Free wildlife seminar
All are invited to the launch of Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch incorporated, featuring a free seminar ‘Wildlife crossings, road safety and biodiversity’. Renowned ecologist and road ecology expert Prof. Darryl Jones will share insights on helping people and wildlife coexist. The author of A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road, Jones has written more than 200 publications on wildlife and roads and is an expert in designing safe wildlife crossings. Listen, ask questions, network and grab a discounted copy of his book! When: 2-4pm August 31 Where: Ray Bradfield Room Castlemaine (between IGA carpark and Victory Park) RSVP essential: mountalexanderwildlifewatch@gmail.com
No objection to broiler farm on Moolort Plains
Ken Smith, Newstead
Maybe if the Broiler Farm (‘Push back on industrial broiler farm’, Castlemaine Mail, August 15) was to object to the ‘Pie in the sky’ Rail Trail it may be seen differently. The Rail Trail quoted 157 new jobs and income of $44 million. Can these figures be substantiated? There were no details provided by the Rail Trail Group and the exorbitant expense of creating the Rail Trail through 50 kilometres of old railway lines, bridges and road crossings will be millions of dollars to complete providing for a select few bike riders and walkers.
Whereas the Broiler Farm will create local jobs, supply the food chain, transportation and will run a good operation based on their current processes and business practices.
We need better options
Karen Lamb, North Geelong
How is it that towns like Maldon are being left in the lurch by companies like Solstice Energy winding up energy supply? (‘Energy decision sparks concerns’, Castlemaine Mail, August 15).
We already know that gas is a gamble because it exposes households and small businesses to volatile prices – now it’s exposing us to energy insecurity. We need better options that aren’t rolling the dice on our regional communities.
MZ off to nationals!
Movement Zone Castlemaine’s talented dance crew won High Gold in Senior Hip-Hop (Small Groups) at the Hollywood Bound regionals in Sydney last week with a score of 282.90 out of 300.
This means they have made it through to Nationals at the Gold Coast January 12-18, 2026!
This was an fantastic outcome, Movement Zone were competing against professional dance studios with students attending Brent Street Sydney.
Movement Zone founder Sarah ‘Sas’ Cook said she is beyond proud of the crew and the hard work they have put in.
“We also got to show the city schools what Country Vic has to offer! Thank you again to all of the parents, community members and Rotary Castlemaine who got behind us make it to Sydney!” she said.
The crew will be working hard to raise funds once again to attend the nationals with hopes of achieving success and winning a coveted place at Hollywood Bound in the US! Watch this space for details.
CDNA tournament draws big numbers
Castlemaine District Netball Association held their annual tournament on Sunday August 17 and saw the Wesley Hill Netball Complex a hive of activity.
The CDNA welcomed 36 teams from all over the region including eight CDNA Squad teams ranging from 11/Under through to Open.
A massive thank you to all the volunteers who made the day possible, the players, coaches and umpires.
After the tournament the CDNA also held its first inaugural boys only game. It was great to see so many young men having a good hit out on the court.
Results of the tournament were as follows:
11/Under Valley 11 def Kyabram 7.
13/Under Open NPNA 9 def Kyabram 7.
13/Under Reserves NPNA 12 def CDNA Purple 4.
15/Under Open NPNA 13 def Surf Coast 6.
15/Under Reserves NPNA2 13 def NPNA3 5.
17/Under CDNA 10 def NPNA 7.
Open Boroondara 13 def NPNA .4
Jurassic wonders come to life
Funding win for Punctum
