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$100,000 boost for Harcourt Play Space

By
Lisa Dennis
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Cr Bronwen Machin, Harcourt Play Space Working Group member Bryan Balmer, Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards, and Mount Alexander Shire CEO Darren Fuzzard are pictured at the location of the new play space on Monday.

The state government has announced an additional $100,000 in funding to make the exciting new play space planned for Stanley Park in Harcourt a reality.


Announcing the funding boost at Harcourt on Monday this week, Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said Mount Alexander Shire Council will receive the extra funds in addition to a $250,000 state government Community Sports Infrastructure Fund grant which has already been committed to the project. 


The play space will feature a 6-metre tall tower with a 10-metre long slide. The large play tower’s design was inspired by apple crates and will feature names of apple species grown in the region. The play space will also include climbing wall, play stalls and a viewing platform. Designed for all ages and all abilities, the space will include a wheelchair accessible carousel, accessible and traditional swings, an accessible rocker, spinner and many nature play elements. 

Harcourt Progress Association representative and Harcourt Play Space Working Group member, Bryan Balmer said the announcement was absolutely fantastic news.
“It is crucial as it means the project will be able to be completed on schedule,” he said. See the Mail for the full story. Out Now.

Beehave goes online!

By
Lisa Dennis
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In the lead up to our Golden Ticket buy local promotion prize draw we have been chatting to some of the 22 local businesses featured in this year’s competition. This week we had a chat to Robyn Hansford of popular Castlemaine store ‘Beehave’ in Mostyn Street.


Robyn Hansford has been at the helm of the popular local ladies fashion, footwear and accessories store for around 12 years now.
“I worked at Beehave for three years prior to that. I think the store would have been operating for almost 20 years now,” Robyn said.


The local businesswoman has soldiered on throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, opening her doors for limited hours (10-4) and putting a number of measures in place to keep her staff and the community safe.


“We have measures in place to limit the amount of customers in store, social distancing practices, hand sanitiser etc and I have been quarantining and steam cleaning items which people have tried on and decided not to purchase to ensure they are safe for the next person.”


Robyn has also developed an online store to meet the needs of her customers who have been self isolating. See the Mail for the full story. Out Now.

Push to reinstate maternity services

By
Lisa Dennis
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Midwife Sam Ward, Dr Louisa Hope, Dr Veronica Moule and Support Birthing at Castlemaine Health spokesperson Arabella Davison are committed to seeing the birthing service resume.

Castlemaine Health has temporarily paused birthing services to review its policies, procedures and processes to ensure they align with the requirements of a low-risk Level 2 birthing service.


The hospital announced last Saturday that it will be working with its midwives and local GP Obstetricians, Bendigo Health and Safer Care Victoria to complete the review which is expected to take around six weeks.
The announcement saw an outcry from the local community concerned about the future of the service and calling for it to be reinstated while the review takes place.


A local group ‘Support Birthing at Castlemaine Health’ has been formed to lead the push for services to resume. It quickly rallied to issue a petition this week calling on Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards to contact the CEO of Safer Care Victoria and urge him to lift the suspension and allow services to resume while the review takes place.


Support Birthing at Castlemaine Health spokesperson Arabella Davison said the decision to suspend services is an inexplicable response when hospitals regularly undertake medical reviews as normal practice and services are maintained. See the full story in the Mail. Out Now.

Multimillion makeover for Maldon: 30-year aspiration makes good

By
Eve Lamb
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Mount Alexander Shire CEO Darren Fuzzard, Deputy Mayor Cr Max Lesser, Maldon Inc president Kate Gamble, state Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Cr Stephen Gardner celebrate this week's $4.5 million streetscape announcement for Maldon. Photo: Eve Lamb

Maldon heritage streetscape is the big winner in this week’s $4.5 million state government announcement made in the centre of the historic tourist town.
Wednesday’s announcement by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards will soon see the town’s main and high streets powerlines go underground as part of a major streetscaping rejuvenation plan that’s been decades in the making.
“This is a pretty exciting announcement,” said Ms Edwards, acknowledging significant work done behind the scenes by the Mount Alexander Shire Council toward making the project happen.
“Stage one will be able to start pretty soon and includes the undergrounding of the powerlines down the main street.”
Improved pedestrian access and safety, footpath and guttering works, rejuvenation of shopfronts and beautification including tree plantings are all part of the multi-phase project with phase one now expected to begin in coming weeks.
“It’s a very exciting day. This has been a 30-year aspiration of this local community,” Mount Alexander Shire’s Tarrengower ward councillor, Maldon businessman Stephen Gardner said.
Maldon Inc president Kate Gamble said all works will be done within a heritage framework, with guidance from heritage professionals and with heritage features, like the town’s historic stone drains, retained.
The long-envisioned project is securing the $4.5 million as part of the state’s $2.7 billion Building Works package aimed at creating jobs and delivering infrastructure improvements.
There’s an emphasis on recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. More in today’s Castlemaine Mail. Friday, May 22, 2020.

Let’s support our businesses

By
Lisa Dennis
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Denis Cox, Campbells Creek

While we are confined during Covid 19 we have enjoyed some meals and treats from local businesses, and I feel they should be congratulated on their initiative and the quality they are presenting.


We have had meals from The Bridge who are operating seven days a week, and The Dove, who have Friday night meals, both beautifully presented, big servings, and at a great price.
We have also had surprise deliveries – High Tea from Run Rabbit Run – what a treat, and sweets from Honey I shrunk the Desserts, of Harcourt, which are unbelievable.


Many other businesses are also providing meals, some with home delivery.
I encourage our residents to “have a night out of the kitchen” and support our locals who are doing their best to keep their businesses operating, you will totally enjoy it!

Buy Local, Buy Australian

By
Lisa Dennis
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Trevor A Scott, Castlemaine

Aaaah…….at last there are signs that the pandemic is abating and that restrictions are now to be systematically lifted. This is great news! We have closed our borders to overseas travel, and given the spread of the virus in other countries, it is wise that they remain closed, and that they do so until further notice.

The spread of the virus and the associated lockdown has led to an unprecedented rise in online sales of goods; and it has been reported that business is booming for multi-national companies such as Amazon. While people are unable to board a jetplane, this rise in overseas trade must be a saviour for the struggling airlines. I’m sure many precautions are taken, but the fact that the virus may continue to be spread from country to country via air freight, is a risk that may have been overlooked.

Australia produces many, many high quality goods, and will continue to do so in the future. This might be a great opportunity for us all to return to buying local and in particular, buying Australian.

Fabulous service

By
Lisa Dennis
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Peta Masters, Castlemaine

I was delighted to see Ford’s Dairy delivery service on your front page the week before last. There are so many good things to say about them! First, the convenience – they’re so flexible with the way you order and the way you pay, keep you fully informed what’s going on and when to expect what.

Second, the variety – going to the supermarket you just buy the same things over and over but scanning their list you’re bound to find something new to try. But the really great thing about the service Ford’s are providing is the warmth with which they carry it out. The unexpected result is that instead of lockdown cutting me off from the community, I feel more a part of it than ever before. Thanks Fords! – and thanks to the Mail too for pointing more people towards them.

Pub meals prove popular

By
Lisa Dennis
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Maldon Hotel staff member Mackenzie with some of their takeaway goodies.

In the lead up to our $5000 Golden Ticket buy local promotion prize draw we have been chatting to some of the 22 local businesses featured in this year’s competition. This week we had a chat to the team at Maldon Hotel.

Maldon Hotel publicans Mat Fitzpatrick and Michael Young have had to quickly adapt to enable them to continue to operate during the Coronavirus pandemic closure. 

The historic local pub is renowned for its popular takeaway pizza options and so it was a natural progression to add their delicious home-cooked pub fare to their takeaway menu offerings.
Michael said their Sunday roasts have been proving popular at just $20 each. 


He said adapting to meet the community’s needs during the lockdown has enabled them to keep the business ticking over.
“We are offering takeaway six days a week (closed Monday). You can simply call and order what you like, pay over the phone and pick up it up from the front of the hotel.


To check out the Maldon Hotel’s pizza and pub meal menus and find out the latest specials and happenings check out their website visit www.maldonhotel.com.au, the Maldon Hotel Facebook page or give the friendly crew a call on phone 5475 2231 to indulge in a takeaway pub meal today!  See the Mail for the full story. Out now.

Kicking back…

By
Eve Lamb
-

For community sportspeople like Castlemaine’s Aaron Shooter, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant a significant aspect of social life has been on hold.
But this week has seen a positive shift for the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club president with the slight easing of restrictions to allow cautious outdoor gatherings of 10.


“It’s not going to be anything like full training yet but it will be a step closer towards it,” the club president told the Mail following this week’s announcements by premier Daniel Andrews.


“As an official club we’re linked to Football Victoria so we’ll need to wait for guidance from them to put on club activities,” adds the local club president while chatting from 1.5 metres distance in the autumn sunlight at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park – home to his club.
“For our members, if they want to get out and have a kick around under their own steam, they’re welcome to. See the Mail for the full story. Out now.

$20M boost to help victims

By
Lisa Dennis
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Isolation Quarantine Coronavirus

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards and Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan have welcomed $635,006 for local family violence services as part of a $20.2 state government million funding package announced last week to provide support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 


The funding will allow local support service providers to respond to the increase in demand for family violence support for women and children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.


Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said for some women, the biggest fear during this pandemic won’t be coronavirus – it will be the fear they can’t escape a violent partner. “That’s why this funding is so important – it will give them and their children a safe place to go,” Ms Edwards said.
Central Victoria’s Centre for Non-Violence has welcomed the state government’s commitment of extra funding.


Centre for Non-Violence chief executive officer Margaret Augerinos said support for victim/survivors of family violence will be further strengthened through additional funding for phone-based and online responses and outreach support.  See the Mail for the full story. Out now.

Keep up the good work

By
Lisa Dennis
-
The efforts of staff, volunteers and the community have kept coronavirus at bay. Ellery House Ward Clerk Carrie Smyth is pictured with Paul Kent, who was volunteering Wednesday, at the Ellery House visitor entrance.

Castlemaine Health CEO Ian Fisher has praised the work of hospital staff, local doctors, volunteers and the wider community in keeping Coronavirus (COVID-19) at bay.


Speaking the to Mail on Tuesday Mr Fisher said they were very pleased with the response so far.
“We have only had the six cases in the region to date and we have still had no cases detected at the hospital itself,” Mr Fisher said.


“This is a credit to the community, they have done the right thing, heeded the warnings and restrictions and stayed at home and this has prevented the spread of the virus.” See the Mail for the full story. Out now.

Remember the Rock: local lolly icon rusts

By
Eve Lamb
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Castlemaine industrial art enthusiast and resident Randall Berger is concerned about the future of the iconic Barnes' Castlemaine Rock lolly tin. Photo: Eve Lamb

Remember Barnes’ Castlemaine Rock?
No doubt most Castlemaine residents – and Victorians with a sweet tooth do.
The iconic local lolly making business may have shut down operations back in 2018 after a massive 165 years of making life a little sweeter for generations – but someone who has not forgotten is Castlemaine local Randall Berger.
The promotions professional who has formerly worked on interpretive displays for Melbourne Museum has a passion for industrial art.
As such, he has become concerned about what the future holds for the unique Barnes’ Castlemaine Rock largescale lolly tin that still sits atop the former micro factory roof in Wesley Hill’s Wallace Street.
“The bottom’s rusting out of it and it’s just looking terrible,” says Mr Berger who wants to see options explored to conserve and publicly display the big tin as an important piece of Castlemaine’s history.
“It is essentially a work of industrial art,” Mr Berger says.
“My concern stretches right back to when Barnes was in trouble and nobody seemed to be coming along to save it. I mean, I think I bought my first tin back in the ’70s.
“Castlemaine Rock was so much associated with the town.
“I’ve always loved Castlemaine and this is part of Castlemaine’s history. If you don’t celebrate your history you’re going to forget it.”
Mr Berger wants to see a public conversation around options for the tin, suggesting the Castlemaine Art Museum, “up on the Hill”, the Visitor Information Centre or The Mill Castlemaine as all being potential venues for its prominent public display.
“Even if they offered Barnsey a chance to just take the tin and put it in the Visitor Information Centre or something as part of the history of this town,” he suggests as a public conversation-starter. More in today’s Mail, Friday May 15, 2020

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