The theft of an entire exhaust system from a ute belonging to the Castlemaine Salvation Army has cost the local charity thousands of dollars and impacted on its ability to do its community work.
Thrift shop manager Peter Bottomley says the theft of the $4000 exhaust system happened overnight, Saturday July 16 when the Toyota Hilux utility was parked at the rear of the thrift shop premises on Castlemaine’s Forest Street.
“It was discovered when we turned on the ute the following Tuesday,” the unimpressed thrift shop manager says.
“There was a loud bang and the noise was unbelievable… like a Mack truck or a hole in the muffler.
“But we only found out the full extent of the damage after we took it to the garage and they rang to say the entire exhaust system was gone.”
A shortage of parts at the moment means the exhaust may now not be able to be replaced for some time, impacting on the ability of the local charity to carry out a wide range of charitable community work for which the ute was regularly used, including helping needy people shift into emergency accommodation.
“It’s now being assessed by an insurer to see if the loss can be carried by the insurance company but if it can’t then that’s $4000 we’re going to have to find that could otherwise be directed to our programs in the community,” Mr Bottomley says.
Fortunately CCTV footage was captured and Mr Bottomley says it shows the brazen theft taking place with what appears to be a male culprit detectable using tools to remove the exhaust, while another image shows him endeavouring to climb the fence around the rear yard where the ute was parked at the time.
“He was here for probably an hour and twenty minutes moving in and out from under the ute and getting various tools,” Mr Bottomley says.
“He came equipped. It was a well-planned operation.
“This is another knife in the wound for op shops,” the Salvos thrift shop manager said, naming a wide range of petty thieving with which the charity store regularly contends.
“It’s very frustrating because it’s a loss of income for programs that the Salvation Army runs to support our community.”
The actions in stealing from the charity also flew in the face of the many hours of work poured into the charity by local volunteers.
The incident has been reported to police and Castlemaine’s Leading Senior Constable Charlie Heatherly says theft from vehicles continues to be an ongoing issue.
“It’s a whole exhaust system that’s been taken from a Toyota HiLux ute which is something I haven’t seen before,” LSC Heatherly said.
“If somebody’s been offered a whole exhaust system recently, or has suddenly noticed someone with a new exhaust system that’s a bit suspicious contact Castlemaine Police or Crime Stoppers.
“We are looking through the CCTV footage and it’s an ongoing investigation.”
Exhausting: the selfish theft of a ute exhaust from the Salvos impacts the wider community
Laundrette to partner with Orange Sky to offer free service
Local laundrette Sac O Suds is partnering with for purpose organisation Orange Sky Australia to provide a free laundry service in Castlemaine kicking off next Thursday August 11.
Sac O Suds proprietor Laura Keogh said they are thrilled be able to partner with the Orange Sky to provide the new service to support those in the community doing it tough.
Many Castlemaine residents will be familiar with Orange Sky Australia which began as the world’s first free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness – an idea founded in a Brisbane garage by two 20-year-old mates, Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett.
In late 2014, the boys installed a couple of washing machines and dryers in the back of their old van and visited parks around Brisbane to wash and dry clothes for free. What started as an idea to improve hygiene standards and restore dignity to people doing it tough has evolved into something much bigger and more powerful.
Since winning the Young Australian of the Year award in 2017 the pair and their dedicated team now have vans on the road across the country, including in remote communities, and are now branching out to look at offering the service through existing laundrettes to widen their reach and impact.
The new service at Sac O Suds Laundrette in Barker Street, Castlemaine will provide a free washing and drying service between 1pm and 3pm Thursdays and the opportunity for friends having a hard time to enjoy some positive connection and conversation with volunteers in our community.
“If you are doing it tough, or are just looking for some connection, then bring along your washing, or just yourself to one of our shifts,” Laura said.
“I’ve put up my hand up to help and Orange Sky have already had another couple of local volunteers sign on to assist which is fantastic!” Laura said.
“Volunteering with Orange Sky is super easy! You don’t need to be a pro at washing clothes, you just need to love a good yarn, be positive and non-judgement, and a great team player. I am happy to show our volunteers the ropes,” she said.
Volunteers commit to a regular shot, once a week or fortnight for two to three hours. Flexible volunteering options are available. To find out more visit www.orangesky.org.au or sign up to volunteer at osa.volaby.org/apply
My Castlemaine with mover and shaker, businesswoman Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns
G’day Jacqueline. As co-owner of a very well known local craft beer brewery, many would say you have the dream occupation. How did this line of business come about for you?
Well… there was no local brewery and so when our good friend Michael Wolfe proposed to establish what was known then as the Castlemaine Brewing Company and he needed people who had some hospitality experience to come on board, we did that because we believed it was a gap in the local offering for the region.
How long ago was it that Michael Wolfe made that proposal?
He established the brewery in 2015 and opened The Taproom (venue) in 2016 and of course a hospitality offering is very different to a manufacturing offering and that’s where he needed help and he realised that running a hospitality offering such as the Taproom was not his strength.
So, for those who may not already know, what’s your role here at Shedshaker brewery now?
Michael was the founder and then Doug (Falconer) and I acquired the whole business in 2016, when The Taproom opened.
OK. And you haven’t looked back! But what was your own working background?
It’s been very diverse. I have marketing, events, hospitality, retail, legal. I’ve worked as a judge’s associate and a legal assistant.
That would be handy.
Yes. It is… and corporate, and I’ve worked in publishing and community development so I’ve had a very diverse background.
And what do you say when you get punters out there who say ‘oh you’re so lucky to own a craft beer brewery – that’s my dream job!’
My response is … keep dreaming! It’s very complex work. You’re a manufacturer, a hospitality venue, a supplier and we’re also salespeople who have to deliver our products as well. We’ve got logistical demands…There’s some real challenges. It’s not a dream job…
So how long have you lived in Castlemaine?
Twenty years.
Where are you from originally?
Western District. Camperdown . I grew up on a dairy farm.
Oh. A lovely area. Another thing you’re well known for now here in Castlemaine is your involvement with the Business Mount Alexander group. What’s your role there?
Yes. I am the treasurer. During COVID I came across some grants and funding to support traders’ associations, and secured some funds for Business Mount Alexander. And in return for my gesture they appointed me treasurer.
As they do! OK. Any other particular community involvements?
I am currently the chair of the Castlemaine Fringe Festival, and that’s a very exciting role because the Fringe is going through extraordinary times at the moment. It’s their 30th anniversary this year… Also, Doug and I are heading up an affordable housing initiative which is the Mount Alexander Community Land Limited. In these times of great stress around housing affordability we’re really keen to get people to get on board and support MACLL.
Fair enough. Is there anything that people may not realise about you Jacqueline?
Um, I was the Bunny Girl for the South Sydney Rabbitohs at a time when they had been kicked out of the competition and I helped fund-raise and sell merchandise to secure their position back in the NRL and I worked alongside Russell Crowe in that capacity.
Wow. That’s pretty exciting.
Yeh. I hate Rugby League.
OK then… onto a few of our other fun questions. What are you reading at the moment Jacqueline?The Labyrinth by Amanda Lohrey.What’s your musical genre or artists of preference?
I’m a huge fan of Bjork and the Sugarcubes.
OK. Three dream dinner guests?
Oh gosh… My mother, my son and my boyfriend (Doug).
Lovely. Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Ah… There’s plenty of time to rest when you’re dead. And I’m a big believer in karma. You know, what goes around comes around and if you give you get back…
Pet peeves?
Close-minded people.
What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
At the moment it’s watching the wattle come into bloom. But I love the combination of the beautiful natural landscape and the extraordinary historic architecture. I love seeing our younger people come through and make their mark in the community. And I also really value the older folk. Those contrasts are really beautiful in this community.
Goldfields Quilters celebrate success in Victorian Quilters Showcase
Goldfields Quilters members are celebrating this week after three of their quilts took out awards at the prestigious Victorian Quilters Inc Quilt Showcase at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Elli Henry picked up a blue ribbon for her magnificent offering, the club’s group quilt entry also took out a blue ribbon and Pattie Ritchie’s gorgeous quilt claimed a second place ribbon.
The news comes as the Goldfields Quilters prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary with a special exhibition at the Castlemaine Town Hall on September 17 and 18.
Goldfields Quilters member Pattie Ritchie said they are really looking forward to the 2022 event after being forced to move the event online over the past couple of years.
“It will be fantastic to gather in person and share the work we have been busy creating over the past couple of years,” she said.
The exhibition will include trader displays, a Members Challenge, trading table and more. Be sure to pop the dates in your diary!
At the event the award winning group quilt which picked up a first place ribbon at the Victorian Quilters Showcase will be raffled off.
The beautiful applique work for the quilt was carried out by foundation member Lynn Jenkins and the quilt was completed by group members. You can get tickets for the 2022 Goldfields Quilters raffle from members which will be stationed at Maxi IGA Thursdays and Saturdays from August 15 or on the weekend of the event.
The Goldfields Quilters gather fortnightly at the Castlemaine Golf Club to enjoy quilting, conversation and share tips. To find out more about the local group call Pattie on 0439 490 416.
Youth Take Over interns launch new ‘Ambient Street Wear’
Local ‘Youth Take Over’ interns that have been working with Castlemaine’s Oni Street Wear on a unique project designing their own street wear are set to launch their designs tomorrow Saturday, August 6.
Interested community members are invited to get along and check out the designs created by our local youth at the ‘Ambient Street Wear Launch Party’ at Oni Street Wear at 71 Forest Street Castlemaine from 3pm-5pm.
The participants which range in age from 14-25 have been working with Josh and Jasper from Oni Street Wear to learn how to design and create their own street wear.
Oni Street Wear’s Josh Salmon said the not-for-profit program has been an incredible success and the local team can’t wait to unveil their designs.
“Most of the participants have created two designs, one will be available in store and the second will be available online,” he said.
“Young people deserve a chance to upskill, fill the gaps in their resumes from the past few years, and have fun doing it,” he said.
“These programs are a new way of doing work experience, where you get to see a project through from start to finish. It’s important we celebrate their hard work and encourage them to continue showing initiative and putting their hand up for opportunities in the future,” Josh said.
The Youth Take Over team have worked together to design the artwork, exhibition and launch event so be sure to get along and show your support tomorrow!
Let’s take a look back at… Newham’s Newsagency
Then:
Newham’s Newsagency (image courtesy of G. and L. Barry) was once located at 207 Barker Street Castlemaine next to the George Clark building. This photograph was taken in 1923 with W. F. (Bill) Newham standing at the front of the shop with a customer, Essie McLean, later Mrs. Barry. The shop typically sold all manner of publications as can be seen on the overhead facade as well as a myriad of goods that are displayed in the front window. At this time in history this part of town was in the centre of commercial activity and a newsagency occupied the site for over 70 years. After Bill Newham retired, new proprietors continued to conduct the newsagency business until in recent times the O’Brien family moved the newsagency to Mostyn Street which is now a busier part of town.
Now:
After the newsagency business vacated the shop area, other businesses moved in and for a lengthy period of time Leech’s Jewellery Shop occupied the site before the business also moved to Mostyn Street. This modern day photograph reveals that the shop has had a fresh coat of paint and the present occupant of the site is Beleza, a business that specialises in school uniforms. Now image and historical details courtesy Ken McKimmie.
Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club kicking fruit and veg goals
Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club based at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park has recently been recognised for providing healthier food options to fuel happy, active kids.
The local soccer club is proud to be part of the Vic Kids Eat Well movement and says healthy changes made over just two weeks have seen the club achieve several ‘small bite’ milestones as part of the program.
Castlemaine Goldfields vice president Kasey Sparks has led the club’s Vic Kids Eat Well efforts to boost its healthy food and drink options.
“The bite size changes we’ve made have been welcomed by club members and have given fruit and veggies the chance to shine,” Ms Sparks said.
“We now make a weekly vegetarian soup which we sell with wholemeal bread. We add tomato and baked beans to our jaffles and throw corn and veggie skewers on the BBQ.
“We’ll be limiting chips, chocolates and lollies once supplies run out and have already added healthier snacks such as popcorn, sultanas and muesli bars. A bowl of free fruit is now also available on the counter.
“Club members are happy that we’ve added healthy food to our menu. We’re always open to feedback and welcome ideas on how we can further improve healthier options at our canteen.”
Ms Sparks said they have about 100 kids aged 5-10 enjoy their Mini Roos competition on a Friday night. They also host a junior comp on Saturdays with kids aged between 10-16 years; this provides an opportunity to show other clubs what Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club is doing as part of this healthy eating project.
“We are seeing a lot of active, social and happy kids. The healthy food options blend into the background to support this positive engagement and no one’s upset about not having meat pies and chips,” Ms Sparks said.
“Hospitality is important to our club. We love providing good food options to families and visiting clubs as there’s limited food nearby.
“We’re also working with another sports club that has joined Vic Kids Eat Well, which provides healthy eating inspiration, in addition to the expert support offered by our health promoter at Dhelkaya Health (formerly Castlemaine Health).
“Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club is committed to offering healthier options to our club members and we welcome new members, who can contact us though our website.”
Health promotion officer at Dhelkaya Health Liza Shaw has regularly met with the club to help support its Vic Kids Eat Well journey, occasionally dropping by the Friday night game on her way home.
“I’ve worked closely with Kasey and the club to understand their needs and help step them through these ‘small bite’ changes. We found some of the Vic Kids Eat Well web resources very useful for healthy food and drink ideas that the club could easily implement,” Ms Shaw said.
Dhelkaya Health proudly supports Vic Kids Eat Well, which helps schools, outside school hours care, sports clubs, recreation facilities and council operated facilities to make simple changes that give kids access to healthier food.
Omoikiri Budo Kai Karate students skills put to the test
Omoikiri Budo Kai, a freestyle Karate, held its annual major grading (or testing day) on July 23 at the Wesley Hill Sports Complex.
Omoikiri Budo Kai is based out of Castlemaine with another club also operating in Bendigo. Grading’s are the method used to assess students’ abilities and award changes in belt colour.
Local instructor Jason Gray said the club usually hold two gradings each year, the major grading allows all levels to be tested and includes students attempting various levels of black belt.
“This year over 70 local students ranging in age from 5 through to over 65, were promoted with new belts , with two student attempting Black Belt,” he said.
“A black belt grading is a physically and mentally demanding grading, which requires the students to demonstrate all the techniques learned over the previous years, to a satisfactory standard,” Mr Gray said.
“Both Harry Jones and Miller Jones were assessed and passed the grading and are now Omoikiri Budo Kai’s newest Black Belts!” he said.
This major grading also doubles as the club’s presentation day, with students being presented various awards for work done during the year.
This year Elvie Dobson and Odetta Bennett were presented the Castlemaine Little Dragons Students of the Year award.
Lexi Schultz was awarded the Junior Student of the Year award and Harry Jones the Senior Student of the Year award, a variety of other students received Achievement awards and special commendations.
Three students were presented with long service awards with Patricia Barratt being presented with a 10 Year long service certificate, Lillie Spragg 15 years and Rueben Larson a 25 years certificate for long service to local Martial Arts.
A big thank you
Pam Connell, Newstead
I would like to thank the person who ‘rescued’ me in the Amcal Chemist in Castlemaine on Monday. I had come out without my wallet and had unwittingly gone ahead with a prescription and a few other items and only realised when it came to paying at the checkout.
I berated myself audibly then asked for my things to be kept aside until I could return to Castlemaine in a few days time. This was being done when a young woman carrying a toddler on her hip said to put my items through with hers. I protested unsuccessfully. Neither would she give me her bank details so I could repay her and insisted that it was nothing.
It was not ‘nothing’! It was an act of extreme generosity for which I am extremely grateful. There are some kind and generous people out there and if I can’t repay her directly then I’ll make sure I do someone else a good deed as soon as the occasion arises.
Melbourne International Film Festival returns to the Theatre Royal
Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal is getting set to launch their Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) weekends, August 12-14 and 19-21.
MIFF is back for another mid-winter celebration of cinema an expansive program of acclaimed international cinema, world premieres and the best in new Australian film.
This iconic annual festival the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere brings the most highly anticipated films from around the world to the heart of Melbourne.
The Castlemaine venue is thrilled to once again be a satellite site for the festival screening all this year’s films over two massive weekends.
Castlemaine Theatre Royal’s Felicity Cripps said their MIFF opening night on Friday August 12 will be huge with the premiere of Franklin kicking off the evening from 7pm.
Franklin tells the story of a young Tasmanian activist who follows in the footsteps of his father, who in the 1980s fought to save the pristine Franklin River wilderness.
“As soon as the film ends around 8.30pm, we will transform the space for ‘Hop It To The Top’: A Punky Reggae Party, full of ska, rocksteady, reggae, soul, rhythm and blues. Franklin ticket holders and Loyal Royal members will get in for free!” Felicity said.
“We are also excited to be screening the world premiere of Goran Stolevski’s anticipated sophomore feature, Of An Age which will open this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
Accelerator Lab alumnus Stolevski’s delivers a heart-meltingly tender, quintessentially Melbourne queer coming-of-age tale that will make you swoon from beginning to end.
Local audiences can catch Of An Age when it screens right here at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, August 13 at 7pm.
Other films to feature across the two weekends will include Greenhouse by Joost, Petrol, Dreaming Walls, Australian Shorts, Mass, The Reason – Jump, Under Cover, Call Jane, Sweet As, Lingui – The sacred bonds, Navalny, and Volcano Man. Book tix via theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au
Local performers provide musical treat to raise funds
Scores of people responded to Castlemaine Uniting Church throwing its doors open for an enjoyable community event last Saturday afternoon.
They had responded to an invitation to hear local musicians and singers present a delightful wide ranging program.
The event raised $2000 in donations to Save the Children.
One of organisers, Teeshia Fitzgerald, described it as “a beautiful way for the Uniting Church to interact with its community and assist a worthwhile cause”.
“Thirteen year old violinist Thomasina Challender was one of the local artists which absolutely brought the house down. We were all in awe of her composure and talent for such a young age,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
Organisers thank all the local artists for donating their time and everyone who came along and ensured it was such a successful fundraising event.
More mentors and learners invited to jump on board as L2P-plater program drives ahead
A Castlemaine learner driver program has been able to continue following the formation of a unique partnership that brings local police together with community service providers.
The TAC L2P program matches young learner drivers with a trained volunteer to help them achieve the necessary 120 hours of driving practice.
The program, is now welcoming applications from more learner drivers who face a barrier acquiring 120 hours to apply, and also volunteers with driving experience to help learner drivers gain on-the-road driving experience through the TAC L2P Program.
The TAC L2P program was previously run by CHIRP Community Health but following integration with Castlemaine Health in 2021 and Maldon Hospital in 2022, Dhelkaya Health has now taken on responsibility for the program that helps locals keen to advance from being learner drivers to P-plate drivers.
“When Community Health moved to Spencely House in Cornish Street site, we were keen to maintain a presence for L2P in town,” Dhelkaya Health’s L2P Coordinator Lisa Cavallaro says.
“With the support of Castlemaine Community House and the Castlemaine Police Station, we’ve managed to do this.
“We’d love to see some new young people and volunteers to come forward to take part.”
Castlemaine Community House manager Martyn Shaddick was keen to offer his support for the arrangement.
“New learners can meet their driver mentor at Community House,” Martyn said.
“We are just a few minutes’ walk away from the school bus stop.”
Dhelkaya Health’s Community Health Information Hub recently opened at Community House, so the two organisations already had a co-location arrangement in place.
The L2P vehicle is now located at the Castlemaine Police Station for convenience and security.
“From the Victoria Police’s perspective, the L2P program means safer young drivers on our roads,” Castlemaine’s Senior Sargent Darren McQueen said.
Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or joining as a learner driver is encouraged to contact Dhelkaya Community Health on 5479 1000.
The TAC L2P Program is supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council, funded by TAC and managed by the Department of Transport.