Celebrating 25 years of the Hush Foundation and 10 years of the Gathering of Kindness from Monday November 10 to Friday 14.
After 25 years of pioneering work proving that kindness and the arts can transform the healthcare system, the sector is still going in the wrong direction with Safe Work Australia stepping in and calling healthcare an unsafe working environment and in July this year, introducing a new model Code of Practice for healthcare.
When Professor Catherine Crock founded the Hush Foundation 25 years ago and then introduced the annual Gathering of Kindness ten years ago, she was a rare voice calling for kindness and arts in healthcare. Now it’s a global movement with academic research partnerships, policy influence, grassroots practitioner networks and patient advocacy integration.
“While zero-tolerance policies such as those from Safe Work Australia are necessary, positive reinforcement like kindness offers a more constructive approach, tapping into people’s intrinsic desire to be part of a positive, supportive community,” she said
“Kindness is a simple but extremely effective cure in sustaining and empowering the healthcare sector. Fostering a sense of community is proven to enhance the performance and wellbeing of healthcare staff, with reduced errors and improved patient safety and experience – saving lives. When kindness is at work, everyone thrives!” 
For more information and the full program please visit https://hush.org.au/gathering-of-kindness-2025/

Over 30 friends and members of the Campbells Creek Bowling Club gathered together to celebrate the Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of bubbly and chicken served with plenty of laughter and conversation.
The combination of good food, racing excitement, and friendly company, made for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon.
A highlight of the day was the hat parade with an impressive array of hats ranging from elegant and classic designs to quirky and imaginative creations, adding a playful competitive spirit to the event.
Overall the Melbourne Cup Day Celebration at Campbells Creek Bowling Club was a great success with a blend of community spirit, fashion food and racing excitement. It was a memorable day had by all, and the club looks forward to next year’s event.

The 171st Castlemaine & District Agricultural Show once again delighted crowds at the Camp Reserve last Friday and Saturday.
After a late start to due to some hold ups with road closures the beloved show parade got underway with the Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band proudly led parade entrants to the Camp Reserve.

Among the parade entries were the Mt Alexander Knitting Nannas, the YIMBY composting crew, Castlemaine Scouts and Guides, Windarring, Busy Bees Childcare, Campbells Creek Primary School and Guildford Campus with a fantastic halloween entry, local emergency service personnel, local trucking companies and members of our local classic car and hot rod community just to name a few.

At the showgrounds perfect conditions greeted show-goers who enjoyed the rides, sideshows and carnival festivities, the excitement of the Midland Axeman’s Association woodchop, and the wonderful pavilion displays with everything from fleece to flowers and art and craft to cookery on show.
The evening was capped off with a stunning fireworks display.
On Saturday, the fun continued with show day events and displays, including free creative activities for the kids with the team from ‘Fural’ and the Grubby Boots Animal Farm.

BREAKING: Due to inclement weather predicted tomorrow, Saturday November 8 the Castlemaine Pride Picnic has been relocated to a new venue at The Goods Shed in Kennedy Street, Castlemaine.
The event will once again take place between 11am and 4pm.
Get ready for a vibrant day of connection, celebration and community on Djaara Country.
There will be endless activities throughout the day to keep you entertained. Get ready for soulful tunes from Wild Gloriosa, boot scootin’ fun with Country Struts, Castlemaine Circus performances, interactive workshops and Sunset Jam and Shanti Steventon live! Strut your style or cheer on the stars at the Gender Affirming catwalk and you won’t want to miss the Iconic Dog Show, a crowd favourite!
Of course, there will be plenty of food and drink at the market stalls and food trucks.
The Castlemaine Secondary College Pride Crew and Over the Rainbow youth groups will be there, providing even more fun and entertainment.
Thanks to the generosity of The Good Op Shop, there will also be a Fierce & Free clothing stall, helping you play, express yourself, and find a fabulous new outfit for the fun.
Castlemaine Pride committee member Cristina Pantazis said Pride has always been more than a party – it’s solidarity in action.
“It’s about showing up across generations, identities, and culture to say: you belong here,” Cristina said.
“As hostility and misinformation rise against LGBTQIASB+ communities, across the world and here in so-called Australia, we gather to reclaim visibility, safety, and joy. Events and spaces like this matter.”
Whether you’re loud and proud or quietly curious, this is a gentle, welcoming space for the LGBTQIASB+ community, families, friends, and allies alike.
Stay tuned to the Castlemaine Pride socials for interviews, spotlights, and ways to get involved as we count down to the big day – let’s make this the most joyful Pride Picnic yet!
Castlemaine Pride proudly operates as a program of Castlemaine Community House.
The Pride Picnic 2025 would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of Bi+ Pride Victoria and Mount Alexander Shire Council, and support from the Victorian Pride Events and Festivals fund program.
For more information visit castlemainepride.org.au