For Campbells Creek based fitness trainer Jess Lord the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 have been a challenge that’s producing some surprisingly positive results.
Shifting her regular group fitness sessions online via Zoom has enabled this local trainer to keep connected with her group members, maintaining all-important motivation levels and routines. See the Mail for more. Out now.
Healthy habits
That’s the ticket
The Castlemaine Mail Golden Ticket promotion is ticking down with the all important eighth piece of the puzzle to be found in today’s paper.
We thank the 22 amazing local businesses that are our Golden Ticket partners for their continued support of the buy local promotion.
This week we chatted to Donna Spragg of Castlemaine’s Extremity Street and Sports. The iconic Castlemaine business celebrated its 25th Birthday in late 2019.
Donna and her husband Stuart have been honoured to be at the helm for the last six and a half years.
Extremity is renowned for its range of clothing, market leader Asics Shoes, sporting apparel, sporting equipment and swimwear. Brands they stock include Rusty, Ripcurl and Dickies.
With winter just weeks away Donna has a fabulous range of winter warmers in store including jumpers, hoodies, coats and beanies.
“We have more stock due in the next week or so, stay tuned to our Facebook page for regular updates. See today’s Mail for the full story.
You can pick up a copy of the Mail at Castlemaine News and Lotto, Castlemaine IGA Barker Street and local milkbars and stores.
Business supporting business
One of Castlemaine’s oldest businesses Fords Family Dairy (S. Ford and Sons Pty Ltd) has launched a new home delivery service amid the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
The new initiative means local residents can get fresh milk delivered to their door for the first time in around 35 years!
Fords Family Dairy operators Kevin and Sue-Ellen Ford said the initiative aims to deliver fresh milk, dairy and local bakery goods to community members during this period of self-isolation while supporting local businesses and saving local jobs. See today’s Mail for the full story.
You can pick up a copy of the Mail at Castlemaine News and Lotto, Castlemaine IGA Barker Street and local milkbars and stores.
Going viral? Uncle Rick’s Covid19 Rap
Eve Lamb
Covid-19 may not be the only thing going viral. A local team has produced of a catchy YouTube rap video packing some important Covid-19 health messages while featuring Indigenous elder, Castlemaine’s Uncle Rick Nelson on vocals.
Quickly notching up many thousands of hits soon after it was posted on YouTube last Friday, the catchy rap number was recorded last week at Castlemaine’s Ghost Studio.
With music and lyrics written by Declan Furber Gillick, Uncle Rick’s Covid19 Rap features local Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick himself on vocals with vocals also by young Castlemaine VCAL student Chase Norfolk.
Aimed at reaching the younger generation of Indigenous Australians especially, Uncle Rick’s Covid19 Rap came about quickly, sparked by an idea by Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative men’s program coordinator Cam Demarco.
“The managers there asked me to create a health message with Uncle Rick,” Cam says. “Within 48 hours we pulled together a team and Declan had written the lyrics and we came to the studio and recorded it and filmed it. See the Mail for the full story. Out now.
Staying strong in lockdown
Castlemaine strength coach Dean Mawby says keeping fit and well through the current unprecedented CV-19 lockdown is as much about mental wellbeing as working out.
While the current restrictions mean regular sessions at his local Real Strength studio are on hold for now, the dedicated coach is keeping in touch with his people.
Friendly phone calls to check in, texts and emails containing links with supportive advice for staying strong, keeping fit and well, are part of this. See the Mail for more.
The tradition continues
The Castlemaine Mail Golden Ticket promotion is fast nearing its conclusion with the seventh piece of the puzzle to be found on page 11 of today’s paper.
This week we chatted to Carina Bouch of one of Castlemaine’s much loved and long running businesses Maine Shoes and Accessories.
The shoe store began more than 130 years ago at the site at 174 Barker Street.
“It has only been owned by a few families in that time. I came to work here in 2000 when Nola and Laurie Harding owned the business. They sold a few years later to Stacey and Tim Solly and then in 2015 my husband Neil and I took over the business,” Carina said.
The business owner said the store has always prided itself on only stocking quality Men’s, Ladies and Children’s footwear.
While they have currently closed their doors due to the current situation, Carina and the team have been working behind the scenes to ensure people have their slippers, gum boots and comfortable work boots ready for the chilly months ahead. See the Mail for the full story.
CV-19 Housing Anxiety Hits Home
Maintaining housing rental payments amid COVID-19 has become a significant source of anxiety for many in the Castlemaine area.
It’s hoped some of that anxiety may be relieved with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews this week announcing a $500 million package to help landlords and tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.
The package will include $420 million in land tax relief for landlords involved in a mediation process while $80 million will go towards rental assistance for Victorians who meet certain criteria.
Earlier this week local real estate agents and housing and community service providers told the Mail the impacts of the virus on housing pressures has yet to be fully understood locally.
But all said the pandemic and its impacts on household income has become a source of anxiety and uncertainty for many renters – and also for many landlords.
“Mainly with residential tenancy at the moment it’s creating a lot of confusion and anxiety from both ends as to what’s going to be the outcome,” Castlemaine Property Group’s Brett Fitzpatrick said.
“There’s been probably a handful of residential situations at this stage that have sought and needed assistance but the employment structure or the government support seems to be working OK in our immediate area.
“I think that will filter downwards as an impact as time goes on and there’ll be more people needing assistance or searching for some sort of relief as this deepens.
“The commercial front is a different factor. There’s been businesses forced to close.
“Small business also has its concerns about trying to retain staff and those (federal) government packages don’t come out until May so it’s a bit of a carry to get people through till then.
“It’s just the anxiety and unknown about how deep it’s going to go.
“The impact from the residential side I don’t believe has hurt as yet, but I think now that Easter is behind us businesses and employers are trying to weigh up where they’re going and how far they can carry staffing in different forms, and whether they’re allowed to continue trading.
“Small businesses are trying to keep themselves going. It’s an awkward one and all the cases need to be treated individually so we anticipate it will go on for some time.”
Genevieve Cantwell of Cantwell Property Castlemaine made a similar observation: “at this point the major thing that’s affecting people is anxiety and uncertainty,” she said.
“We have had contact from landlords offering support to tenants if necessary.
“There’s a high level of concern out there. We’ve had people let us know that they’ve lost their jobs and that they may be in a situation where they won’t be able to pay their rent.
“But at this point I can’t tell you our arrears have jumped out of control or anything like that.
“We’re just taking a compassionate, co-operative approach and I think once alternative sources of income come through from the governments’ proposed packages that some of that anxiety might disappear to some degree.
“If people are concerned about their situation we’re advocating on their behalf with the landlords but it hasn’t got out of control yet.”
Housing and family services team leader with Castlemaine District Community Health, Michael McMahon says he holds particular concerns about people’s mental health, naming alcohol misuse and domestic violence among issues of specific concern.
“People are really worried about what’s happening next,” he told the Mail this week.
Already, as the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has begun to impact private income streams, Castlemaine Housing Service has seen some increase in housing enquiry calls, he said.
“There’s been a small increase so far but I predict it’s going to get worse,” Mr McMahon said.
“We’ve had at least a 10 percent increase in the last week which is a big hit for a team that has had to reduce its services.
“And just the fact that we’ve had a couple of enquiries from landlords as well indicates that that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” he adds, acknowledging the pressures on those leveraged to buy rental properties and with loans of their own to service.
“It hasn’t really hit home to a lot of people yet,” he said, encouraging tenants, landlords and real estate agents wanting help or advice around tenancy pressures to contact the local service.
“Nobody knows what’s going to happen from one day to the next. People are worried.”
Castlemaine Salvation Army Captain Annita Allman also thinks the full extent of the housing stress fallout from COVID-19 will take a while yet to become apparent.
“I think we’ll see a greater impact in a few weeks,” she said
“Where people have been working and there are two people with an income coming in they may have access to some savings but when that dries up and before Centrelink kicks in I think that’s when we’re going to see issues with housing.”
Message from the Mayor
Easter message from Mayor Christine Henderson …
Hello. This is a strange and difficult time for all of us. Facing a global health pandemic is something I never imagined. Not many of us have.
We’ve all had to make big changes as we live by new hygiene and physical distancing standards.
For many people Easter is usually a time for gathering with family and friends, or going camping for the long weekend.
This year I urge you to stay at home. I know it will be hard but it’s something we must all to do to save lives.
Luckily most of us can connect with family and friends via phone or online chat. We can send a text, or we can even take some time to write an old-fashioned letter.
We’re at the start of the marathon.
While the civic centre doors are closed, please be assured council staff are very much still at work. Our customer service staff are taking calls and responding to requests so please get in touch if you need anything.
Council is continuing essential services like maternal and child health, immunisations, meals on wheels and supporting our vulnerable clients.
Road maintenance, bin collection and planning services are running, and our parks and gardens staff maintain our beautiful open spaces that we enjoy during our daily exercise. Being outdoors is an important part of nurturing our wellbeing.
Staff are working with local business, community groups and food markets to develop new ways of doing things under strict public health standards. This work is essential to keep our local food supply, relief and the local economy going.
We know we are in it for the long haul, and have announced some early measures on rate relief. Staff and councillors are also looking at how we can support the community and deliver services in creative ways, alongside local health services, emergency services, community groups and volunteers.
Alongside the efforts of federal, state and local governments, I see inspiring work being done by our community. People are helping and supporting each other through social media pages and other online forums. Neighbours are checking on those living alone to make sure they have some form of connection and support. Thanks to all who are involved in these initiatives. Working together is how we’ll get through this.
Thank you for continuing to look after yourself and each other at this time.
To stay up-to-date on Council services during the pandemic visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Keep fit in lockdown
Maintaining a regular exercise routine – and not letting it all slip in the face of current coronavirus restrictions is key to maintaining your fitness local trainer Lachy Steen says.
“I think a lot of people are feeling out of routine to be honest,” says the Castlemaine-based personal and group fitness trainer.
Lachy, like many fitness trainers is now turning to the online environment to help others maintain their regular fitness regimes and motivation levels through the current lockdowns. See the Mail for more. Out now.
Businesses battle on
The Castlemaine Mail Golden Ticket promotion is steaming along with the sixth piece of the puzzle to be found in today’s paper.
We thank the 22 amazing local businesses that are our Golden Ticket partners for their continued support of the buy local promotion at this very difficult time. Buying local has never been more important! This week we chatted to Geraldine Rye of Castlemaine’s renowned Hot & Crusty Country Bakery and The Barker Street Cafe.
Busy businesswoman Geraldine Rye said that while things are a little quieter than normal they are continuing to offer takeaway options at both venues.
“Hot & Crusty has been serving the community for a long time. It’s an honour to be at the helm now. We continue to offer all the baked goods and staples the business has become synonymous for and we have also added to the range of sweet treats which is a plus for local sweet tooths!” Geraldine said.
Hot & Crusty also have a beautiful range of Easter Egg and Easter Bunny cookies sure to bring a smile to the face of the young and young at heart this Easter.
The business will be open right across the Easter long weekend from 8-3 Friday and Saturday, 10-3 Sunday and 8-3 Easter Monday. See the Mail for the full story.
CSC project on track
Life as we know it may have all but ground to a standstill but progress on the Castlemaine Secondary College (CSC) redevelopment project continues to track ahead of schedule.
The $11.75M final stages will see the completion of the extension of the school’s Performer’s Precinct and the construction of a brand new Artisans Precinct and separate
Administration building which will feature a spacious new library.
The completed Administration, Artisans, Performers and Engineers buildings will frame and interact with an internal, landscaped piazza. The north-eastern staff carpark will also be modified.
CSC principal Paul Frye said so far the coronavirus pandemic has not affected the works and they are delighted with the progress to date.
“We were having fortnightly onsite meetings and those have now moved online but fortunately work continues,” he said. See the Mail for the full story.
Land offer for Castlemaine retirement vision
Moves to establish an affordable retirement lifestyle village for Castlemaine are gaining pace after an anonymous local landholder offered to donate a significant parcel of local land toward the vision.
A working group has now formed to progress what’s now hoped will become an affordable lifestyle village for retirement living on the outskirts of Castlemaine – near the Castlemaine Golf Club at Muckleford.
Members of the new working group include Castlemaine’s Ian Braybrook and Marilyn Bennett, Leon Thomas, Brendan Bassett, Yvonne and Neville Purchase, Peter Thompson and former local councillors Tony Bell and Robin Taylor.
“A well known local farming family has offered the land on the basis that we develop it as a retirement village,” said Mr Braybrook who, together with partner Marilyn Bennett, had earlier publicly decried the lack of affordable retirement living options for Castlemaine.
Mr Braybrook says the land parcel that’s been offered must now be rezoned and he and other working group members are calling on the council to expedite the process – something he notes is currently also being delayed by the coronavirus restrictions.