Castlemaine is set to host a vibrant and heartwarming community event on Sunday, November 30, raising funds for KOTO (Know One, Teach One) — a pioneering social enterprise that transforms the lives of at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam through world-class hospitality training and holistic support.
This fundraising event has a special local connection. Owner of local restaurant, Nem Viet, Hoàng T Huệ, was one of KOTO’s very first graduates and now operates four thriving Vietnamese restaurants across Central Victoria — a powerful testament to KOTO’s enduring impact.
Nine other KOTO graduates are currently working in Nem Viet restaurants in Castlemaine and Bendigo.
As a graduate of the program, Huệ is passionate about helping to ensure KOTO’s long term sustainability.
“KOTO’s philosophy is to Know One, Teach One, which means that once you have knowledge or skills, you should pass that on to someone who hasn’t had an opportunity to learn yet,” said Huệ.
“KOTO changed my life and I’m passionate about ensuring that other young Vietnamese citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds can continue to benefit from their world-class programs into the future.”
The Castlemaine KOTO Fundraiser for Disadvantaged Youth in Vietnam will bring the colour, flavour and generosity of Vietnamese culture to the Castlemaine Town Hall on Sunday, November 30 from 3pm to 6pm.
Guests will enjoy authentic Vietnamese canapés paired with local wines, live performances, short films, and inspiring stories of personal transformation.
A raffle and auction featuring outstanding local prizes will also take place on the day.
Attendees will hear from Jimmy Pham, KOTO’s inspirational founder and international humanitarian, who will share firsthand stories from his 25 years of empowering disadvantaged youth through education, training, and community.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to KOTO’s Forever Home project — a new purpose-built training and community hub in Hanoi, providing long-term stability and opportunity for generations to come.
The Castlemaine community is invited to support this wonderful event.
All donations are tax deductible.To book visit: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1485397
For more information contact Marty at martysharples02@gmail.com
The Castlemaine and District Netball Association is calling for urgent community support after it failed to form a quorum at its recent Annual General Meeting and was unable to appoint enough committee members to operate for the year ahead.
The shortage of volunteers places the upcoming Summer Competition in jeopardy, with the Association warning it may be unable to proceed without a functioning committee. If positions remain unfilled, the CDNA may be forced into recess indefinitely.
Castlemaine and District Netball Association president Ken Maddern says local support is critical.
“Castlemaine has a strong and passionate netball community, but we simply cannot run competitions without volunteers. We’re asking parents, players past and present, and supporters to consider taking on a role—training is provided, and any level of help is appreciated,” Ken said.
Despite strong participation on court, the Association needs a minimum number of volunteers required to meet its governance obligations.
“We need people who care about local sport to step forward. Even a few hours a month can make the difference.”
The Association emphasises that roles can be shared, and no prior committee experience is necessary. Positions available include Secretary, Treasurer, Umpire Coordinator, Program Coordinator, and several smaller support roles.
A second attempt for an Annual General Meeting will be held tonight, Monday November 24, at the Wesley Hill Courts at 7pm in the hope of filling the required positions.
If the Association cannot elect a committee at that meeting, the CDNA will have no option but to cancel the summer season planned for February 2026 and consider entering recess.
No competition also means Castlemaine loses its representative Junior Development Squad. The squad builds a pathway for talented small town netballers to compete against the metro teams. It has been the foundation for many talented Castlemaine netballers, including Chelsea Satori, Chloe Langley, Shae Clifford, Megan Willson and Caleb Mountford who have represented Victoria or/and played Victorian Netball League competition for the Bendigo Strikers.
“It would be a shame to lose this program due to lack of volunteer support,” Maddern said.
“Castlemaine has a proud netball history. We don’t want to see opportunities for local players disappear,” the CDNA president said.
“But without volunteers stepping up now, that is the reality we’re facing.”
This past season attracted 31 teams and about 280 players. CDNA also holds the honour of being the first association in country Victoria to launch a boys-only competition.
The association also recently had its annual tournament attracting 34 teams including eight association squad teams.
Don’t let this 63-year-old association go!!
How to Help
Community members interested in joining the committee or learning more about what is involved are encouraged to attend the AGM and/or contact the CDNA via email: cdna1962@hotmail.com phone: 0407 508 387 or Facebook: Castlemaine District Netball Association.
Volunteers from Orange Sky celebrated three years of service in Castlemaine recently.
Orange Sky has been providing support to people in the area who are experiencing homelessness and hardship through access to free laundry and genuine conversation.
“Our amazing team of volunteers have formed quite a connection with many of the friends using the Orange Sky service over the past few years,” said Laura Keogh from Sac’O’Suds Launderette.
The service is available at Sac’O’Suds Launderette in Barker Street, Castlemaine every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm. If you are interested in volunteering with Orange Sky visit orangesky.org.au/volunteer/
