There is a movement afoot to form a new art group in Castlemaine.
Visual artists from across the region keen to be part of the friendly new collective are invited to attend a meeting to be held the Anglican Church Hall cnr Forest and Kennedy Streets, tomorrow, Saturday July 23 at 2pm.
The meeting will decide the name and formal direction of the new group.
Sutton Grange artist Chris Moule said Castlemaine, we are told, has more visual artists per square kilometre then any other town in Australia.
“In spite of this, Castlemaine has no viable multi-media artist group to join,” Moule said.
“Castlemaine Creative Artists which were a regular fixture at the Castlemaine State Festival are inactive, the popular Watercolour Group run by Betty Morris at the Mount Alexander Golf Club has ceased. The Plein Air Group is down to two or three active members,” he said.
“In the last few years the Agitation Hill Artists have also put on a successful art exhibition for the Castlemaine State Festival, but the AHA does not meet as an active group,” Moule said.
An initial meeting of interested local artists was held in June and some positives suggestions were tabled.
“We have decided that a new focus and new direction is needed and we are inviting local artists of all ages and mediums, and interested community members which would like to be part of the new group, to join us to chat about what this may look like,” he said.
Some of the suggestions discussed include regular demonstrations from well-known artists, as well as members; instructions in techniques of drawing and painting and different mediums using educational DVD’s; Plein Air Painting, Photography and Life Drawing classes; a biennial exhibition as part of the Castlemaine State Festival; and other opportunities for members to display and sell their work in regular group exhibitions and online.
“The Anglican Church has kindly made the hall available for members to come and paint each week or month, as decided by the members. Come along and help us shape a new chapter in the Castlemaine arts movement,” Moule said.
The meeting will run from 2pm-4pm. If you are unable to attend and would like more information you can call 0402 238 870.
Castlemaine district artists invited to join new artists group
Castlemaine District Netball Association squads shine at Maryborough tournament
The Castlemaine District Netball Association (CDNA) development squads made the trek to Maryborough last Sunday July 17 for their annual tournament.
Wow what a great day it was! Both Castlemaine teams making the grand finals!
Squad coaches Vanessa Saunders and Tegan Maddern said both sides dug deep and produced a fantastic effort they should be extremely proud of.
“The 15’s played their hearts out with only seven players all day and ended up going down by just one solitary goal,” Tegan said.
“The 13’s gave it their all and ended up losing by three in the grand final after overtime. Congratulations to both sides on a fabulous effort. We couldn’t be more proud,” she said.
“Massive thanks to all the parents, Elouise Jones and Jessica Rhone for umpiring and the coaches on the day,” Tegan said.
Falcons host Thunder as standalone clubs compete
Last Sunday July 17 saw a major milestone for women’s footy in our region in a first match between two standalone, regional footy clubs dedicated to women and gender diverse people – the Mt Alexander Falcons and Bendigo Thunder.
Another strong crowd turned out at Harcourt Recreation Reserve to support the Falcons, braving the wet and cold conditions to cheer on the local team.
With the Falcons playing just their second home game at Harcourt and the Thunder enjoying a season among the top sides in the competition, the Thunder proved the stronger team and enjoyed the majority of the attacking play.
Playing generally on the back foot, the Falcons defended with discipline and launched counterattacks with strong numbers in support.
The standout moment of the Falcons’ defensive game was Amy Downing tackling multiple opponents in the same play, with even some Falcons tumbling out of the way.
Other highlights included Casey Soulwa’s relentlessness in the backline, Gabe Smith’s strength in slipping out of tackles and Alice Taylor’s huge mark in the midfield in the third quarter.
All three players were among the Falcons’ best players on the day, in addition to Jesse Boylan, Carly Chapman and Mads Toohey.
The Falcons now have two games remaining in this run of fixtures, away to Kyneton this Saturday July 23 and away to Kerang on August 7.
Time for arts funding model change
Bob Clutterbuck, Newstead
I’m writing to endorse the sentiments expressed in the letter you recently received from Suzanne Donnisthorpe penned to Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards (Opinions, June 10) about arts funding. Specifically how the available funds are distributed and how little goes directly to artists themselves.
Ms Edwards will remember the numerous meetings from a couple of years ago, in which the RedShed Arts Workshop (previously the Newstead Arts Salon) and the Newstead Arts Hub, met with representatives from various bureaucracies including, DEWLP, Regional Development Vic and Mt Alexander Shire Council? Ms Edwards attended some of these meetings herself. The focus of the meetings was to highlight the difficulties and inadequacies of the current funding model, and to develop a new model which could properly meet the needs of community organisations such as ours.
Among the criticisms and frustrations we had then included the short term nature of funding, the way in which grants are procured, the number of hoops required to jump through, and the crumbs on offer in most cases, if one was successful. Nothing has changed.
Suzanne rightfully points out that most of the large grants available are for building/s. Little funding goes directly to artists.
RedShed Art Workshop is in the fortunate position of having access to a long term sublease of the Newstead Good Shed through the VicTrack Vacant Rail Buildings for Community Use Program. VicTrack are indeed spending a sizable amount of money on renovating the building and we are looking forward to shortly being able to operate out of that facility. To be sure, we are very grateful for it, and to you Maree in helping us secure the building. But you, more than most, know how long we had been pushing to get that space and the machinations required to get it.
There are a number of things common to most of the groups Suzanne listed, including ours. Across the arts, these organisations act as core groups… promoters, facilitators, venues, galleries, vectors, propagators, workshops, call them what you will, they all foster engagement by, with, for artists, practitioners and supporters alike. They are nearly all run voluntarily. They are all cash strapped.
They create all sorts of community benefits well beyond the services which they provide directly. Economic spin offs for small business, tourism, as has been pointed out, as well as numerous cultural, educational and health benefits, particularly mental health benefits etc. Chiefly among them is employment opportunities for artists and artist venues. In our case, once we are fully functioning, we hope to be employing between 6-8 art teachers a week, for forty weeks a year, as well as an administrator and technical staff. Many groups would similarly be employing artists directly or indirectly through art projects, concerts, performances etc, if the funding was available.
The funding model needs to change.
As Suzanne said, what is required is REAL funding.
That means long term, sizable grants which would allow for some stability, longer term planning and the alleviation of the constant turnover of members of volunteer committees due to burnout. Arts funding needs to reflect the strength, economic significance and potential of the arts industry, especially in Central Victoria.
Funding to directly or indirectly employ artists or applicable positions should be a big part of the available grant monies.
There needs to be a significant redistribution of grants towards grass roots arts funding and not just prioritising high end art product, be that buildings or otherwise.
The artists should get a bigger share of the pie! The process of applying for these grants needs to be kinder, simpler.
There needs to be a different approach to funding with different priorities and that necessitates a different approach from the state government.
As a community, the arts collectively has always been progressive and has long supported progressive parties like the Labor Party. Time to return the favour. To borrow from our new Prime Minister…’We can do better than that.’
Dominos Castlemaine raising ‘dough for local community groups
Domino’s Castlemaine is hosting an entire week of ‘Doughraisers’ this week (July 18-24) donating $1 from every pizza and 50c from every garlic bread sold to a different local cause each day.
On Monday funds were donated to Windarring (Disability Support), Tuesday funds were dedicated to Mount Alexander Animal Welfare (MAAW), Wednesday Thompson’s Foundry Band were recipients, Thursday funds went to the Elphinstone Land Management Association, and today, July 22 monies raised will go to the Castlemaine Football Netball Club.
Tomorrow Saturday July 23 Castlemaine Lawn Tennis Club will be the beneficiary and finally on Sunday, July 24 funds will got to Castlemaine SES.
Domino’s Castlemaine local franchisees Lindsay and Jason Tod said they are humbled to support the local community through this week-long fundraiser.
“As small business owners, we are so passionate about giving back to the local community in which we operate, and the Castlemaine community is so supportive of us, which is why we always eager to return that support,” Mr and Mrs Tod said.
“We have held a number of ‘doughraisers’ since taking on the Castlemaine store six months ago and have had overwhelming support from the community at these events, as well as groups asking how they can get involved,” the pair said.
“One of our core values is giving back to the local community and we have hopes of raising more than $3,000 across the seven days for these amazing groups.
“Times are tough at the moment, and we know that every little bit counts – especially for those groups that rely on donations and volunteers. Each day we will be donating $1 from every Large pizza*, and 50 cents from every garlic bread sold to one of these local causes. There is no easier way to support your community – simply have a meal at Domino’s!” Mr and Mrs Tod said.
(*excluding mini pizzas).
My Newstead: with retired GP, talented nature photographer Patrick Kavanagh
G’day Patrick how long have you resided in the Newstead area?
We’ve had our place at Strangways (just out of Newstead) now for 28 years, and we’ve lived there full time for 23.
Where did you move from?
We moved from Melbourne. I’m originally from Sydney, and we (wife Megan and I) went travelling together and wound up in Victoria. Ours was about the fourth place we looked at. We just fell in love with it.
Where are you from originally?
Originally from Sydney. Near Dee Why. Before it was all developed.
What’s Dee Why?
Northern beaches.
Oh lovely. That’s the posh part isn’t it?
It is now. It wasn’t then… It was where I grew up and loved the bush. It was all basically built over by the time I was an adolescent. I’ve been looking for the bush ever since…
Great. Is your house anything notable in terms of energy arrangements?
Yeh. We live off grid. It’s a very small Californian bungalow, relocated from Pascoe Vale South.
What’s your line of work?
I’m retired now. I used to be a General Practitioner.
Ah. A doctor. Do you still carry the title?
When it’s to my advantage.
When’s that?
When I’m a patient so that people know they can actually explain to me properly what’s going on.
So a GP. For how long?
I was a GP for 35 years or so but most of that time I focussed mainly on mental health and psychotherapy…
Well Patrick, here you are well known for your photography. Can you tell me about that aspect of your life?
Yes. I’ve always been interested wildlife photography. Ever since Life on Earth with David Attenborough came out on TV… I’m always out there photographing a bird or a beetle or a bit of fungus or moss…
Or the cosmos I believe?
Or the cosmos. Yes astronomy’s another passion of mine. I don’t do much astrophotography but I’ve got a telescope that I wheel out and look at the stars on a clear night.
Of which there have been a few lately! Are you a member of any particular club or group?
I’m a member of a bird photography forum called Feathers and Photos. It’s a great way to learn about all types of photography. A very friendly and warm community and I’ve learnt heaps from it.
Any other involvements in the community?
Newstead Landcare.
You’re secretary of that group aren’t you?
Yes. I’ve been a member since about 2000 and I love this bushland around here and Newstead Landcare is a great avenue to look after it. We’re always welcoming new members. People can contact me on 0437663345 or email me at patrickkavanagh@bigpond.com
Three dream dinner guests?
David Attenborough of course, and the Delai Lama. But our community is more than just humans so what about the White Winged Choux’s. They’re the most amazing, funny, quirky birds with this complex social structure. I reckon they’d have a pretty good sense of humour.
Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
I practice Zen and I find that a very useful approach, one of acceptance and openness to what is… And being aware of our deep interconnectedness with things, out inter-being with things.
Any pet peeves?
Yeh. A few, and they’re mostly to do with the unnecessary things that we do that damage our environment. Things like barbed wire fencing which captures and kills sugar gliders and raptors and owls. And people using second generation rat poisons which go on to kill raptors.
Not all rat poisons are equal are they?
No. Exactly. The older, first generation ones like Ratsak are just as effective for the rodents around here, and they don’t get transmitted to the body of an animal that can eat the dead body of the rat or the mouse. Whereas the newer ones, the second generations ones like Talon and The Big Cheese that’s sold at Bunnings, they get transmitted to the owl or the eagle that will eat the dead animal will then build it up in their system and die. They’ve found enormous numbers of dead powerful owls with rat poison in them. So, if you’ve got to use it, get an old one – Ratsak or something like that which will work just as well and save our wildlife… Birdlife Australia’s got all the info.
OK. What are you reading at the moment?
The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. A great history of the world seen through the lens of the ancient trade routes across Asia into African and Europe.
What’s your music, or musical genre of choice?
Mostly these days I’m listening to my running playlist that I made up which is a lot of more recent dance music, bit of pop music. One I really like is Janelle Monáe.
Last question Patrick. What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
Everything. It’s the most beautiful place. To live among this incredible wildlife and nature. To be able to see the stars at night. It’s an incredible privilege. Also this little community here has so much strength and social capital.
Stage play Gibbo tackles drink spiking, date rape as new theatre co launches
A woman enters a farmhouse where she was drug raped twenty-four years earlier, to confront the man she believes committed the crime.
For Jeff and Claire Gibbs, this will be the biggest test of their marriage.
For Cynthia, the moment she’s been waiting for.
And so goes the synopsis for a fairly intense new stage play about to be staged at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway next Friday July 29 and Saturday July 30.
“Gibbo is an exploration of the wrongs we do to each other, and the consequences of those wrongs – for the survivor, the perpetrator, and those who love them – even decades later,” says playwright and director, Malmsbury-based Sandy Fairthorne
The production of Gibbo features cast members Rebecca Barnett, Stephen Mitchell, Kate Stones and also marks the launch of a new local theatre company Suckerpunch Theatre.
“The story revolves around a woman turning up at a farmhouse twenty-four years after she believes she was drug raped, wanting, among other things, to make the farmer living there confess to the crime,” says Fairthorne.
“The ensuing drama takes the audience on a suspenseful 90 minute journey, exploring the effect this kind of crime can have on all involved, even decades later.”
The scriptrevolves around a likeable farming couple, Gibbo and Claire, whose world is tipped upside down when a woman walks into their home twenty four years after a party at which she believes she was drug raped.
“She has only one request to make of this man,” says Fairthorne, “But it requires that he admits he committed the offence. Therein lies the challenge.”
The playwright wants to get more people talking about about the subject, following her own personal experience over three decades ago.
“It’s always bothered me – how to write about this subject. Then one day I thought, ‘What if..?” and the spark for the play was started,” she says.
The production also features original music composed by Malmsbury based composer Krzysztof Derwinski.
Following its two upcoming evening debut dates at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway, Gibbo will go on to tour to Melbourne, Bendigo, and Kyneton throughout August. Bookings can be made via suckerpunchtheatre.com
Front pages from the archives: Castlemaine’s vanilla slice rides high
20 years ago: July 19, 2002
Renowned Olympic equestrian and chairman of the Australian Equestrian Federation, Barry Roycroft visited Castlemaine to take part in a two day show jumping and eventing course. The equestrian legend took the riders through intensive drills in dressage, show jumping and cross country.
In other news reduced federal road funding and insurance premium price rises were behind a 7.25 per cent rate rise proposed in the shire’s draft budget.
15 years ago: July 13, 2007
At the urging of the community the owners of the Wesley Hill General Store Peter Smith and Abbie Freeman had entered their famed vanilla slice in the 10th annual competition to find Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice in Ouyen.
Some landholders whose property would be crossed by the Goldfields Superpipe were critical of the consultation and planning processes for the project and Mount Alexander Shire Council adopted its draft budget with a rate rise of seven per cent. $10 million was to be spent on capital works and $1 million on bridges.
10 years ago: July 6, 2012
The owners of Castlemaine Taxi’s expressed concerns sweeping changes proposed for the taxi industry would kill Castlemaine’s cab service. Owners Mark Baker and David Stephens said that with no restrictions on the number of taxis allowed to operate in a particular area and no regard for market demands the changes would lead to a glut of cabs on the road. The owners said in the short term it may mean more taxis on the road but in the long term taxi drivers and operators would struggle to survive on drastically reduced income.
5 years ago: July 28, 2017
A shock announcement sent art-loving members of the community into disbelief. The board of the Castlemaine Art Museum announced that the venue would close to the public as of August 11, 2017 with the aim of reopening for the State Festival in March 2019. Reasoning behind the closure included a range of operational and strategic challenges, such as significant reductions in revenue along with deep-rooted vulnerabilities in financial structures. Fortunately the beloved institution has since reopened and is once again thriving.
40 year milestone for Glenn
Vossloh Cogifer Australia engineer Glenn Lorenz has recently notched up 40 years of service with the company.
Glenn told the Mail he joined the former Thompson Kelly Lewis (TKL) Rail Division fresh out of school at just 18.
“I initially worked as an estimator for a number of years and then I decided to do further education and undertake my engineering studies,” Glenn said.
His new qualifications saw him move into the engineering team. He subsequently worked his way up to Engineering Manager.
The rail division was purchased by Vossloh Cogifer in December 2007 and Glenn has continued to proudly lead the Castlemaine based engineering team for the last 18 years.
Glenn is a Certified Practicing Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia.
From 2007-2016 he was a review member on the CE2 committee for all AS1085 rail standards.
He is a current member of the Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) Australian Standards review committee of 1085.21 turnouts, switches and crossings.
Glenn has authored and co-authored a number of technical papers for the rail industry, both nationally and internationally.
Glenn said he has seen a lot of changes over the last four decades.
“When I started out we were still using paper and t-squares for our designs. Fortunately we had calculators but there were still a few old-timers which favoured the old slide rules!” Glenn laughs.
The components designed by the engineering team were originally crafted in timber by TKL Rail’s in-house pattern makers.
“These days our team utilises state-of-the-art 3D computer modelling to design components. Sadly pattern-making is becoming a dying art. We now produce a prototype of our engineering designs with our industrial size 3D printer and these are then cast in steel at Billmans Foundry,” he said.
Glenn feels fortunate to have found a career path right here in his home town.
“I am only five minutes from home and I have been able to watch my family grow up and play an active role in the community, whilst also having the opportunity to see the world,” he said.
“Just last week I was in the Pilbara working with two of our biggest clients BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. I’ve also visited Vossloh Cogifer’s home base in France around a dozen times. We are also currently contributing to the major Inland Rail project on the east coast,” he said.
Glenn said he has been proud to be a member of a specialist team of people who are creative, hard-working, loyal and take pride in the work they do.
“The rail industry in Australia and much of the word is quite small. I have been very privileged to be able to travel extensively in my position. I have been fortunate to meet some exceptional people and develop really strong and long-lasting personal relationships within Vossloh and the greater rail industry,” Glenn said.
“I really enjoy the comradery with the VCA Group and wider business including worldwide group as well as customer interaction. Finding design solutions and seeing major projects come together from conceptual designs to watching trains traverse over our turnouts efficiently and safely, is really satisfying,” he said.
Glenn said he is proud to all be supporting the development of the next generation of local engineers and working to create safer and more efficient rail products.
Vossloh Cogifer Australia Sales Manager Thomas Wehrle said Glenn is often branded ‘the nicest guy in rail’ with connections right across the industry in Australia and further afield.
“To achieve 40 years of service is a massive achievement and we congratulate Glenn on this incredible milestone,” Mr Wehrle said.
Opposition to billboard: public gatherings being organised ahead of VCAT hearing
Locals opposing efforts to erect a large advertising billboard at Chewton on a main entryway into Castlemaine say they’ll be fighting the proposal at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) this month.
And they’re encouraging all who share their opposition to attend two public events and be part of photographs they plan to use to help argue their case before the tribunal.
The council in February unanimously voted to refuse an application seeking to erect the large advertising sign, measuring 8.25 metres in length and a maximum 5.1 metres in height with a display face of 8.3 metres wide by 2.1 metres high, at 188 Duke Street, Castlemaine, a key gateway entry to the town.
The application lodged by applicant James Course had attracted 16 formal objections.
However, not deterred by the council decision, the applicant has since taken the matter to VCAT in the hope the civil arbiter will overturn the council decision.
A VCAT hearing is now set for July 29 and while the proponents behind the proposed billboard are expected to argue their case to enable the structure to go ahead, the council will be stating its case against the proposal as will objectors like resident Joel Meadows.
“It will have about 1km visibility,” says the local resident whose home would be among those closest to the advertising structure should it proceed.
“The proposed eyesore would face both ways, meaning we will get nearly 36 square metres of advertising entering and leaving Castlemaine, right next to Forest Creek, the National Park and Creek Trail and amongst lots of residential houses,” Mr Meadows says.
“Once installed, we will have no say over who gets to plaster their messages on our town, yelling at us silently every day.
“It reduces the beauty of Castlemaine’s entryway. You’ll be able to see it from the walking track.”
He and others are encouraging those opposing the billboard to gather on Saturday July 23, 11am at the top of the Wesley Hill Market and on the same day at 12 midday at the Leanganook-Forest Creek trail and be part of a group photo.
“If you don’t want another billboard in our town, and a precedent for more to come then come along to participate in a community photo that will form part of the objection we are taking to VCAT,” said Mr Meadows, who is also encouraging those who attend to “wear or bring something red to show you don’t want this proposal to go ahead”.
“There are ten houses where the residents will see it pretty much from their homes. It matters to us. It’s not an industrial area.”
“I’m making a representation to VCAT, representing community objectors. I don’t think anyone wants it.”
Another resident, Esther Ten Brink is among local objectors who hold similar concerns about the potential impacts of the proposed billboard.
“It will just be clutter in the landscape. I don’t want to see the advertisements,” she said.
Chewton’s latest main drag chainsaw sculpture honours local history go-to person, the effervescent Elaine Appleton
Chewton has a new street sculpture.
The new addition to the little locality’s larger-than-life carved timber collection, gracing its main thoroughfare, pays homage to font of local historical knowledge, Chewton’s Elaine Appleton (nee Jury).
The local go-to person for all matters local history has lived in Chewton all her life – in fact she’s the fifth generation of her family line to live in Chewton’s Eureka Street.
The 84-year-old Chewtonian is especially well recognised for her considerable and ongoing volunteer contribution to recording and conserving the area’s rich past through means including film, written and recorded word and photographic images.
Following its ceremonious unveiling on Sunday, the new sculpture of the Appleton likeness now graces a site opposite Chewton’s Red Hill Hotel.
Carved by talented Fulham-based chainsaw sculptor, John Brady, it brings to six the total tally of such streetscape sculptures that acknowledge and celebrate some of Chewton’s most significant and celebrated entities, including some dating back to the 1800s goldrush era.
Mount Alexander Shire mayor Cr Bill Maltby helped officially unveil the Elaine Appleton sculptural addition on Sunday afternoon and the event was attended by about 70 people some sporting period costume for the occasion.
“It’s of a younger version of me,” the delighted local noted of the new sculpture.
“It’s of me when I was about 50 which was about the time I really began recording the history.”
“It brought a tear to my eye,” she said of the honour.
Plans are now afoot to continue adding to the collection of Chewton streetscape sculptures with some of those on the to-do list ahead including sculptures honouring the area’s Aboriginal Indigenous heritage and also its Chinese history.
Others planned include sculptures of J.B.Patterson, a former local pioneer of the area who went on to become premier of Victoria; J.W. Sparks a noted former town clerk and engineer; and the ‘Soldier in the Park’ aka Robert Archer who was blinded in WWI and narrowly escaped death when shrapnel pierced his wallet instead of his body.
A big thank you
Martha Hills, Castlemaine
I would like to report a good deed. Saturday afternoon I was on my way to the Royal to see a film. After crossing Forest Street I was ransacking my handbag for the ticket when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was a young man who pointed across the road at the glove I had dropped. Oops! He offered to get it for me, an offer I accepted. Just after he returned it to me, I put it into my coat pocket, but when I turned to thank him, he had left. If this news can get to him, I would appreciate it. We need to hear more good news, because it does happen.