer Station will remain open for all residents with flood-damaged material until December 31 and skip bins have been placed at the Campbells Creek Community Centre car park and the Campbells Creek Bowling Club to further support residents in high-impact areas.
A $73.5 million state government package is also available delivering grants to help farmers and business owners clean up their properties.
A further $19.5 million Primary Producer Flood Relief Program will deliver a one-off $10,000 payment to primary producers directly affected by the floods to help them clean up, re-establish their properties, and get their businesses up and running again. Applications for both grant programs are now open with applicants for the agriculture grants encouraged to visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/ flood-advice-and-support. For small business grants, call the Business Victoria hotline on 132 215.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed on local flood alerts at emergency.vic.gov.au/respond and to report potholes, fallen trees, or road and footpath damage via the ‘customer request’ section on council’s website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au or by calling 5471 1700.
VIDEO: Forest Creek creeps higher as rains continue
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Newstead solar farm project gets underway
Construction of Renewable Newstead’s solar farm began on Tuesday with a welcome to country from Dja Dja Wurrung and Wamba Wamba woman Cassandra Lewis and a visit from Minster for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio, Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards, and representatives from Flow Power and DELWP.
The solar farm and battery system will generate enough electricity to transition Newstead to 100 per cent renewable energy and is expected to be completed by July 2023.
The community group Newstead 2021 Inc spearheaded the project and overcame significant challenges including the pandemic, grid constraints, market changes, weather events, and international supply chain issues to finally break ground on the project. The group has collaborated with Powercor and retailer Flow Power to make the project a reality.
Renewable Newstead volunteer Gen Barlow said this is a model that can be used in lots of other small rural communities.
“It’s great because everyone in the community can use the energy, including renters or those with houses that don’t support solar,” Ms Barlow said.
A retail offer will be made available for Newstead residents through Flow Power, offering 100 per cent clean energy and power bill reductions of up to 30 per cent. Flow Power will reinvest a portion of profits back into the community for further renewable energy projects.
Flow Power CEO Matthew van der Linden said they were proud to be part of the project.
“We’re proud to create an energy solution together with Renewable Newstead, that not only delivers a local clean energy generator, but incorporates solar, battery, energy hardware, and community engagement,” he said.
“This combination is the holy grail of the ideal energy system and is the missing link in what is needed to transition this industry to a 100 per cent renewable energy market,” Mr van der Linden said.
Renewable Newstead convenor Geoff Park said the Renewable Newstead long-held dream is getting closer.
“The first idea for a local energy project in Newstead emerged in 2009. Local volunteers have helped bring this to fruition, and we’ve had a big hand with the help of a $1.1M grant from the state government in 2018. Now we’re pleased to see Flow Power take on the project to bring our dream to life – locally generated clean energy and a retail offer for our residents to champion renewable energy,” Mr Park said.
The community-led Renewable Newstead Energy Project is a three-megawatt (MW) solar farm and five-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery system that will generate enough electricity to transition Newstead to 100 per cent renewable energy. The battery system will provide additional benefits with the ability to feed into the grid at times of low sunshine and outside daylight hours. The 6.2-hectare site will include 80-100m rows of panels, six metres apart, and include a tracking system to follow the sun and provide maximum energy production.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio said, “Great ideas always find a way. This project is a credit to the Newstead community and will be an exemplar for rural communities around the country.”
“Newstead is leading the way – driving down their energy bills by up to 30 per cent and helping Victoria hit our target to reduce emissions by 50 per by 2030.”
During the event, Minister D’Ambrosio announced $1.15 million for 15 new Victorian renewable energy and energy efficiency projects through the latest round of the New Energy Jobs Fund (NEJF).
A total of $20 million has been provided to communities through the NJEF, which was designed to support community-based projects that create long-term sustainable jobs, increase the uptake of renewable energy, slash greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation in emerging energy technologies.
“This fund is empowering communities and local businesses to take part in Victoria’s clean energy transition while creating jobs, slashing emissions and sharing economic benefits locally,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
For more information on the project visit renewablenewstead.com.au
My Castlemaine, with local business owner Geraldine Delmenico
You’ve lived in the region for many years and now own two businesses – how did that come about?
I went to kinder in Castlemaine and when I was 27 years old I came back with my three kids and worked for Bob and Bernadette at the Hot n Crusty Bakery for seven years, while also driving taxis.
I was a single mum and six years ago I bought the business. I also bought a cafe in town. Recently I decided to combine the cafe and bakery and moved here (Barker Street) and at the same time, I bought Extremity. I now have 33 staff, most of them locals.
My children, husband, and I did all the renovations on this place. It took three months. Never again!
Most weekdays I start work at 3.30 am and work until 6pm. Weekends are a little better, starting at 5.30am and finishing at 3pm.
I go home at 6pm and my lovely husband usually has dinner cooked. I actually met him at the bakery, he used to be a regular and would come in for his sausage rolls.
I now have four children. My oldest boy is 28, he’s a plumber and just studied to be a nurse. He’s moving to London for two years with his wife. My 25-year-old boy is a carpet layer, my 23-year-old daughter works at Lyttleton Street Clinic where she’s doing training and our 20-year-old daughter works here at the bakery so she can travel.
It sounds like a very busy life! Do you have time for other interests?
I do work really long days so my husband and I like to veg in front of the TV and watch Netflix. I used to be really involved with Castlemaine Basketball for 20 years as the treasurer, secretary, running the canteen and coaching. Now I’m the President of the Castlemaine Lions Club.
We bought a caravan a year and a half ago and go on family holidays to Warrnambool or Echuca when we can. The whole family went to New Zealand three years ago. Sometimes we hire a house in Queensland and the whole family goes up.
Oh, and I play Bingo once a fortnight in Sunshine. Three or four of us drive down and the prizes are great.
Is there a philosophy you live life by?
Always have a go at everything.
Who are your three dream dinner guests?
My kids. We have dinner together at least once a fortnight. We go to the pub and there are no phones allowed.
What are your pet peeves?
When people park over the laneway and I can’t get out.
What’s your musical genre of choice?
80s. I’m going on a girls’ night in November to the Maryborough Highland Society for a Beatles Night and then to see an ABBA band a week after.
What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
The people. The kids used to say, ‘we can’t go down the street without someone knowing who you are!’ I like small towns, I could never live in Melbourne. And the shops wouldn’t have survived in a bigger town during COVID. I buy 90 per cent of my stuff locally and the locals supported me during COVID.
Front pages from the archives: Flashback to the Castlemaine Billy Cart Race
Tennis growth for younger players
Castlemaine and District Tennis Association clubs Castlemaine, Newstead, Maldon and Harcourt have started another summer season for junior competition.
The CDTA reports that it is noticeable that some of our local 15 and 16 year old players are putting away their tennis racquets or now concentrating on Bendigo Pennant matches – Junior Friday A Grade or Saturday senior tennis – and some have joined our Monday night doubles comp – so they are certainly continuing lots of tennis.
The association is finding, however, that there is huge growth in tennis for those age 13 and under – especially at ages 5 to 9. The “Future Stars” sessions for young players at 3pm on Sundays at Castlemaine courts is getting lots of young players (come down and try it if you have a tennis player age 6 to 11). And new coach Anthony Zafiris (0403 724 796) has a huge number being coached. So the future is bright for tennis in Castlemaine and surrounding areas.
Castlemaine and District Tennis Association results for Saturday October 15 were as follows:
In Junior A Grade (formerly Section 2): Castlemaine Rockets defeated Castlemaine Rogue Four 3 matches 8 sets to 3 matches 7 sets points 5 to 3. Castlemaine Kelpies defeated Castlemaine Sharks 5 matches 10 sets to 1 match 2 sets, points 7 to 1.
In Junior B Grade (formerly Section 3): Castlemaine Death Adders stung Maldon 4 matches 8 sets to 2 matches 5 sets, points 6 to 2. Castlemaine Powerhits defeated Harcourt 6 matches 12 sets to 0 matches 0 sets, 8 points to 0. The Newstead Kangaroos versus Castlemaine Bandits match was deferred to a later date.
In Junior C Grade (formerly Junior 1): Castlemaine Flaming Balls defeated Newstead 6 matches 12 sets to 0 matches 0 sets, points 8 to 0. Maldon Masters defeated Castlemaine Stars 3 matches 8 sets to 3 matches, 7 sets, 5 points to 3.For queries on joining a local club please phone Graham Forbes on 0406 346 466.
Bowlers enjoy social gatherings after pennant cancelled
Weekend Pennant was once again cancelled due to flooding on district greens. Castlemaine Bowling Club is very fortunate to have two very good surfaces which drain and dry out very quickly. As a result we were able to hold Social Bowls on Saturday with green full, bowlers keen to enjoy out and playing. Our thoughts are with the clubs struggling with water and debris over their surfaces and surrounds.
Midweek Pennant was played in lovely sunny conditions on Monday, both divisions scoring a win. Division 2 won comfortably and Division 3 defeated Eaglehawk by one shot.
Results were as follows: Division 2 Castlemaine 71 defeated Bendigo 40. Scores were Steve McCoombe 26/14, Pam Hunter 17/17, Tricia O’Shea 28/9.
Division 3 Castlemaine 63 defeated Eaglehawk 62. Bruce Miller 25/16, Mal Stevens 18/29, Kathy Parsons 20/17.Pennant teams
Next Monday Division 2 play Kangaroo Flat at Castlemaine. Teams are as follows Jack Taylor, Rod Fletcher, Chris Crossley, Maureen Fletcher (skip). Alene Jolme, Alicia Beauchamp, Rosalie Roberts, Pam Hunter (s). Pat Devereaux, Graham Fraser, Charles Madgin, Tricia O’Shea (s).
Division 3 Castlemaine play at Kangaroo Flat. Don Steet, Sandra Grant, Pam Fraser, Bruce Miller (s). Lyndal McClure, Sandra Phillips, Regina Saville, Angie Hill (s). Gary McClure, Florence Stevens, Llan Nicholls, Kathy Parsons (s).
Weekend Pennant is hopefully able to play this Saturday, October 22 depending on weather conditions. Teams are as follows:Division One (Premier) play Bendigo at Castlemaine. Christopher Brain, Michael Diprose, Bernie McConnell, Klai Jermyn. Robin Lynas, Lee Bastin, Kevin Earl, Neil Bouch. Kevin Shuttleworth, Paul Darroch, Darren Taylor, Dallen Kleme. Peter Brain, Greg Brain, Lachlan Darroch, Rod Phillips. Side Manager – Neil Bouch.Division Four play Golden Square at Castlemaine. Don Ross, Russell Chapman, Peter Roache, Alene Jolme. Tayler Walsh, Jack Taylor, Sandra Grant, Rod Fletcher. Chris Crossley, Bruce Miller, Pam Hunter, Graham Fraser. Malcolm Stevens, Maureen Fletcher, Steve McCoombe, Rosalie Roberts. Side Manager – Rod Fletcher.Division Five play Dingee at Dingee. Joe Smith, Don Barnett, Lesley Carlin, Don Steet. Patti Devereaux, Harry Fleury, Robyn Fleury, Sandra Phillips. Ian Devereaux, Pam Fraser, Wendy Walsh, Wayne Walsh. Alan Nichols, David Carlin, Peter McKnight, Trish O’Shea. Side Manager – Wendy Walsh. Duty Rink – Greg Brain and Malcolm Stevens.Girls on the Green returnsOnce again the popular ‘Girls on the Green’ (Jack Attack) competition will start Thursday November 3 and continue through until December 8.
This is a fun and friendly competition for women and a great opportunity to try your hand at the game. Play barefoot or in flat soled shoes, bowls provided, teams of 3 or 4 or single entries. Your team is expected to play every week but fill in players are permitted. All ladies welcome, 5.30 for 6pm start, finish approx 7.30pm. Nibbles provided and drinks available at bar prices. $10 per person. Entries to Maureen 0417 321 048 by November 1.
Last Sunday Castlemaine bowlers and croquet players combined for a social game of “having a go” at each other’s sport. Bowlers trying croquet and croquet players trying bowling. All enjoyed the friendship and lunch together .
Parkwalk at Castlemaine Parkrun during October
Last weekend’s wet weather forced the cancellation of the weekly Castlemaine parkrun event.
Organisers are hopeful the event can return this weekend if the wet weather allows.
This month, Castlemaine parkrun, in association with the international parkrun community, has been delighted to dedicate the whole month of October to those extra special people, the ‘parkwalkers’ at parkrun.
This month marks the 18th anniversary of parkrun, and while the local parkrun has not been going quite as long as that in Castlemaine, October 8 marked their 325th event.
The original vision for Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, was that it would be open to everyone, no matter who they are, or their level of ability. Whether people volunteer, walk, jog, or run they were to be welcomed with open arms. That vision is very much alive and kicking, for runners of all abilities and of course for walkers.
Castlemaine Parkrun member Alan Hollensen said there is no time limit at parkrun.
“We literally don’t care how slow you are, and here at Castlemaine we would typically see our walkers cross the line at around 55 minutes, but plenty are slower and just to repeat – We don’t care, take as long as you need.
And best of all – you can never come last. Each week we have people who volunteer as tail walkers, who provide support and encouragement for walkers, and they are always the last people to finish.”
In addition to the tail walkers, a new volunteer role of ‘parkwalker’ was introduced on October 8. These volunteers, Karina and Michael, wore a blue vest labelled ‘parkwalker’, and their role was to mix with other walkers, support them, and have a chat during the 5k walk.
Walking is such a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere, particularly in our magnificent botanical gardens, and you get the opportunity to chat to people, to actively kick off your weekend and to participate in something that family and friendship groups can do together. It’s also one of the best entry points into parkrun, especially for those who may be taking their first steps towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Parkrun walkers can walk at any pace, alone or with others. You can bring a dog, and plenty do, or a buggy and of course you can use walking poles if you have them.
As parkrun Asia Pacific’s Manager, Glen Turner said, this campaign builds on the fantastic work parkrun events do to create a positive experience for walkers.
“People who already participate in parkrun know how much we love to celebrate walkers, so the October ‘parkwalk’ campaign is designed to take this message to people who may never have considered that they could get involved in parkrun.”
The benefits of walking are well known, it can help you better manage, or prevent, adverse health conditions, enhance your mood, and boost your fitness. Best of all, parkrun is very social, and the human interaction is something that you will come to treasure.
One thing that marks Castlemaine parkrun/parkwalk as special is that we actively celebrate our milestones and naturally this includes those of our walkers too. We love to see someone knock off a significant number, say 50 events, or 25 sessions as a volunteer, and we would love to have you join this community as well.
October is parkrun’s ‘parkwalker month’.
Why don’t you join us at the Botanical Gardens and set off on your own walking adventure.
Simply register online, and then turn up a bit before 8am for our briefing.
We would love to have you join us.
Let’s be friends – from everyone at Castlemaine parkrun.
Be transported back in time at Old Pioneers and Residents exhibition
Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association invite community members to be ‘transported’ back in time at their major exhibition at the Castlemaine Town Hall this weekend, October 21 and 23.
‘Transport in the Mt Alexander Shire 1866 to the Present Day’ features a stunning collection of items from the Pioneers and Old Residents collection and private local collections and will be a must see.
After two years of covid disruption and planning the association is thrilled to finally be holding its long-awaited curated exhibition.
Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association secretary Wilson Bunton told the Mail transport took many forms, from the humble boot worn to help propel gold miners along their way to bullock drays and coaches, bicycles and early cars and buses to today’s modern vehicles – it all played and still plays a major part in the development of the area.
“We will feature a range of vehicles and artefacts from our transport past and a wide array of photographs and memorabilia spanning the last 156 years of transport in the shire,” he said.
The exhibition will range from boots and wheels first introduced to the region by Major Mitchell and the diggers seeking their fortune to early bicycles such as a Penny Farthing and unique tandem bikes through to the latest electric bikes.
“We will have displays featuring everything from the early Co & Co Coaches to early bus services such as the Chewton Motor Service, the Bentley’s Parlour Coach – for which you could book tickets at the former Macafees Café – and Bailey’s Motor Service.
“We will have displays about early trucks and industry in the region right through to displays by Castlemaine Rods and Autoplex Castlemaine,” he said.
“Then there are other forms of transport such as the paddlesteamer rides on Port Phillip Bay which the Pioneers and Old Residents used to coordinate for local residents to experience a trip to the seaside from 1885-1942,” Wilson said.
“At the height of these excursions the pioneers hired three seven carriage trains from Castlemaine to Port Melbourne and return and 2000 men, women and children from Castlemaine enjoyed a day out travelling by train to Melbourne, paddlesteamer to Sorrento Pleasure Gardens and then across to Queenscliff, back to Port Melbourne and return,” he said.
Entry to the unique exhibition will be just $5 Adults. Children Under 16 Free. The exhibition will be open each day from 10am-4pm.
Has our community lost its soul?
Vera Hemkes, Harcourt
The floods in Victoria present our community with a stark dilemma.
We in Victoria all bore witness to the recent floods in NSW and hearts poured out for those left homeless and penniless; often in a situation that was really not of their making. Many affected residents were unable to afford flood insurance or not able to obtain flood insurance. Or they simply resided in an area that had not witnessed floods before.
In these changing times of climate extremes, we are faced with the reality that we must work together as a community to confront what lies before us. That is … more extreme weather situations that will leave all of us vulnerable to floods, fires and storm activities.
Had we foreseen that Victoria now lay under the mantle of flood threats, we may well have prepared ourselves in a more resilient manner. We may well have considered decision- making ahead of time. But no-one is to blame for situations that they could never have foreseen.
I live in a small rural town. Recently I became concerned about future housing development proposed for our community and I went to the local Mount Alexander Shire planning officer on a Friday where folk can consult over planning issues. I was seeking to uncover whether there were Flood Overlays in the tiny hamlet of Harcourt where I live. In the time I’d lived in this township I’d witnessed two floods: one in 2011 and one in 2016. I wanted to see where the Flood Overlays were located. Strangely enough, there were no flood overlay zonings in the area. I was astonished, really. How could this be?
Today (October 13, 2022) my township experienced an extreme flood event. The Barkers Creek has nearly reached the tiny bridge in the parkland. The mighty red gums are submerged in two or three metres of water. I expect this is unheard of in the history of the town.
I proceeded to a newly developed housing estate that lay close to the creek. Lovely houses on small blocks where people could still afford to buy a new home. The creek had become a raging river. It was lapping against the houses closest to the creek. All the properties in this small court were at once vulnerable to flooding.
For the local community, it was predictable. But I wondered what the responsibility of council was in protecting people from buying properties here. Seriously. Where were the Flood Overlays?
I wandered down to this small estate to capture some photos of the flooding creek for my local community newsletter. I could see down to the end of the court where a number of people were gathered with sandbags and sand, desperately working to get enough bags in place to protect their homes that were now under threat.
As I was taking photos, a man called out: “Instead of taking photos, come and help us protect our properties.” You know, it’s a call from the heart. I responded, as did a new acquaintance of similar age. We stood in the pounding rain for a long time bagging up sand to protect the homes of people we didn’t know. But hey, this is our community. We laughed and cajoled to keep up our spirits. There’s something very important here that needs to be thought about. As me and my new friend Liz bagged sand for the small community, we were uplifted by the task at hand. This is about community. This is about helping others in crisis.
Although I’m 69 and new acquaintance Liz was 70, we worked very hard to keep pace and fill sand bags to save people’s homes. The residents thanked us prolifically. Indeed, here were two aging women helping in a dire situation.
The residents told us that people had appeared in their court to mock them for buying a property so close to a creek. Another family came down in their car. A man called out and laughed at the residents. In the vehicle with him, he had his wife and children. He didn’t come to help. He just came to laugh.
One has to wonder what has been lost. In this region, we supposedly pride ourselves on being part of a rural community imbued with the spirit of working together as a community.
Trite as that statement may seem, it bears witness to what has been lost. I can say with clear honesty, my heart poured out to the people in this new housing development. They were simply trying to find a place to live within their budget in these strange times.
I hope no-one forgets the importance of being part of a strong community.