David Wybar, Castlemaine
It seems the long anticipated Frederick Street upgrade is about to begin, but I am going to ask the question as to why are we rate payers having to cough up extra to foot the bill? Surely the gift of $12.19 million by the Federal Government should be enough to achieve some form of atheistic and functional outcome but apparently not.
The project design falls some $250,000 short (at this stage), but luck be on our side that our shire just happens to have a quarter of a million to spare to cover this.
Like many other major projects these days, it seems you no longer ‘Design to a Budget’ but you ‘Budget to the Design’ that inevitably leads to cost and time blow outs, all with the aim of achieving nothing other than the inclusion of what I call unnecessary egotistical ideologies in the hope of gaining some future legacy.
In this cost of living crisis where many of us have to settle for just the ‘necessary’ and not the ‘nice to have’, it’s a bit of an insult I feel, to again be seeing our hard earned money being used on a project that is going to deliver ‘what’ to really to help us residents?
Less rubbish being illegally dumped?
Less homeless people?
Less mobility devices on our roads?
Fixing that pot hole exiting the Market Building carpark?
Shall I go on?
Olivia Bluemore
Blues Guitar Roadshow “Ensemble Spectacular” is coming to Castlemaine this Saturday November 15 at the Theatre Royal after touring around the country with its lineup of some of Australia’s best musicians. Established performers like Geoff Achison, who has a career spanning three decades, as well as newer artists such as Kathleen Halloran, an emerging artist with a captivating stage presence paired with bold and meaningful lyrics. Other performers include The McNaMarr Project, made up of Andrea Marr and John McNamara, who have received global attention for their music, Dave Hole, a highly skilled slide guitarist praised by Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, who claimed he was “One of his favourite guitarists”, as well as Anna Scionti, Wilbur Wilde, Brett Garsed, and Shane Gilbert. The show has been played to sold-out crowds across the country and received standing ovations and huge praise. Each artist gets their own chance in the spotlight before they all come together at the end for the “All-star jam’ when they will perform as one. The audience can expect a show filled with energy and connection, plus maybe even the chance of taking home a signed guitar.
For tickets, visit theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/music/
Councillor Lucas Maddock, writing in an individual capacity
As a correction to my quote in ‘Punching above our weight’ in last week’s Mail: it’s the cost of not getting our response to climate change right which terrifies me, as it will be infinitely greater than any investments we make now.
Last week, Council reached a milestone in its greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy. This is a win that should be celebrated, especially as it was a whole community and Council effort that got us to this point. It’s important that we recognise that, since the strategy was set, the climate situation has become much worse. As a broader society we know what we need to do to prevent catastrophic climate change, but we are not reaching our targets. Our inaction is going to have unimaginable consequences for all future generations.
As a community, we need to find ways to further drive down our emissions. There has already been considerable work done by the community and governments in this area and we’re in an excellent position to build on that. This is the biggest challenge of our time. It’s more important than ever that, as a community and as a Council, we get these next steps right. If you’ve ever thought of joining your local climate action group it’s now more vital than ever. Please check my social media pages for a list of local groups you can join.
Prolific local author Carmel Bird has written an enthralling story about the life of Princess Marie-Adélaïde of Savoy.
Set in 17th-century France, Crimson Velvet Heart is narrated in part by the young princess’s childhood friend, Sister Clare.
Carmel’s mastery of language and her rich understanding of history bring to life the strange and enthralling story of Adélaïde’s life at the court of Louis XIV.
“Some of the most lively conversations at court, I must say, are driven by the serpent tongues of malice. Dark whispers scurry around the apartments like joyful mice in a barn full of grain.”
With her unique ability to capture the spirit and mystery of love and loss, and her understanding that human nature is unchanged across time, Carmel tells the story of the mother of the child who will become Louis XV.
“Events in the life of one person today trace their origins back through time and place in an intricate web, a vast lace cloth woven by fate, a tapestry that hangs from the stars. One piece of the pattern shifts to become entwined with another, and the picture changes slightly, then the thread moves off in another direction.”
Launching at the Castlemaine Library at 5.30 pm on Thursday November 20. Stoneman’s Bookroom will be selling copies at the launch.
Visit goldfieldslibraries.com for more details.
Castlemaine Kindergarten is excited to announce the return of its much-loved Annual Fete on Saturday, November 8.
The fete will take place at the kinder at 7/8 Berkeley Street, Castlemaine from 10am to 2pm.
This family-friendly event is a long-standing community favourite and promises a fun-filled day of entertainment, food, and festivities for the entire community.
Live entertainment will include crowd favourites Pete the Plumber, MaCapella, and many more surprise acts throughout the day. There will be face painting, games, craft activities, and white elephant stalls for the treasure hunters among us.
Enjoy a classic sausage sizzle or indulge your sweet tooth at the bake sale, packed with homemade goodies made by dedicated kinder families.
You won’t want to miss out on the annual raffle, featuring a fantastic array of prizes generously donated by local businesses and supporters. It’s a great way to support the kinder and maybe even take home something special!
All proceeds from the event will go directly toward purchasing new equipment and funding extracurricular activities to give the kindergarten students the best opportunities possible.
These funds are vital to helping the kinder provide a nurturing, resource-rich environment where every child can thrive in the early stages of their educational journey.
