A time for healing

As the dust settles following The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal landmark decision on the Castlemaine pokies battle, Mount Alexander Shire mayor Michael Redden has called for a time of healing in the Castlemaine community.

VCAT Deputy President Mark Dwyer last Thursday upheld an appeal by the council against the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation's decision to grant Maryborough Highland Society (MHS) a licence to open a gaming venue with 65 pokies in the old railway goods shed in Kennedy Street, Castlemaine.

Mr Dwyer ultimately found that the social detriment of the proposal outweighed the economic benefits for the Castlemaine community.
The issue divided the town for well over two years with two groups - the Castlemaine Sports and Community Club Inc (The Club) and Enough Pokies in Castlemaine (EPIC) - lobbying for and against the proposed venue.
There was a huge gathering of EPIC members at the Theatre Royal last Thursday night to celebrate the VCAT decision.
But EPIC president David Stretch said the celebration was pretty subdued.
"People were feeling more a sense of relief than winning or losing," Mr Stretch said.
"The overwhelming feeling of a lot of people involved was that they were just glad it's over. This very contentious and divisive issue is now off the radar.
"I'm not celebrating - I just want to get on with life."
Meanwhile, spokesman for The Club, Ian Braybrook, said members would meet in the next few weeks and make a decision on the group's future. He did not rule out the possibility of trying for another venue.
"If we do decide to proceed with another venue, we know that we have learnt some valuable lessons from this experience."
Mayor Redden said there had been a mixed reaction to the decision in the Castlemaine community.
"There are very good people on both sides of the debate and I would like to see some kind of healing process get under way.
"I would like to invite The Club members to come to the council offices and see if we can work together to achieve what they want, without having to bring more poker machines into the community.
"I met with them recently and they are not saying they want pokies - they are saying pokies were a means to achieving a club-style venue where they can meet, enjoy a meal and have an arts space rather than having to go to a hotel which has a totally different atmosphere."
At the gathering at the Theatre Royal to thank the EPIC committee members for their work last Thursday night, someone called out "What next?"

Castlemaine Anglican priest, Father Ken Parker replied: "Next, we commit ourselves with the same energy to rebuilding this community.

"If you have fought for the wellbeing of this community over the last two years, then keep up the effort. Work to rebuild understanding, to rebuild trust.
"Many people will feel hurt by this (VCAT) decision and some disenfranchised. Let's work at communicating and building bridges."
The invitation was greeted by strong applause.