Castlemaine
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An artist, a rockstar and the Archibald
Castlemaine artist Ned Middleton is a bit of a music buff, and while Tim Rogers’ band the Hard-Ons isn’t really his cup of tea, Ned was happy to have the chance to paint the legendary rock star for an entry into the Archibald Prize. After two sittings, a lot of research and guidance from his…
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A transformation of the CBD
Works to transform the heart of Castlemaine’s CBD are now under way and are expected to be completed by mid-2027. The $12.1 million redevelopment of Frederick Street has drawn mixed reactions from residents, though the mayor Cr Toby Heydon has described it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to create a safer, greener and more connected town…
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Tamworth success for Colin
Castlemaine country music singer and songwriter, Colin ‘Fish’ Fraser, was honoured to be a finalist in the recent Tamworth Songwriters Salute Awards. The 76-year-old said that he discovered his passion for music later in life. After a relationship breakdown at 55 he picked up the guitar and hasn’t looked back. “I had a few lessons…
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Ensemble brings high-quality theatre
A bold new chapter for performing arts in regional Victoria begins this June, as Castlemaine’s newest theatre company, The Ravens Theatre Company, launches its inaugural production: The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, in a new adaptation by Anya Reiss. Originally staged by the National Theatre in London, Reiss’ acclaimed adaptation brings new immediacy and a contemporary…
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3AW hosts visit Castlemaine, Harcourt
In a boost for local tourism businesses, 3AW Breakfast broadcast live from Shedshaker Brewery on March 16, celebrating autumn with a special show designed to encourage people back to the region. Supported by Visit Victoria, this live show saw hosts Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft showcase all there is to do and see in Castlemaine…
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Secrets of a showbiz dame
Former Chewton resident and beloved Aussie entertainer Stan Munro is set to return to Castlemaine this Friday to launch his new book Stan Munro –Secrets of a Showbiz Dame. From the grey streets and isolation of the Welsh valleys, to the glittering stages of Sydney’s Kings Cross, Stan Munro has lived a life larger than…
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‘Maine to host Dance Summit
Dancers, educators and dance professionals from across regional Victoria will gather in Castlemaine for a full day of movement, creativity and connection at the Regional Dance Summit on Sunday March 22. Presented by Ausdance VIC and Movement Zone as part of the Castlemaine State Festival, the Summit is designed to bring Victoria’s regional dance community…
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Country, Culture and healing
A First Nations art gallery and creative studio has opened its doors in Castlemaine on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Gabirra* is a warm and engaging space that begs to be entered. Full of bright, detailed dot paintings, a sandbox in the centre is connection to Country, imprinted with stories thousands of years old, and a…
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Let’s take back the track
The second annual Take Back the Track event will be held in Castlemaine on Sunday, February 15. A national campaign, the walk/run is a way to raise awareness about the violence, harassment and intimidation experienced by many women and gender-diverse runners and walkers. Last year’s event saw more than 150 communities across the country organise…
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Re-imagining the shire’s future
A community art project is celebrating the stories, spaces and creative spirit of Castlemaine and beyond. Mapping Our Futures is the brainchild of self-confessed ‘map nerd’ Michael Chew, a local designer and social ecologist. Michael worked alongside four other talented local artists, Wendy Hopkins, Sarah Taylor, Kirsten Moegerlein and Eunice Rigo, to bring the project…
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Tatts for a cause
Forest Creek Tattoo is gearing up to hold a ‘Home is where the Harcourt is’ Tattoo Flash Day this Sunday February 8. The Castlemaine-based tattoo studio has hosted a number of Flash Days in the past for causes close to their heart, and wanted to do something to support the community of Harcourt and surrounds…
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Experience the energy of African folk music
Ghanaian master musician Atongo Zimba is coming to Castlemaine, offering a rare chance for locals to experience the energy of African folk music in an intimate setting. Atongo is known as one of the great ambassadors of West African sound. He has played Womadelaide and has just returned from packed houses in Hobart and the…