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Let’s take a look back at … Castlemaine Coach Factory

By
Castlemaine Mail
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A group of workers outside the Castlemaine Coach Factory of W.R. Williams. There are two carriages on the right. (Sometime between 1905-1915)

Then:

W. R. Williams Coach Builders (pictured) operated as a business for at least 68 years, from Forest Street. 

He originally came to Castlemaine to fulfil a position in Mr. Myring’s coachbuilding shop near the gasworks. Mr. Gaulton purchased Mr. Myring’s business with Mr. Williams staying on as foreman. Shortly after, the business moved to Forest Street. 

Production would have changed over their long period of operation from shoeing (4s. per set) and a forge in their early years to production and sale of buggies, gigs and all classes of vehicles, both light and heavy as per their advertisement in the ‘Mail’ in 1932. They imported regular stocks from England and America, which they displayed in the Showroom on the north side of Forest Street in the building now occupied by Graffiti Publications. 

They also advertised the painting, upholstery and hoods of motor cars and vehicles and body builds on the premises. Williams was well-known throughout the Commonwealth and it was rare not to win a prize at shows where he has exhibited. He was a keen follower of sport and financially and personally supported many sporting bodies in the town. He was a judge at many Agricultural Shows, a captain of the Fire Brigade for 11 years and a pioneer member of the Rechabite Lodge. He died on September 3, 1917 – aged nearly 70. He had broken his leg 18 years prior and as it didn’t knit properly, he had needed to walk with a crutch or stick ever since. His son, John, had died in 1916 and this had had a marked effect on him. Image and information kindly supplied by the Castlemaine Historical Society – Exploring our Past.

Now:

The location of W. R. Williams showroom on the north side of Forest Street is now home to Graffiti Publications founded by local hot rod enthusiasts Larry and Mary O’Toole. It is fitting that the building still has a connection to Australian transport and motoring with Graffiti being the producers of the renowned Australian Street Rodding magazine.

Graffiti are celebrating their 45th year in publishing in 2022 and have produced almost 400 editions since they started out back in 1977. They have also produced a wide array of other publications including Hot Rodding International and numerous books on the subject of hot rodding. The local business are also Australian distributors for a range of other highly sought after hot rod mags including American publications The Rodder’s Journal, Rodding USA and Wheel Hub, and Australian Hot Rodder produced fellow Aussie enthusiast and local Graham Smith.

You can explore the address with Google Street View here.

Maldon’s Ned Cameron honoured at annual memorial match

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Maldon's Xavior Noy was awarded the Ned Cameron Medal by the Lang Family (Ned's Family). Photo: Jason Rogers Photography
Maldon's Xavior Noy was awarded the Ned Cameron Medal by the Lang Family (Ned's Family). Photo: Jason Rogers Photography

After another week-off with the bye the Maldon sides headed over to Carisbrook, in what was a very wet day, which again was set to be another hard contest for all teams.
This was also an important day for both club’s as it was the Ned Cameron Memorial game in memory of the late Ned Cameron played for both Maldon and Carisbrook in the Juniors.
Xavior Noy won the Ned Cameron medal for Maldon which was awarded by Ned’s family – the Lang family of Maldon – after the game which was a very special moment for both clubs.
With a lot of movements through the Senior Football teams with injuries the pressure was on to get those wins on the board.
Although there was the lingering pressure for both Senior Football sides they gave what they had to give, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough with the Seniors going down and the Reserves failing to keep their to keep their winning streak alive.
The Senior Netball teams all had very close games against a very eager and strong Carisbrook showcasing what finals may will like. Our Junior Football and Netball Teams all played hard with the Under 17s Football coming out with another great game and our Under 15s Netball backing it up for another win on the board. With only four games left before finals the club is shaping up to take a strong lead into the finals campaign.
This week Maldon take on Trentham at home which will be yet another big weekend of sport with Trentham Senior Football Teams taking the top place on the ladders and fighting to keep their places in the top 8 for the Senior Netball.
Maldon will sure be set to put on a hard fight. S2 Sport will also be at the game this weekend for all of your Club Merchandise needs, be sure to check it out! We are also hosting our Yobbo Lotto Function after the games which is set to be one to remember with a sell out of tables and we’re sure – some impressive outfits!

Triple treat to be unveiled at Castlemaine Art Museum

By
Lisa Dennis
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Agri-Cultures, a projection commission by local artist Zoe Scoglio, will be among three new installations to be launched at Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM) this evening.
Agri-Cultures, a projection commission by local artist Zoe Scoglio, will be among three new installations to be launched at Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM) this evening.

Local art enthusiasts can enjoy a triple treat at Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM) this evening as they officially launch three new offerings – Agri-Cultures, a projection commission by local artist Zoe Scoglio; Reflections #2; and the first in the 2022 Orbit exhibition series celebrating local artists – Gabrielle Martin’s Through the Long Grass.
The three new installations will be officially opened with a special event from 6pm tonight, July 29 at the Lyttleton Street gallery. All are welcome to attend.
CAM recently unveiled a new exhibition of works featured in the ‘Reflections on the Castlemaine Art Museum Collection’ email and website series.
Reflections began as part of CAM’s online response to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Contributors are asked to ‘reflect’ on works or objects from the CAM collections and history.
Some of these contributions have been published monthly in the Castlemaine Mail.
This is the second exhibition of the works featured in Reflections.
The night will also include the launch of the latest Terrace Projections installation Agri-Cultures by Zoe Scoglio.
This is also the second in the series and the first work specifically commissioned for the Terrace Projections initiative which sees the artists’ work projected onto the exterior wall of the gallery after nightfall.
Agri-Cultures is a video work in dialogue with local small-scale farmers Gung Hoe growers in response to the theme ‘Industry.’
Focusing on the manual labours and tactile relations, this is a visual portrait of the daily regenerative wholistic practices and emergent cultures at the Harcourt Organic Farming Co-op.
Zoe told the Mail that she was volunteering at the Harcourt Organic Farming Co-op when the commission opportunity arose and she was inspired to celebrate their work.
“It’s a very busy place so I just brought my camera along and did some light touching filming over the course of a few months and then edited the work together,” she said.
“It was an honour to learn more about the details of their daily practice and connection to land and to be able to share that with a wider audience,” she said.
Visitors can also enjoy an artist talk with Gabrielle Martin about her latest work Through the Long Grass at CAM tomorrow, Saturday, July 30 at 2pm.

A still image from Agri-Cultures courtesy of artist Zoe Scoglio.

Salvation Army Castlemaine strikes up the band

By
Lisa Dennis
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Some of the Just Brass participants are proudly pictured with their haul of new instruments. Photo: Max Lesser.
Some of the Just Brass participants are proudly pictured with their haul of new instruments. Photo: Max Lesser.

There was plenty of excitement at The Salvation Army Castlemaine’s Just Brass music group’s latest gathering after 26 brand new brass instruments finally arrived.
Just Brass is a free music program run by the Salvos in local primary schools under the guidance of experienced local music teachers.
The new instruments are the result of a series of fund raising concerts held in Castlemaine by brass quartet Brasslemaine, who donated all proceeds to the program.
Just Brass coordinator Dean Curtis said these instruments will make a massive difference.
“We’ve been getting by with older instruments with sticky valves and the occasional leak. This means that the students haven’t been able to play at their best. These new instruments will change that,” Mr Curtis said.
The Castlemaine Just Brass group travelled to Melbourne last Sunday to play with the polished Preston Salvation Army Band in a joint concert and enjoyed giving their new instruments a solid work out.

Just Brass musician Chris Binder gives a new E flat Tuba a test run. Photo: Max Lesser.

Let’s find a home for Ruffy, Mac, Milly and Misty

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Many of the beautiful animals that have appeared in this column recently have found good new forever homes! However there are still plenty of personality-packed pooches and companionable cool cats waiting right now at Castlemaine’s Mount Alexander Animal Shelter to find good, caring new homes to call their own. If you think you may be able to share your life with any of them then you can call the shelter on 5472 5277, make an appointment and come out and meet them. Some of those currently waiting to find their own good new forever home include:

Mac: tabby desexed male cat. MC# 956000015025040

Mac was found caught in a fox trap which is not a place any cat wants to be.
Fortunately he was rescued and has already acquired a reputation at the MAAW shelter as “a smoochy, affectionate – and quite talkative – dude”.

Ruffy: long haired desexed male tabby, young cat. MC # 956000014960543

This young man is just five months of age. He has a lovely fluffy tabby coat so will require a little grooming. Ruffy was a little shy when he came into the MAAW shelter but has since revealed his true nature as “an awesome, smoochie boy” shelter staff say.

Milly: torbie (tabby-tortoiseshell) desexed female cat. MC# 956000014958674

This eight month old girl is “quite unique” shelter staff say. This is because of her unusual torbie (tabbie-tortoiseshell) coat. The staff at MAAW also describe Milly as cute as a button and “very sweet natured”. A great household pet for any good caring home.

Misty: white and grey desexed female Siberian husky. MC# 953010000120443

Misty is an absolutely beautiful dog. She is eight years old and is a pure bred husky which means she needs regular exercise and a secure yard. Misty is best suited to a new home with someone who has some experience of the breed. She’s lived with other dogs but is not suited to being with cats. Misty is a truly lovely dog with a great, easy-going personality. She’s very smart and trainable.

Outcry at nest hollow tree felling: residents question DELWP procedure

By
Eve Lamb
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Questions raised: Some of the concerned local residents and wildlife experts photographed where the old peppercorn tree and eucalyptus tree, containing valuable nest hollows, were felled by DELWP in recent days. Photo: Eve Lamb

Important seasonal nesting hollows were destroyed when the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning felled two large old trees in Castlemaine in recent days, local bird and wildlife experts say.

Responding to questions from the Mail, DELWP say the mature eucalyptus and peppercorn tree long growing beside Forest Creek, near the Lawn tennis courts, were felled because they were impacting on a nearby stone wall alongside Forest Creek.

But the trees’ removal has drawn strong criticism and concern from many, including local wildlife carer Nikki Sutterby, Castlemaine BirdLife Australia president Jane Rusden and noted local birdo and ornithological writer Damian Kelly.

All say the eucalypt tree contained nest hollows that provided valuable seasonal nesting for wood duck over many years.
“We’ve seen the wood duck nest there over many years and we were very shocked to see the trees suddenly weren’t there any more,” Mr Kelly said.

“I would think that tree predated the stone wall and it’s well known that we’re short of nesting hollows. It seems crazy. I’m left reeling.”

Ms Sutterby and others who contacted the Mail particularly questioned what process had been followed before the trees were destroyed and whether due assessment had been conducted to determine the environmental value of the trees.

“These two trees were home to countless native mammals and birds including wood duck families that according to locals had been nesting in these trees for a decade,” said Ms Sutterby, founder of the Mt Alexander Wildlife Network.

“Locals at the site are describing their distress at finding these habitat trees destroyed, and the sight of confused wood duck now wandering aimlessly looking for their destroyed homes.”

The Mail contacted DELWP in an effort to obtain answers and was subsequently provided with the following prepared statement attributable to DELWP Land and Built Environment Program Officer, Lucas Elliston.

“In response to concerns regarding the impact a peppercorn and blue gum tree were having on the integrity of the historic stone wall along Forest Creek, the trees were removed,” the statement reads.

“The blue gum logs have been repurposed by Mount Alexander Shire Council for the development of the Norwood Hill playground, and a number of the logs have been stored for future use.

“Prior to removal, an arborist assessed the tree, found the structure to be unstable and a public safety risk and recommended the blue gum tree be removed.

“On inspection, the arborist found no wildlife using the tree as habitat. A letter was sent to surrounding landowners advising them of the felling of the tree.

“Plans are now underway to undertake essential repairs to the historic stone wall in late 2022 when environmental conditions allow, and several native trees also to be planted at a safe distance from the stone wall.”

But BirdLife Australia Castlemaine president Jane Rusden says she understands that the wood duck that used the tree’s hollows for nesting were simply not nesting at the time checks were conducted on the tree, prior to its felling.

“They checked the hollows but just not at the right time of year,” Ms Rusden said.

“Wood duck don’t use nest hollows except when they are nesting.
“It takes 300 years for the appropriate nest hollows to form and they’re used not just by birds but by all sorts of animals.

“They shouldn’t be cutting down any trees with nest hollows.”

Among local residents left deeply concerned by the tree’s removal, Clodah Norwood said the department involved should now be required to install artificial nest boxes to help compensate for the environmental loss.

“There should be a clear requirement that the community be advised well in advance of any proposal to remove any large trees,” another, Sally Kaptein said.

Aussie music legend Russell Morris to visit Theatre Royal

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Australian music legend Russell Morris is set to return to the region this Sunday July 24 to share new music from his latest album Black and Blue Heart.

Morris returns for the Theatre Royal show just months after rockin’ the Maldon Golf Club as part of the ‘Steampacket Under the Stars’ gig in December.

Morris’ latest album offering has been produced by Nick DiDia and Bernard Fanning.

Morris says after six decades on the road, an album can almost write itself. It might arrive in the space of a few months, fully formed in vision and texture in the mind of the vigilant creator. But it takes a rare combination of talent and circumstances to realise that vision as vividly as Black and Blue Heart.

“I’d met Bernard [Fanning] years ago,” Russell Morris remembers. The Powderfinger frontman came backstage at one of the Australian rock legend’s countless gigs to pay his respects with a mutual friend.
“But it wasn’t til I moved up to Queensland last year that we sat down and started talking,” he says.

The warmer environs had already exerted a strange, organic influence on the songs Russell was writing in the wake of the platinum-selling, ARIA-winning blues-rock trilogy — Shark Mouth, Van Diemen’s Land, Red Dirt Red Heart — that so spectacularly relaunched his career from 2012 onwards.

“I thought I was writing an album which was rootsy, bluesy, almost psychedelic, but nothing came out the way I expected.”
He gave the demos to Fanning and producer Nick DiDia (Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Powderfinger) and “they rang me back within two days,” Russell says.

“They said, ‘We can’t stop listening to these songs. This will be a great album’. So I said, ‘Let’s do it’.”
The two producers speed-dialled their dream studio team: guitarist Dan Kelly, drummer Declan Kelly and, from Fanning’s touring band, bassist Matt Englebrecht and keys player Ian Peres.
Perched between the tropical bush and panoramic ocean views of La Cueva Studios near Byron Bay, Black and Blue Heart found its rhythm fast.

“I didn’t want to have any smooth edges,” Russell says.

“Pop songs were the last thing I wanted. The musicians had the songs the week before but they were told not to do too much work. They came into the studio, we’d play them once, twice or three times, and that was it.”
A lifelong observer of human experience, he found inspiration in art and life, past and present.
Fanning says of the album “it sounded to me like the kind of music only someone with Russell’s backstory could make.”

“He’s always been renowned for his incredible voice but it’s really come into its own now. His tone just communicates this unique life experience, so we just had to get that down,” Fanning said.

Born and bred in the USA, Nick Didia’s perspective was more immediate. “I was hearing this amazing history for the first time as we were making the record,” he says of timeless Australian classics such as The Real Thing, Wings of An Eagle and Sweet Sweet Love. “And his stories are incredible. I mean, I thought I’d been around,” he laughs.

“Their contribution was enormous,” Russell says.

“Bernard’s harmonies in parts are fantastic [check the skybound chorus to Sitting Pretty, for instance]. He knew the songs better than I did. See, I wrote the songs so quickly, by the time we got to the studio I couldn’t remember some of the details. Bernard knew them back to front. Nick and Bernard’s attention to detail was just extraordinary.”

Be sure to catch Russell Morris and support acts from 2.30pm this Sunday July 24. For tickets visit theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au

Council awards $5.4M tip capping contract, part of $7.5M project

By
Eve Lamb
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Four tip cells at Castlemaine landfill site will be capped after the Mount Alexander Shire Council this week approved awarding a $5.49 million contract for the work as part of an overall project worth $7.5 million.
The Castlemaine Landfill Cell Cap Construction Project is focused on capping four as yet uncapped tip cells and connection to three already capped cells as part of one of the largest project’s in the council’s history.
“This project is fully funded from council’s waste reserve,” Cr Tony Cordy said in moving the motion in favour of awarding the $5.49 million capping contract to Apex Earthworks whose tender was one of three compliant tenders the council had received.
Cr Cordy noted that the landfill site – also known as “the tip” – is an EPA licenced landfill consisting of seven cells but had ceased taking waste into onsite cells in April 2020 with waste processed off site since then.
EPA regulations for licensed landfills require operators to rehabilitate and continue to manage sites after closure and councillors at this week’s July meeting were tasked with determining whether to award the major contract to Apex Earthworks in line with the technical officers’ recommendation.
“This is a very important project, perhaps one of the largest that Mount Alexander Shire Council has ever undertaken,” Cr Cordy said in moving the motion in favour the recommendation.
Seconded by Cr Christine Henderson, and unanimously supported by all councillors present – except Cr Gary McClure who left the council chamber declaring a conflict – the decision also approves allocation of $549,689 as variation provision for construction of the new capping.
Councillors also noted that the Castlemaine Landfill Cell Cap Construction Project cost estimate overall is $7,541,747 including a contingency of $692,000.
“$7.5 million is certainly the biggest (Mount Alexander Shire) project I’ve seen,” Cr Henderson said.

Big implications for tiny houses? Council set to revisit local law 13

By
Eve Lamb
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Castlemaine's Rainer Cook Tonkin with the tiny house he built - with a little help from friends. This week's council decision to revisit Local Law #13 may have big implications for the potential to use tiny houses as dwellings. Photo: Eve Lamb

Mount Alexander Shire Council is set to revisit one of its bylaws in a move which may end up having significant implications for opportunities to use tiny houses as accommodation shire-wide.
Presenting a special motion to review the council’s local law 13: Camping on private property, Cr Matthew Driscoll made it clear he was motivated by a desire to help tackle the council’s housing affordability crisis.
“Our community has told us they are concerned about housing affordability in our shire,” Cr Driscoll said, moving the motion at Tuesday night’s July council meeting.
“We have approximately 600 households in our shire with unmet needs for affordable housing,” he said.
“Tiny houses are proposed as an affordable, accessible solution to Australia’s homeless situation and the housing market crisis.
“Our council is committed to finding solutions which could help provide more homes for more people.
“But the current laws around tiny houses are too short term and do not go far enough in offering a realistic, affordable more permanent solution to our housing crisis.
“As an additional choice for accommodation, tiny houses can offer dignity to people at risk of homelessness as well as for people who wish to live more sustainably.”
Cr Driscoll’s motion won the support of all councillors and their unanimous decision to support it will now see council officers formally requested to assess and make recommendations on use of caravans or tiny houses as places of temporary residence through the review of local law 13 – and to then provide advice on the subject by the end of next month.
Supporting the motion Cr Rosie Annear described the move as “timely”.
“It seems a lot of people don’t fully understand what the local law says on this at the moment,” Cr Annear said.
“Things are really bad out there. There are lots of people out there with nowhere to live.”

Mail on Main podcast: July 22, 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.

Castlemaine Safe Space opens its doors to those in need

By
Lisa Dennis
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HALT founder Jeremy Forbes (left) and mayor Cr Bill Maltby (right) are pictured with Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group members and volunteers at the new space on Friday, with a candle of remembrance which was lit in memory of those lost and the artwork which features on the Safe Space banners.
HALT founder Jeremy Forbes (left) and mayor Cr Bill Maltby (right) are pictured with Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group members and volunteers at the new space on Friday, with a candle of remembrance which was lit in memory of those lost and the artwork which features on the Safe Space banners.

The Castlemaine Safe Space was officially launched with a community celebration at The Salvation Army Hall in Castlemaine last Friday afternoon and began operation this week.
The community were welcomed to the inviting new space with music from members of The Peace Choir, a sausage sizzle and warming homemade soup.
The new space aims to provide a non-clinical drop in space for anyone in the community in emotional distress, experiencing loneliness or suicidal thoughts.
It is a community designed and led, and staffed by trained peer volunteers with lived experience from within our community.
The space has been 18 months in the making and has been created thanks to the dedication of the team from local community group Every Life Matters (ELM), the dedicated Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group, and support from Mount Alexander Shire Council, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership, and suicide awareness and prevention charity Roses in the Ocean.
Roses in the Ocean general manager Stephen Scott said they were proud to support the local working group in their efforts to establish the new space which will be one of 15 pilot spaces around the country.
“Castlemaine community members who visit the space will find a compassionate response and assistance finding access to services from someone who has lived experience of these issues and who understands,” Mr Scott said.
Every Life Matters (ELM) and Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group member Rachel Stewart thanked each and every one of the working group members for being the “driving force” which made the space a reality.
“There are no appointments, no referrals or assessments and no names. Your details will remain confidential. Once you set foot in the door you will find a listening ear and you will have agency and power over what happens next. It’s your choice,” Ms Stewart said.
“We have seven full trained volunteers ready to hit the ground and another 15 currently undertaking the training,” Ms Stewart said.
Mayor Cr Bill Maltby said the space was so important as it provides a tangible place for anyone struggling to seek support.
“A space like this is working towards a future where every member of our community feels safe, connected, included and valued. It is actively increasing awareness of mental health services and it is breaking down barriers to accessibility,” Cr Maltby said.
HALT founder Jeremy Forbes said he visited similar space in Soho in the UK and is thrilled the Castlemaine Safe Space Working Group had found a way to get this incredible initiative off the ground here in Castlemaine.
“It warms my heart. It is quiet place where people can feel safe, be vulnerable and start those important conversations,” he said.
To close the ceremony a candle of remembrance was lit in honour of all those lost to suicide and the loved ones left behind.
The new space will ‘pop-up’ in two locations weekly at the Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre in Mechanics Lane Castlemaine (next door to the library) Tuesday evenings from 6pm-8.30pm and at The Salvation Army Hall in Kennedy Street (next to the train station) Saturdays from 1.30pm-4pm.
The first weekly sessions were scheduled for Tuesday evening July 19 and this Saturday July 23. Just look for the Castlemaine Safe Space banners and signage outside each building.

Castlemaine Floristry join forces with local arts on new work

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Artist Lauren Starr and Castlemaine Floristry's Patrick Grant are pictured with the magnificent work 'Abundance-memento vivere'.
Artist Lauren Starr and Castlemaine Floristry's Patrick Grant are pictured with the magnificent work 'Abundance-memento vivere'.

The talented team at Castlemaine Floristry were proud to partner with Bendigo artist Lauren Starr recently to help the local artist realise her latest stunning creation ‘Abundance – memento vivere’.
The stunning work now hangs in pride of place at Castlemaine Floristry in Mostyn Street.
The flowers for the artwork were carefully selected and arranged by Castlemaine Floristry’s Patrick Grant.
Lauren said with orchids, anthurium, large dahlia and roses, the stunning arrangement screamed luxury and beauty and one couldn’t help but be inspired.
“Adding in giant helpings of fruit and the story began to build. A narrative of abundance. The lush natural scene, attracting all manner of life to it,” the artist said.
“From bees to snails, frogs, lizards, butterflies and spiders. Pollinators and predators, the whole circle of life. Each animal, each flower has it’s own special symbolism,” she says.
“That’s what I love about still life – the secret language. The skull teaches us to enjoy our abundance. It is everywhere. We are here for a short time. Memento vivere is Latin for ‘Remember that you live’. I enjoy framing my work in curtains. It adds to the theatre of the piece. It’s ridiculously OT, bright and abundant,” Lauren laughs.
Castlemaine Floristry’s Lynne Jolly said they were lucky enough to have Lauren’s art on display in their shop during the last Castlemaine State Festival as part of the Fringe Festival’s ‘Shop Window Art Tour’.
“We absolutely loved Lauren’s work, so when this opportunity came up we were thrilled to take part. Hopefully we can work on another project again soon,” Lynne said.

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