The fourth state-wide COVID lockdown forced the postponement of Nalderun’s Reconciliation Week Film Festival.
However, the local indigenous group is thrilled the lifting of the latest lockdown means they can go ahead with their rescheduled screenings at the Theatre Royal this weekend!
The event kicked off on Thursday evening with the premiere of the first film in the series Talking With Our Elders.
Local filmmakers and Nalderun supporters Ira Barker, Cath South and Stewart Carter are pictured earlier this year in their Fryerstown office doing the final editing of the surprise film ‘Nalderun: All together’ which will be screening tomorrow, July 31 at 11am. See the Mail for full details.
Nalderun film fest kicks off
Go for Gold
Our 2021 Castlemaine Mail ‘Golden Ticket’ promotion continues this week! You will discover the fifth piece of the puzzle in today’s edition.
This year’s promotion has been proudly supported by Barker Street East businesses and household names Hot & Crusty Country Bakery, Barker Street Cafe, Extremity Street & Sports and Maine Shoes & Accessories.
Geraldine and Andrew Rye of Hot & Crusty Country Bakery and Barker Street Cafe said they kept their doors open during the latest lockdown on reduced hours but plan to return to full business hours over the coming week.
The couple said they are extremely grateful to the local community for continuing to support them in good times and bad.
“It means so much. The first few days were a bit quiet but after that locals used their daily outing as a chance to pop in and say hello and treat themselves,” Andrew said.
Donna Spragg of Extremity Street & Sports said it was extremely disappointing to be forced to close their doors again. However, they have been buoyed by the support they have received since reopening.
“We had a lot of customers pop in on Wednesday as soon as the doors opened. It was fantastic,” she said.
Carina Bouch of Maine Shoes & Accessories said the community has been extremely understanding and patient.
“We have been getting a lot of enquiries via our socials and we are delighted to be able to welcome everyone back whether its for a new pair of shoes for the return to school or a new pair of winter boots,” she said. See today’s Mail for more details on how you can enter the Golden Ticket competition and win some money to spend at these fantastic local businesses.
Magpies to soar into new chapter
The Castlemaine Football Netball Club (CFNC) has announced plans to field a side in the AFL Central Victoria women’s league in 2022.
The club has been quietly working behind the scenes on the ambitious plan to form a dedicated women’s side for the elite regional competition for around 18 months.
Club President Caleb Kuhle said it is an exciting time for the club.
“We have a coach waiting in the wings which we will announce in the coming weeks, an enthusiastic Operations Manager ready to lead the side and a core group of talented local players ready to pull on the boots,” he said. See the Mail for the full story.
Gardens to be showcased
It is with great delight that the Committee of Management of the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens announces there will be a special ‘off-year’ Festival of Gardens in 2021.
During Melbourne Cup Week, from October 29 until November 7, visitors will have the opportunity to meander among a diverse selection of beautiful central Victorian gardens.
The biennial event, which usually takes place in even years, was cancelled last year due to the uncertainty of the restrictions associated with COVID-19. See the Mail for more…
Transitioning to independent housing
While there are significant barriers to accessing suitable housing in Castlemaine, a small number of local families have successfully transitioned a family member with an intellectual disability into independent housing.
Some have taken the rental pathway, others have purchased a property, and some are planning to purpose build.
As part of its ‘A Home of My Own’ priority project, the Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation & Respite Group (MASARG Inc) is conducting another valuable online forum on Thursday August 5. See the Mail for more details.
The show goes on!
Much loved grass roots regional film festival – Castlemaine Documentary Festival (CDOC) will push ahead with plans to stage this weekend’s festival with a full online format. CDOC event manager Tina Helm, daughter Odetta, festival director Claire Jager and their small but dedicated team of volunteers are working to bring their highly anticipated films to local screens and beyond. See today’s Mail for more.
Golden opportunity
Our 2021 Castlemaine Mail ‘Golden Ticket’ promotion continues this week! You will discover the fourth piece of the puzzle in today’s edition.
Robertson Hyetts Castlemaine is proud to be one of the 21 local businesses featured in this year’s Golden Ticket ‘buy local’ promotion.
The local law firm, which incorporates Lawsons, has been proudly serving the local community since 1852.
Robertson Hyetts Property, Commercial and Business Law team members John Wellington and Chris Whiting said the Bendigo firm merged with Lawsons a decade ago and Robertson Hyetts Castlemaine is proud to continue to serve the legal needs of the Castlemaine community and clients in surrounding shires and beyond. See the Mail for more.
Magpie to make debut
Castlemaine’s Jack Ginnivan is set to realise his AFL dream when he makes his debut with the Collingwood Magpies tonight.
The 18-year-old received the call up on Wednesday morning after a number of great games for the club in the VFL where he kicked 11 goals across the three matches.
Ginnivan kicked four goals against Richmond, four against Sandringham and three against Essendon impressing selectors and earning the right to pull on the hallowed black and white guernsey for the historic club tonight when they tackle Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium. See the Mail for more.
Chewton servo close contact
Chewton Service Station has been forced to temporarily shut its doors after one of its
staff members was notified as being a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.
In a Facebook post, The Chewton Service Station earlier this week confirmed that (staff member) Julie was advised on Monday that she was considered a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
“We are devastated to advise that we need to be closed until Friday, July 30,” the public post read.
“Julie was advised on Monday night that she was considered a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 and therefore has
to isolate for 14 days from date of exposure, despite all staff returning negative test results as of this (Wednesday) morning.” Read more in today’s Mail…
Coffee Cart unveiled
‘Cuppa Chewton’ was unveiled last Monday July 12 much to the delight of the Chewton community which lost its General Store earlier this year.
Despite the lockdown ‘Cuppa Chewton’ operator and Rocket Roast coffee roaster Tony Russell is still offering takeaway coffees for the enjoyment of locals.
Chewton Post Office proprietor Steve Bell said they have a great response to the new initiative.
“Tony is operating 7am to 12 noon Mon-Fri and 9am-12 noon on Sunday,” he said.
You can find Cuppa Chewton nestled in the picturesque garden alongside the historic post office.
Reflections and memories
Castlemaine Health is pleased to offer its annual Remembrance Service of Reflections and Memories as an online service.
Continuing COVID-19 restrictions require everyone to be flexible, responsive and creative. Our local health service is no different, with the annual memorial service now available to be viewed by family, friends, staff and the local community on the Castlemaine Health website. See the Mail for more.
‘Flying brick’ heads to the ‘Maine
Eve Lamb
The times may be uncertain but the intrepid crew behind Castlemaine’s annual Run The Maine are already well on the front foot and have lined up Australia’s Mountain Running Champion 2018 and 2019 as this year’s event ambassador.
In a move likely to raise the event profile and boost the class of competition, Simone Brick – sometimes known as “the flying brick” has accepted the role of ambassador and is currently expected to compete in the challenging 10km race.
“Currently, Simone is in Europe but planning to return to Australia soon, and all being well she’ll take part
in our challenging 10 km run,” Run The Maine director, Castlemaine’s Gavin Krasner says.
“She’ll eat our hills up for breakfast….” Read more in today’s Mail…
