Community News
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Fundraising postershowcases town
The now 200-member strong Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative is thrilled to announce the launch of a special fundraising poster as part of its campaign to buy the Hub building in Castlemaine. Co-op director Cath Jolly said this stunning poster, by Australian cartoonist David Pope, captured the spirit of Castlemaine and some of the things people…
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Art for the Ages
Residents at Bupa Aged Care Woodend are learning that it’s never too late to acquire new skills. They’re picking up pencils, crayons and brushes and revisiting a pastime that many haven’t pursued in decades. Bupa lifestyle coordinator Lauren Monaghan says that some residents can be reluctant to take part. “It’s not for everyone,” she concedes,…
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Farmer R.U.O.K?
Organisers of Kyneton Saleyards’ livestock trade donned technicoloured workwear garments last Wednesday to raise awareness for farmers’ mental health. The apparel’s design bore the words, ‘this is a conversation starter’, printed on its back. Dean Coxon, a livestock agent at Elders Kyneton, had the farmers’ attention for the livestock bidding war and sent a message…
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Sieving finished compost
When we have a fully cured, finished compost pile, ready to spread on the garden, we will still see a range of coarse, recognisable ingredients in the compost that have not been fully integrated into the gluey goodness of the compost structure. All the nitrogen-rich food scraps should be well gone (though we might see…
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Dapper up and ride!
Ready your engines and dust off your suits – the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is returning to Castlemaine on Sunday May 18. Join hundreds of thousands of dapper gentlefolk in the world’s most stylish on-road motorcycling charity event, as they ride to raise funds and awareness for men’s health. Local DGR hosts Brian Rix and Mick…
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Giving our compost a great start
When we are starting a new compost pile – be it bin or bay – it is good practice to start with a good layer of course, chopped up, carbon-rich ingredients at the bottom of the pile. This ‘bedding’ will help the bottom of our pile to have good oxygen access in, and good carbon…
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Platypus recorded at Malmsbury
Tiana Preston from Ecology Australia will present the results of Malmsbury Landcare’s recent platypus survey on May 1 at the Malmsbury Town Hall. Tiana led the survey and provided the necessary permits and oversight. Her presentation will discuss the biology and ecology of the platypus and will examine why variable water flows are important to…
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Exciting new workshop, creative and repair space
The Good Op Shop in Castlemaine is launching an exciting new upstairs space called ‘The Re-usery’, where people can learn new skills, repair items and make things out of old stuff. On Saturday, head down to The Good Op Shop to have a look at the new space – Mend in Public Day will be…
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Four different types of straw
It is a nice idea that we might be able to look up the details of a particular compost ingredient and find out exactly what its carbon to nitrogen ratio might be, or what its density is. But nature is varied and complex. Each batch of every ingredient we use will be different depending on…
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Gisborne’s celebrity postman
Gisborne Post Office manager Joe Vella is a familiar face locally, but he may also be recognised if he were to travel to different parts of the country. Joe featured in Australia Post’s latest advertising campaign promoting customers’ ability to bank at their local post office, yet it’s not his first foray in front of…
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WWII veteran to celebrate 100
World War II veteran Joyce Daymon is preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday in style. The Woodend resident is returning to Shangri-la resort, Fiji, with friends and family for her big day in May – where she celebrated her 99th last year. An overseas adventure is fitting for someone who spent her earlier years helping…
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Cars bring back memories
A beautiful day brought out another large crowd at the Lancefield Swap Meet on Sunday with 3000 people attending the annual event. One of the highlights is the annual car show held on the oval with about 400 cars entering this year. As usual there was an incredible array of vehicles on display many bringing…