Castlemaine SES members used the jaws of life to rescue the grateful pooch.
In a rescue straight out of a children’s TV show, Castlemaine SES volunteers were called to assist a local canine who found herself in a tight spot on Thursday afternoon. At approximately 2.30pm, the Castlemaine crew was dispatched to an animal rescue incident in Elphinstone after an overly ambitious ridgeback dog had managed to wedge her head firmly inside a gap in a stone wall while pursuing a litter of baby rabbits. The alarm was raised thanks to some quick canine intuition. The trapped dog’s daughter returned home alone and visibly distressed, successfully alerted her owners that something was amiss and led them directly across the property to the scene of the mishap. Upon arrival, Castlemaine SES volunteers assessed the wall and used the ’jaws of life’ road rescue equipment to carefully widen the gap and release the dog without causing injury or damaging the wall. The rescue was completed swiftly, with the grateful pooch emerging unharmed, wagging her tail, and reuniting immediately with her relieved family and four-legged rescuer.
Bendigo West Greens Candidate Liza Shaw and disability advocate Sam Drummond.
Join Mount Alexander Greens for wine, cheese and discussions with author of Broke, human rights lawyer, and disability advocate Sam Drummond this Saturday August 29. This book is a memoir about downward mobility, disability and growing up in and around Castlemaine. Sam always knew he was starting life on the back foot. When his parents split, Sam, his mother and his brother had to learn to survive in a world not built for single-parent families. The event is a Greens fundraiser, so you can also meet Liza Shaw, Greens Candidate for Bendigo West. The talk will take place at 3pm. The price is $35, or $20 concession, and includes drinks and nibbles. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and vegan snacks will all be available. The event address in McKenzie Hill will be sent to participants after registration. You can register using the link: https://contact-vic.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=25487 Or you can email:dev.mukherjee@vic.greens.org.au
Talented local artist Judy Sens has a special birdhouse exhibit at Drying Shed Art Space in the Mill Complex until the end of September – exploring the relationship between people, the natural world and the quiet consequences of everyday choices. Her exhibition reflects on the tension between affection for domestic pets and the vulnerability of Australia’s native bird life. “Working primarily in acrylic on canvas and board, I paint on the colours and rhythms of the natural environment to create works that celebrate its beauty,” she said. “‘Playing” with clay brings back happy memories for me, as early as mud pie making under the white cedar trees on our family farm as a young child. “It also allows me another way to express the love of a beautiful garden and the curious creatures that live within it.” Judy said her ceramic journey began with tuition from her daughter Kirby Sens, and it has enabled her to provide a tactile and intuitive way to express her enduring connection to nature and botanical forms. “After the loss of my mother, whom I considered my best friend and mentor, several years ago, I decided to finally dedicate a space at home for a permanent studio,” she said. “This is a joyful space that has helped me to heal from her loss and reflect on the massive influence her love of creativity had on me. “Encompassing both paintings and ceramics. I have tried to make a display that is visually engaging, quietly thought-provoking, prompting reflection. All in the hope of encouraging a deeper appreciation of the fragile ecosystems that surround us and the role we each play in their care.” Judy’s birdhouses have both wheel-thrown and hand-built components. They are hand-decorated, then finished with underglaze and glaze. “When placed in a protected location out of direct sunlight, they provide a shelter for a variety of small birds,” she said. “We actually have quite a few families of spotted pardelotes nesting in my creations in our garden that return to nest year after year.” The Drying Shed is open Thursday – Sunday from 10.30am-2.30pm.
Coliban Water has announced that the allocation for the 2026/27 rural irrigation season will increase to 100 per cent for all rural licensed customers. Coliban Water Executive Manager Strategy, Adam Crameri, said the increase reflects the region’s much-improved water resource position since the opening allocation was set at 60 per cent on July 1. “The rural allocation is determined on the available water resources and in accordance with our drought response planning,” Mr Crameri said. “Pleasingly, in recent weeks we’ve had a lot of rainfall across our already wet catchments, which has translated into significant inflows into our storages near Kyneton.” Coliban Water’s storages are currently sitting at 100 per cent capacity, or about 70 gigalitres. “While our storages are in a good position, and it’s now unlikely we’ll require any water restrictions during the 2026/27 summer season, it is important to note that the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting below average rainfall and above average temperatures for the coming months,” said Mr Crameri. The Bureau of Meteorology recently declared an El Niño active. Historically, El Niño events have led to some of Australia’s hottest and driest weather on record. “We will continue to monitor our water position closely over the coming months and actively manage our water holdings across the region to meet customer demand,” said Mr Crameri. “As always, we encourage customers to use water wisely.” Coliban Water’s rural season typically runs from late October until early May, with water delivered through a rostered ordering system or based on demand. Last season 29 per cent of rural water licences in the Coliban Water service region were not used. Customers in this position should consider making their unused licence volumes available for temporary transfer, which will enable other customers to purchase larger water allocations. Customers wishing to arrange a temporary transfer can contact Coliban Water on 1300 363 200 or visit coliban.com.au/rural
ShelterBox is responding to the recent earthquake that left families homeless in Mindanao, Philippines.
Members of the charity book club — ShelterBox are supporting families who’ve been forced to flee their homes due to disaster or conflict — with every book they read. Since launching six years ago, the club has helped deliver emergency shelter and essential supplies — including water filters, solar lights, and mosquito nets — to people in crisis around the world. Fryerstown resident, Carol Forrest, joined the ShelterBox Australia Book Club three years ago, becoming part of a nationwide community of readers committed to making a difference. Carol is a registered nurse turned bookshop owner. She created the Alpine Book Trail — 18 second-hand bookshops on the Victorian Alpine circuit and currently has a Street Library. “I purposely stock global authors and their stories, as I love how a book can transport us to someone else’s reality, simultaneously altering my perspective,” she said. “Joining ShelterBox Book Club made a difference to me as my eyes were opened to the realities of survival and how everyday families’ lives can turn so quickly into chaos. I feel privileged to live where I do and for my families and friends to be safe.” Members make a small monthly donation to join the club, then choose their own copy of each shortlisted title — borrowing it, buying it, listening to it, or downloading it in whatever format they love. Every six weeks, the group votes on a new book and comes together online to share reflections, ideas, and conversation. “All our books have enriched my life and allowed me to deepen my knowledge and understanding,” Carol said. “It’s certainly very invigorating to have one’s perspective gently and respectfully turned upside down when another’s perspective is completely different. This is a safe community where I feel empowered to speak and listen.” Carol’s favourite read so far? Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa. “Few books have had such a profound effect on me. Discussing a book this raw and politically charged requires an immense amount of trust; the ShelterBox Australia Book Club provides a safe and respectful space to do this,” she said. Recent selections have included powerful voices from Myanmar, and Sudan, mirroring ShelterBox’s work in those regions. After the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, they explored the continent-spanning novel, Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup. While ShelterBox responded to displacement in Sudan and neighbouring Chad, readers were immersed in Reem Gaafar’s spectacular Sudanese Novel, A Mouth Full of Salt. ShelterBox specializes in emergency shelter and has supported over three million people in nearly 100 countries. Head Bookworm at ShelterBox Australia Book Club, Peita Byer said that with every story read, the book-loving community is helping shelter people around the world who have been uprooted from their homes – whether by conflict, tropical storms, flooding, or earthquakes. “We hand-pick stories that immerse readers in diverse cultures and authentic experiences, whether in real life (non-fiction) or in fiction. With every story, members connect more deeply with the people we support, while helping create happier endings for families in crisis,” she said. “People like Carol are making a difference to the lives of people they will never meet simply through their love of reading.” ShelterBox is currently supporting families displaced by earthquakes in Venezuela. It’s also responding to the world’s most neglected displacement crises, supporting people with shelter and other essential items in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso. To find out more or become a member, visit shelterboxaustralia.org.au/reading-room/
Fryerstown resident, Carol Forrest, joined the charity book club three years ago.
Sincere thanks to the Castlemaine State Festival team responsible for organising the concert by Maayan Licht on August 14 – it was a wonderful experience! To have this world-class artist perform in Castlemaine was amazing, and I feel so grateful to have been able to attend. Well done!
The letter about ‘Choices’ on (Opinions, August 14) raised some interesting points. Our shire has a wide range of healthy and unhealthy eating and drinking options. However, what we already have available does not justify approving plans for another multinational fast-food outlet, one that is currently in the Federal Court facing claims of alleged wage theft. Apart from the court issue, dietary and location concerns, there is the impact that a multi-national group can have on small local businesses. The choices letter was right to mention the damage excessive alcohol does. In 2024 there were already 1,317 liquor licenses approved to operate in the Mount Alexander Shire. We can choose to eat junk food or drink alcohol, or not. But I don’t think this is just about choice. I think it is also about leadership. There is legislation that affords local government, as the responsible authority, the opportunity to examine the impact of new fast-food outlets before they are approved. I think councils should take advantage of this opportunity and consider what’s in the best interest of the community. Does increasing the number of fast-food food outlets and alcohol outlets fit into the council vision of our shire? Council also has a choice.
It is very disappointing that our council has taken a decision not to support a proposal from our local community, once again. Both MAOP (Mount Alexander Organics Partnership) and YIMBY (Yes, In My Backyard) have worked hard to establish wonderful initiatives to recycle waste which benefit everyone. The main reason given is the claim that the councillors must follow state legislation and introduce FOGO (a statewide, expensive, one-size-fits-all Food Organics and Garden Organics program). This is a furphy. The bill is still in draft form, there are questions about the time of implementation and it is unlikely to be enacted before the state election. Other councils have allowed a pause. Maree Edwards, our local state member, has even said it would be possible to waive or alter the bill to suit our particular situation. It is also disappointing to hear that the council has not properly engaged with these groups to understand why this is so important. The grey, bureaucratic responses of council employees did not address any of the questions asked by members of the public at the meeting on Tuesday night. We have such progressive, innovative community projects which deserve the support of our councillors. It seems that the actions of our community members are light years ahead of our elected representatives. Who are the real leaders of our community? Editor’s Note: Council has provided an opt-out option and committed to continuing to work with YIMBY and MAOP.
Young brass players will provide the music for a special worship service at Castlemaine Uniting Church on Sunday August 30. Mostly primary school students, they have been learning to play with the ‘Just Brass’ program of The Salvation Army. They will perform at a combined service at the Uniting Church (next door to the art gallery) in Lyttleton Street at 10.30am. Just Brass provides primary school students with an opportunity to learn a brass instrument. During the service, Uniting Church minister Rev Sarah Tomilson will chat with Salvation Army ministry leader Beth Waldron-Anstice and Just Brass tutor Dean Curtis about the inspiring music program. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy hearing these young musicians perform.
Historical music specialist Simon Rickard will perform on the musette de cour.
Celtic Piping Club is presenting a rare musical treat in Castlemaine on Sunday August 30 – a concert of Baroque music with bagpipes! Historical music specialist Simon Rickard will perform on the musette de cour, accompanied by Nicholas Pollock on theorbo, and club musicians Sarah Wade and Matthew Horsley on the Scottish smallpipes, uilleann pipes, and pastoral pipes. According to Simon, the musette de cour is the smallest and poshest member of the bagpipe family, and the most sophisticated of the bagpipes during the 17th and 18th centuries. Hugely popular with the French aristocracy at the time, it formed part of the aural backdrop to the glittering interiors and formal gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Performing as Ensemble Pompadour, Simon and Nicholas will bring the music of the French court to Castlemaine’s Anglican Church, cnr Forest and Kennedy Streets, as part of the Celtic Piping Club’s annual Goldfields Piping Weekend. The concert starts at 2pm, duration one hour. Tickets: $20 full price, $15 concession, free for 18-years and under. Bookings recommended, payment at door also available You can book at https://www.trybooking.com/DOPKL
The first installment of David’s two-part interview was published in the Castlemaine Mail last Friday, August 14. After completing his five-year degree, David was called up to fight for England. “Anthony Eden, who was weak, had decided he was going to war against Egypt over the Suez Canal. For some reason or other, the British thought it was theirs,” he said. ‘All you young chaps from 18 and over are going to be called up,'” David mimicked in a perfect English accent. “I said, ‘No, sorry, I’m not going to be called up.’ And the British Government said, ‘In that case, you better go back to Australia.'” David found his way to Perth, where he worked for an architecture firm. He went on to work in Canberra building laboratories, and from there he was sent to the Melbourne office. After a while, he left the firm and began teaching part-time at the architecture course at Melbourne uni. “Although you can’t really teach design. All of the students believe they know more about design than you do, so really you’re superfluous,” he said. Around the same time, David became involved with an amateur theatre company in Melbourne as a set designer. “One day somebody suggested I should take a part in the play, and so I became an actor. I would have liked to have done that for a living, but being a professional actor and an amateur actor are two very different things.” During this time, David met his wife Jenny, a professional actress in theatre and TV. “She is a gorgeous actor. Lovely to work with,” he said. “We were mates for a long time, then one day, quite out of the blue, we realised we were in love. Wow! How did that happen?!” The pair fell in love with the Chewton bushlands while visiting a friend and moved not long after. They now live closer to town, in a cottage designed by David.
And the all-important questions: What hobbies do you enjoy? I’m in the middle of writing three things at the moment. One is tidying up a story called Will. A true story of when I went to Bazré on the Ivory Coast, on a Christmas holiday and was accused of being a spy. The second project is the story of my uncle known as Bill, and the third is my second book of verse. At one point, I’m not entirely sure why, I decided to teach tap dancing, which I did reasonably well, and until recently I used to do dancing in the street sometimes. I now dance with the Silver Tops with Movement Zone. What are your philosophies in life? I’m 92 and getting close to the end of life, and I believe that love is absolutely primary. That, and doing things you like to do. Learning constantly. Always try to overreach and understand stuff that you don’t have a hope in hell of understanding properly. Give it a shot. Doing that will keep the mind active and will put you in your place. Who are your three dream dinner guests? Shakespeare. Comedian and writer Spike Milligan and American writer John Dunne. Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home? What’s not to love?
NATO winners (L-R) John M, Sara McKenna, James Dolphin, Stuart Ellam and Max Elson.
Castlemaine Rifle Club celebrated its 165th anniversary on the weekend. Although shooting commenced on the land in the 1850s it wasn’t officially recognised until Colonel John Edward Newell donated the land to the Volunteer Rifles and it was officially gazetted as a rifle range in 1861. So, last weekend the club celebrated 165 years of military and civilian tradition on our local range. The range has served our nation and the Castlemaine community in both times of peace and war. Members have trained on this range and gone to war giving their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. The club has had many great leaders such as Sir Henry Lawson who was the President of the club from 1904 and the President from 1912 to 1946 during which time he was also Premier of Victoria. Castlemaine was selected as the back up range for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The club has a long list of exceptional shooters who have been representatives of State and Australian teams. Of the six members of the National Rifle Association of Australia Team to Bisley, United Kingdom in 2024, five were Castlemaine Rifle Club past members. Castlemaine is the home of the Victorian Precision Service Rifle Series. Celebrations started with the ‘Vintage Service Rifle’ competition. A good number of shooters attended coming from all parts of Victoria as well as Sydney and Canberra and as far as Brisbane. Most rifles used were .303 Lee Enfields with a mix of Mausers and other military rifles. Castlemaine members shot well. The next competition was the ‘Service Optical’. Again there was a good number of entries, with many local members excelling. The final stage was the third round of the Victorian Precision Service Rifle. The event was contested from the 600 yard mound to 200 yards. The course of fire varies at each distance with 10 serials shot in different positions with different target exposure times at both static and moving targets. It takes about three hours for a competitor to complete the course of fire. It was a very high class of competition. With Castlemaine members achieving excellent results. The club’s best results were in ‘NATO Class’, with scores being unbelievably close. The winner was Stuart Elam with a score of 311, followed by Max Elson on 310 and James Dolphin third with 310. In the ‘Open Class’ Dan McColl had a good win scoring 324 in a class dominated by interstate shooters. The ‘Pairs Event’ was won by Dan McColl and Jamie Griffin, with Stuart Elam and Tony Strong second. Other Castlemaine members placed well. It was a great series hosted by Castlemaine being one of the oldest sporting clubs in Australia. It was very pleasing to have so many shooters travelling long distances and spending time in Castlemaine and Maldon, staying in local hotels, motels and B&Bs and dining at local hotels and cafes. Colonel Bull would be pleased. This week a practice will be held on the local range. For more on the sport of big bore rifle shooting call the captain on 5474 2552 or see Max at Castlemaine Fresh.
Some of the Precision Service Rifle winners.Members enjoyed a celebratory cake, which is pictured with an image of Colonel Bull.
