Leisure
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Latest edition of Hot Rodding International hits stands
For the past 43 years, the monthly Australian Street Rodding magazine has been published from the offices of Graffiti Publications in Castlemaine. Now, the latest issue of Graffiti’s large-format annual magazine, Hot Rodding International, has just been released and is available in newsagencies. Produced entirely in the Castlemaine-based production centre, Hot Rodding International is true to its name with international…
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Castlemaine wildlife reserve welcomes friends
It’s a little natural jewel, easy walking distance to the centre of Castlemaine, and right under residents’ noses. But many locals don’t even realise the Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is there say the dedicated committee members who help look after it. Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is an L-shaped 2.5-hectare parcel of conserved bushland that was presented to…
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Castlemaine-Guildford rail trail idea starts rolling
The disused Castlemaine to Guildford railway corridor should be turned into a rail trail, keen local cyclist Lou Citroen believes. The Castlemaine recreational cyclist has contacted Mount Alexander Shire Council to canvass the plan and seek support to make it happen. His suggestion comes as the disused Castlemaine to Guildford track is currently being taken…
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Bonjour madame! Renault mini muster to roll into town
There will be a hint of French flair around the towns of Castlemaine and Maldon when the coming Labour Day weekend arrives. The Renault 4cv Register of Australia is holding its very first mini muster across the two towns over the long weekend from March 7-9. Members from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia,…
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Walk for wellbeing
Castlemaine-based suicide prevention charity HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies) is gearing up for its second annual HALT Community Wellbeing Walk and is inviting interested participants to join in the 2020 challenge. Registrations are now open for the 2020 walk which will take place over six days from March 30-April 4. In 2019 the inaugural walk…
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Dog park still to have its day
Efforts to settle on a site for Castlemaine’s long-mooted off-leash dog park are progressing – slowly – with hopes a location will be finalised soon. Castlemaine ward councillor Dave Petrusma raised the issue at the most recent council meeting and also attended a meeting last week involving a local committee charged with managing a site…
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Kyneton Show shines with record crowds
Organisers have declared the 159th Kyneton Show an enormous success with perfect spring weather on Show Day setting new attendance records. Kyneton Agricultural Society secretary Josephine Rutledge said more than 5800 people went through the gates over the two days, well up on the 5000 last year. She said the country-styled parkour obstacle course was…
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A dash of Latin passion catches hold in Castlemaine
A dash of Latin passion is catching hold in Castlemaine and surrounds. The distinctly Spanish flavour fomenting in some unexpected local hotspots follows a happy convergence of events and people. Take Jose Baena, for example. Jose hails from Andalusia, Spanish Granada and came to Australia in his mid-30s about 15 years ago. Those who know…
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Ready, set … Run The Maine
This Friday public holiday is a big one for Castlemaine as the town hosts hundreds of runners for the annual Run The Maine. Event director Gavin Krasner says the half marathon course has been particularly hitting the mark with strong registrations from runners keen to tackle the 21km distance that will follow the Maldon to…
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Drone daredevils take fishing to new heights at Upper Coliban Reservoir
A daring Kyneton fisherman and his mates have tackled the first-ever drone fishing at Upper Coliban Reservoir in a stunt that put everything on the line. Armed with his rod and a VB stubby of courage, Sam Foreman dangled metres above the water, suspended in a chair from a purpose-built drone while captured on film.…
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Lights up after dark
The launch of six new floodlights at Chewton’s Soldiers Memorial Park on Friday means Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club can now expand its membership and programs. A large crowd including numerous young soccer players gathered at the park on Friday evening to launch the new floodlights that will now be used for after-dark training by the…
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Lifting spirits – Belly dancing a wellbeing boost
Anita Zacchigna clearly recalls seeing belly dancing performed for the first time. “I was about 15 when I first saw belly dancing and I just thought ‘wow, the women in my family don’t dance like that!’” she says. The powerful impression that the Arabic expressive dance form had on Anita as a teenager remained with…