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.
Magpies to soar into new chapter
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…
Local COVID test demand soars
Eve Lamb
Front line health staff running Castlemaine’s drive-through
COVID test clinics have praised locals for coming forward in
significant numbers to get tested since the state went into lockdown.
“We started running clinics as soon as we went into lockdown
from last Thursday, said Bronwyn Grieve, Castlemaine community health nurse overseeing the drive-through COVID testing clinic that has been busy swabbing people at the Castlemaine District Community Health drive through site all this week.
“We’ve swabbed up to 250 people and put on some extra clinics because we’ve had some exposure sites that have affected
Castlemaine quite a lot,” Ms Grieve said, speaking to the Mail at the clinic earlier this week. Read more in today’s Mail…
Speedsters warned to slow down
Chewton residents have flagged concerns with local police about countless motorists flagrantly ignoring the 50 kph speed limit through the township.
Castlemaine Police say they have received complaints from multiple Chewton residents about motorists failing to slow down when they encounter the 50 kph speed signs just past Golden Point Road intersection and hooning through the sweeping bends through the township. As a result police will be increasing their presence in the region. See today’s Mail for the full story.
