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Photos prove that Harcourt does flood!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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With the Harcourt community recently invited by North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) to provide input into a Flood Study for Harcourt, local resident Faye Hards has shared images with the Mail of flooding in the township.
Harcourt flooded in 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2016.
The NCCMA is supporting the Mount Alexander Shire Council in the development of a Flood Study for Harcourt and calling on the community to share their knowledge of past flood events to better inform how they manage and mitigate the impacts of flooding into the future.
“I hope these images illustrate to local residents that Harcourt does flood, as many locals are questioning the need for a flood study,” Faye says.

We need to do more to address climate change

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Trevor Scott, Castlemaine

“A manager for People and Culture is another unnecessary position” says Bill Bayliss, criticising our council in last week’s Castlemaine Mail (Opinions, August 12). I don’t know where these notions of yours come from Bill, but I do know that if we removed art and culture from the People, the equivalent of banning artists from our society, it would be a much lesser society. It would certainly diminish a lively community such as Castlemaine, which thrives on its artists, craftspeople, writers and musicians. So I disagree with you, Bill. I think $140,000 every year is a small price to pay for the vitality of this community.
As for “the Climate Change position” which you also mention, hasn’t it recently been shown by the increased frequency and severity in droughts, storms, floods and bush fires, that action to address Climate Change is absolutely necessary? I am of the opinion that the recent target set by the new Labor Government of 43% emissions reduction by 2030, although it is a step in the right direction, it is nowhere near enough, and that Mount Alexander Shire Council, having declared a climate emergency in 2019, needs to do much more.

Creating works of speculative futures

By
Angela Crawford
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Punctum founder Jude Anderson.
Punctum founder Jude Anderson.

For decades Jude Anderson has produced performance art that has tested traditional conventions of live performance and audience engagement.
After having worked overseas for many years in Chile, America, Italy and France, Anderson founded Punctum in Castlemaine in 2004 to work with more than 400 artists to support their practice and new works.
Anderson will be presenting on two occasions at the Conflux festival of creative ideas in Bendigo next month.
In the first, she will facilitate a conversation with Stephen Page, the artistic director of Indigenous Australian contemporary dance company Bangarra Dance Theatre.
“Stephen’s contribution to Australian culture and the performing arts is inestimable,” Anderson said.
“He has an approach to storytelling and creating work that draws on a culture that goes back 60-70,000 years, and we have a lot to learn from that.
“The process and practice that he and the members of his company bring through their culture and kinship and systems of connection to Country through their performance, he will be able to speak to that, and that is really exciting and rare.”
The second of Anderson’s presentations is a session titled ‘Making Meaning – Building Cultural Bridges, Crossings, Collisions and Connections’, in which she will use recent works as case studies and share practices and principles underpinning Punctum’s contemporary performances.
“This session comes from one of the two branches of Punctum’s long-term cultural investigations that we seem to return to a lot through our works,” she said.
“One of those is creating works that are speculative futures in the context of migration and the flow of people, and that brings about cultural shift.
“We’re really interested, in a regional context, of how we might speak to that through a future lens.
“The other branch of our practice for a long time has been speculative futures around how we connect with the impact of climate change.
“When you look at Punctum’s works over the years, you’ll see that our works constantly are an expression of one of those two branches of investigation.”
Anderson said Punctum brought audiences into the works and gave the audience a strong part in how the works worked.
“We offer new ways of considering what live performance might be and how that might engage with audiences,” she said.
Anderson is among a host of fascinating presenters in the lineup for Conflux Bendigo. Tickets available now at emporiumcreativehub.com.au/confluxtickets

My Castlemaine with textile artist and communications expert Tracey Naughton

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Tracey Naughton and her beloved pooch George.
Tracey Naughton and her beloved pooch George.

Hi Tracey. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. When did you come to Castlemaine? Were you born here?
No I was born and raised in Singapore, Malaya and Sydney before my family settled in Eltham in Melbourne. I first started coming up here in the 80s to visit friends involved in the arts and mudbrick movement, including Peter Wallace who had a gallery where Katharina Rapp’s studio is now in Hargraves Street. I eventually brought a property here in 1998 but I didn’t actually settle here until quite some time later.
Did you move from Eltham?
In the early 90s I moved to South Africa where I worked for 20 years. I have two threads in my life – textiles and media. I believe I was born a textile artist. I began making dolls clothes and working with textiles from an early age. I was obsessed with fabrics. I never had any formal training. I started out in my 20s working in the arts but then moved to South Africa and pursued a career in radio and media. I got a contract with AusAid setting up five pilot community based radio stations in the final years of Apartheid.
You completed formal study?
Yes I studied Fine Art at the Phillip Institute of Technology (PIT), a post grad in Community Development and then a Masters in Social Research in Johannesburg. Around the same time I learnt to fly Cessnas.
Is that so you could travel long distances?
No it was so I could smuggle short wave radios into Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. We had set up a short wave transmitter in London but we had to get radio receivers in so people could receive the news being broadcast about Zimbabwe within the country. They were great little wind up radios so they didn’t need electricity. I also worked on a soap opera at one stage which was focused on delivering positive messages around healthy eating and safe sex during the AIDS epidemic.
Wow incredible. Your work must have taken you far and wide?
I worked out that I have worked in 57 countries including North Korea on UN mission. I would drive across the Namib and Kalahari deserts in my Land Rover. I did a lot of kilometres and air miles!
It must have been wonderful to have explored so many countries?
It was great to work with community right through to politicians and the UN. I believe it is only once you visit a country that you can get a true understanding of the social and political culture. It’s so important we come from a place of respect when it comes to diplomacy. Never lead, you need to work side by side to create lasting change.
So you eventually made the decision to move home to Castlemaine?
Yes my mum helped me find the house while I was away and I reluctantly returned home in 2006. I wasn’t well. I recall one day I had been speaking to a group of 300 people at a UN event and when we broke for lunch I literally laid down under the podium and went to sleep! On returning home I finally got my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
I got my health back in check, renovated my house and began to settle into the Castlemaine community. However, I was then head-hunted to be Country Director for a Washington DC based International non-government organisation (INGO) in Mongolia and jumped at the opportunity. I spent six winters there. It gets down to minus 50 in winter and 40+ plus in summer. My MS progressed and very reluctantly I had to return home again.
So you returned to Castlemaine?
Yes in 2011, I planned to pack up and move to Footscray but once I got back I became reimmersed in the local community. I found a new home to renovate, got involved in the local radio station MainFM once again and I just couldn’t leave!
In between working have you still found time to pursue your passion for textiles?
Whilst I was abroad I collected loads of textiles and I would also make banners for local groups and organisations. An exhibition of these textiles toured Australian public art galleries for about five years. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the current exhibition ‘Signs of the Times’ at Lot 19 with my partner Sir Leslie Thornton and friends which features some of the badges and t-shirts I have collected from various campaigns and my Revolutionary Jam.
Is there anything that people may not realise about you Tracey?
When I am out and about I am living my best life, but behind closed doors can be hard. My MS makes me very tired and most days it’s difficult to walk.
What are you reading at the moment Tracey?
I have three books on the go! QAnon and On – A short shocking history of internet conspiracy cults by Van Badham; Sundressed – Natural Fibres and the Future of Fashion by Lucianne Tonti which is all about sustainability; and Carmel Bird’s Telltale. I just love Carmel’s work!
What’s your favourite musical genre or artist?
I am a bit stuck in the 80s and 90s. I like Leonard Cohen and I love Apple Music because is suggests artists you may like.
OK. Three dream dinner guests?
That’s a tough one. I’ve had many fabulous dinner parties! I have two thoughts on this. The first is that I would love to invite all the strong women from my family’s past. As the eldest of five children I was fortunate enough to meet many of them. The second group would be Kim Jong-un, Fidel Castro and Commandant Marcos. But how can I not include Banksy!
Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Keep moving forward. It is better to make a wrong decision strongly, than a right decision weakly. And if I say I will do something, I’ll do it.
Do you have any pet peeves?
The erosion of both the truth in media and freedom of speech.
What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
I love that we make room for everyone and our community works really hard to make sure people are supported and don’t fall through the cracks.

Talking to teens and tweens: Castlemaine Library to host parenting session

By
Lisa Dennis
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Community Health nurse Bron Grieve encourages local parents to register for the 'Talking with Tweens and Teens' session.
Community Health nurse Bron Grieve encourages local parents to register for the 'Talking with Tweens and Teens' session.

The next instalment of the Parenting in the Modern World series ‘Talking to Tweens and Teens’ will take place at Castlemaine Library next Thursday evening August 25.
Touching on topics that most parents can relate to, this session will share information and tips on communicating, negotiating the world of porn, media and technology, and talking about sex with teens.
The session will be presented by Community Health Nurse Bron Grieve in partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Bron told the Mail the session will include some surprising current statistics around these topics that might shock some parents.
“It’s crucial that parents open up the lines of communication and let their teens know they are there if they need a sounding board or confidant at anytime,” she says.
Q&A and refreshments will follow the formal presentation.
This session is aimed at parents and carers of young people aged 10-18 years and will run from 5.30-7pm at Castlemaine Library in Mechanics Lane. This is a free event, but bookings are required and can be made at www.goldfieldslibraries.com

Mail on Main podcast: August 12, 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 soccer sides eye finals

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club’s Senior Men Div 6 NW side hosted Kyneton at Chewton on another perfect winters afternoon on Sunday August 7. A rematch from the season’s earlier 3-3 draw. Maine went into the game as favourites, unbeaten in their last 11 matches, with a run nine wins and two draws.
After a tight opening 10 minutes, Castlemaine slowly took control of possession and looked to play through the experienced Kyneton defence. In reply, Kyneton hit long balls with little effect, with most dealt with by a rock solid Castlemaine defence led by Geordie McMurtrie. As the half wore on, Maine looked the more likely side to find the break through which eventually came with a tidy finish from Oliver Gunter after a smooth pitch long build up.
The second half saw almost total domination of the ball by a confident Maine side. Again, dogged Kyneton defending and some wayward finishing kept the score at 1-0. It wasn’t until Conna Mallet picked up the ball from a throw-in beating two defenders and the keeper in a wonderful solo effort, that the home team and supporters could relax and enjoy a brilliant performance from all in yellow and green.
Coach Dave Gunter was impressed by the whole team’s performance, but especially the defence, also singled out were Levi and James Chaffey for special mention, with typically strong displays in both attack and on defence.
With three games to go, Castlemaine are equal first on the table, with goal difference the only thing splitting them and West Point. Their final home game of the season is scheduled for 3pm on August 21, when they will hope to complete an unbeaten home season.
Senior Men Div 7 NW
Another tough away trip down the Calder for the Div 7 Men saw them come up short to Maidstone United, with the final score 5-2. Goals to Harry Harvey and Lucas Rotteveel, ensured their was some positive reward for another spirited display from this young team.
Senior Women BASL Central Vic League 2
The Castlemaine Goldfields Senior Women enjoyed a break without a game this week after a very tough road trip to Tatura saw them go down 7-0 in Round 12. With two more rounds to go the Women are hoping that one more positive result can secure the a top four finish and a place in the finals.
Juniors
The Castlemaine Goldfields juniors Bendigo Amateur Soccer League season is quickly nearing its conclusion too with just three rounds to go, followed by the Junior Super Cup for teams playing in the finals positions.
As it stands Castlemaine Goldfields have as many as nine of their 12 competitive junior teams vying for, or already having secured, a place in the Super Cup.
The Castlemaine Goldfields FC Junior Club Awards Day (U10-U16s) will be hosted on the morning of Sunday August 28. So save the date and stay tuned for details on the event to follow!

‘Paint the Town Red’ at the Castlemaine Community House Spring Ball 2022

By
Lisa Dennis
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Castlemaine Spring Ball organisers and performers from M79, Castlemaine Electronic Workshop and Lady Fun Times are geared up for the return of the highly anticipated October event.
Castlemaine Spring Ball organisers and performers from M79, Castlemaine Electronic Workshop and Lady Fun Times are geared up for the return of the highly anticipated October event.

The beloved Castlemaine Community House Spring Ball is making its come-back this October after two years of pandemic disruption and organisers plan to ‘Paint the Town Red’.
This year marks the 26th annual ball which is the main fundraiser for Castlemaine Community House and supports its grassroots initiatives such as CCH’s weekly community lunch.
Spring Ball organiser Rani Kerin says ‘Paint the Town Red’ is the theme for this year’s ball that’s locked in for October 15.
“‘Paint the Town Red’ is a state of mind more than anything else. The theme is really open to interpretation and we want people to have fun with it. We can’t wait to see what people come up with,” she said.
If our photo shoot was anything to go by we are in for a real treat!
This year’s Spring Ball will be held at the Castlemaine Town Hall with local entertainers including five-piece electronic funk-rock dance band M79, Castlemaine Electronic Workshop, and dance troupe Lady Fun Times.
M79 began crafting their all-original musical compositions in 2018 and features Briega Young and Lisa Mills on vocals and keyboards, Euan Williamson on vocals, guitars, keyboard and beats, Telford Scully on vocoder, slide guitar, samples, keys and beats and Bradley Dawson on bass guitar.
Band member Lisa Mills said M79 have rocked the Bridge Hotel, Theatre Royal, the Taproom and Guildford Hotel and have fast become Castlemaine’s favourite all singing all dancing party band and can’t wait to perform at the Spring Ball.
Toby Heydon said local DJs/producers from Castlemaine Electronic Workshop (CEW) are looking forward to spinning tunes at this year’s celebration.
“DJs Sach, Joel and myself will be bringing the funk, and the house and the techno to help ‘Paint the Town Red’.
Fan favourites Lady Fun Times will also return to this year’s ball and are reportedly planning a special performance which ties in with this year’s theme.
“There will be prizes for best dressed and some other surprises,” Rani said.
“Everyone is welcome to come along, support Community House and have a great night.”
Castlemaine Community House will run a bar with drinks at friendly prices and a light supper will be provided.
Pre-sale tickets ($40 / $30 conc.) are now on sale and can be purchased online or in person at Castlemaine Community House or Green Goes the Grocer.

Is jobs, Is good: Government boost for Don KR

By
Angela Crawford
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Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford is pictured at Don KR Castlemaine this week where she announced a $3.71 million partnership between Jobs Victoria and George Weston Foods to create 200 new jobs.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford is pictured at Don KR Castlemaine this week where she announced a $3.71 million partnership between Jobs Victoria and George Weston Foods to create 200 new jobs.

The state government is creating more jobs in regional Victoria with one of Australia’s biggest food manufacturers.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford this week announced a $3.71 million partnership between Jobs Victoria and George Weston Foods – the name behind the Don KR smallgoods brand – to create 200 new jobs with the food manufacturer.
The full-time ongoing roles are available at GWF’s Don KR factory in Castlemaine, its head office in Port Melbourne and farms in Bears Lagoon in north-central Victoria and Girgarre in the Goulburn Valley.
GWF is looking for food production operators, packers, farm assistants and administrators with recruits to receive specialised induction training before they commence employment.
Successful applicants will attain a Certificate III in Food Processing, Certificate III and IV in Agriculture or Certificate IV in Leadership and Management – with training costs and fees covered by GWF.
Don Smallgoods managing director, Will Ursell, said the company wanted to change the perception of factory jobs.
“Our frontline factory staff often move through the ranks to management roles, there is so much opportunity for career progression,” he said.
Ms Pulford said the jobs would enable people to start a long-term career with on-the-job training included.
“We know there’s strong demand for locally made food products and this investment is supporting the sector to meet that now and into the future,” she said.
The ongoing roles will provide a unique opportunity to experience the food manufacturing industry from the farm to the factory floor, while working up the ladder for a rewarding long-term career with management potential.
Those hired will be supported with dedicated workplace mentors, free uniforms and any necessary work-related equipment.
The jobs are being prioritised for young people aged 18 to 25, women aged 45 and over, people with disability, people who are long term unemployed, Aboriginal Victorians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and others experiencing challenges finding work.
For more information about these job opportunities visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.

My Maldon with award winning classical guitarist Clancy McLeod

By
Lisa Dennis
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G’day Clancy. You’re becoming renowned for your abilities on the classical guitar. When did you first begin playing?
It’s a funny story actually. I was 10 years old and my Dad was an amateur mandolin player at the time and wanted someone to play with him. I volunteered and got a guitar for Christmas. Then he quit. We never really got a chance to play together.
When did you move into Classical Guitar?
When I was about 13 my mum had loaned a John Williams CD from a neighbour and I just loved it. I learnt a couple of pieces and the rest is history.
I understand that you completed formal study?
Yes I studied music right through school and then did my undergraduate at the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music. I then went overseas to Scotland to study at the Royal Conservatoire which is regarded as one of the best music schools in the world. I was in the United Kingdom for a year and a half. I returned home as COVID struck.
When did you take your performances from theory into practice?
When I was studying Year 12 I needed to do a recital as part of my Year 12 prac. In under 24 hours my family pulled together a last minute concert at the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre. We had 20 people turn out. In the years since I have performed locally numerous times and I am currently presenting my ‘A Dream in The Forest’ concert series at venues across the state.
I curated the concert after the 2019-20 bushfires. I was in the UK at the time and seeing the devastation back home. I wanted to curate a program that reflected the emotions I was feeling. All the pieces are very deeply felt, and explore love, grief or connection with land.
I’d imagine your music has taken you far and wide?
Unfortunately covid has made it a bit difficult to really do a lot of shows and get my name out there, but I am looking forward to continuing to perform across the region and beyond and try and break out.
This year I’ve already performed at Melbourne, Montsalvat, Flinders, Rainbow, Horsham, Ararat, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maldon. I have shows coming up at Shepparton this Saturday, Daylesford’s Convent Gallery Chapel on August 21 at 2pm; Newstead Arts Hub on August 26 at 7pm and Mica Grange Sculpture Garden Studio on August 28 at 2pm.
Do you have a day job whilst trying to get your musical career off the ground?
Yes I teach music one and a half days a week at two schools in Bendigo.
It must be nice to pass your skills on to the next generation?
It’s really rewarding. I truly believe that anyone can be a great musician if they are willing to work at it. I don’t think its all about talent. I’ve worked hard to get where I am today. It’s great to see that potential in a musician and be able to nurture it.
So how long have you lived in Maldon?
We moved to Maldon when I was 15. We live on the side of Mount Tarrengower in granite country.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Alice Springs.
Is there anything that people may not realise about you Clancy?
I love being outdoors, hiking and bushwalking with my dogs Mango, Fella and Gype. I’m passionate about the environment and as an artist I feel very strongly that my role is to help people reconnect with their love for the natural world around them.
OK then… onto a few of our other fun questions. What are you reading at the moment Clancy?
I don’t have a lot of time for reading these days but when I am having trouble sleeping I like to pick up an old copy of Young Adult fiction Lionboy.
What’s your musical genre or artists of preference outside of your performance space?
I actually enjoy listening to classical music when I am not playing it. I also enjoy Celtic music such as Martin Hayes, and cultural or world music in general. I am not really big on western music.
OK. Three dream dinner guests?
That’s a tough one! If I could have anyone in the world for dinner I would probably just have a few good friends over. I’m a pretty average cook so I don’t know if it’d be fair to invite famous people.
Lovely. Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Right now my philosophy is ‘Hoist your sails and see if the wind catches them’. In other words give it a crack and see if it works. I hope to make it in the music world. All you can do is try.
Do you have any pet peeves?
Those who are unwilling to give people a shot, without even listening or looking at them.
What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
What I enjoy most is walking amongst the granite boulders in spring on a sunny day when the flowers are all out.

Author inspired by Jarrah and Mathilde’s friendship

By
Lisa Dennis
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Castlemaine teens Mathilde Cross and Jarrah Podesta and award winning author Pip Harry are pictured with her new book August & Jones on Monday.
Castlemaine teens Mathilde Cross and Jarrah Podesta and award winning author Pip Harry are pictured with her new book August & Jones on Monday.

Award winning author Pip Harry visited Castlemaine on Monday to officially launch her new book August & Jones which was inspired by the beautiful bond between Castlemaine friends Jarrah Podesta and Mathilde Cross.
When Jarrah lost his vision, Mathilde became his eyes supporting him on his journey.
Author Pip Harry told the Mail she was living and working in Singapore as an ex-pat in 2019 when she came across a story about 11-year-olds Mathilde Cross and Jarrah Podesta in the Sydney Morning Herald ‘Two of Us’ column.
Jarrah had lost his sight to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, and Mathilde was his best friend and guide.
“I was struck by their beautiful, supportive friendship, resilience and courage,” Pip said.
“A spark of inspiration came to me and I mused that a middle-grade novel that could portray a bond like these two remarkable kids shared would be very special. A year or so later, I had a book due and I had a go at telling that story and August & Jones came to life,” she said.
Pip sent an early copy of the book to Jarrah and Mathilde seeking their input into the story.
“I was expecting them to send me lots of notes and changes, but they loved it. They only wanted to make two changes!” she said.
The book tells the story of eleven-year-old Jones Kirby who has just moved to Sydney from her farm in country New South Wales. She can’t get used to her family’s tiny city apartment. She’s also worried that her vision is blurry – she lost her eye to cancer as a toddler. Could it be another tumour?
Enrolling at her new school, Jones meets shy, awkward August Genting. He loves fun facts, the library and knitting as much as Jones loves rock climbing and being outdoors. Who would have thought they’d become fast friends?
At home, August’s parents are fighting. And for Jones, the news from the doctor is not good.
To cheer themselves up, the pair hatch a brilliant plan: the August and Jones Must-See Bucket List.
Pip travelled to Castlemaine Monday to celebrate the official launch of August & Jones “into the world” with the real life friends who were the spark of inspiration behind it.
Jarrah, Mathilde and their families were proud to be in attendance, alongside 60 students from the Campbells Creek, Harcourt and Elphinstone Primary Schools.
Pip said it was an incredible day.
“It’s our book now. I feel like we have come full circle and out the other side. I have never had a book launch like this and I don’t think I ever will again. It’s been really special,” she said.
“It was wonderful to finally have the chance to meet Mathilde and fellow author Jarrah in person!” Pip said.
“We discovered Jarrah and I even share the same birthdate! I have goosebumps!” the author laughed.
Jarrah confirmed he enjoys writing fantasy fiction.
The teens said they were surprised but delighted when they got the news that their friendship had sparked the idea for Pip’s book.
“I was in the car on the way home from school. I couldn’t believe it!” Jarrah said.
Jarrah 14 and Mathilde 15 formed a friendship in Grade 2 at Campbells Creek Primary School with both sharing a love of books and reading.
The pair are now in Year 8 at Castlemaine Secondary College and remain firm friends.
“We are in different classes this year but we still meet up and recess and lunch and have maintained close friendships with many of our friends at Campbells Creek Primary,” Mathilde said.

OPINION: Finally, an Arts Minister who cares about the arts

By
Castlemaine Mail
-


Lisa Chesters MP, Member for Bendigo

The new Labor Government has launched its National Cultural Policy consultation, led by Federal Arts Minister, Tony Burke.

Local artists and organisations have given so much to our community over the last two years. That’s why I am writing to seek their feedback and vision for our new cultural policy – https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/renewed-national-cultural-policy

I’m so pleased that we finally have an Arts Minister who cares about the arts.

The days of Australian governments taking Australian stories for granted are over.

Visit https://www.arts.gov.au/departmental-news/new-national-cultural-policy for more information.

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