The Swarm
The Mail has received a number of enquiries from community members keen to locate the image circa 1940s-50s of a pack of cyclists making their way into Castlemaine from Thompson’s Foundry.
It is believe the photo may have featured in the Castlemaine Old Pioneers and Residents Transport exhibition at the Castlemaine Town Hall a few years back. However, nobody appears to have any information about its whereabouts. If you can assist please contact our editor Lisa Dennis at ldennis@midnews.com.au or call 5472 1788.
Songs to warm your heart
Kavisha launches her latest album, ‘There is a Field’, on Saturday, May 16 at The Coolroom, Northern Arts Hotel in Castlemaine.
Kavisha, now happily a permanent local resident, recorded ‘There is a Field’ with another resident, Nic Lyon, in a tiny cottage in Malmsbury.
She described the recording experience as ‘a unique, transformative and soul-searching experience, it’s one that I believe is positively reflected in the album.
Whilst also hoping that the songs might help the listener ‘steer through the stormy waters of this crazy beautiful world’.
On first listening, the new album is also an instant worthy companion to 2019’s beautiful album Empty Sky.
Kavisha is known for her warm and engaging performances, and in 2024, she was rewarded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Folk Alliance of Australia.
Opening for Kavisha and Nic Lyon will be another award-winning singer-songwriter and storyteller, Melbourne’s Les Thomas.
Tickets are on sale through Humanitix.
High Tea with old school charm
Floursmith is delighted to announce its inaugural Old School High Tea Luncheon at the historic Old Schoolhouse, South Muckleford, on the weekend of May 9 and 10.
Founded in 2025 by Jess and Al Stanley, former owners of Saint Florian cafe Castlemaine, Floursmith is a micro-bakehouse and pop-up dining venture reflecting their shared culinary passions.
Set among mature gums and rolling farmland, this latest venue a charming Victorian schoolhouse provides a picturesque backdrop for a relaxed and celebratory afternoon. Guests will enjoy a contemporary take on High Tea, with a creative set menu crafted from exceptional local, seasonal produce by chef Jess Stanley.
Stanley’s food is creative and from the heart – known for delightfully surprising flavour combinations, attention to detail, and passion for creating convivial food experiences. Husband Al Stanley hosts with warmth and charm, bringing their shared vision to this unique pop-up experience.
The event pairs modern High Tea fare with old-school charm — antique chinaware, tiered displays, and the schoolhouse’s original Victorian features of timber floors, cathedral windows, open fireplace, and hand-calligraphed honour boards. Seating is communal, encouraging conversation, connection, and celebration.
Set on Mother’s Day weekend, this event offers a very special way to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, friends, and the women who nurture us.
The High Tea will run from 12.30pm-2.30pm both days.
For tickets visit https://www.floursmith.com.au/events
MiniRoos returns to Chewton – registrations now open
Registrations are now open for the 2026 MiniRoos program at Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club (CGFC), with local families invited to be part of one of the region’s most vibrant junior sporting communities.
Running on Friday evenings at Soldiers Memorial Park in Chewton, MiniRoos is a fun, inclusive football (soccer) program for children aged four to nine. The program focuses on participation, confidence and connection, welcoming players of all abilities — whether they’re kicking a ball for the first time or building on existing skills.
More than just a sport, MiniRoos has become a weekly community gathering. With over 180 children involved last year, Friday nights see families coming together to connect, share food from the club BBQ and kiosk, and enjoy the energy of kids playing and learning together.
Coordinators Maddy and Jen say the focus for 2026 is on building an environment where every child feels supported and able to thrive.
“MiniRoos is about much more than football,” they said.
“It’s about creating a space where kids feel confident to participate, parents feel welcome, and the whole community comes together.”
This year, the program will introduce a number of small improvements to better support neurodivergent children and create a more inclusive experience for all participants.
As a fully volunteer-run program, MiniRoos also relies on local parents and carers to get involved as session leaders, assistants, or helpers across the evening.
“People don’t need a background in soccer to help out,” Maddy and Jen said.
“It’s about showing up, encouraging the kids, and being part of something positive.”
The 2026 MiniRoos season begins on Friday May 1 and runs across Terms 2 and 3.
Families can register: 2026 Coles MiniRoos New Participant Term 2 & 3 $160
https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120129&programID=774482026
Coles MiniRoos New Participant Term 2 only $95 https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120129&programID=77449
For enquiries or to get involved as a volunteer, contact Jen and Maddy at: cgfcsmallsided@gmail.com
Replacing James Creek Bridge
Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP and Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon announced an $844,500 project to replace the James Creek Bridge in Redesdale on Wednesday.
The project was made possible thanks to a $675,000 grant from the federal government via the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Ms Chesters said it is great to see the James Creek Bridge receive the funding it needs to ensure it is finally repaired and replaced.
“We will continue to work with state, territory and local governments to deliver even more critical road upgrades in the future,” she said.
James Creek Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that was deemed non-functional and has been closed since June 2025 following damaging weather events.
Mr Heydon said the closure of the old James Creek Bridge in June 2025 had created a significant 10- kilometre detour for residents.
“Since then, a short-term low-flow creek crossing has allowed some much-needed relief,” he said.
“We know this funding for a new bridge will support residents, farmers and emergency services, so this investment will make a real difference to daily life and safety.”
The project to replace the bridge will include the demolition of the existing non-functioning structure and the construction of a new concrete bridge at the same location.
The new structure will feature a 100-year design life, be engineered to accommodate current vehicle load standards, and include the installation of modern safety barriers and guardrails along its length and immediate approaches.
Take a trip back to the 70s
Due to popular demand Castlemaine State Festival exhibition ‘Just One in the Crowd’ at Shedshaker Brewing has been extended until this Sunday May 3.
The exhibition is must visit for local music fans as it features an unparalleled collection of photos and memories by local photographer Harley Parker that capture the spirit and essence of the music scene in Melbourne in the early 70s.
The exhibition coincided with the launch of new publication Just One in the Crowd: Harley Parker Photography at the Taproom on March 25.
Harley said the event attracted an enthusiastic crowd.
“Bobby Valentine and Mike Rudd performed a few numbers during the launch, with Mike Rudd finishing the event singing his hit song ‘I’ll be Gone’ with the crowd enthusiastically joining in,” he said.
The body of work features a dynamic collection of photographs and accompanying storyboards that document the raw energy, characters, and cultural pulse of live music and social gatherings in Melbourne in 1971.
“The exhibition has sparked conversations and celebrates the vibrant local scene that continues to keep Castlemaine’s creative spirit alive,” Harley said.
“Viewers have connected deeply with the candid images of performers—capturing not just the glamour of rock n roll, but also its grassroots, rebellious heart within an Australian context,” he said
The new book Just One in the Crowd is available to purchase from the Taproom.
Connecting with clubs and social groups
Town Open Day brings the community together for a day of connection and belonging on Saturday, May 16.
Looking to meet new people, learn about the different ways to get involved in the community or pick up a new hobby? Town Open Day is the perfect place to start.
Castlemaine Community House and Get Connected Mount Alexander are proud to announce the inaugural Town Open Day, a community-focused gathering designed to bring local social groups and clubs from across the Shire to showcase activities for community members to come along, try and sign up.
“Whether you’re already involved in community life or you’re new to town and looking for ways to connect – this event is for you,” said Isis Jordan, Community Connector at Get Connected Mount Alexander.
The event will take place on Saturday May 16, from 10 am to 2pm at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, 2 Walker Street, Castlemaine.
Town Open Day is family-friendly and accessible, welcoming people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and abilities.
By bringing together a wide range of community groups in one location, the event aims to reach both people who are already engaged and those who are not currently connected, creating opportunities for new relationships, participation, and ongoing involvement in community life.
“Town Open Day aims to strengthen social connections and build long-term community relationships and resilience across Mount Alexander Shire through creating a single, accessible entry point,” said Mahira Sobral, Executive Officer, CCH
Town Open Day is supported by NAB and hosted by Castlemaine Community House in partnership with Get Connected Mount Alexander, Dhelkaya Health and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
NAB is proud to support Castlemaine Community House and the local community through initiatives that strengthen connection and recovery.
This event is free.
For more information, please visit www.cch.org.au/town-open-day or follow Castlemaine Community House on socials for updates.
Half-price fares until 2027
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