Eve Lamb
Mount Alexander Shire Council has knocked back an application for a new service station proposed for Elphinstone amid suggestions the applicant had attempted to bribe objectors.
The proposal had drawn six formal objections on grounds relating to environmental impacts, amenity, traffic safety and net community benefit.
The applicant is seeking to build the new service station at 2355 Harmony Way on a site in the farming zone and affected by an environmental significance overlay.
The council’s planning department had recommended refusal on grounds including that it was contrary to the farming zone’s guidelines, did not meet the council’s planning scheme guidelines, and would be outside the Elphinstone township thereby detrimentally affecting the commercial viability of existing retail areas.
At Tuesday evening’s council meeting… Get the full story in today’s Mail…
‘Blackmail’ servo application refused
Goldie digs new job
With her non-judgmental attitude, kind brown eyes, and doggedly fun outlook on life, Castlemaine Secondary College’s newest staff member has been making friends and influencing people everywhere she goes.
It’s true that being a golden retriever-poodle cross by birth played a role in her clinching the position of well-being dog, and now that she’s got the job, Goldie looks well set to make the sort of positive changes many schools dream of.
Flexible Learning Options co-coordinator at CSC Alyssa O’Sullivan says the 15-week-old woofer has joined the college through Australia’s world-first Dogs Connect mental health and wellness program.
It’s a move expected to bring real benefits for the local secondary college and potentially lead to other local schools adopting their own well-being hounds as well.
“Trauma informed evidence suggests that students’ attitudes to coming to school are… Get the full story in today’s Mail…
Chance to try dancing in the park
The weather may have cooled down down but a special public dance event set for Castlemaine’s Victory Park next Saturday offers a fantastic chance to dance away the chills.
Offering anyone and everyone a free chance to try out some warming, led dance moves while sampling some of the regular dance classes that are on offer in the ‘maine, The Castlemaine Dance Collective event will be held at The Village Square in Castlemaine next Saturday May 28 from 12-4:30pm.
“This event is a celebration of … Get the full story in today’s Mail…
Fostering creative connections
Business Mount Alexander (BMA) is hosting a two-day ‘Creative Connections’ conference in Castlemaine on May 25 and 26.
The Creative Connections program includes a catered networking event, a guest panel exploring ways in which creative industries have transformed communities, and six skills workshops.
BMA secretary Genevieve Ward said they’re thrilled to have Shaun Hossack join them to discuss his experience establishing the Silo Art Trail.
“The trail is an incredible demonstration of how art can directly benefit a small town—attracting visitors, generating strong economic returns for local business, and strengthening the community’s sense of pride,” she said.
Wednesday night is a social night with attendees enjoying a catered gathering, live music and a panel of guest speakers exploring the economic contribution that the creatives industries make to regional communities. See the Mail for the full story and details on how to register. Out Now.
Facing the voices
Castlemaine nurse and youth justice worker Jule Harris has released her debut novel Facing The Voices which tackles the issue of mental health.
Jule has worked as a psychiatric nurse for more than 25 years and hopes the new offering will provide some hope for young people and some insights for parents, families and friends faced with mental illness.
“The book is a fiction written for young people and others with an interest in, or coping with, mental health issues,” Jule said.
The novel tells the story of Jonah, a teen who experiences anxiety and frightening visions which effect his everyday life. He develops strange behaviours, drawing attention to himself and alienating him from his classmates.
He finds it hard to cope and turns to drugs. His family is not aware. However, his only friend does her best to understand and help him.
The book was to have been launched in Mental Health Week last year but unfortunately Covid prevented that.
A book launch will finally be held at the Maurocco Bar at the Midland Hotel, Castlemaine this Saturday May 21 at 3pm. See the Mail for the full story.
Will you be our lucky winner?
The countdown is on until the draw of our 2022 Golden Ticket winners! Did you get your Golden Ticket on April 1 and have you been collecting the puzzle pieces?
Don’t worry if you haven’t as you can collect one from our office at 13 Hargraves Street and back copies of the Mail to catch up.
Collect all nine puzzle pieces over the nine weeks of the promotion to be in the running to share in $5000 in prize money to spend at our 15 fantastic local businesses.
First prize is $3000, second prize $1000 and third and fourth prize winners will receive $500 each.
Beehave Castlemaine is once again proud to be part of our annual Buy Local promotion.
Beehave proprietor Robyn Hansford has been at the helm of the popular local ladies fashion, footwear and accessories store for around 14 years now.
“I worked at Beehave for three years prior to that. I think the store would have been operating for almost 22 years now,” Robyn said.
The local businesswoman said buying local is so important.
“I would estimate that 80 to 90 per cent of our business is local and we are incredibly grateful for that community support. I’ve built some wonderful relationships with clients over the years who just keep coming back. They don’t even have to tell me their shoe size!” she laughs.
Robyn and her team have a huge range of beautiful winter boots, clothing and scarves now in stock. Some of their popular footwear brands include Django and Juliette, Sala, Zeta and Top End.
They also have a gorgeous array of handbags including Cosgrove and Beasley and Modapelle.
“We have an extensive range of smart casual clothing which is proving really popular, with something to suit just about any occasion,” Robyn said.
“Our socks and stockings have been flying out the door with the chilly Autumn weather!”
Beehave also have a massive array of earrings and accessories to suit all styles and tastes.
So if you have a birthday or special occasion coming up and you are looking for a special gift or you need some new winter boots check out the Beehave Facebook page for the latest offerings or visit their online store at beehave-castlemaine.myshopify.com
Our lucky Golden Ticket winners will be drawn on Wednesday June 15.
Family takes the field!
Newstead FNC were away to Talbot last round and due to Covid-19, the footballers were heavily impacted by numbers and therefore performance. Despite the setback the Newstead side very much had a family feel on the day with the Smith brothers all playing together in their first Seniors game which was a special moment for the club and their family. Joel, Koby and Rhys Smith are pictured here before the match. For more local footy and netball news see today’s Mail.
All that jazz!
There are just three weeks to go until the seventh annual Castlemaine Jazz Festival!
The 2022 event will run over three big days on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend from June 10-12.
Castlemaine Jazz Festival committee member Lyndal McClure said 30 acts have been selected from 70 Expressions of Interest and the big bands in particular are once again sure to delight.
“We have Castlemaine favourites ‘Shirazz’ returning once again as well as Melbourne’s Esstee Big Band and the all-female Melba Big Band.
“The Melba Big Band is also scheduled appear at the Castlemaine Town Hall on the Saturday afternoon June 11 enabling visitors to the annual Rotary Art Show – that’s also planning a post-COVID comeback – to catch some live music while enjoying the art at the same time,” she said.
Intro to basic mechanics
Have you ever wanted to fix your own car? Have you felt you couldn’t ask questions about basic mechanics? Well, Castlemaine Community House has the workshop for you!
Guided by a trained mechanic, Petra, the ‘Basic Mechanics & Safety for Women and Non-Binary’ short course to be held on Sunday May 29 introduces you to the fundamentals of owning and operating a car; how to change a tyre, how to jump start, and how to demystify and identify basic car troubles and be prepared for emergency situations.
The workshop will be part learning and part doing so bring your questions and prepare to get a bit dirty!
It is focused on encouraging women, non-binary and female-identifying to be more proactive in learning about, understanding, fixing and maintaining their own vehicles. It aims to create a safe space where there are no wrong answers or expectations, only a desire to learn and grow and share experiences. For more info or register visit cch.org.au/courses
Biggest Morning Tea time!
Lilian and Peter Skilbeck and family will once again be holding their popular Biggest Morning Tea fundraising event at Plaistow just outside Newstead tomorrow, Thursday May 19.
Cancer in its many forms never ceases. Every family can recall numerous experiences with cancer, many with fatal endings but as a result of your donations funding critical research many more people are surviving to live normal lives. All funds raised at Plaistow are sent direct to the Cancer Council.
From 10am there will be scones freshly cooked, bottomless tea and coffee, stalls with plants, quality knitting and handcrafts and continuous music from the Maldon based Platform Souls. Other musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and join in. Raffles will be drawn at the end of the morning.
After such a long dry summer the gardens are not looking too bad. All are welcome to come, friends and neighbours, those looking to support cancer research and those who wish to see the outside of this heritage listed 1840’s homestead or just to have a social morning in a pleasant garden setting with great views towards Cairn Curran.
If anyone would like to help the Skilbeck family during the morning your help would be appreciated. If you wish to donate on line https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/s/1610/44323/s
Entry is by donation.
Time: 10am till midday
Parking near the house is limited so parking on the drive is encouraged leaving space for ‘not so fit’ near the house.
Plaistow is located at 324 Rodborough Road Joyces Creek, 7 kilometres west of Newstead, follow the signs and flags from the Pyrenees Highway or from the Black Duck at Campbelltown.
An act of incredible kindness
Lorna and David, Melbourne
We would like to recognise the incredible kindness and generosity of a local couple who came to our aid on Sunday April 24.
After cycling all day from Malmsbury to Castlemaine things became very difficult on the road from Newstead as daylight fell and our energy levels began to fail.
A car that had passed us noticed our distress as we walked along the darkening road and turned around to offer help.
The driver was not able to fit us and our bikes in his car but, unknown to us at the time, called ahead to his wife who is a fellow bike rider.
Yvonne arrived less than 10 minutes later in her own car with her bike rack attached.
She didn’t hesitate to hook up our bikes and drive us to Castlemaine station so we could catch the train back to Melbourne.
She very kindly made sure we were well enough to continue and directed us to the right platform.
As if this wasn’t enough, Yvonne then returned a few minutes later with drinks and snacks to keep us going for the trip home.
Yvonne wouldn’t hear of taking any money for all the help she had given saying this was her way of “paying it forward”.
To Yvonne and her husband – thank you both from the bottom of our hearts for your overwhelming generosity and thoughtfulness.
This surely is country hospitality at its best.
We are only sorry we didn’t ask for your contact details so we could thank you more in person.
Circus celebrates!
Castlemaine Circus invites community members to join them for a special one-off performance by their talented local trainers at The Goods Shed on Sunday May 22!
Castlemaine Circus general manager Kirsty Sutherland said their world-class artists will amaze you with acrobatics, aerial arts, comedy and there will also be live music provided by the Kyneton Street Band.
“Castlemaine Circus has not held any shows for over two years, so we’re bursting to share some circus magic with our community,” Kirsty said.
“We’ve kept the ticket price low for families, to bring entertainment to the town and to create an opportunity for local artists and teens to perform to our community. Mount Alexander Shire Council Events Grant program has also supported this event,” she said. See the Mail for more….