Castlemaine
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Castlemaine event to connect a community …
The unprecedented fires impacting Victoria and other states, and the underlying issue of climate change, is upsetting not just for those directly involved – but for the wider community. It’s a strong awareness of this that’s prompted local muso and editor and publisher of national health and wellbeing magazine The Art of Healing, Cate Mercer,…
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New chapter begins for Castlemaine Sergeant Peter Lukaitis
Long-time Castlemaine policeman and well-respected community member Sergeant Peter Lukaitis hung up his hat and badge for the final time last Sunday. But before Sgt Lukaitis signed off at the station for the last time he had the opportunity to spend one special day on the local beat with his daughter and newly graduated Victoria…
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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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Castlemaine joins climate rallies
As thousands joined climate rallies in cities and major centres across Australia on Friday, Castlemaine was not left out. Friday’s rally involved people from all walks of life – young and otherwise – who were all there to add their voices to the growing calls for more effective actions to address climate change and runaway…
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Castlemaine radio’s night of nights
MAINfm is rolling out the green carpet for its inaugural Rogies – like the Logies but for radio, it’s an event to celebrate the talented and dedicated volunteer presenters at Castlemaine’s own radio station, 94.9 MAINfm. Awards in various categories including The Chatterati Award for ‘Best Talk Show’, The Rex Watts Music Award for ‘Best…
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Brigades battle burn-offs
Fire brigades across the region have been kept busy bringing escaped fires under control over the past fortnight. In one incident last Friday morning, a contract slasher working to create a fire break sparked a grassfire at Baringhup when the equipment struck granite. Baringhup Fire Brigade captain Brendan McKnight said striking granite was almost 100…
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Fanny Finch grave to be marked
For many long years the grave of Fanny Finch, first woman ever known to have voted in Australia, has lain unmarked at Castlemaine Cemetery following her untimely death in 1863. But now, thanks to a state government grant, the resting site of this fascinating local figure in Australia’s political history is soon to be marked…
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Flag raising celebrates diversity in Castlemaine
The rainbow flag and the Aboriginal flag will fly alongside Castlemaine’s Community House 365 days a year from now – following a special flag-raising ceremony held on site last Thursday. The two new flags were hoisted with fanfare following a Welcome to Country by local indigenous elder Uncle Rick Nelson at the event attended by…
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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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Tourism locos on the move
The state’s minister for regional development was in Castlemaine on Friday to try her hand at driving a loco before turning the sod on a project that’s poised to significantly boost tourism for both Castlemaine and Maldon. The Victorian Goldfields Railway’s service reorientation project has secured $500,000 in state government funding with VGR chipping in…
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The road to change: Castlemaine youth speaks on climate change
Recently returned from participating in the worlds’ very first United Nations Youth Climate summit in New York, Castlemaine’s Harriet O’Shea Carre will be among speakers at tomorrow evening’s public climate information session in the Castlemaine Town Hall. Alongside Castlemaine’s Milou Albrecht and Callum Neilson-Bridgfoot, Harriet, 15, is one of the original instigators of the youth…
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Castlemaine branch of ANZ bank to close
A local business operator has slammed a decision by the ANZ bank to close its Castlemaine branch next March. Stephen Cross of Castlemaine Central Wine Store fears the move – part of wider branch closures flagged by the ANZ – will be detrimental for the town. “It is very disappointing and yet another example of…