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Letter to the Editor: Was Banksy in Castlemaine?

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Catch the final weekend of Signs of the Times this weekend.
Catch the final weekend of Signs of the Times this weekend.


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

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

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

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

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

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

80s legends Huxton Creepers to rock the Royal tonight

By
Lisa Dennis
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The Huxton Creepers will hit the Royal tonight.
The Huxton Creepers will hit the Royal tonight.

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

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

My Castlemaine with Castlemaine CFA 1st Lieutenant Trent Dempster

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

Trent Dempster

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

VIEW Club welcomes new members

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Rhonda Butterworth has enjoyed her involvement in VIEW Club.
Rhonda Butterworth has enjoyed her involvement in VIEW Club.

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

Mail on Main podcast: August 26, 2022

By
Castlemaine Mail
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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.

Front pages from the archives: Flashback to Castlemaine Alternative Expo 2007

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The seventh annual Castlemaine Alternative Expo at the Town Hall was a huge success with more than 1000 visitors touring the 38 stalls across the weekend. There was a really good atmosphere and great networking amongst exhibitors. A rate rise equal to seven per cent was part of the shire’s adopted budget, and Coliban Water had cancelled its public information sessions on its new Water Plan 2008-13 for what it said was a lack of interest.
20 years ago: August 23, 2002. The not too distant future could see Hydrogen powered cars with zero exhaust emission become commonplace on roads according to experts. A meeting between hot rod enthusiast Larry O’Toole, two representatives from Melbourne based Ozfuel, and Greenhouse Alliance (Central Vic) rep Terry White led to an interesting local discussion on the future of the auto fuel industry. The construction of the new $770,000 Windarring facility in Barker Street was also on track.

15 years ago: August 17, 2007. The seventh annual Castlemaine Alternative Expo at the Town Hall was a huge success with more than 1000 visitors touring the 38 stalls across the weekend. There was a really good atmosphere and great networking amongst exhibitors. A rate rise equal to seven per cent was part of the shire’s adopted budget, and Coliban Water had cancelled its public information sessions on its new Water Plan 2008-13 for what it said was a lack of interest.
10 years ago: August 3, 2012. Hundreds of young green thumbs were out in force planting seedlings across Mount Alexander Shire for National Schools Tree Day. Guildford students Ayesha and Ruby are pictured in action. Local builders were growing increasingly anxious over the time it was taking CFA staff to process planning applications for people wanting to build homes in wildfire management zones. A reduction in CFA staff to assess these applications had resulted in delays of 60 days to four months.

National win for Lewis!

By
Lisa Dennis
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Castlemaine tennis star and Tennis Victoria representative Lewis Murray is proudly pictured with his trophy after Sunday's win.
Castlemaine tennis star and Tennis Victoria representative Lewis Murray is proudly pictured with his trophy after Sunday's win.

Castlemaine tennis star and Tennis Victoria representative Lewis Murray is celebrating this week following his win at the third annual National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin on Sunday.
The tournament brought together the largest number of First Nations participants in the history of the event, with 230 players from every state and territory battling it out in two streams – one for general participation and another for competition, in both the 14/U and 18/U age groups.
Off court a variety of culturally immersive experiences took place over the four days, including a community concert featuring Indigenous electronic music duo Electric Fields.
The 12 year old enjoyed an amazing week of culture and tennis representing Team Victoria in the 14Us and playing off against fellow tennis players from across the country.
Lewis was privileged to win the final with his hero Evonne Goolagong-Cawley watching courtside.
Lewis’ proud mum Sarah James said it was a really wonderful moment for him.
“Evonne also presented the trophy to him which was incredibly special,” she said.
Goolagong-Cawley believes the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a fantastic way to bring tennis and Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures together.
“It’s a dream come true to be part of this National Indigenous Tennis Carnival and to see how tennis can have such a positive impact on communities and do so much good,” Goolagong-Cawley said.
It has been a whirlwind year for Lewis whose latest win comes after he won three tournaments on the Tennis Australia junior tour.
The tennis fan also enjoyed the opportunity to be an Australian Open Ball Kid.
He was also the 12s Boys Singles Champion at the Wagga Open, Swan Hill Easter Tournament, and Bendigo Gold Easter Tournament.
More recently he was part of the Bendigo Zone Squad which represented the Loddon Campaspe region in the Pat Cash Cup 12s event in Wodonga.

Under 14s runner-up Lola Grigor and winner Lewis Murray are pictured with tennis great Evonne Goolagong-Cawley after their match.

Further submissions considered on Harcourt planning amendment

By
Lisa Dennis
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The planning panel will meet from the week beginning September 12 to consider the planning scheme amendment for Harcourt.
The planning panel will meet from the week beginning September 12 to consider the planning scheme amendment for Harcourt.

Mount Alexander Shire Council has considered further submissions regarding Harcourt’s Planning Scheme Amendment C94 ahead of the upcoming meeting of the independent planning panel set to commence on September 12.
Amendment C94malx is council’s proposed amendment to implement the recommendations of Plan Harcourt (2020) by incorporating planning policy into the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme, including the Harcourt Framework Plan.
This seeks to provide specific direction for two residential growth areas on the Harcourt Framework Plan (Area A and B); the existing areas of Harcourt by encouraging well designed infill development in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) close to houses; and well designed commercial development within the Commercial Zone with the proposed application of the Design and Development Overlay (DDO).
Council considered submissions to the amendment at its June 21, 2022 meeting but since that time an administrative error was identified by the Strategic Planning unit which resulted in an extended exhibition period and two further submissions being received from the Department of Transport (DoT) and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The DoT submission did not request any changes and commended several aspects of the DDO for its aim to ‘create a safe and active pedestrian environment and public realm through encouraging active transport links within and around the town centre’.
However, the EPA submission raised concerns about ‘potentially contaminated’ land which has been subject to activities in the Farming Zone being potentially rezoned for residential use.
The Strategic Planning unit recommended that no changes by made to the amendment document, and that the further submissions be referred directly to the planning panel.
Council agreed and opted to refer the further two submissions and any more late submissions which may be received directly on to the planning panel for consideration.
Cr Tony Cordy noted there had been an extensive community consultation process regarding the planning scheme amendment and thanked all the Harcourt residents who had taken the time to contribute.
“I am sure the planning panel will take on board all the suggestions made by the community,” he said.
“We also appreciate all the work of our planning staff, in particular Coordinator of Strategic Planning Lauren Watt who has headed this up,” he said.
Once it has considered the amendment and submissions the planning panel will prepare a report recommending how council proceed. Council will consider the recommendations, make changes and approve or reject the amendment. If council adopts the finalised amendment it will then proceed to the Planning Minister for approval.

Award honour for Samuel

By
Lisa Dennis
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Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie presents the award to Castlemaine's Samuel Walter.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie presents the award to Castlemaine's Samuel Walter.

Former Castlemaine lad and digital guru Samuel Walter was recently awarded the ‘Young Businessperson of the Year’ award at the Auscham Business Awards in Vietnam.
The awards held in Ho Chi Minh City by the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Auscham) celebrate the strength and resilience of Australian businesses operating in Vietnam.
This year’s awards sought to recognise exceptional businesses and individuals who demonstrate the highest levels of best business practice, responses to Covid-19, care of their working teams and a demonstrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) platform.
Local IT expert Samuel Walter moved to Vietnam in April last year, where he started a digital marketing agency called Artemis Digital, which also trades as ‘Heads On Pillows’ for their tourism clients.
Artemis Digital is made up of some passionate and talented individuals with a shared love of helping their clients grow their business and achieve their goals. Each digital strategy they implement is built on commercial research and linked to their client objectives.
Heads On Pillows specifically builds the online presence of travel and accommodation businesses through tailored tourism digital marketing campaigns.
Samuel says they are a fully owned by the Australian company he set up not long before moving overseas, and most of their clients are in Australia, but their client base is also growing in Vietnam.
Samuel said he was honoured to receive the ‘Young Businessperson of the Year’ award.
“It was great recognition for all we have achieved to date. We were also a finalist for Small Business of the Year,” he said.
“Our team is growing and we have eight employees here in Vietnam and have been able to work with some really interesting Australian and Vietnamese brands and help them to achieve their goals,” he said.
Despite his fast paced life and success in Vietnam Samuel says he still enjoys coming home.
“I grew up in Castlemaine and it’s still my favourite place. I love going home and I think I’ll end up back there one day,” he said.

Samuel is pictured speaking on a panel about equality in businesses alongside the CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam and the President of P&G Vietnam at the event.

Helping main streets survive the focus of local conference

By
Angela Crawford
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Business operators from across the region converged on Castlemaine on August 4 for Mainstreet Australia's one-day conference.
Business operators from across the region converged on Castlemaine on August 4 for Mainstreet Australia's one-day conference.

The survival of small businesses in regional main street precincts was the focus of a conference hosted by Mainstreet Australia in Castlemaine earlier this month.
With the support of Mount Alexander Shire Council and Business Mount Alexander, conference participants got to exchange experiences and hear from keynote speakers at the event.
Mainstreet Australia executive officer Elizabeth Joldeski said organisers were thrilled with the turnout.
“We did a metro conference and then a regional conference and we were thrilled with both,” Ms Joldeski said.
“We had a great turnout of about 70 attendees to Castlemaine and it was fantastic.
“We know that a lot of regional businesses have a lot of stresses and pressures, fighting the current covid wave and dealing with cost of living pressures as well.
“There’s real burnout and real stress but the conference was great because everyone was able to connect over these issues and come together to recognise that.
“So we talked about ways we could work together to grow our businesses.”
Ms Joldeski said Jace Tyrrell, CEO of New West End Company based in London, zoomed in and talked about a new type of structure called Business Improvement Districts.
“There are about 2000 of them around the world, in America, the UK and Canada,” she said.
“The model is that you get the backing of the landlords, in conjunction with the traders and the council and government, to combine funds and establish a coordinating entity to look at the needs of that district, be it infrastructure or marketing etc.
“Jace gave such great insight around how that model works, and it’s scalable down for regional towns too, so the audience was thrilled to hear about this model.
“It’s something we’re advocating for more widespread introduction around Australia.”
Ms Joldeski said another keynote speaker was Amanda Stevens, a consumer futurist, who talked about what consumers wanted in order to shop more locally, ethically and smartly.
“She said the ideal customer everyone should be targeting was about the age of 42 and she gave some compelling examples of successful customer service around the world.
“We had some panels in the afternoon looking at sustainability, including some local initiatives, and we talked about the ‘customer experience economy’ as well and what it means to really invite people into your store.”
Ms Joldeski said conference organisers had received strong follow-up from participants that had shown there was demand for more support for traders.
“We want to do more in the regions and we’re looking forward to rolling out some more tailored capacity building for traders in the future,” she said.
Business Mount Alexander treasurer, Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns, said BMA loved hearing from business communities from across the state about how they were responding to the challenges of attracting and retaining customers.
“It’s incredibly reassuring to know that you are not the only ones going through these challenges. And hearing from the regional communities was very encouraging as we share so many similarities,” Ms Brodie-Hanns said.

Local not-for-profit CEO selected for leadership opportunity

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Castlemaine for-profit CEO Fiona Davis of Farmers for Climate Action.
Castlemaine for-profit CEO Fiona Davis of Farmers for Climate Action.

Castlemaine for-profit CEO Fiona Davis of Farmers for Climate Action is among twenty-four not-for-profit leaders which have been selected to be part of the second cohort of the Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) Program – a five-year $9.6 million capacity building and leadership program funded by four of Australia’s major philanthropic foundations.
Built from a collective desire to support NFP leaders to positively influence their organisations and create a strategic network of more than 100 social impact leaders across the country, The Myer Foundation, Sidney Myer Fund, Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and Paul Ramsay Foundation came together in 2020 to fund the SILA Program, which is being delivered by the Centre for Social Impact (CSI).
Cohort Two participants – made up of CEOs from Victoria and Tasmania within the climate, arts, agriculture, health, and community services sectors – will experience a series of immersive learning experiences, one-on-one coaching, dedicated capacity-building support, and a fully funded three-month sabbatical over the 10-month program.
As Farmers for Climate Action’s Deputy Director between 2018 and 2021, local Fiona Davis was responsible for assisting the then CEO to meet the objectives in Farmers for Climate Action’s strategic plan and operational plan. In particular, Fiona took the lead on the organisation’s internal and external communications, operations, and people and culture.
Today as CEO of Farmers for Climate Action Fiona is excited to lead 6000-strong farmer-led movement into its next exciting phase.
Fiona told the Mail she was delighted to be selected in the SILA program.
“This is an incredibly rare opportunity to have the space and opportunity to step back and learn and reflect on how both Farmers for Climate Action and I can best evolve and grow,” the CEO said.
“I have no doubt that I will emerge from this program as a stronger and more effective leader. This combined with the training for my step-up leader and the wrap-around business support is going to put Farmers for Climate Action in the very best position possible to thrive into the future,” Fiona said.
CSI CEO Armine Nalbandian said the SILA Program aims to strengthen the entire for-purpose sector through its innovative and immersive approach – an Australian-first and fully funded offering.
“SILA is a ground-breaking way for us to bring leaders together to learn from each other, while also strengthening their personal and organisational capabilities and giving them an opportunity to refresh and re-energise their organisation’s strategic direction,” she said.
“This new cohort of SILA leaders are already driving positive social change for their communities, and SILA will take them to the next level as part of a network of 100 CEOs across Australia.”

Calling citizen scientists to help gauge local platypus populations

By
Angela Crawford
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The community is asked to look out for the elusive platypus.
The community is asked to look out for the elusive platypus.

The Australian Conservation Foundation is asking people to become ‘citizen scientists’ this September and head to their local creeks and rivers to see if they can spot a platypus.
ACF nature campaigner Jess Abrahams said it was known that the platypus had a wide distribution across the east coast – from northern Queensland to southern Tasmania – but there wasn’t a lot of data about which specific waterways platypuses lived in, or where populations might be in decline, or even if there had been local extinctions.
“Filling these knowledge gaps is a big job, so researchers are asking for the community’s help,” Mr Abrahams said.
“We’ve put together a map that shows the species’ range and where platypuses have been sighted in the past.
“The map includes several documented platypus sightings in creeks and rivers around Castlemaine – specifically in Campbells Creek south of Castlemaine town and in the Coliban River at Taradale and Malmsbury.
“It would be good to know if there are still platypuses living there.”
ACF is asking people to use the map to identify priority areas near them – then head out to see if they can spot a platypus and log their sightings with the Platy-project.
To register and find out more, head to www.acf.org.au/platy-project

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