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“Our consciousness , rising above the growing (but still much too limited) circles of family, country and race, shall finally discover that the only truly natural and real human unity is the spirit of the earth” (Teilhard de Chardin). All humans are born from the earth , are nurtured from it, and are destined to return to it. ( Fox, Matthew, Original Blessing, Tarcher/Putman, 2000, p.15/16)
Feature Article: Earth as Koan, Earth as Self, Susan Murphy Roshi
Susan Murphy Roshi in conversation, with Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee from Emergebce magazine, about her new book: A Fire Runs Through All things – Zen Koans for Facing the Climate Crisis. Susan’s new book was launched in Castlemaine in March this year, a joint Castlemaine Zen and Localising Leanganook initiative.
Many Australians vividly remember the scene described in the opening paragraph to her new book described below. There are few times I have felt so viscerally jolted recalling the images of Mallacoota beach in Southern Victoria on that fateful week . (Ed)
“On December 31, 2019 – coincidentally, the day on which the World Health Organisation officially confirmed COVID-19 – a huge crowd of silent people stood packed on a beach in southeastern Australia facing the ocean as if waiting for deliverance. It was midday but they massed under a sky as stop three sides force them together in the possible. Some sat and stared dumbly at the sea. Others hugged a child, a pet, or one another. Most just stood where they could very narrow spit of possibility between flame and water, labouring to absorb the sheer impossibility of what was happening. Among them stood a large and beautiful patient horse, lending a potent heraldic presence to the apocalyptic scene.
Though few among them here in comfortable Australia thought so at the time, the dishevelled people huddled under that deep umber midday sky had just joined the world’s early wave of climate refugees.”
Murphy goes on to say that the urgency of this book was ignited by those monster fires. Later the rains came that extinguished the fires and shattered all records and previous highest flood levels, and overwhelming tens of thousands of households. The water became hypoxic drowning the tree root systems and collapsing the mountains.
“As long as our priorities fail to match the urgency (of the emergency) we debase its power and tactically enable a form of doublespeak in order to accommodate both subtle and flagrant forms of denial and malignant neglect that fully intend to forestall incisive response.”
What becomes possible when we open and orient our consciousness towards uncertainty, emptiness, and a sense of relationship with the world beyond the self? Australian writer and Zen teacher Susan Murphy Roshi immerses us in the tradition of Zen koan and the power of the not-knowing mind to open a treasury of resources for navigating the climate crisis.
“The fundamental koan is the Earth, which is also inseparable from the fundamental human koan of what is this self? They are the same koan in a way. They heal each other, like medicine and sickness do. Here is the link to the conversation in the Emergence interview:
- Arts and Culture
- Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
- Ecology and Environment
- First Nations
- Sustainable Living Resources
- Building Community
- Local Government News
- Workshops and Courses
Food for Thought
Arts and Culture
Jim Robert’s Sculpture in Stone and Wood – Exhibition at Newstead Arts Hub
When: 4-25 May 2024; Each weekend 10am–4pm
Opening celebration: Saturday 4 May 2pm- To be opened by Kynan Sutherland, artist
Where: Newstead Arts Hub (Old Newstead Railway Station) 8A Tivey St, Newstead, about 16kms from Castlemaine)
Yandoit resident Jim Robert’s sculptural work has a central Australian theme- forming, folding and shaping.
Braided Rag Rug Workshop with Ilka White
When: Sunday 5 May, 10am-4pm
Where: Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House
A great way to recycle old clothes and fabric. This braiding technique weaves in as we go so there is no stitching up required afterward. Bring your own material to recycle and find out what riches can come from rags…
Info and Bookings:https://www.ilkawhite.com.au/allclasses/braided-rag-rugs-riddells
Yandoit Cultural Open Mic
Yandoit Cultural’s Open Mic events are an excellent way for those living around central Victoria to share, and listen to locals as they share, a story, a poem, a song or a tune. Our May Open Mic has a theme of Autumn. Everyone can have their 5-10 minutes and the afternoon promises to be a joyful potluck, followed by country hospitality and a cuppa at the end.
When: Saturday May 11th, 3-5pm
Where: Uniting Church Rd, off High st, Yandoit
Entry by donation. Contact Nikki or Katy if you’re interested- 0432 232 073/0430 530 868 or email: ycfcpg@gmail.com
Radius Arts Space Hepburn Springs
Radius Gallery showcases and promotes local artists through curated exhibitions, events and an online store.
We foster creative learning with workshops, classes and the exchange of skills and expertise. We encourage the curious mind within us all. We understand that art is subjective and not all art is beautiful. Art may challenge us, confound us and make us think.
We are inspired by the artists, ideas and creative possibilities that flourish in our amazing community.
HOURS: Thursday – Saturday 10 – 4pm
76 Main Road, Hepburn Springs VIC Australia. Ph: +61 3 5348 1199 email- radius@designscope.com.au
Website: https://www.radiusart.com.au/
The Bedridden Band Play at Yandoit
When: Saturday May 25th, 7.30pm
Where: Yandoit Cultural -Uniting Church Rd, off High St, Yandoit
The Bedridden were formed in Canberra in 1989. Five albums and several line-up changes later, they are now based in Central Victoria and are the undisputed kings and queens of acoustic psycho muppet punk.
Listen via youtube and spotify:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuRldykgWi8
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zLUdu0JTDHiXFCjT3hIB0?si=TppzCI3XQX66vFOEYX78yA
Newstead Arts Hub- Writing and Clay Hand Building
Hub Writers Group
Come along to the Hub Writers Group and be part of our informal monthly ‘shut up and write’ sessions on the 4th Friday of every month at the Newstead Arts Hub. From March 2024 onwards, the group will hold an afternoon writing session from 1-5pm, and then an evening session from 6.30-8.30pm. Between the two sessions, there will be a chance to talk about writing (including sharing some of your own writing if you wish). Please bring along whatever food you’d like to eat: the Hub has a well-equipped kitchen. Next session is 24 May.
No need to book: just turn up (at 1pm or whenever you can get there) with your writing gear – notebook, tablet, laptop – and get going. There are tables and chairs ready to go at the Hub plus coffee, tea and herbals available.
Quirky Clay: Hand-building for beginners
Create three quirky pots that will be glazed and fired, guided by ceramicist and teacher Gerry McDonald.
In this workshop for beginners, Gerry will teach you the basics of pottery in a fun and inspiring way. He will expertly guide you, step by step, to make 3 quirky pieces over two weekends, a pinch bowl with curly legs, a coil pot and a gorgeous little cylindrical birdhouse! As well as learning great new skills, you will get to take home three wonderful works of art made by you!
Day 1 – Sat 18 May 10am-3pm -Working with clay, learning techniques and building your pieces.
Day 2 – Sat 25 May 10am-12.30pm – Glaze your pots, learn & play with glazes and explore the wild and wonderful colours Gerry uses in his work.
Join us for this wonderful clay workshop. No previous experience necessary!! All welcome
Northern Arts Hotel
THE COOLROOM DIARY [Click on links for event details]
MUSIC GIGS [Usually at 7.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm]
Friday 26 April | Kaiyah Mercedes + Candice Alisha
Saturday 27 April | The Anticlinal Fold
Friday 10 May | Double Shot of Roots: Ben Jansz + Simon Phillips
Saturday 18 May | Dave Graney & Clare Moore
Friday 24 May | Sally Ford and the Idiomatics
Saturday 25 May | Kris Mizzi and Mandy Connell
Sat 8 & Sun 9 June | Castlemaine Jazz Festival
Friday 14 June | Áine Tyrrell: People Like Me & You Tour
SPECIAL
Sunday 28 April 2.30pm | Free Secret Movie Matinee
Tuesday 30 April 12.30pm | International Jazz Day: Virtual Tour of National Portrait Gallery
Sunday 2 June 2.30pm | Film of the Concert in Support of Yes
Castlemaine Johannine Community aka the Grail Community
The Castlemaine Johannine Community practises ‘pagan Christianity’, a spirituality based in the mystical tradition of St John, Mary Magdalene and the Rosicrucians, and grounded in deep reverence for the sacredness of the Earth and the wisdom of the ancient Celtic, Aboriginal and Native American spiritual traditions. Through both inner and outer work, we seek to collaborate with the impulse of Christ and Sophia to create bring healing and renewal to our communities and the Earth. We meet monthly for Eucharist services and other special events shaped by the sacred calendar of the seasonal Christian and Celtic festivals.
This month’s events include a Samhain bonfire and healing service on Saturday 4th May from 6pm, a Mother’s Day Eucharist on 12th May at 11am followed by a shared lunch, and a Pentacost Eucharist on 19th May from 11am followed by a shared lunch.
Where: the Grail Chapel, 75 McMillans Rd, Green Gully
Cost: all events are free, donations are welcome. Enquiries: contact Ken Killeen on 0423 194 878 or email: johannine@hotmail.com
Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
Two Fold BakeHouse- Community Supported Bakery
We bake naturally leavened, organic loaves, using organic stoneground flours, and work with the seasons; changing our loaves to suit what’s growing around us. We support regenerative agriculture and small family farms, who together form a part of a movement towards a local grain economy.
Buy bread weekly on Thursday, ordered online weekly as a one off, or monthly as a subscription with pick up each Thursday from Daylesford, Yandoit or Kyneton hubs. Daylesford Sunday Railway market Fortnightly. Hepburn Wholefood Collective – Fresh every Thursday from 3pm
Website: https://twofoldbakehouse.com/
Ecology and Environment
Bird of the Month- Laughing Kookaburra
Welcome to Bird of the month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District.
Laughing Kookaburra, the blue on the wing and rufous on the tail and rump is clearly visible.
Find more information on the Laughing Kookaburra, including their calls, click here.
Photo by Damian Kelly
Central Vic Climate Action- Rise Up Event
When: Wednesday 8th May,12.30pm
Where: Lisa Chester’s office, Bendigo
To illustrate the need for an immediate end to fossil fuels, pall bearers dressed in black, along with our red rebels, will carry a coffin full of smouldering coal to Lisa Chesters door. Please join us for a seriously fun time.
For more information and to express your interest, contact Trevor Scott- 0412 250 392
Castlemaine Field Naturalists
Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC) hold a meeting with a guest speaker on the second Friday of the month, followed by a group excursion or field trip the following day.
All are welcome to attend.
For more information on CFNC, visit their website – click here
2024 Landcare Link-up: Caring for Significant Old Trees.
The 2024 Landcare Link-up will be on Sunday 19 May 2024, from 2pm-4.30pm at the Maldon Community Centre.
Great opportunity for anyone not yet engaged in Landcare to learn more about what’s involved and hear about the amazing success stories in our region.
Afternoon tea will be provided for free during the event.
Bookings are essential for catering purposes. To book your place, please -click here Everyone is welcome!
Victorian Landcare Forum in Bendigo : May 9-10th,
for info & bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-victorian-landcare-forum
Sutton Grange Landcare Field Days
Sutton Grange Landcare decided to run a series of field days to look at what people are doing on private properties. This was in response to discussion at our meetings around what members would like to do. So far, we have had three.
The highlight of visiting these sites is not just the physical attributes and what works and what doesn’t but the discussion that takes place, the suggestions that are put forward and the knowledge that is exchanged. The groups have consisted of long term members and more recent members wanting to tap into local knowledge. (by Marge Townrow),
Photo: Before and after direct seeding
First Nations
Uncle Rick Launches his Waaman Cultural Tours
When : Sunday April 28th, 3-6pm
Where: Theatre Royal Castlemaine
Join Uncle Rick Nelson and the community this Sunday for a day of celebration and Cultural connection at the launch of his Waaman Cultural Tours.
Welcome to Country and Smoking by the Waaman himself. Waaman Tours are led by Senior Djaara Elder Uncle Rick himself out on Country and offer an immersive experience into the rich history of Djaara Culture in the Castlemaine region. Participants will have the opportunity to visit sites such as scar trees, rock wells and grinding grooves, alongside receiving a traditional Welcome to Country. Uncle Rick expressed his excitement, stating, “Taking people on tours out on Country has been a long-held dream of mine, inspired by the vision of my father, Uncle Brien Nelson.”
Music lineup includes: D’Arcy Spiller, Peter and the Wolf playing the Backyard Blues, Yambra
Limited edition merch for sale. Sausage and vego sizzle. There will also be a Nalderun information stall to learn about the impactful work this grassroots Aboriginal-led organization is doing in the region.
Bookings for upcoming tours can be made at waamantours.com.au or for further information, please email cdemarco@nalderun.net.au.
Kulin Nations Seasons Calendar
We are now in the Waring season according to the Kulin Nations Aboriginal calendar. This season marks the shift to cooler misty mornings, shorter days and longer nights and is the time when wombats emerge and feed on new shoots of grass.
The information on the Waring season is shared in Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporations ‘Our Mob’s Season Calendar’ which you can purchase through their website. It is a great resource to help understand the local Indigenous seasons based on nature observations over tens of thousands of years. It is a reminder that the four European seasons applied to Australian conditions can be out of touch with what is happening around us in nature.
Sustainable Living Resources
Degrowth Central Victoria Launch: A Castlemaine Free University event
When: Monday 13 May 2024, 6 pm (doors open 5.30 pm)
WHAT What’s ‘degrowth’? Find out at our launch and hear what degrowth advocates are doing and plan to do in locally. On degrowth book below, see https://www.celinekeller.com/who-is-afraid-of-degrowth
WHO — Nikki Marshall, Peter Yates, Ben Laycock, Anitra Nelson, and Kirsten Moegerlein introduce the degrowth idea and reveal activities they’ve started and visions for more to come. We hope you’ll be enthused enough to join/support us. We’ll have a cheeky questions Q&A.
For a sneak preview — https://degrowthcentralvic.org/
And check out the DCV Substack https://degrowthcentralvictoria.substack.com/
WHERE — Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine, 3450
FREE — Free event with degrowth snacks. Drinks for purchase at NAH bar
Repair Cafes
Daylesford
When and Where: Sunday May 19th, 1-4pm at Trentham Community Centre joining with Trentham Sustainability Group and Clothes Swap
Castlemaine
When and Where: Last Sunday of each month, 10am to 1.00pm at Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton St. For further information join our Facebook group, visit our website or call Chris on 5470 5508.
Creswick Repair and Share
When and Where: Third Sunday of each month at Creswick Community House and hall
Building Community
A new faith community in Yandoit
A faith community is being developed at Yandoit Uniting Church in addition to, but separate from, Yandoit Cultural.
Several gatherings have been held over the past few months to explore the kind of faith community we feel inspired to create. Directions include multi-faith, keeping the spirit alive, recognising the seasons, reconciling with our first nations people, and incorporating rituals meaningful to our community and to the times we are living in.
Our first gathering was on April 24th . We are supported in this exploration by Rev Sarah Tomilson, Uniting Church Minister, as well as the Sipwell Faith Community in Castlemaine.
More information: Contact Nikki if you are interested in joining this community or if you have any questions on 0432 232 073
Grounded Community Land Trust
Help us make affordable housing a reality before The Australian Dream becomes an urban myth. Our work in Daylesford continues with the steering group honing in on a former disused caravan park. Hopefully we will gain access to the site, but as we know with government land, it can take time – even during a housing crisis.
These government submissions might be tedious but they help us understand the handouts insiders receive, fortifying our asks. Recent high level meets have included the Victorian Department of Treasury, Hepburn Shires’ Director of Planning and senior management at the Dja Dja Wurrung.
Grounded is a not-for-profit organisation established to advocate, incubate and accelerate the development of Community Land Trusts in Australia. Become a Member
Castlemaine Community Coop
Today we are 98 members strong! The board met recently, and we:
✔️ are nearly fully registered: ABN, tax exempt, registered as not for profit
✔️ are ready for local lawyers to look over the disclosure statement for our investment mechanism
✔️ have started looking at the business model for the Hub
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reply to this email and drop us a line: https://castlemaine.coop/
Local Government News
Hepburn Matters and Upcoming Council Elections
Hepburn Matters is concerned that Council elections are loomimg at the end of October with a completely new scenario. The change to seven councillors elected across the Shire without wards and a voting system similar to the Tasmanian state elections or a Senate election has implications for who can get elected and how. This has consequences for candidates who wish to stand so we are planning a roundtable with people who have been engaged in community matters of varying kinds relating to the council. We know that many of you have views about how we can get the best Council to meet the community’s needs in the next four years.
Hepburn Matters is developing a set of criteria which set out the sort of credentials which we think would best serve the community. We are holding two informal meetings to discuss the next steps at the Bendigo Bank Room next to the Palais in Hepburn : Saturday 4 May from 11 am – 12 pm and Sunday 5 May 11am-12pm
Mt Alexander Democracy Group
A group of Castlemaine locals is engaging community to increase understanding of council, amplify community voices in what we want for our shire and in our elected representatives, and to encourage people to run for council in the October elections.
The group is entirely independent and volunteer run. The team will be facilitating discussion and sharing information over the coming months.
If you would like to organise a discussion in your area, get involved or otherwise help out, get in contact.
All Aboard at Bullarto Station
Locals and visitors alike can now step back in time and enjoy a vintage railway experience at Bullarto Station thanks to a redevelopment of the historic station.
The works have created a replica of Bullarto Station as it appeared in the 1930s complete with historical exhibits. Families, train lovers and history buffs can get a taste of rural life in the 1930s, learn about the history of Victorian Railways over the last 140 years and enjoy the restored platform and surrounding gardens.
Daylesford Spa Country Railway (DSCR) manages the operation of the tourist rail, which runs restored heritage trains on return trips from Daylesford to Bullarto through picturesque farmland Wombat State Forest.
This series of works at Bullarto Station will also complement the forthcoming development of the Daylesford Macedon Rail Trail, enabling people to transport their bikes on the train between Daylesford and Bullarto.
Have questions or want to learn more about this project, contact our Project Manager: eatkin@hepburn.vic.gov.au
Workshops and Courses
Beyond the Polarities – a Thrutopian Perspective for Climate Coaching
When: Tuesday 7 May 2024, 2:00pm – 3:30pm Melbourne time
Where: Online
Who for: Facilitators, leaders and climate coaches who want to be better informed about how to support clients
A Thrutopian perspective is the foundation from which we create a viable future for all beings, one that we would be proud to leave for the next seven generations. It arises from a new genre of writing, filmmaking and communicating about the future that can inform how we can best support people and groups they are working with. clients. Thrutopian perspective recognises: -Where we are at now individually and collectively as a planetary civilisation, and the gravity of our situation; – shows a pathway, (perhaps many pathways), towards a possible viable future that we would be proud to leave behind for future generations.
The concept of Thrutopia was coined by Prof Rupert Read in 2017, when he saw that much of our climate communication and stories about the future are polarised between somewhat delusional happy ‘everything-will-be-alright utopian face’- and the doom and gloom dystopian stories of a future that leads to inaction and despair, either fighting or giving up. For more information to to Climate Coaching Alliance To Register go here
Understanding Human Behaviour to Influence Community Change
Are you passionate about sustainability and keen to find out more about how to motivate and create change in your community? Then this workshop is for you. Sustainability Victoria and Behaviour Works Australia are partnering with the City of Ballarat to offer a free workshop to help volunteer and community groups understand the role human behaviour can play in driving successful outcomes for your sustainability projects.
click here to express your interest
Growing our connection with all that lives, from the Work that Reconnects
When: Saturday June 8. Time 1pm-5pm
Where: Green Gully Victoria
Cost: By donation
The workshops provide a safe space for a deep connection with all life and the opportunity to share that with fellow travellers. Processes include Loving Kindness Meditation, a Mandala activity and The Milling- an experience of shifting from overload to simply being present.
It is led by experienced WTR facilitators to serve a cultural shift towards reconnection with all beings and the planet.
Inquiries Shana 0457 496 864 or Diane 0421 510 017
Booking essential via Email: dianethompson61@gmail.com
Food for Thought
International Day of Transition Practise on Sat, 27th April (online)
Hear from Transitioners and Transition groups who’ve succeeded in making changes in their communities. Learn more about the practices and conditions which supported this and what they learned along the way. Explore how to apply these practices and learnings in your own context. Join us for the Australian session, or register for sessions around the world!
“Stories of Transition” is a series of online talks held every three months where we hear stories from three different Transition or other related groups from around Australia and the world. Attendees get to hear what different groups are currently doing and may be inspired to try similar ideas in their own area.
