The team at the Castlemaine Mail have settled into our new home at 13 Hargraves Street.
We had plenty to celebrate this week with our new signage going up and our historic newspaper celebrating its 167th birthday on Thursday!
The first edition of our predecessor the Mount Alexander Mail came off the press on May 6, 1854 at 107 Mostyn Street and the paper has been proudly bringing Castlemaine and surrounding districts their local news ever since! See the Mail for the full story. Out Now.
New home, new era
Tree-mendous effort!
A towering English Oak (Quercus robur) at Castlemaine’s Botanical Gardens has been named the 2021 Victorian Tree of the Year by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
Also known as the ‘Royal Oak’, the tree was planted in 1863 to celebrate the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales. This stunning tree now stands at 22 metres tall with a canopy of over 35 metres, and is the oldest tree in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. See the Mail for the full story.
Rookies inducted
Castlemaine Football Netball Club (CFNC) inducted the first members of its ‘Rookie’ program on Tuesday night. The program acknowledges individual efforts across preseason, natural ability and club spirit.
With six initial nominees the program is designed to grow throughout the season and for players to make the list as they compete for the ‘Kane Farrell Award’ each year.
Kane Farrell played junior football at Castlemaine before getting drafted to Port Adelaide in the AFL and this program promotes a pathway through the premier club in the region.
Kane’s proud dad and club stalwart Stephen Farrell was in attendance at the clubrooms on Tuesday night to see the first Rookies inducted into the inaugural program. See the Mail for the full story.
Anzacs honoured
Our Anzacs were honoured at services across the region on Anzac Day. Community members turning out in force to show their respects after Covid-19 forced the cancellation of public services in 2020. Whilst morning teas and gunfire breakfasts did not go ahead locals were pleased to be able to once again attend local services.
Pride Picnic draws a crowd
A great crowd turned out to the recent Castlemaine Pride Picnic in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. The event proudly coordinated by Castlemaine Community House included a performance by the Castlemaine Pride Choir, live music, food, wine and beer, and even a debut Pride Dog Show. Photos: Max Lesser.
Jazz cats purring
Smooth sounds are a definite
added bonus of going to school at Castlemaine Secondary College right now with
talented music students fine tuning their repertoire ahead of next month’s
Castlemaine Jazz Festival.
Music students from years nine-12 will be
playing as part of the opening gig set for Friday June 11 at the Phee Broadway
with ticket sales taking off ahead of the upcoming Queen’s Birthday weekend
festival. Read more in today’s Mail…
'Disastrous accident' fears
Yapeen residents fear it’s only a matter of time before a disastrous accident happens on Vaughan Spring Road – unless the speed limit on the scenic stretch is significantly lowered.
Seventy-seven locals have signed a petition calling for the Mount Alexander Shire Council to support their request to Regional Roads Victoria for the speed limit to be lowered from its current 100km/h to 60km/h on Vaughan Springs Road at Yapeen. Read more in today’s Castlemaine Mail…
Mail on the move
The Castlemaine Mail is on the move.
After occupying the premises at 29 Templeton Street for a quarter of a century, the local masthead that dates all the way back to the Goldrush days of the 1850s, is now relocating to 13 Hargraves Street.
The shift to the new headquarters is something of a case of history repeating as, prior to occupying the Templeton Street site, the Mail had previously occupied another Hargraves Street premises – 17 Hargraves – very close to where it’s shifting to now. Read more in today’s Castlemaine Mail…
The People's Hero
Harcourt identity George Milford recently launched a fascinating new book The People’s Hero which details the career of Henry Hayden BA in Colonial Victoria.
The book was officially launched by Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards at Harcourt’s ANA Hall and covers Hayden’s connection to the Harcourt region where he was first headmaster of the Harcourt Primary School.
Mr Milford said that he came across mentions of Hayden in the archives of the Harcourt Heritage Centre and was compelled to delve deeper and learn more about the local character. See the Mail for the full story.
Soccer action returns to Chewton
Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club enjoyed it’s first full weekend of games at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park last weekend for the first time since COVID broke in 2020. See the Mail for all the latest local sporting news.
Secretary found!
The Castlemaine Technical College Past Students Association (CTCPSA) has secured a secretary and is set to continue its proud history.
The CTCPSA is delighted to announce that Anita Holm has kindly put up her hand to take on this crucial volunteer role.
CTCPSA president Bill Sikora they are extremely grateful to the Castlemaine Mail for assisting in their efforts to find a new secretary and to Anita for volunteering her time to keep our 87 year history alive. See the Mail for the full story.
Terrific taxis
Cherie Lawton, Castlemaine
I would like to thank the wonderful drivers at Castlemaine Taxis for their service, care and patience. As I now depend on taxis for the bulk of my transport needs, it is reassuring knowing that I can depend on these people to be prompt and helpful. My grateful thanks!