Castlemaine Football Netball Club’s recent school holiday program provided an opportunity for kids to get out and get active at Camp Reserve in Castlemaine.
Run by Shawn McCormick, the two-day program for boys and girls aged 6-13, included footballs skills and structured football competitions in a fun environment. On day one, the kids began with some basic football skills before participating in a football match, which was used as a mock ‘draft combine’ and was an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills. Day two saw the three selected teams, the All Stars, the Raging Bulls and the Cobras, play to contest the Fitzpatrick Cup, and participate in the Fitzpatrick Medal vote count.
Shawn McCormick said about 27 kids participated in the program.
“The kids were fantastic and we had some great feedback from parents,” Shawn said.
“It’s a great initiative put on by the Castlemaine Football Netball Club and hopefully we will be back again next year.”
School holiday fun
Locals recognised at sports awards
Three local sports stars were recently recognised at the Bendigo Academy of Sport annual presentation evening.
Chloe Langley was awarded as athlete of the year in netball, Alex Murphy received the coach’s encouragement award in clay target shooting and Liam Richardson won the individual athlete of the year as well as being the overall winner of the Gary Tierney memorial scholarship athlete of the year.
The Bendigo Academy of Sport annual presentation evening celebrated the successes of the athletes and coaches for the 2017/2018 year.
The athlete of the year, Liam Richardson, was born with minor cerebral palsy which effects his left leg, but that doesn’t stop him from working hard to achieve his dreams. Liam represented Australia at the World Para Junior Championships in August 2017 in Switzerland in the combined T35-38 100m and 200m sprint events. In the 100m event Liam placed first in the T35 category and 11th overall. Liam also placed first in T35 in the 200m event and 9th overall. Liam is currently ranked number two in the World Juniors for 100m and 200m. This year Liam also competed in the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Sydney and placed first in the 100m event and second in the 200m event. He also participated in the Victorian Junior Athletics Championships in Melbourne and placed first in the 100m Under 20 Para event and achieved a personal best time.
Liam is the recipient of a Pierre de Coubertin Award, an international award given each year by the Victorian Olympic Council, which recognises secondary school students who are active participants in sport and display the Olympic ideals of fair play and sportsmanship.
Unique restoration scores industry accolade
A Castlemaine business has won a major award for its restoration of what is widely regarded as the most important historic racing car in Australia.
Castlemaine’s Up The Creek vintage car specialists used cutting-edge laser scanning and 3D printing technology to help restore the world’s only 1914 Delage Type-S grand prix car – owned by Melbourne collector Stuart Murdoch.
At a recent black tie awards ceremony in Melbourne, the unique project saw Up The Creek declared among the state’s finest automotive businesses, taking out Victoria’s Best Restoration Project (Mechanical) in the 2018 VACC Industry Awards.
Up the Creek, owned by Grant Cowrie, was among 31 other automotive businesses announced as winners at the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce awards.
Up The Creek manager Daniel Clarke said the local business had engaged industrial designer Phil Guilfoyle as project manager for a significant aspect of the project – the replacement of the vintage racer’s cylinder block – while the project also included the overall mechanical restoration of the Delage.
“We’ve been very fortunate to be trusted to do it and appreciate Stuart, the owner’s foresight and faith in us to be able to complete the project for him,” Daniel said.
“It’s probably the most important historic racing car in Australia. In fact it is the most important historic racing car in Australia and we’re very pleased that we were able to deliver a result for it.”
The project even attracted the attention of ABC personality and vintage car buff Jon Faine and was documented on the ABC 7.30 Report.
But encounters with the rich and famous are nothing unusual for this niche local enterprise which – fans of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries series will be interested to note – worked on the engine for Phryne Fisher’s Hispano-Suiza car as it appeared on the ABC TV series.
“We did some repair work to the engine in time for the series to start filming. It was a fabulous car to drive,” Daniel laughs.
He describes winning the VACC award for the Delage restoration as somewhat humbling.
“Very pleased,” he laughs – “and a little bit humbled. It means that there’s an appreciative audience that finds the work we do interesting and useful.”
Local promotion, global connections!
An innovative project has seen the local creation of 130 bags to be used at an international radio conference, promoting local radio station MAINfm to the global radio community.
Teacher Cathy Boerema and her husband Chris Wilson initiated the project. Chris is an employee of Monash University in Melbourne and he is the main organiser The Radio Conference, a bi-annual radio conference which has been running since 2001. The Radio Conference 2018 is being held in Italy this month.
“As with all conferences, delegates receive promotional material. Chris and I hatched the idea of making funky denim shoulder bags for the conference delegates using the skills and efforts of local teachers, students and volunteers from MAINfm with all profits from the project going to MAINfm,” Cathy said.
“Besides the link of a small radio station being promoted at an international conference, the project also provides opportunity on a few other levels. As a teacher of VET Applied Fashion and Design Technology, I need to keep my qualifications current by maintaining my hand in industry. For students undertaking this VET course, hours spent on such a project go toward meeting outcomes. For MainFM volunteers, their assistance provides a donation to the much-loved radio station during their current fundraising drive.”
Chris said The Radio Conference is a forum for radio and audio media scholars, teachers and practitioners.
The Radio Conference 2018 theme is free radio. The program includes presenters from 27 countries covering a diverse array of topics such as educational radio programming, independent podcasters, the rollout of digital radio, government-funded broadcasting in the Asia Pacific, radio art practice and social networks and public service radio.
Chris said the idea of using the bags was to not only promote a small community radio station, but also to reduce waste.
“Instead of getting a clunky goody bag full of pamphlets, we’ve designed this bag which can be re-used, and all that will be in it is the program printed on one small sheet of paper,” Chris said.
MAINfm station manager Tina Helm said the funds raised from this project would be included as part of their current fundraising and subscription drive.
“MAINfm is currently in the middle of its Radiothon fundraising and subscription drive. To subscribe go to mainfm.net or call 5472 4376.”
Film shooting in Castlemaine
Castlemaine is set to feature as the backdrop of a short film being created by a group of students, staring the talented Castlemaine actor John Flaus.
The film titled An Old Man’s Epilogue is an emotional drama about an elderly, recently widowed man, Ronan, who is forced to make decisions about his life. His daughter, Daisy, is moving him into a nursing home.
The film’s screenwriter and producer Heidi Ylä-Ajos said the film crew chose Castlemaine as the location because they wanted it to be not like the city, not as hectic.
“Our lecturer actually suggested Castlemaine. We had a look around other towns in this area as well but we liked Castlemaine. We loved the colours. And everyone has been so friendly and helpful here, it’s been amazing.”
Ms Ylä-Ajos said the film is a collaborative work between herself, director Melisa Visca, first AC Liam Fouracre, first AC and editor Chris Michael, sound recordists Daizy Murithi and Sudharshan Hariharan, PA and runner Daniel Robbins, audio mix and post Timothy Knowles and Jordan Montgomery as the DOP (Director of Photography) who has worked on the film’s visual and how it comes alive on screen with Melisa. The film is the final project for Heidi and Melisa for their bachelor’s course at SAE in Melbourne.
“We had worked on another short film with John Flaus and when I was writing the script, I thought he’d be perfect for the role of Ronan. We totally adore him. His voice is amazing and we really love hearing it,” Heidi said.
Scene’s of the film were shot at various locations in Castlemaine including at Castlemaine Fresh and Top Meats, the Castlemaine Railway Station and at a private residence in George Street.
“Ronan’s house was generously provided by the owners Bronwyn and Rodney,” Heidi said.
“They have been really generous, the gave us the house for a whole weekend, then we had Bendigo Castlemaine Removals come for some shooting. Everyone has been really supportive and so helpful, so it feels like it was meant to be.”
The film crew began filming on June 15 and wrapped on June 20. The film will be screened at an exhibition at SAE in Melbourne on August 23 then it will become part of the filmmaker portfolios at www.taivalfilms.com.
Myths and legends
There’s the local woman who used to serve tea to kangaroos – or so Maldon folklore has it.
Then there’s the legendary visit paid by wartime prime minister Billy Hughes, the local nurse who’s ministrations gained her hero status, and the local writer Henry Handel Richardson – whose real name was Ethel.
All are among the local myths and legends represented in some bold new street art newly installed in Maldon to coincide with the town’s Winter Wonderland program.
Local native animals like the powerful owl and the phascogale, important to the Dja Dja Wurrung, are also represented in the art panels installed on McArthur’s Corner wall at the intersection of Main and Dolphin Streets and across the road on the Maldon Hotel.
The art panels are the collaborative work of seven local artists with Maldon Artist Network MANet.
“They’ve been commissioned by Maldon Inc Traders’ group,” says Maldon Artist Network’s Jenny Merkus, one of the participating artists.
Jenny says some of the work depicts Maldon prior to European settlement and aims to portray some of the magic of that time.
She says the town’s history museum was among sources consulted to help unearth local myths and legends depicted.
“Apparently there was a woman who use to give tea to kangaroos, then we’ve got Bill Hughes – who was sometimes called The Rat who visited Maldon and entered local folklore so he’s depicted as a rat on a speakers’ box,” Jenny says, mentioning some of the legendary figures depicted.
Others include the Maldon writer, Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson (1870-1946) who wrote under the pen name Henry Handel Richardson.
There’s a particularly notable local golfer and much-loved yesteryear nurse Jessie Bowe who once worked at the local hospital.
Local artists who created the works include Bernice Steinfort, Ted Waayers, Catherine Tait, Allex Hall, Andrea Ebsworth, Jenny Merkus and Norm Close.
“Even though we’ve all got very different styles it all come together really well,” Bernice says.
The work will remain on display in the streets until August 6.
Maldon is an inclusive town
Next time you’re in Maldon keep an eye out for a sandy-coloured sticker in the window of businesses who have signed up to the Inclusive Towns project.
Inclusive Towns is a collaborative project that Mount Alexander Shire Council is undertaking alongside the City of Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire Council. It is funded through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building National Readiness Grants program.
The program aims to improve inclusion in rural communities and is raising awareness of the purchasing power that people with disabilities have within the community.
Inclusive Towns project officer Alison Jones said inclusive businesses are smart businesses, and are businesses that make more money.
“We are working with accommodation providers, retailers, tourist destinations and cafés to improve accessibility of businesses and promote inclusion, so that people with a disability feel welcomed and valued within their community,” Ms Jones said.
The project employs six support officers – local people with a disability – who visit each business and develop an action plan of simple and inexpensive changes the business can make to be more inclusive.
So far 19 Maldon businesses have signed up to the project.
“We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from local businesses and it’s great to see the community embracing the project, recognising the support officers out on the street and making these simple changes,” Ms Jones said.
Support Officer Peter West said that as a local resident he has been frustrated at the lack of access to some shops. However, he has been delighted with the response to the project.
“I have been really impressed with how many businesses want to work with us to improve access for the whole community.”
Maldon Getaways was the first business to sign up and business owner Jamie Heffernan said it was a really simple process.
“It was great to get the perspective of the team, who have a lot of knowledge to share.
“They gave me some ideas around making our accommodation options more accessible, with links and suppliers for inclusive supports we could purchase that could be used in several of our holiday homes,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Everyone should be able to have a holiday in Maldon, it’s a great town! As accessible accommodation in town is very limited, it makes good business sense for Maldon Getaways to have lots of options, and to provide a range of inclusive supports that can meet a wide variety of needs,” he said.
For more information on the project, or to find out how you can get involved, contact Alison Jones on 5434 6000 or email inclusivetowns@bendigo.vic.gov.au.
Partnership a win for all
A new partnership is set to create an opportunity for 30 local indigenous people to undertake training in rail infrastructure at the Victorian Goldfields Railway.
Representatives from the VGR, the Centre for Excellence in Rail Training and Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative met at the VGR headquarters at Maldon Station to sign a Memorandum of Understanding last Wednesday.
The initiative will boost local tourist rail infrastructure and generate skilled workers to support the Victorian rail industry.
VGR special projects manager Steve Strangward said the occasion formalised an exciting partnership.
“Together this tripartite team aims to deliver training to and qualification of local indigenous people in rail infrastructure maintenance. The training will largely be through theory and practical engagement on the VGR, which also will deliver an upgraded infrastructure for our future sustainability,” he said.
CERT general manager Mark Haigh said suitable trainees – 20 from Castlemaine and 10 from Daylesford – would be sourced and nominated by BDAC to complete the training in Certificate Two Rail Infrastructure over a period of 30 months focusing on tracks, slippers and ballast.
“We are hopeful that at the completion of their training participants will secure rail jobs in Victoria, as has been the case with similar training programs we have conducted in Western Australia,” he said.
“There are a massive amount of rail infrastructure projects underway in Victoria and the supply of labour cannot keep up with the demand.”
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said the state government was set to benefit enormously from the program.
“Vossloh Cogifer Castlemaine has put on additional apprentices. The industry is really booming and with the Ballarat line upgrade and other projects in the pipeline there will be lots of opportunities for these trainees,” she said.
With improved rail infrastructure VGR trains will be able to safely travel at faster speeds allowing the tourist railway to add more services and increase the number of visitors they can cater for each year.
“It’s a win/win for all,” Mr Strangward said.
Community bus hands over the wheel
The Baringhup-Maldon Community Bus is under new management with the Baringhup Bus Committee handing over the steering wheel after more than five years.
The Maldon Neighbourhood Centre has taken on the role of managing the community bus service that will continue to be available for affordable hire to community groups and individuals in Baringhup, Maldon and district.
The service covers Castlemaine, Maldon and Baringhup providing a flexible door-to-door service on Tuesday and Fridays and is continuing after the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre Committee of Management endorsed a plan to keep it going.
This followed the completion of the Age Friendly Communities project and bus trial which indicated the level of use justified retaining the service.
Maldon Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Amy Atkinson said the centre is setting up a small working group to support the operations of the community bus and welcome any interest from the community.
“The success of the community transport trial shows us that this is a valuable service for our communities combating social isolation and transport disadvantage,” Ms Atkinson said.
“The community transport service is able to pick-up residents in Chewton, Campbells Creek, Barkers Creek, Wesley Hill, Baringhup, Maldon and locations in between.”
Fares are set at an affordable $3 one way or $5 return with those intending to use the service required to pre-book the day before by calling 5475 2093.
There is no change to the bus chartering process and charter is discounted for community and not-for-profit groups.
Hot rod read
Castlemaine’s Rocket Rod is an icon in the world of hot rodding and now the story of his life has been comprehensively documented by his daughter Allison.
After much extensive research, Allison Hadfield, a librarian at Daylesford, has written The Mad Scientist of Australian Hot Rodding: Rod Hadfield – her father’s biography.
The new book published by Renniks Publications was launched with fanfare in Chewton on June 30.
Rod is the first to admit he is delighted and honoured by his daughter ‘s achievement in penning the 185 page book that he says contains treasured images, good laughs – and some details that have surprised even him.
“I’m very, very proud of the work she’s done. It’s taken her two years and I didn’t even know for a long time that she was doing it,” he says.
A large number of guests attended the launch at the Hadfield’s Chewton property – home to Rod’s famed hot rod collection and a popular destination for hot rodding devotees from around the nation.
“I’ve always thought it was a story that needed to be told,” Allison says.
“For years and years I’ve thought someone should write his biography. He’s led a very interesting life, overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where he is, but it was only about two years ago that I actually put the two things together – that I should be the one to write it.
“Now that I’ve got the book in my hand, I’m just over the moon.”
Several of the state’s hot rod clubs and some of Australia’s leading hot rodding writers and editors were present for the launch which also saw the surprise unveiling of a new work by acclaimed local sculptor, Chewton’s Richard Yates.
Allison has dedicated The Mad Scientist of Australian Hot Rodding to her mother, Rod’s wife Carol Hadfield who laughs when it’s noted that she is generally acknowledged as the quiet background achiever, often responsible for holding the show on the road.
Volunteers with Mount Alexander Animal Welfare assisted in the kitchen at the launch as a means of raising funds toward the work of the local organisation.
Repair order for neglected site
Urgent repair orders have been issued for heritage-listed Macedon House in Gisborne.
Heritage Victoria served the notice late last month stating, “owners had allowed the heritage property to fall into disrepair to the extent that its conservation is threatened”.
“The property has been allowed to fall into disrepair while the current owners pursue planning permission to construct a retirement village on the site,” a Heritage Victoria spokesperson said.
“Work has not been undertaken despite ongoing correspondence with Heritage Victoria.”
The owners are now required, within three weeks, to secure the fencing around the site, clean up the site to remove rubbish and overgrown vegetation and secure all external doors and windows to prevent unauthorised
access.
Within three months the owners are also required to install new eaves to gutters and downpipes, re-fix or replace roof sheets, install a new stormwater system, underpin external bluestone walls to prevent collapse, treat the building to eliminate termites, and other urgent repairs.
Failure to comply with a repair order could result in fines of up to $373,104 or imprisonment for five years or both for a natural person, and $746,208 for a body corporate.
Macedon House came to the attention of authorities in 2015 and, since then, communication with the owners has been ongoing about the condition of the building.
Heritage Victoria issued a ‘show cause notice’ February 2, 2018, requiring the owner to show cause why a repair order should not be made.
A Heritage Victoria spokesperson said there had been few repair orders issued in the past 20 years.
The Heritage Act 2017, which began in November, has strengthened enforcement and compliance provisions to protect state-listed heritage places including increasing maximum penalties for unauthorised works to deter damage to heritage places and objects, and a range of other measures.
Meet the Dads Club
It might be difficult to make new mates in a new town but one group of dads is making it easier for people to connect.
With “a couple of beers and a few laughs”, ‘Dads Club’ aims to facilitate better connectedness for regional men and promote male mental health awareness, says vice-president and co-founder Luke Spielvogel.
“It’s a chance for commuters, stay-at-home dads, or others who don’t get the social opportunity as often, to meet some people,” he said.
“We want to make it accessible and approachable to those new to the area, feeling a bit isolated or just lack the time or inclination to join a ‘for-purpose’ group or committee.”
While the name suggests it’s all about dads and blokes – it is a mere nod to the group’s roots and everyone is welcome, says president and Newham resident Mark Constable.
“The Macedon Ranges has seen massive growth in particularly young families moving to the area and that move away from friends and family can sometimes prove isolating,” Mr Constable said.
“Having been one of those families I know what that isolation can feel like, between driving up and down the Calder every day, looking after a property and spending time with young kids, it’s hard to find time to get out and make new friends. That’s where Dads Club was great, we were all in the same boat and I’ve made some lasting friendships.”
Andrew Watt works in construction in Melbourne and moved to the Macedon Ranges two years ago.
“It was great, within a couple of weeks of moving up here, I was invited to a Dads Club function and met 25-30 local blokes who were really welcoming. I’m now involved with the local hall committee and the cricket club as well as now joining the Dads Club committee.”
Mr Constable was pleased with the group’s most recent event that celebrated club becoming incorporated and attracted about 25 people to the gathering in Newham.
The group now looks forward to the next chapter with a strong committee on board and growing interest in the community.