Residents rally to save Old Castlemaine Gaol

Passions ran high over the proposed sale of the Old Castlemaine Gaol when more than 100 people turned out to speak to their submissions at a special meeting of Mount Alexander Shire Council last night (Monday, September 24).

The meeting, at Castlemaine Town Hall, went for over four-and-a-half hours and it had everything - tension, anger, frustration, logical arguments, humour and an enormous amount of passion for Castlemaine's rich goldfields heritage.

And the old gaol on the hill - with its stunning views of the town and vice versa, was lauded as perhaps Castlemaine's most iconic and symbolic building of all.

Residents stood time and time again to slam the "ridiculous", "obscene" and even "offensive" price - $500,000 plus GST - that council is willing to accept for the historic building and its surrounding vast open space. The old gaol was recently valued at $1.2 million.

Residents also repeatedly raised the point that once the old gaol is gone, it is gone forever and that will change the character of Castlemaine forever.

Some residents implored and even begged councillors to reconsider selling the old gaol to a local consortium of private developers, which to date has indicated it wants to subdivide part of the site (on the eastern slope) but won't release details of its plans until after the council has made its final decision and signed on the dotted line.

Perhaps the biggest push at last night's meeting was for council to defer tomorrow night's "11th hour" decision until after next month's council elections.

Council has indicated it will decide on whether to proceed with the proposed sale of the Old Castlemaine Gaol at its meeting tonight, Tuesday, September 25, at Sutton Grange Hall.

The meeting is the last chance council has got to make any major decisions before the next election on October 27; the council goes into `caretaker’ mode at midnight tonight.

Council received 332 submissions on its proposal to sell the old gaol – 316 were opposed and 16 were in favour.

Only one person spoke in favour of the proposed sale at last night's meeting; in contrast, the majority of the opposed submitters took their turn at the microphone.

Applause from the gallery was constant throughout the night and it was great to see that those opposed to the sale gave the only speaker in favour of the sale a strong round of applause for her brave effort of speaking in favour on the night.

Interestingly, the officer’s recommendation in the agenda for tonight's council meeting at Sutton Grange does not take a side for or against the sale; instead, it requests that council `determine on the matter’.

It will be left up to six councillors to decide the fate of the old gaol tonight – Cr Michael Redden is overseas at the moment.

To date, the council has voted unanimously to proceed with the sale but some intense campaigning by the Friends of the Old Castlemaine Gaol might see tonight’s decision go down to the wire.

The Mayor, Cr Janet Cropley, could be forced to decide the matter with her casting vote if the decision is deadlocked at three apiece.

It would be a monumental vote if it came down to that so close to the election but Cr Cropley has never been one to back down from something she believes in.

 

Bendigo TAFE unveils transition plan to staff

Bendigo TAFE chief executive officer Maria Simpson today presented to staff the institute's draft business transition plan it has submitted to the Victorian Government-appointed Review Panel.

The transition plan, required by the State Government, outlines the strategy by which Bendigo TAFE proposes to transition through budget adjustments to a position of long-term sustainability.

Ms Simpson said the plan is premised on Bendigo TAFE remaining an autonomous provider of industry standard, work-ready training to the students and enterprises of north central Victoria.

She said the institute’s viability is reliant on finding new areas of growth, reducing corporate costs and increasing teacher productivity.

"We need to streamline internal systems to deliver higher standards of customer service. We also need to lift our performance to compete with our peers.

"To remain competitive and viable in this fully contested marketplace, we must find ways to both reduce our costs and increase our productivity. We must now meet all our costs from earnings just like all other businesses," Ms Simpson said.

Among the broad range of proposals put by Bendigo TAFE is to seek capital funding to extend BRIT Beginners Children’s Centre to include a kindergarten.

"This will enhance our reputation as a recognised expert provider of children’s services training and service delivery in the region. It will extend the industry relevant work experience opportunities for our children's services students; provide job opportunities for trade students in the redevelopment phase as well as helping to meet the growing needs of the Bendigo community."

Other proposals include strengthening relationships in the health sector, capitalising on the opportunity of the $630 million new Bendigo hospital development, and growing existing and new relationships with universities to increase the opportunities for students to move smoothly from school through TAFE and into university.

The transition plan outlines the institute’s intention to grow participation in all its regional campuses so that it is able to meet these costs.

"We propose that we continue to operate in all locations where we currently deliver. We do not own the Castlemaine Campus; we rent the land from the shire and are committed to this for the next 12 months," Ms Simpson said.

As a result of the business restructure and funding cuts, there has been a loss of 44 employees across the organisation to date. Further changes, including the contraction of education delivery streams from an initial five to three schools in January, will lead to an additional 41 staff to be made redundant by the end of 2012, bringing the total to 85.

Ms Simpson said the institute and board has been heartened by the efforts of staff to find efficiencies in their service delivery the messages of support from business and local community and urged both to continue supporting Bendigo TAFE.

"At this time we reiterate the importance of community and business support. We will continue to review the business and make changes to ensure we meet their needs. We will also continue to work closely with local enterprise to ensure the continued relevance of our programs and to build deep local partnerships."

What's On in Castlemaine Sept 22 - Oct 22

This week's films at the Theatre Royal. For full movie session times and entertainment details phone 5472 1196 or visit www.theatreroyal.info.
Saturday, September 22, at 7pm. Castlemaine Lions Club presents The Pearly Shells at Castlemaine Town Hall featuring a swing orchestra playing Big Band classics and a stellar line-up of Melbourne jazz players. Three-course dinner and entertainement $45 per person. Bookings call Keith 0477 428 435.
Saturday, September 22, Ball 'n' All at the Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek. Details: 5472 1010.
Thursday, September 27 at 7pm. LAG meeting. At the Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek. Newly formed group LAG invites landowners affected by a current planning dilemma to come to a second meeting. Council members will be present and a lively discussion and information exchange is anticipated. Refreshments available, please arrive by 6pm if having a meal. Opportunities exist to become involved in various committee activities by expressions of interest on the night or by contacting Glenn on gmatt692002@yahoo.com.au prior to this meeting.
Saturday, September 29 at 7.30pm. Nothing but my Genius. Michael Treloar presents Nothing but my Genius at the Anglican Hall, Agitation Hill, Castlemaine. Details: 5472 1137.
Sunday, September 30 at 2pm at the Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine - Save the Castlemaine Fringe Festival - a new festival director and committee urgently needed. Details: call Scott 0401 411 881.
Sunday, September 30, 6-8pm. Castlemaine Chants at the Forge. Monthly kirtan (chanting) session for people interested in exploring a devotional path to their spirituality. If you can speak, you can chant! At the Forge Yoga studio, 341 Barker street, Castlemaine. Entry by gold coin donation. Contact: castlemainechants@gmail.com
Monday, October 1-7 Castlemaine Children's Literature Festival. The popular festival will be based at Buda Historical Homestead in Castlemaine with events also held in Newstead, Maldon and Winters Flat. For full details, programme and boookings visit: www.mass-culture.com.au/castlemaine-childrens-literature-festival.
Saturday, October 6 at 8.00pm. The Audition. A brand new, locally written musical drama by Doug Owen, The Audition at the Phee Broadway Theatre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine. A night of grand music and high drama. Where does the script end and reality begin? Also showing on Sunday, October 7 at 2.30, Friday, October 12 at 8pm, Saturday, October 13 at 8pm and Sunday, October 14 at 2.30. More info at www.dougowen.com.au. Tickets $26 ($24 concession) at Maine Shoes, 174 Barker St, or opalblue@bigpond.com.au.
Sunday, October 7, 6-8.30pm. Vocal Nosh. At the Newstead Community Centre, Pyrenees Hwy, Newstead. Community singing, songs in the folk style, mostly a cappella. Cost: whole session: $15 full, $12 concession, $5 children. First hour only: $5. Price includes a healthy vegetarian meal, teas and coffee. Bookings: Kerrie 5470 5645. Please arrive 5.45 for 6pm start.
Sunday, October 7 - Run the Maine. Three great fun runs - 2km, 5km and 10km - in Castlemaine. All funds to local health providers. For details and entry forms visit www.runthemaine.org
Saturday, October 13, 11am to 11pm. Spring folk and blues festival. At the Daylesford Town Hall, Vincent street, Daylesford. For bookings contact 0408 994 393 or visit www.daylesfordfolkbluesfest.com.
October 21-22 Sheep dog trails will be presented by the Castlemaine and District Agricultural Show at Camp Reserve.

Castlemaine TAFE under threat

Bendigo TAFE's Castlemaine campus looks set to be closed or drastically diminished, according to leaked documents obtained by Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards.
Ms Edwards said the leaked transition plan documents, which had been lodged with a State Government panel following the $300 million budget cuts to TAFEs across Victoria, revealed a planned 'sell-out' of the Castlemaine TAFE campus.
She said the documents were extraordinary.
"The leaked documents say that Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE (BRIT) has advised it needs to close the Castlemaine campus and to continue to deliver VCAL and other youth-related programs through another rented space," Ms Edwards said.
BRIT rents its present home in Templeton Street, Castlemaine from Mount Alexander Shire Council.
But reeling from a $9 million cut to its 2012/13 budget, the rent is obviously beyond its means and BRIT has now been forced into a corner, says Ms Edwards.
"As a consequence of the cuts, they now have to re-think the delivery of courses to regional campuses such as Castlemaine.
"The problem is that there is a severe shortage of community buildings available for rental in Castlemaine - community groups are screaming for space - so BRIT is going to find it very difficult to find a space that is affordable and appropriate."
Ms Edwards slammed Higher Education and Skills Minister, Peter Hall, who she said was responsible for "ticking off all of the TAFE cuts in the State Budget".
"Peter Hall is a former Castlemaine boy himself and he should be ashamed of himself. He should be ashamed that not only is his National Party ripping the guts out of TAFE but he is also ripping the heart out of his home town and regional communities across Victoria."
Bendigo TAFE chief executive officer Maria Simpson said she was unable to comment on the TAFE transition plan having not seen the cabinet-in-confidence document.
"Our position as submitted is that we retain a presence in all areas and we will continue to deliver services where we currently operate, including Castlemaine," Ms Simpson said.
A government spokesman said the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development received the last of the detailed transition proposals from TAFEs on Tuesday.
He said the government had not yet received an evaluation from the TAFE Reform Panel, led by Ken Latta.
"Once the TAFE Reform Panel has provided its comprehensive evaluation, the government will be in a position to consider these matters in detail," he said.
"No response to any particular proposal has been made by the government; speculation to the contrary is at the very least premature."
The spokesman said the government was investing an additional $1 billion over four years in training.
"The Coalition Government is delivering the largest investment in training by any government in Victoria's history and it has also increased funding for all apprenticeships and in other skill-shortage areas.
"Importantly, we are focusing this record investment on training that will enable young Victorians to start a career at the end of their course."

A day in the life of a Castlemaine Goldfields Commissioner

Castlemaine Historical Society will hold its next general meeting on Monday, October 1, at 7.30pm. The society will welcome Emeritus Professor John Ramsland, OAM as the guest speaker on this occasion who will speak about Alexander Smith, R.N., Antarctic explorer and Goldfields Commissioner.
John Ramsland OAM is Emeritus Professor at the University of Newcastle NSW and a well-regarded historian with broad interests including Aboriginal studies, sport, education, child social welfare, war and maritime history.
He is the author of 18 books and many articles. Children of the Back Lanes, Custodians of the Soil (now translated into French) and Remembering Aboriginal Heroes (co-authored) are considered classics in their field.
His most recent books include From Antarctica to the Gold Fields in the wake of the Erebus (2011). Soon to be released is a biography of Joseph Maxwell VC - World War I hero.
Alexander John Smith had an idyllic childhood and home education in a large elite family in the naval establishment and town of Greenwich south of London on the Thames.
At 14 he joined the Royal Navy as a Volunteer Midshipman beginning a distinguished seafaring career following in the footsteps of family heritage.
He sailed the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans serving the Royal Navy for 17 years and gradually worked his way up the ranks until noticed and chosen to serve on the famous James Clark Ross British Antarctic Expedition of 1839-1843 as First Mate aboard the Erebus.
After the arduous Ross Expedition, which lasted nearly four-and-a-half years, Smith married and settled in Van Diemen's Land.
As a naval officer working at the Rossbank Observatory in Hobart, he made distinctive contributions to navigation science in the 1840s. After he resigned from the Royal Navy in 1852, he was appointed on March 9, 1853 as a Goldfields Commissioner for Castlemaine in Victoria.
This was soon after the gold rush to Mount Alexander that began in September, 1851.
Smith reflected on his experiences during his sea voyages and his time on the gold fields in letters sent to members of his family in England between 1830 and 1872 (now held in a private collection of a descendent).
These letters bring to life the adventure into the Antarctic in the extreme dangers of the pack ice and his insightful eye-witness accounts of the turbulent, sometimes violent, but always colourful gold rushes of the 1850s where he witnessed the temporary miners' camps becoming a township.
He provides a rare contemporary picture of day-to-day life in and out of the Castlemaine Commissioner's Camp.
This will be an opportunity to hear the story of a man who may not have received the recognition he deserves. The meeting will be held at the Former Courthouse, 7 Goldsmith Crescent, Castlemaine. All welcome.

Castlemaine Fringe - a cry for help!

The Castlemaine Fringe Festival is approaching its 21st birthday next year but there is a real chance there will be no-one to blow out the candles unless a new festival director and committee steps forward in the next month.
The future of the festival is on a knife edge, following an announcement this week that Scott Sanders, who has directed the festival for the past few years, has to stand down because of work and family commitments in 2013.
Scott said he would love to lend a hand in the next festival - currently scheduled for March 15, next year - but it would only be in a minor role.
"The fringe festival is looking for a director and a team (committee) to take it forward," Scott said.
"The director's role can oversee all of the fringe events or be shared by several people on the committee if needs be.
"Overall, we are looking for people with an interest in visual arts, digital art, music and performance plus we are looking for people who can specialise in areas like public relations, youth, graphics, website and administration."
The committee and/or director are all voluntary roles. Scott says the fringe festival is totally inclusive.
"It's a way for people to try things out - and their ideas can be quite alternative to mainstream festival ideas."
The wonderful thing about the Castlemaine Fringe Festival is that it is almost completely local, he says.
"It represents all of the styles and genres that already exist in our community and it is representative of our demographics.
"Castlemaine has a rich and varied artistic culture, which is largely submerged - a lot of artists work from home and don't publicise their work."
Scott says the fringe festival is extremely important and he really hopes it continues.
"It's important for local artists to know there is an outlet for them and that it is unconditionally accepting."
An information session will be held for people interested in keeping the Castlemaine Fringe Festival alive at the Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on Sunday, September 30, at 2pm. All welcome.
For further details call Scott on 0401 411 881.

Castlemaine Children's Literature Festival

Excitement is building for the second Castlemaine Children's Literature Festival, which runs from October 1-7.
The inaugural festival last year proved to be a huge hit with most of the events being sold out and looks like being a similar story this year.
Festival director Lisa D'Onofrio says the 2012 festival will embrace literature and literacy in their various forms and meanings.
"Whilst all practitioners involved in the festival are amazingly talented, innovative and skilled, the festival focus once again is on encouraging children and young people to become active participants and creative producers," Ms D'Onofrio said.
The festival will again be held at Buda, with Newstead Community Garden, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre and Winters Flat Primary School also hosting special activities.
The festival will include a smorgasbord of workshops and activities for young people up to the age of 16, as well as a few sessions for adults.
There will be also be a range of pre-festival events including talented Sudanese singer Ajak Kwai and musician Simon Lewis who will be visiting various local schools and children's groups this month. Their sessions will celebrate Sudanese culture through song and storytelling.
The winner of the junior section of the Mail's Castlemaine Poetry Prize will also be announced as part of pre-festival celebrations at the Castlemaine Library on Wednesday, September 26, at 1.30pm. The award is proudly sponsored by Mount Alexander Shire.
The festival kicks off on Monday, October 1 at 10.30am with `Bugs, Grubs and Garden Gremlins' at Newstead Community Garden and `If you go Down to the Woods Today' at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre at 1.30pm. For details of the full program visit: http://massculture.com.au/castlemaine-childrens-literature-festival/

What's On in Castlemaine Sept 14-Oct 13

This week's films at the Theatre Royal. Tonight, Friday September 14. Hysteria (MA15+) at 8.30pm. For full movie session times and entertainment details phone 5472 1196 or visit www.theatreroyal.info.
Now until September 21. Life drawing sessions. Held every Thursday from 7pm-9pm during school terms at the West End Hall, corner of Woodman and View streets, Castlemaine. Run by a not-for-profit community group of artists. No tuition and participants provide their own drawing materials. Cost is $15 per session. Details: Brett 5474 2875.
Tonight, Friday September 14. Live music. Friday night live music at the Cumberland Hotel, Castlemaine, in the bistro from 7pm. Details: 5472 1052.
Saturday, September 15, 10am-4pm. CASPA working bee. CASPA is holding a Working Bee to clean the floorboards and paint the stairway. They know you will agree that this is long overdue and would love your assistance! At CASPA, above Stoneman's Bookrooms, Castlemaine.
Saturday, September 15. Healthy Soil Workshop. Katie Finlay, organic orchardist of Mount Alexander Fruit Gardens, will cover the basics of building a healthy soil for your vegetable garden and fruit trees. Please arrive at noon for registration and a cup of tea, for a 12.30pm start. Cost: $5 donation. At The Hub Plot, MASG's demonstration food garden, rear 233 Barker Street, Castlemaine. Details: Heather-0409 327791.
Saturday, September 15, from 8pm to 1am. The Castlemaine Community House 18th Annual Spring Ball. At the Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Warm to the sweet Caribbean sounds crafted by the Kingston Big Bamboo Orchestra and dance the night away courtesy of DJ Wailer. Supper will be provided. No BYO, but affordable beverage prices. Tickets are available at Green Goes The Grocer in Templeton Street, or on-line at http://www.cch.org.au. Cost is $40 waged or $30 unwaged/concession.
Sunday, September 16. Metcalfe vintage tractor pull. The annual tractor pull is on again at the Metcalfe recreation reserve. Details: Marg 5423 2336.
Sunday, September 16 at 4.30pm. Food for thought film at the Ray Bradfield Rooms, Castlemaine. This film explores the whole process of growing, picking, processing and distributing this magic bean and is essential viewing for all coffee drinkers. This film is brought to you by Growing Abundance. Entry by donation.
Monday, September 17 at 7pm. Robin de Crespigny. The Castlemaine Library presents Robin de Crespigny, acclaimed author of The People Smuggler, the true story of Ali al Jenabi, the 'Oskar Schindler of Asia'. Light refreshements available. Admission free. Bookings: phone 5472 1458.
Tuesday, September 18. Harcourt Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Annual Luncheon at Harcourt Leisure Centre, Binghams Road, Harcourt. Luncheon begins at noon followed by guest speaker the Reverend David Mills, community Minister for flood affected regions. $10 entry. Please RSVP by September 16 to Marie on 5474 2739.
Thursday, September 20 at 1.30pm. The Fabulous Fifties. Harcourt CWA invites you to attend its annual concert. Come dressed in your favourite 1950's dress or outfit, enter the dress parade, rummage through the items on the trading table, buy a raffle ticket, sit back and enjoy the fun and music of the 1950's then enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea. At the Harcourt Leisure Centre. Please RSVP to Marie Twyford on 5474 2739 or email mltwyford@gmail.com by September 13.
Friday, September 21, 7-11pm. Open Mic/Performance Night. At the Daylesford Inn, 2891 Ballan Road, Daylesford. Entry is free. The feature act is Jarrod Shaw and Katie Gibson. A bonus act for the night will be the Daylesford Malmsbury choir. Open mic available - original songs, poems, covers, acapella and instrumentals all welcome. Details: Vanessa Craven 0408 994 393
Saturday, September 22. Balls 'n' all. Performing live at the Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek. Details ph: 5472 1010.
Thursday, September 27 at 7pm. LAG meeting. At the Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek. Newly formed group LAG invites landowners affected by a current planning dilemma to come to a second meeting. Council members will be present and a lively discussion and information exchange is anticipated. Refreshments available, please arrive by 6pm if having a meal. Opportunities exist to become involved in various committee activities by expressions of interest on the night or by contacting Glenn on gmatt692002@yahoo.com.au prior to this meeting.
Saturday, September 29 at 7.30pm. Nothing but my Genius. Michael Treloar presents Nothing but my Genius at the Anglican Hall, Agitation Hill, Castlemaine. Details: 5472 1137.
Sunday, September 30, 6-8pm. Castlemaine Chants at the Forge. Monthly kirtan (chanting) session for people interested in exploring a devotional path to their spirituality. If you can speak, you can chant! At the Forge Yoga studio, 341 Barker street, Castlemaine. Entry by gold coin donation. Contact: castlemainechants@gmail.com
Saturday, October 6 at 8.00pm. The Audition. A brand new, locally written musical drama by Doug Owen, The Audition at the Phee Broadway Theatre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine. A night of grand music and high drama. Where does the script end and reality begin? Also showing on Sunday, October 7 at 2.30, Friday, October 12 at 8pm, Saturday, October 13 at 8pm and Sunday, October 14 at 2.30. More info at www.dougowen.com.au. Tickets $26 ($24 concession) at Maine Shoes, 174 Barker St, or opalblue@bigpond.com.au.
Sunday, October 7, 6-8.30pm. Vocal Nosh. At the Newstead Community Centre, Pyrenees Hwy, Newstead. Community singing, songs in the folk style, mostly a cappella. Cost: whole session: $15 full, $12 concession, $5 children. First hour only: $5. Price includes a healthy vegetarian meal, teas and coffee. Bookings: Kerrie 5470 5645. Please arrive 5.45 for 6pm start.
Saturday, October 13, 11am to 11pm. Spring folk and blues festival. At the Daylesford Town Hall, Vincent street, Daylesford. For bookings contact 0408 994 393 or visit www.daylesfordfolkbluesfest.com.

Castlemaine Skew Bridge upgrade

Editorial opinion

At last!
It's great to see the State Government allocate $100,000 towards upgrade this nightmare bridge that has claimed so many trucks over the past few years.
I have interviewed so many local residents over the past two years who say they just wait for the next truck to hit the bridge. Quite a few of the accidents aren't even reported.
The Castlemaine Mail has written story after story about this deathtrap including a graphic front page with editorial begging for something to be done.
VicRoads and Castlemaine Police have been working behind the scenes to get this vital funding and well done to all concerned including local MP Damian Drum.
It's great news and hopefully it will be done as quickly as possible before there is another accident, a serious injury or a fatality at this local horror spot.

Calling all poets!

Poets are reminded the deadline for the senior section of the 2012 Castlemaine Poetry Prize is only weeks away.
The competition is run by the Castlemaine Mail and entries are open across three categories: senior (over 16), junior (under 16) and for best poem by a Mount Alexander Shire resident.
The junior section closed on August 31.
But there is still time to enter the other two sections. The poem must not have been published or have won another prize, a strict maximum of 40 lines applies and all entries should be double spaced. Poets can choose any theme. Contact details, including a phone number, must be enclosed but not on the same page as the poem.
Award-winning Castlemaine poet Ross Donlon has kindly agreed to judge this year's competition. Elliott Midland Newspapers is proudly sponsoring the 2012 Castlemaine Poetry Prize, which carries a first prize of $100 (senior section).
Mount Alexander Shire Council is sponsoring the junior prize and Soldiers and Scholar Bookshop is sponsoring the best poem by a Mount Alexander Shire resident. The winners of these categories will each receive a $50 book voucher from the respective sponsors.
Selected entries, including the winning poems, will be published in the Castlemaine Mail. Entries can be submitted via email to editcm@elliottmidnews.com.au or mailed to 2012 Castlemaine Poetry Prize, 29 Templeton St, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria.
Senior entries close on Friday, September 28, at 5pm. Details: call 5472 1788.