Construction on Castlemaine’s new Woolworths supermarket is scheduled to begin around Easter 2023.
Excitement is building after signage confirming the new development went up on the former gasworks site last week.
Lascorp Investment Group National Development Manager Rob Harris told the Mail after receiving the permit for the new development in December they have been working with Mount Alexander Shire Council to meet conditions and finalise approvals from the relevant authorities, negotiate use of the road reserve and parkland, complete the design drawings needed to build and are close to appointing a builder for the project.
Mr Harris said that once negotiations and permit approvals are complete and the builder is appointed they will fence off the site, demolish the final two homes in Forest Street and then construction will begin.
“We have been working really hard behind the scenes to ensure this project would be ready to go once we finalise our permit,” he said.
Mr Harris said the feedback they have received about the new supermarket has been overwhelmingly positive and they are excited to be able to move forward with the build.
“As I have said previously Castlemaine is the only town of its size in Australia not to have access to two full-line supermarkets,” he said.
“This new supermarket will offer the local community choice and competition and will have positive flow on effects for other local businesses,” he said.
“When in town to do their shop community members and visitors might pop into a local business to buy a gift for a family member, stop for a coffee, drop into the newsagents. It will keep money local,” he said.
He noted that some community members continue to voice concerns about potential soil contamination at the former gasworks site.
“Significant clean up works were previously undertaken at the site in line with EPA requirements,” he said.
Mr Harris said the developer is also no longer required to monitor water quality in Forest Creek.
“The EPA has deemed that the water quality is at a level where testing is no longer required.
“During construction soil on the site will be dealt with according to its classification and if required will be removed and taken to disposal facilities in Melbourne,” he said.
Mr Harris said the new supermarket is the best possible outcome the local community could wish for the site.
“The new development will effectively see all surfaces sealed,” he said.
“This is a first class architecturally designed development which will not only enhance the site but also the entrance to Castlemaine,” he said.
“It (VCAT) was a challenging process but the community had its chance to have a say and provide input and we think the final design is a terrific outcome for Castlemaine.”
Mr Harris said once they break ground it is estimated that the construction of the new supermarket will take around 10 to 12 months to complete.
“We hope it will be open for business by Easter 2024 all going well,” he said.
A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the supermarket retailer is looking forward to establishing its store in Castlemaine.
“As our customers increasingly look for convenient shopping locations close to where they live and work, we’ve had the opportunity to enter into a lease agreement for a site in Castlemaine,” the spokesperson said.
“Our new Castlemaine store will be designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on quality fresh food.
“We look forward to sharing a further update as the project nears completion, which is anticipated to be next year,” the spokesperson said.
Woolworths supermarket build to start soon
Proposed changes to local laws for tiny homes
With the housing crisis still biting hard, residents are being encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to a local law one of which would make tiny homes on wheels (THOW) a longer-term housing option.
Mount Alexander Shire Council commenced a 28-day community consultation process last Friday on proposed amendments to Local Law 13: camping on private property. If supported, the changes would allow people to live in a tiny home on wheels (THOW) indefinitely on a property, where there is already a house, without a permit.
The current local law requires THOWs to have a permit that lasts a maximum of six months, with possible extensions of up to a maximum of two years.
My Home Network (MHN) spokesperson Kaz Neilson said,
“We feel this indefinite time frame is a step in the right direction in an integrated approach to increase the diversity of affordable housing for our community.
“We recognise THOW local law needs common sense conditions to be met. We would also like to explore how to streamline the process, other waste management options other than removing waste off-site, and the option of rental agreements for THOW.
“We have a mismatch of housing supply and demand with only two percent of housing in our shire as one-bedroom units when 33 percent of our community are one-person households.
Nearly 90 percent of local tenants cannot afford their rent and the median cost of a house in Mount Alexander Shire is $720,000. A tiny home on wheels can offer a great affordable housing solution to many.
We encourage the community to have their say, share their views etcetera by visiting www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au. The deadline for input is Friday, March 3.
If you would like to be part of the local housing solution, for more information on the MHN and the MHN tiny homes on wheels, vacant dwellings, advocacy, and home share working groups contact Ms Neilson on cneilson@castlemainehealth.org.au
My Home Network is auspiced by Dhelkaya Health and made up of passionate community members, locals with lived experience of the housing crisis, and representatives from local housing initiatives, community, and local and state government organisations.
The future of tiny homes
Mount Alexander Shire Council is asking for feedback on its plans to remove permit requirements for people seeking to put a caravan, tent, or tiny home on wheels on their property where there is a dwelling, indefinitely.
In December, Mount Alexander Shire Councillors resolved to invite the community to provide input on proposed changes to Local Law 13 – Camping on Private Property.
Currently, the local law requires property owners to apply for a permit to camp or occupy a caravan or tiny house on wheels (where there is an existing dwelling) for up to six months.
Changes under the proposal would mean that a person would be able to camp or occupy a caravan or tiny house on wheels on a property where there is an existing dwelling for an indefinite period of time and there would be no requirement for a permit. A person seeking to camp or occupy a caravan or tiny house on wheels on a property where there is no existing dwelling is still required to apply to the council for a permit through the existing process.
Regulatory conditions, such as the management of wastewater, sewerage, and domestic refuse, will still need to be properly managed by the property owner and taken off-site for appropriate legal disposal at a dump point. Penalties may apply to property owners who do not comply with these requirements.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Councillor Rosie Annear said she was looking forward to hearing from the community on the issue.
“There has been a lot of discussion over the years about ways the council can support the increase of affordable housing in our community”, said Mayor Annear.
“We’re hoping that the proposed change to the existing local law will go some way towards addressing this.
“I encourage you to tell us what you think about what we’re proposing as part of this consultation. What are your concerns? What do we need to consider? Let us know because we’re listening”, said Mayor Annear.
Finding a place to call home
For Kathryn McGoldrick, living in a tiny home is the “perfect fit”.
“I know tiny homes alone aren’t the solution to the housing crisis and I know they are not suitable for everyone,” the 66-year-old said.
“But for me, a tiny home is the most viable, affordable, and sustainable solution.
“I live very simply and have minimal possessions and I am passionate about ethical living.
“My tiny home reflects my values – I absolutely love it. It is the perfect fit.”
Ms McGoldrick is just days away from moving into her first ever home of her own – a tiny home on wheels measuring 8 x 2.4 metres, quietly tucked away alongside an established home in Castlemaine.
For the former teacher, it will be the end of five long decades of having to find an affordable place to rent only to move again the following year, or a room in a suitable share house, a housesit whenever they came up, or a friend with a spare room she could stay in for a while.
Her story reflects those of other single women over the age of 55 — the fastest-growing demographic of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. A partnership breakdown,
intermittent work between raising two children as a single mother, little superannuation — along with a shrinking rental market, a blowout in public housing waiting lists and skyrocketing house prices — were converging to create a bleak future.
But thanks to frugal living and saving whenever she could over the years, Ms McGoldrick’s dream of having her own home is materialising before her eyes.
After decades of instability and upheaval, proposed changes to Mount Alexander Shire’s Local Law 13: camping on private property would give her the stability she so needs.
If supported, the changes would allow people to live in a tiny home on wheels (THOW) where there is already a house, indefinitely. Some common-sense conditions would need to be met including appropriate sustainable management of waste and all-weather access.
“It’s something I never thought was possible,” Ms McGoldrick said.
“I’ve always been living in someone else’s home, with their things, their belongings, their values …and having to move again soon enough, never knowing where.
“It feels so incredibly grounding to have found a place that’s my place, where I can have my things in it, live out my values, do whatever I want in it.
“It’s not just a place to call home – it’s my home.”
For more information on tiny houses visit www.tinyhouse.org.au.
Town Folk Festival returns!
Castlemaine’s highly anticipated second annual Town Folk Festival returns Saturday February 11.
Bringing together 16 of the best contemporary artists from around Victoria and beyond to Castlemaine, Town Folk Festival celebrates diverse, compelling and exciting music under the ever-widening umbrella of folk.
The one-day festival will take place on Dja Dja Wurrung Country across four stages in three venues, The Bridge Hotel, Shedshaker Brewing and Boomtown Winery, all a short walking distance from each other and packed with an afternoon-into-evening of musical greatness, food, drinks and company.
Town Folk Festival founder, Bridge Hotel owner and Applejack Music promoter Jeremy Furze said Town Folk Festival began as an idea to get some of his favourite contemporary folk bands and musicians together in one place and celebrate music of a slower, softer persuasion.
“This kind of music is often overlooked by mainstream media and events but there’s a wonderful community around it,” Jeremy said.
“The 2023 Town Folk is shaping up to be a superb day for music lovers of Castlemaine. The sun will be out and the line-up is looking hot!” he said.
Those to feature will include local acts such as Big Scary, Felicity Cripps Band and The Maes.
Castlemaine’s Jo Syme from Big Scary looks forward to being part of Saturday’s event.
“I went along to the first one in 2022 as a punter and I look forward to performing this time around on the outdoor stage alongside the Bridge Hotel with my Melbourne bandmate Tom Iansek,” Jo said.
The Theatre Royal’s own Felicity Cripps and her band will also feature. Cripps’ unique song-writing style evokes dream-scapes and celestial imagery, yet isn’t afraid to get gritty and dark. Duelling guitars, bass and drums support colourful vocal melodies andclose-knit harmonies. The result is uplifting and joyous, especially when witnessed live.
The Maes (sisters Maggie and Elsie Rigby) grew up the children of folk musicians, immersed in folk festivals, choir rehearsals and campfire sessions and look forward to playing this newly created local festival.
The sisters have been touring the world since 2014, playing some of the world’s most prestigious roots music festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in the USA, Edmonton Folk Festival in Canada and the Woodford Folk Festival and WOMADelaide in Australia. Don’t miss the chance to see them right here!
In addition to our local artists visiting artists will include Phoebe Go, Folk Bitch Trio, Jade Imagine, Maple Glider, The Rechords and Workhorse just to name a few. Tickets are selling fast so grab yours today!
For the full line-up and tickets visit www.townfolkfestival.com
Community prepares to celebrate 30 years of Fringe
In 1992 a group of Castlemaine creatives came together to plan for a new event showcasing the local arts community.
Designed to complement the Castlemaine State Festival, the Fringe Festival celebrates local, grassroots and community lead art and artists. Featuring a street parade, a samba band, and a program of interactive arts activities the very first Castlemaine Fringe Festival was held in October 1992.
Three decades on Castlemaine Fringe is thriving, remaining vibrant and connected to its community. As part of this year’s festival, Fringe will host a retrospective exhibition celebrating 30 years of community art on the Fringe.
Have you been involved with Fringe over the years as an artist, performer, participant or supporter? Castlemaine Fringe is looking for memorabilia, paraphernalia and collectables from 30 years of festival activities. Maybe you have some old posters, photos, banners or even t-shirts from past festivals? Dig deep in your cupboards, down the back of your filing cabinets, out in the shed and you never know what rich archival gems you will discover!
For those people who remember the very first Fringe Festival back in October 1992, make sure you catch Walking the Fish: The birth of the Castlemaine Fringe a documentary film made by local film maker Michael Harkin. It features original footage, snippets from ABC coverage of the event and interviews with key players who shaped the first ever festival.
Walking the Fish will be screened as part of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s (C-Doc) LOCALS night at the Theatre Royal during this year’s festival.
This year’s Fringe Festival program is packed with highlights including theatre, music, exhibitions, comedy and street performances galore. The Fringe Festival’s 2023 program is being launched with a community celebration at the Castlemaine Botanical Garden Tearooms next Sunday February 19 from 5pm to 8pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, pick up a copy of the program, meet some of the event producers, and find out what’s in store.
There will be live music and circus entertainment and a licenced bar. Bring a plate to share and join the Fringe crew to celebrate three decades of Fringe.
For more information visit the Fringe on Facebook or go to their website at www.castlemainefringe.org.au.
RIP Corro Corolla
The much-loved Lot 19 Arts Space car Corro Corolla was stolen from its home in Castlemaine sometime last week and has since been declared undrivable.
The 1994 corolla was gifted to Mark Anstey, owner of Lot 19 in 2014. Mark, an artist, and visionary saw potential in the little green car, and with the help of mates, many cans of paint, and hours of work giving the car the appearance of corrugated iron, Corro Corolla was born.
“Corro became a mascot for the place,” Mark told the Mail.
“I kept it registered and insured so people in the community could use it when they needed.”
Last week a young person appropriated the vehicle and proceeded to remove the sign from the roof (later found at the offender’s home). The young man then carefully taped the windows before spray painting it with care, including taking the time to stencil intricate leaf patterns. The muffler was removed and a meticulously wired light was mounted to the roof.
“He really made it his own,” Mark said.
“He had a tape of Bruce Springsteen in the tape deck, a 9 1/2 Weeks soundtrack, and various belongings.”
According to Castlemaine Police Acting Sergeant Brendan McManus the vehicle was then driven around Castlemaine and driven on the golf course, tearing up the fairways.
“Police recovered the vehicle which was taken to Tingay’s Smash Repairs. The offender then broke into Tingay’s by cutting the fence. Unable to find the car, he slept in a smashed-up van overnight, before sneaking into the workshop. He was discovered by employees the following morning wearing a balaclava and gloves,” Acting Sergeant McManus explained.
Once the vehicle was returned home, Mark soon discovered that Corro Corolla had not survived the ordeal.
“It feels like a loss, a death. It really did mean a lot to a lot of people,” Mark said.
“My girlfriend’s son has recently turned 18. I’d been teaching him to drive in that car and had told him he could have it when he got his license. He was absolutely chuffed, so that’s very disappointing.
“Fortunately we do have another old car on the horizon that we will paint and restore to give back to give back to the community.”
A member of the Lot 19 community Helen Bodycomb said she had borrowed the car on occasion.
“It was very chitty chitty bang bang and friendly to drive,” Helen said.
A funeral will be held for Corro Corolla at 11am on April 15 at Lot 19 to allow those who loved Corro Corolla to have the opportunity to speak, sing or contribute art to the event.
The offender has been charged by the police and will appear before the Castlemaine Magistrates Court later this month, but Mark is hoping some form of restorative justice could be implemented.
Excitement builds for Gift
The Castlemaine Gift is fast approaching! Scheduled for Sunday February 26 at Camp Reserve the juniors will take off at 10am, with the professional races commencing at around 11am. Castlemaine Gift coordinator Darryl Nettleton said they are expecting 250-300 runners to descend on the shire for the event.
The athletics event will feature a variety of heats throughout the day including the prestigious men’s and women’s Gifts, the women’s 400 metres, the veteran’s event, and the invitational, with the day concluding at 6.30pm.
Any children aged between five and 13 who are interested in running can turn up on the day and will be divided into age and gender groups.
Organiser Darryl Nettleton has been involved in professional running since the age of 28 as a runner, trainer, and handicapper and is proud to have had a long association with the local race meeting.
“There are no athletic events like it in the shire,” Darryl said.
“Professional running had its beginnings on the Victorian goldfields way back in the 1800s. But the first running of the Castlemaine Gift at the Camp Reserve, run in a professional manner by the Victorian Athletic League, took place on Boxing Day in 1922,” he said.
“I first started organising the Castlemaine Gift in 1993 and after some time off decided to bring it back in 2016.”
The Mineral Council of Australia is a major sponsor of this year’s men’s and women’s Gifts, and a supporter of Youth Take Over, a group of young people getting work experience with various organisations. The Youth Take Over Team is currently working with a local web design agency, We Push Buttons, to create a website and marketing material for this year’s Castlemaine Gift.
Mineral Council of Australia CEO James Sorahan said they are pleased to support the Gift especially given the long history of running in Victoria’s gold mining history in the region.
“It’s a great local event and Darryl does a great job organising it,” James said.
Other main sponsors include; Leech Earthmoving and Maree Edwards who are contributing to the women’s Gift, Castlemaine Rotary Club and McClures Excavations – women’s 400m, The Mill -3200m race, Mount Alexander Community Enterprise (MtACE) – 125m men’s and women’s masters, Maxi IGA – 300m Masters, Castlemaine Mail- 400m restricted, Hilson Builders – women’s 600m and the veterans and My Goodness and Chewton Service Station sponsoring the 120m Invitational.
Entry to the Gift is $5 per person, ($3 for pensioners) and kids are free. There will delicious food and drink available for purchase from My Goodness and Chewton Service Station.
Castlemaine horse show raising money for ovarian cancer
After an extremely successful inaugural show last year raising $4,233 for ovarian cancer research, The Team Teal Standardbred Show Extravaganza is returning to Wattle Flat Reserve in Castlemaine for its second year.
The Team Teal campaign is a partnership between WomensCan, the harness racing industry in Australia & New Zealand, and Tabcorp, whereby all reinswomen race in teal pants to raise awareness and much-needed funds when they secure first place across the finish line.
The Team Teal Patron Mr Duncan McPherson OAM will be attending on the day. Duncan lost his wife Lyn to ovarian cancer in 2010. Before losing her battle and in failing health, Lyn began fundraising for ovarian cancer research, an initiative Duncan connected with his passion for harness racing.
The campaign expanded from harness racing in Victoria to New South Wales in 2016, to harness racing in all Australian states in 2017, and internationally to harness racing in New Zealand in 2018. There is even talk now of heading to the northern hemisphere and the possibility of Sweden getting involved.
The vision of Team Teal is to continue to expand its collective efforts to help women live better and live longer.
Team Teal Standardbred Show Extravaganza is the brainchild of Dr Virginia Brosnan, Fee Williams, and Castlemaine resident Nicole Sanderson who decided that Castlemaine would be the perfect location for such a fundraising event. It is a new initiative showcasing stunning retired harness racing horses as very successful show-ridden horses being competed at a beginner level (novice ring) and an experienced level (open ring).
The competitors are of all ages and experience who enjoy being out with their beloved horses.
Bringing the show to a local regional town is really important as it highlights the awareness to the community that ovarian cancer is a silent killer and every woman needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
The Team Teal Show Team is extremely grateful to the local Castlemaine businesses and surrounds who did not hesitate to jump on board to help with our fundraising efforts when approached this year in 2023 including; Ezidig Bobcat Services, PetStock Castlemaine, Castlemaine Vet, Castlemaine Floristry, Phil Mawson Concreting, and the Five Flags Hotel.
The Standardbred Extravaganza is being held on Sunday, February 19 commencing at 8.30am until 5pm. A canteen will be open with lovely homemade foods and a huge raffle of amazing prizes on offer. Cash only. All proceeds made on the day will go directly to the Team Teal campaign. Make sure to head down and support this worthy cause.
For up-to-date information visit Team Teals Facebook site at: www.facebook.com/teamtealstandardbredshowextravaganza.
My Castlemaine: Bill Chapman
Hi Bill, congratulations on winning Senior Citizen of the Year! Can you tell me about your volunteer work?
I started out at the CFA in 1953 when I was 15. I took a little time off when I retired and we did a few tips to Queensland, NSW (mostly outback areas), to visit my sister and our daughter. But I got back into it. I feel good and I figure if I can do something, then why not do it.
Later in life, I got into Legacy and prison chaplaincy with Catholic Care at Loddon and Middleton prisons. It’s brilliant. We have Mass every second Friday and the men always grow the most beautiful roses. I’ve made some great friends there and when Rosalind was sick they kept asking about her.
I always say, ‘you get back what you put in.’
Chapman is a well-known name in the area, when did the family first move here and how many of you are there?
I’m one of 13 kids. There were three before the war, one brother during the war after dad came home for a visit, and the rest were born after the war finished.
My great-grandpa came here for gold and then dad got into it. I go out with a dish occasionally and so does one of my sons. I’ve found a few nice little-sized bits but it’s mostly throw-away gold.
What did you do for work?
I was a slaughterman by trade. I started out doing it during the school holidays. I did my first apprenticeship at the bacon factory when I was 17, then I worked at the abattoirs, before going back to the bacon factory and working night shifts as the storeman.
How did you meet your wife Rosalind?
“She’s an import,” laughs Bill. “She came from Belgrave.”
“I came to visit once,” said Rosalind. “My mum’s cousin lived in Castlemaine and I came for a holiday and my Aunty Laura did a bit of matchmaking. We were married on September 2 1961 in Belgrave and here we are 62 years later. Although I did crash his prized FJ when he was teaching me to drive and I thought he might not like me after that,” laughs Rosalind.
“We have eight babies, the eldest is now 61 and the youngest is 50. All born in Castlemaine. At one stage we did emergency fostering and had a 14-month-old girl with down syndrome who ended up living with us for six or seven years. She’s living in independent housing now I think.
“I love living in Castlemaine. It was like coming home.
“We’ve lived in this house for 56 years. Bill’s dad built it,” remembers Rosalind.
“Bill’s always been a good ambassador for Castlemaine. He would always take a tin of Castlemaine Rock wherever we went. And he’s always been community-minded.”
“There’s still a tin of Castlemaine Rock on my dad’s grave. It’s been there since 2000. It’s a bit rusty, but it’s still there,” Bill remarked.
62 years of marriage! Any tips?
We learned it all along the way. We pretty much clicked. She’s now 80-odd years and I think she’s still as beautiful as when we first met each other.
Rosalind wasn’t supposed to survive as a child. She had rheumatic fever and they told her parents to leave her in an institute. Now look at her with her own children and grandchildren.
That’s incredible! Is there any philosophy you live life by?
Keep going. Look ahead and do things. And our faith.
Do you have any hobbies?
Trains. I started out with little ones. Then, one Saturday morning I was reading the Castlemaine Mail and there was an ad for a three-and-a-half gauge steam train. I’m up and out of bed and Rosalind said, ‘I’m coming too!’
It was wrapped in newspaper and the man (David Bennet who was a top machinist) very methodically removed the paper and string from the chassis. He had all the other bits too and I said, ‘I’ll take it’. I put it all together and built the boiler. It took four and a half years. My grandson Addison has continued on the legacy with his love of trains.
What are you reading at the moment?
“The Building of St Patricks Cathedral,” replied Bill.
“And I’ve read every book in the place,’ said Rosalind. “I love historic novels and romance.”
What music do you enjoy listening to?
Mostly classical. Andre Rieu is one of my favourites at the moment. We’ve seen a few of his concerts in Melbourne.
Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
The tranquility. There’s a lot around to go and look at and relax, like Vaughan Springs.
Take a look back at Vaughan Springs Reserve
Circa 1940s
Although the Vaughan mineral spring was discovered in the late 1800s it wasn’t until the advent of the motor car about 1900-1910 that The Springs became a very popular location for large group picnics and gatherings. The Mt Alexander Shire Council, The Castlemaine Progress Association and other groups worked to set up facilities for visitors who not only came from the local district but as far as Melbourne as well. One of the facilities set to provide an outlet, particularly for the children, was this picnic sports lawn track which was in reality a fenced, 50 metres long running track. It was located in close proximity to the swimming area, the change rooms and the kiosk.
2022
This modern photograph reveals that there has been virtually no change in over 80 years except for a bitumen track and an information sign. The track was frequently used up to the mid 20th century but is now probably not used at all. In the early 1950s I had the pleasure of accompanying relatives on an annual basis from Kyneton to Vaughan Springs to take part in a Lodge picnic, and I had the opportunity on a number of occasions to race down the track with the other children. Although the track remains intact, other surrounding facilities have fallen into decay. The reserve incurred significant damage in the October 2022 floods and had to be closed until repairs could be undertaken. Information and photos kindly supplied by Ken McKimmie.
Big stink at Castlemaine Magistrates Court
A local resident has approached the Mail over concerns about the lack of functional, safe and accessible female toilets at the Castlemaine Magistrates Court.
Pauline Pope said while many people appreciate being able to have matters heard locally at our Magistrates Court facility, she queried why are there are no functional female-only toilets available for the public attending the local court.
Ms Pope said she understands the female toilets at the facility have been out of action for about six months now and female court attendees are currently advised to walk a hundred metres down the street to use a public facility.
“Females with disabilities are advised their only other option is to use the male-only facility which features an open urinal beside the door through which users enter,” she said.
Ms Pope said the dysfunctional toilet blocks are also tucked away, out of sight, at the rear of the court building.
“They are old and filthy and over-ripe for replacement. Their accessibility doesn’t pass muster at all. The toilets are reached by following a broken path up a slight incline which is difficult, but possible, to do if you’re using a walker or a cane, but it’s utterly impossible if you’re independently using a wheelchair. The possibility of tripping on the broken path is very real for the short-sighted,” she said.
Ms Pope said is concerned the isolated location of the toilet blocks also makes it particularly dangerous for females attending the court for Intervention Order matters.
“The male subjects of those orders are likely to stalk their victims within the court precinct. The toilet location, combined with its lack of security, makes it an ideal site for bullying to be conducted with impunity,” she said.
The local resident questioned why has this situation been allowed to fester for over six months now?
“A public building housing a public service must provide accessible and safe toilet facilities. How can a court operate outside of the very law it’s meant to apply?
Ms Pope said functional and accessible toilets are an absolute necessity for court attendees who may be required to wait in the court for up to seven hours before their matters are heard.
“The local community cannot afford to lose the Magistrates Court. Many elderly, disabled and impoverished local residents are not able to travel to Bendigo to seek justice. This makes it imperative for council and other responsible bodies to ensure that the toilet situation is resolved post haste,” she said.
In the meantime she urges authorities to get a decent portaloo on site.
The Mail has since learned that Court Services Victoria (CSV) is responsible for managing court facilities in Victoria.
A CSV spokesperson told the Mail the CSV is committed to ensuring that court buildings are safe, secure and accessible for all court users.
“CSV is currently undertaking planning for an approved plan of works for upgrades at the Castlemaine Court, and is preparing design and tender documentation for Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant works,” the spokesperson said.
“The works will include Ambulant and DDA-compliant toilets within the new waiting area; a DDA compliant entrance to the new waiting area; a new DDA compliant path from the street into the new waiting area/registry office; and egress from the new waiting area into the registry office,” she said.
It is currently expected that the works’ tender will be issued in February 2023.
My Harcourt: George Milford
Hi George, congratulations on being awarded Citizen of the Year for your incredible volunteer work. How did you begin volunteering?
I worked at Thompson’s and trained to be an accountant at night school in 1968. I was the finance controller there from 1979- 2008, working under four different employers during that time. I got to meet some amazing people, doing amazing things – it was a marvelous crew.
It was about that time that I was recruited as treasurer of the Harcourt Uniting Church, where I am still treasurer to this day!
Being a treasurer brings me in contact with movers and shakers, people that aren’t necessarily interested in bookwork.
People talk about the three levels of government, but they don’t talk about how much work is expected of volunteers. There’s a lot of paperwork, especially from the banks and that’s the work I do. I don’t want to be idle and there’s only so much reading, gardening, and watching TV you can do.
There’s a real sense of collegiality when you do volunteer work – you’re not doing it on your own.
What other volunteer work have you done?
I was involved with getting the Harcourt Leisure Centre up and running back in 1983 and I’ve been the treasurer there ever since. It’s fun and it keeps me in touch with what’s happening.
I’m probably best known for my work at the Harcourt Heritage Centre where they have a nice big collection of Henry James’ things. And once a month we contribute to the Harcourt Core from things we’ve found in his collection.
I’m also the treasurer at Buda Historic Home and Garden in Castlemaine.
I enjoy being involved with the Harcourt Applefest too. This year there will be an art show and dinosaurs wandering around, family-sized apple pies, and Eliza Hull and the Australian Women’s Choir will be performing.
I’m involved with Legacy which is a great organisation providing very constructive help to widows.
Oh, and I’m a trustee for the Stoneman Foundation. After Stuart Stoneman died last year he created a charitable foundation and left his heritage property Duneira Estate in Mount Macedon to trustees. It’s got a big art collection and beautiful gardens.
I’m involved with the Maldon Vintage Engine Museum and the Vintage Engine Club and I was recruited to the Cemetery Trust in 1979. We made it tidy and accessible and in 82′ we added the lawn section. Everyone attends the working bees with enthusiasm but when it’s time to do the bookwork everyone has to go.
Organisations rise and fall from good secretaries and chairs and I enjoy meeting up with people and helping them out. If you’ve got skills, you may as well use them.
That’s an incredible amount of work, George! How many volunteer roles do you have?!
I do enough to keep me off the streets.
How long have you lived in Harcourt?
We’ve been in this house for 48 years. I was brought up on the property next door under an apple tree. My family has been here since 1959.
This place is like an aviary, with kookaburras, crimson rosellas, yellow-faced honey eaters, blackbirds, thrushes, and magpies who love the flowering natives and the creek behind the house.
We love living next to the bowling green, and hearing them laughing and clapping, it’s good company. I don’t bowl though, I don’t have time!
We have two kids, one in Castlemaine and one in Sunbury. All through COVID we were minding our ten-year-old grandson, as his mother is an essential worker.
We played a lot of loungeroom soccer, which was great because my daughter has a very large lounge room with four doors leading off it, two of the doors were his goals and two were mine. We didn’t break anything – the rule was no kicking the ball off the ground. We did puzzles together and he loved beating me at Petanque!
Have you got time for any other interests?
Growing roses, I have Mutabilis, Masquerade and For Your Eyes Only, and they all change colour every day. During COVID I dug a nice new bed and put in some more roses.
What are you reading at the moment?
Erik Newby’s travel book Around the Mediterranean
Have you travelled?
We went to England, America, Scotland, and France. I went to Singapore 21 times for work and to Japan in 1986 to negotiate a license agreement.
What music do you enjoy listening to?
I like hymns and classical and I like listening to Macca on Sunday mornings.
What philosophy do you live life by?
I’m a Christian person. I try and brighten up the world around me. I think we have every reason to be positive about most things.
And finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
Harcourt is the centre of the universe! Marvelous people, great environment, good soil and grows the best apples.
Harvest your potential
Are you the proud owner of fruit trees on your property? Are you feeling unsure about how to look after your trees in the face of the changing weather patterns brought on by climate change? Then mark your calendar for an upcoming three-part live online course on fruit tree care, designed for home fruit growers.
Harcourt based organic orchardists Katie and Hugh Finlay are dedicated to help you grow great fruit.
They are now offering a course called Learn.Plan.Succeed: Create Your Fruit Tree Action Plan. The course is written for those who have fruit trees in their backyard and are confused about what jobs to do, and when to do them.
The course especially suits people who live in central Victoria. Different from their year-long ‘Grow Great Fruit’ course which focuses on the “how” of fruit tree care, this new three-part short course is all about the “when”.
Katie said they have been teaching people about fruit tree care for many years now, and they’ve noticed that not knowing when to do all the different jobs can cause big headaches.
“But to create an action plan for your fruit trees, you also need to know what jobs you need to do. So, we’ll be talking about how to schedule your pruning, all the different pest and disease prevention activities, and other jobs like planting and fruit thinning, for example,” she said.
The course will take place online, making it easy for anyone to participate, regardless of location. However, local residents will get extra value from doing the course.
Katie explains they’ve written the course for fruit growers all around Australia, but because as they live right here in central Victoria, they are more familiar with the best timing for all the fruit tree jobs in this climate.
“We can help local gardeners to write a more accurate plan right from the start,” Katie said.
“We’ve also kept the course super-affordable at just $37 for all three sessions, because we want to make it available to everyone who’s trying to grow their own food.”
The course kicks off on February 14, at 7.30 pm, but registration is open now. Head to the website growgreatfruit.com, click on the ‘courses’ tab, and then click on ‘Learn.Plan.Succeed’ to register.
“We’ve already opened up a Facebook group for course participants, so you can start getting your fruit tree questions answered as soon as you register. It’s also a lovely friendly group where you can meet other home fruit growers,” Katie said.
The course runs over three evenings from February 14 to 20, but all sessions will be recorded so participants can watch the replays if they miss a session.
Hugh said they want to empower people to take control of their fruit tree care and to understand that by writing an action plan, they can make informed decisions that will help them to protect their fruit trees and get a great harvest every year.
“This course is a game-changer. By the end of the course, participants will have an action plan that will help them feel a lot more relaxed about their fruit trees by being prepared for the challenges ahead,” Hugh said.