Award winning author Pip Harry visited Castlemaine on Monday to officially launch her new book August & Jones which was inspired by the beautiful bond between Castlemaine friends Jarrah Podesta and Mathilde Cross.
When Jarrah lost his vision, Mathilde became his eyes supporting him on his journey.
Author Pip Harry told the Mail she was living and working in Singapore as an ex-pat in 2019 when she came across a story about 11-year-olds Mathilde Cross and Jarrah Podesta in the Sydney Morning Herald ‘Two of Us’ column.
Jarrah had lost his sight to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, and Mathilde was his best friend and guide.
“I was struck by their beautiful, supportive friendship, resilience and courage,” Pip said.
“A spark of inspiration came to me and I mused that a middle-grade novel that could portray a bond like these two remarkable kids shared would be very special. A year or so later, I had a book due and I had a go at telling that story and August & Jones came to life,” she said.
Pip sent an early copy of the book to Jarrah and Mathilde seeking their input into the story.
“I was expecting them to send me lots of notes and changes, but they loved it. They only wanted to make two changes!” she said.
The book tells the story of eleven-year-old Jones Kirby who has just moved to Sydney from her farm in country New South Wales. She can’t get used to her family’s tiny city apartment. She’s also worried that her vision is blurry – she lost her eye to cancer as a toddler. Could it be another tumour?
Enrolling at her new school, Jones meets shy, awkward August Genting. He loves fun facts, the library and knitting as much as Jones loves rock climbing and being outdoors. Who would have thought they’d become fast friends?
At home, August’s parents are fighting. And for Jones, the news from the doctor is not good.
To cheer themselves up, the pair hatch a brilliant plan: the August and Jones Must-See Bucket List.
Pip travelled to Castlemaine Monday to celebrate the official launch of August & Jones “into the world” with the real life friends who were the spark of inspiration behind it.
Jarrah, Mathilde and their families were proud to be in attendance, alongside 60 students from the Campbells Creek, Harcourt and Elphinstone Primary Schools.
Pip said it was an incredible day.
“It’s our book now. I feel like we have come full circle and out the other side. I have never had a book launch like this and I don’t think I ever will again. It’s been really special,” she said.
“It was wonderful to finally have the chance to meet Mathilde and fellow author Jarrah in person!” Pip said.
“We discovered Jarrah and I even share the same birthdate! I have goosebumps!” the author laughed.
Jarrah confirmed he enjoys writing fantasy fiction.
The teens said they were surprised but delighted when they got the news that their friendship had sparked the idea for Pip’s book.
“I was in the car on the way home from school. I couldn’t believe it!” Jarrah said.
Jarrah 14 and Mathilde 15 formed a friendship in Grade 2 at Campbells Creek Primary School with both sharing a love of books and reading.
The pair are now in Year 8 at Castlemaine Secondary College and remain firm friends.
“We are in different classes this year but we still meet up and recess and lunch and have maintained close friendships with many of our friends at Campbells Creek Primary,” Mathilde said.
Author inspired by Jarrah and Mathilde’s friendship
OPINION: Finally, an Arts Minister who cares about the arts
Lisa Chesters MP, Member for Bendigo
The new Labor Government has launched its National Cultural Policy consultation, led by Federal Arts Minister, Tony Burke.
Local artists and organisations have given so much to our community over the last two years. That’s why I am writing to seek their feedback and vision for our new cultural policy – https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/renewed-national-cultural-policy
I’m so pleased that we finally have an Arts Minister who cares about the arts.
The days of Australian governments taking Australian stories for granted are over.
Visit https://www.arts.gov.au/departmental-news/new-national-cultural-policy for more information.
The sound connection: Local audio artist to talk at Bendigo’s Conflux festival
Kyla Brettle has spent 20 years creating detailed soundworks exploring the language of audio-based media.
As the urgency of the climate crisis escalates, the internationally acclaimed audio documentary maker asks, how can soundwork support political action and place-based engagement?
Brettle is among artists scheduled to present as part of the Conflux festival of creative ideas being presented by Emporium Creative Hub in Bendigo next month.
“I’m giving a talk called ‘Sounding out the Climate Emergency’ and I’ve also worked on a video installation that’s part of an art exhibition happening at the event around climate resilience,” the Barkers Creek resident told the Mail.
Drawing on a range of creative audio examples, her own work and that by others, Brettle discusses the potential for creative non-fiction soundwork to contribute to sociocultural and personal change.
The artist has been working on a project with climate advocate and screen composer Rob Law, titled Endgame, which has just been announced as a finalist in the Jackson Wild Media Awards.
“I’ll play some immersive audio excerpts at Conflux and explore questions about our role as media makers in this time of unstoppable loss, how we grapple with, talk about and invite audiences into this mess,” Brettle said.
“There’s lots of amazing audio work being produced locally – from audio art to podcasts to geo-locative sound stuff – work that’s using sound to connect us more deeply with place, community and ourselves – stories that challenge our patterns of thinking and how we imagine the future.
“It’s actually a really exciting and vibrant space to be working with – despite – or perhaps in spite of the climate situation being so grim.”
Brettle is among a host of local artists taking part in Conflux in Bendigo in September. Early bird tickets are available now at emporiumcreativehub.com.au/conflux
Readers can also explore Brettle’s work on Endgame at: endgamepodcast.net
Community turns out in force for Homelessness Week vigil
Community members attended a vigil last Thursday as part of Homelessness Week to honour community members who are homeless and further galvanise the community on action happening locally to address the housing crisis.
The vigil was coordinated by My Home Network (MHN) and Castlemaine Housing Service.
Approximately 40 people gathered at the Castlemaine Market Building and reflected on the 17 lit candles that represented our community members sleeping rough on any given night. They also reflected on the 50 plus community members who are couch surfing or staying with friends or family because they have no affordable secure housing, as well as the 200 plus families in housing crisis seeking assistance from the Castlemaine Housing Service.
Vigil attendees had their photos taken holding signs with messages addressing homelessness, which were published on social media.
Pauline Bolch of Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation (NEAC) started the vigil with an Acknowledgment of Country in which she acknowledged the passing of Uncle Archie Roach and his significant contribution to restoration and reconciliation in Australia.
She also acknowledged that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples home is also connection to Country, Community and Culture and for so many of them, including Uncle Archie, that was and continues to be taken away from them.
Dhelkaya Health’s Acting Manager of Housing and Family Services Purdy Buckle spoke about homelessness and the housing crisis in our shire and their housing services.
“Homelessness and the risk of homelessness can profoundly affect a person’s mental and physical health, education, employment opportunities, connection to community and their ability to fully participate in society,” Ms Buckle said.
My Home Network coordinator Kaz Neilson, spoke of MHN’s short and medium term action already happening to address homelessness and the housing crisis locally including advocacy to Federal and State governments to increase crisis and transition housing and social housing, the increase in Home Share, engaging with shop top and vacant dwellings landlords to explore releasing vacant properties as affordable rentals, and engaging with local accommodation providers to release accommodation as crisis and transition housing.
Ms Buckle was moved by the response to the vigil.
“It was great to see so many community members supporting the vigil and joining local action to address the housing crisis,” she said.
My Home Network (MHN) is a collaboration of community and government organisations, community members and lived experience of homelessness formed in response to increasing concerns about the lack of affordable, safe, secure, sustainable and appropriate housing in Mount Alexander Shire. It is coordinated by Central Victorian Prevention and Population Health of Bendigo Health.
Homelessness Week (August 1-7) is an annual national event coordinated by Homelessness Australia to raise awareness of homelessness and its impacts, as well as the broader and deeper systemic changes needed to address it.
For more information on the MHN contact Kaz at CarolynNeilson@bendigohealth.org.au
Maldon Market returns home to Maldon Neighbourhood Centre
Maldon Market has come full circle – back to the site where it began at the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre.
Relocating back from its temporary location at the Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve, this Sunday it will be found at its new location with all your favourite stalls plus new ones.
They will be gathered around the MNC Hall and along both sides of Edwards Street. With access to the centre’s facilities, you’ll find a lovely atmosphere with a children’s playground on site, and doggies on leads warmly welcomed.
There’ll be plenty of stalls to browse through. Lots of possibilities for pantry staples: sourdough bread, cheese, wine, spices, honey, nuts, chocolate, olive oil, pickles and spreads and seasonal fruit and veggies. On top of that, the market will boast some wonderful plants, cleaning goods, and health and wellbeing products. The arts and crafts as always will be of exceptional uniqueness and quality and, of course, everything you’ll find is locally ‘hand made and home grown’.
There will be plenty of places to enjoy a hot drink or lunch from delicious food makers while listening to local muso James Rigby and browsing the fantastic produce and products on offer. Lots of reasons to linger this Sunday, August 14, from 9am-1.30pm.
Numbers on the rise at Castlemaine Parkrun
‘Normal Transmission’ appears to have returned to Castlemaine Parkrun – at least based on last Saturday’s event.
Adronis Ndihokubwayo attended, he’s been missing these past few weeks, and as usual blitzed the field at 18:58. He was followed across by a group of three terrific runners who always do well: George Targett on 20:49, Glen Taylor on 20:54 and the redoubtable David Reidie on 20:02.
Claire Brien was the first female to finish the 5km course around the gardens on what was a nice morning to head off early for a jaunt, Claire ran 22:15 and was followed by Emily Gaughwin and Caroline Grainger on 24:12 and 25:32 respectively.
‘Well Done’ to all of our first finishers, and indeed to everyone who turned up for their weekly parkrun/parkstroll. Numbers were well up on the last few weeks and we had 60 people complete the course at everything from Adronis’ blistering pace to the more leisurely 58:30 of Ronder Clayton, our Tailwalker and another of our ‘redoubtables’.
Ronder has more than 170 events under her belt and has volunteered in one form or another over 60 times. Remarkable!
Our other volunteers for the day were Michael Constable, Bessie Faircloth, Colin Moore, Glynn Maree Riseley, Karina Taylor, and Chris Timewell – something of an ‘all star cast’ of accomplished runners and dedicated parkrun event organisers. Our thanks are extended to all of them for their great work in making Castlemaine Parkrun the fun time it is and generating that spirit of inclusiveness that seems so characteristic of our run in particular.
Parkrun of course is managed entirely by volunteers and we’re lucky to have a cadre of regulars with great oversight of the event, but typically a steady stream of other people willing to forego their regular run by putting their hand up to assist.
The other notable characteristic of parkrun is that it is enjoyable – whether you’re a good runner or an average stroller we can guarantee you’ll have a nice time. So, if you have been thinking of giving parkrun a go, then please join us at the Botanical Gardens a bit before the 8am briefing – just make sure you register online before and you’ll be good to go.
It’s completely free, you don’t need expensive, or fashionable, gear and it’s all very friendly and suitably low-key.
Hopefully we’ll see you soon and when the Run Director calls out “Any first timers today?” you’ll get the chance to put your hand up and be welcomed to the mob. Happy parkrunning!
Good marksmanship on show at Castlemaine Rifle Club
Round Two of the Castlemaine Rifle Club’s Championship was contested on the local range on Saturday.
A good number of shooters turned out for the event which was held in pleasant winter conditions, with the forecasted rain showers holding off leading to some very good scores. The event was shot over the middle distances of 500 and 600 yards.
At the first range in Target Rifle Max Elson started well with 49.4 to lead Chris Jolme with 47.3.
In ‘F Class’ Darren Trevena was the leader scoring 58.5 followed by Sam Swagemakers with 57.2.
In ‘F Open’ the leader was Dan McColl with 57.3 followed by Jamie Griffin with 54.3.
The good marksmanship continued at the 600 yard range. In Target Rifle Max Elson shot superbly scoring a ‘possible’ being 55.3 – the only one for the day. Followed by Richard Ruddick with 53.0.
Greg Brown was the leader in F Class with 62.4 followed by Darren Trevena with 61.2.
In F Open the best score was 61.3 from Phil Smith with Jamie Griffin next with 59.1.
Final results saw Max Elson win Target Rifle with 104.7 and Richard Ruddick second with 100.3. The handicap was won by Richard Ruddick from Chris Jolme.
The winner in F Class was Darren Trevena with 119.7 from Greg Brown with 118.6. Sam Swagemakers won the handicap from Greg Brown.
Phil Smith won F Open with 115.4 by countback from Dan McColl also with 115.4. Dan won the handicap from Jamie Griffin.
This weekend is the third round of the Victorian Precision Service Rifle Championships commencing with a practice on Saturday.
For more on the sport of big bore rifle shooting call the Captain on 5474 2552 or see Max at Castlemaine Fresh.
A breath of fresh air: Sally Seltmann to play the Bridge Hotel
One of Australia’s favourite singer songwriters, Sally Seltmann, has just released Night Bird, the second single from her highly anticipated fifth album Early Moon, which has just been released.
For this gentle, almost lullabye-esque tune, Seltmann draws inspiration from her time in Los Angeles in an intimate setting within the city.
“When I was living in Silver Lake a few years ago – in a small house on a hill – there was a loud, chirping bird in the garden. It would only start up when it was dark, and it would keep me awake all night!” Seltmann said.
“I called it the Night Bird, and I wrote this song in its honour. Just imagine how free the bird must feel under moonlight and stars – I would think this to myself while staring at the dark ceiling with all my worries tangled up inside my mind.
“And that was what became one of the main sentiments of the song. Our shared desire to be free. Free like the wind in the trees.”
Recording the album in her home studio during the Covid lockdowns, Seltmann says of Early Moon, “I wanted to make an upbeat album about honouring your emotions – from contentment to regret – about being in pursuit of a peaceful mind, paying tribute to young love and following your heart”.
The album itself is a breath of fresh air. Clever lyrics, confessional storytelling and uplifting sentiments. Early Moon is a response to our complex minds and the relationships we build or break. Layered guitars, energetic drumbeats, piano, rich harmonies and synths create a lush landscape that Seltmann’s ethereal vocals rule over.
Night Bird is out now on all streaming platforms. As part of Seltmann’s album launch, she will be touring the east coast and performing at the Bridge Hotel Castlemaine on Thursday August 18.
Local community groups get a welcome boost from ASQ
ASQ Garden & Landscape have generously donated funds from their Community Rewards Program to a number of local community groups and organisations.
ASQ proudly presented Castlemaine CFA with a cheque for $6,340 on Monday.
Castlemaine CFA Captain Terry Franklin said the brigade was extremely grateful for the donation.
“The funds will be used towards upgrading our electronic community information sign that was damaged in a storm earlier this year.
“It is amazing how many people have stopped in and asked us when it will be fixed! They rely on the time and the fire safety advice it provides and it is updated daily during the fire season,” he said.
ASQ also presented Castlemaine Health with $5,360 and Maldon Neighbourhood House with $1,190.
Castlemaine Health Executive Director Finance, Performance & Infrastructure Jason Stevens said that there are plenty of projects for the funds to go towards, however they aim to utilise the donation on some landscaping that needs to be done in their residential aged care.
ASQ Garden & Landscape Castlemaine & Maryborough Site Manager Matthew Sinclair said their Community Rewards Program is designed to support a range of community groups within the region.
“Each time a VIP member shops at an ASQ Garden & Landscape site, not only do they receive a 5% discount but one per cent of their purchase is donated to their organisation of choice,” he said.
“ASQ Garden & Landscape is heavily involved in the local community. From employing local residents, sponsoring local groups and organisations, offering apprenticeships and work placement positions, collaborating with local businesses and donating a percentage of sales through our VIP Community Rewards Program,” Mr Sinclair said.
The full list of recipients can be found at www.asq.net.au/garden/vip-program/
Castlemaine North students visit the historic Old Telegraph Station
Castlemaine North Primary School Grade 2/3 students and staff enjoyed a visit to the Old Telegraph Station on Monday to enjoy a talk with members of the Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents’ Association secretary Wilson Bunton and president Russell Sheehan.
The students are currently studying communication and learnt all about early communication in Castlemaine including morse code and telegrams, telephones and early switchboards.
Mail on Main podcast: August 5, 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.
Quick thinking and a fridge magnet helps Noel survive stroke
Castlemaine’s Noel Thomas has the quick thinking and brisk actions of others to thank for the fact that he’s back at home and getting on with life after suffering a stroke in recent weeks.
Noel says that while he thought he may have been having a stroke, he wasn’t able to do anything about it himself, when the medical emergency struck while he was at home on the afternoon of June 10.
Luckily his quick-thinking wife, Claire, recognised the signs from a tiny fridge magnet they had displayed in the house.
The magnet advised: “facial weakness-drooping; arm-weakness-inability to lift; speech problems-slurred; time to call 000”
Claire sprung into action and called for an ambulance and from there, paramedics took Noel to hospital.
His clot was able to be retrieved in under five hours from the onset of symptoms meaning Noel is now recovering and back enjoying life at home in Castlemaine.
“Claire was right on the ball,” he says.
“She sat me down on the couch and she rang the ambulance and I was very, very lucky because the ambulance got here very very quickly. They went right into action,” he says.
Castlemaine ambulance officers Chris Dunnwill and Joel Hards said Mr Thomas was very fortunate.
“We were extremely concerned about Noel being a country patient,” Chris said.
“We took him to Bendigo for initial treatment and then it was decided he needed to be rushed to Melbourne for clot retrieval.
“The interventional radiologist invited us in to view the procedure which we had never seen before. Noel was placed under anaesthetic and scanned by the radiology team before they quickly worked to remove the clot.
“It was only the size of a pinhead but you could immediately see the improvement in Noel’s brain scans and the radiologist told us they expected Noel to make a full recovery,” Joel said.
Noel says he has very little recollection of what happened after the ambos reached him, but he knows he was rushed to Bendigo and then quickly transferred on to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where, again, he says he was very lucky to quickly receive the vital attention he needed.
“The best surgeon in the world cut me up,” he laughs.
Now Noel says he’s not quite back to 100 per cent but he is thanking his lucky stars, his wife and all the medics who worked so quickly to help him as it’s quick actions that make all the difference to surviving stroke and outcomes for stroke survivors, Ambulance Victoria says.
“I’d say I’m 30 per cent off (being 100 per cent) back to full-function,” Noel says.
Not yet quite able to return to driving a car, riding his bike or swimming, Noel is focused on improving day-by-day and is working through his rehab exercise program which includes enjoying regular strolls around the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.
The Castlemaine local has been prompted to share his story ahead of National Stroke Week, August 8-14, in the hope that it may make the vital difference for someone else as well.
The main message from Ambulance Victoria is the critical importance of early intervention and quick action for someone suffering a stroke.
“I’m telling you. I’m very lucky,” Noel says.
“You need to get help early.”