Leisure
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Politics, competition and prone to extremes
Gillian Wills wrote Big Music, her debut novel, because she wanted people to know what goes on behind the concert curtain. Music is so readily available, it’s easy for people to overlook the dedication and hard work involved in becoming a performer. There’s a misconception that conservatoriums are peaceful, genteel places. Undeniably exhilarating, they are…
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CDOC explores the theme of truth
The highly anticipated 11th instalment of the Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival opens this Friday and runs through until Sunday at Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal. This year’s theme is ‘Truth. You couldn’t make this stuff up’ and will see 10 incredible films showcased across the three-day event, which will take audiences across the world, back in…
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Dance, drama and lanterns
This July, Over the Moon Studio invites young dancers to step into a world of colour, creativity and connection for its much-loved annual Winter School, running from Monday to Wednesday, July 7 to 9. Over the Moon has long been a cherished part of the Castlemaine community – a yoga and dance learning space with…
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LOCALS set to inspire
Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s (July 4-6) beloved annual celebration of homegrown storytelling LOCALS returns to Castlemaine historic Theatre Royal on Saturday July 5. LOCALS brings together a vibrant collection of short-form works by central Victorian filmmakers and is so popular with local audiences that tickets had just about sold out at the time of going to…
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Harmony comes to Gisborne
After a six-year break, The Melbournaires Harmony Chorus returns to perform at the Gisborne Uniting Church on June 22 at 2pm. Formed in 1991, this all-male chorus ranks among the top choruses nationally, and in September 2023 won the Gold Medal at the Pan Pacific Convention in Auckland for best Chorus in the Seniors Category.…
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A night of musical brilliance
The Castlemaine State Festival is presenting an extraordinary evening of classical music featuring two Australian musical virtuosos, Richard Tognetti and Konstantin Shamray, on Friday, July 4. The program will span works by Bach, Schubert, Ravel and Brahms, promising a whirlwind of virtuosity and emotional depth. This event marks the festival’s third and final classical performance…
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Parkour Quest – The Winter Trials
Castlemaine Circus is gearing up to hold a special ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ themed parkour school holiday program event on Friday July 18. ‘Parkour Quest: The Winter Trials’ will feature two sessions aimed at kids aged 9-12 years and teens. Calling all young adventurers! The kingdom needs heroes with speed, skill, and courage. Join Castlemaine Circus’…
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Immerse yourself in CDoc
There is just over a fortnight left until the 2025 Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival opens at Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal. CDoc’s opening night special event on Friday July 4 will feature the silent film and masterpiece, Man With A Movie Camera, with live score by Underground Lovers Moda Discoteca. This score has been commissioned especially…
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No strangers here
Little Gallery in Trentham is no stranger to high-profile artists exhibiting. For the past 14 years the gallery has showcased many central Victorian artists who have achieved greatness in their field. One of the founding members of the Little Gallery, Rose Wilson, said they were truly blessed to be able to represent some of the…
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Wit and whimsy
P C Dyson is a graphic designer, visual artist and novelist living in the village of Malmsbury. With an extensive background in graphic design and publishing, Dyson’s current art practice is deeply rooted in a long-held fascination with typography, coupled with a keen interest in the English language and its nuances. This is evident in…
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Photographers to gather
Mount Alexander Photographic Society (formerly the Castlemaine Camera Club) is thrilled to be hosting the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies convention in Castlemaine this weekend, June 13-15. This year marks the 71st year of the convention, which attracts photographers and visitors statewide. At the convention there will be presentations by guest speakers, workshops, and photographic…
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Still getting a kick out of footy
A decade ago, Woodend dads would meet for a regular first Friday drinks at the Holgate Brewhouse to connect with other men in the area. It was here that the idea of starting a Masters football team was gently fermenting, much like the ales in the brewery, or maybe it was the beers talking. What…