UPDATE 10/06/2026
Huge appreciation to the Rotary Club of Gisborne for their donation of $1,000.
The next Starthrower Wellbeing Experience for women impacted by the fires will be Tues 25 August until Friday 28 August. Contact Kerry Anderson if you would like to register your interest.
UPDATE 03/06/2026
What a busy week as we continue to support the fire relief and recognise the incredible support of our fellow Rotary Clubs.
On Friday three very grateful Harcourt ladies returned from their 3 night/4 day Starthrower Wellbeing Experience courtesy of the Ocean Grove and Bendigo Rotary Clubs. The same day, Marina Scott delivered the final vouchers to the Harcourt Progress Association, completing a total of $13,651 support to the fire relief by AFS.
And on Sunday President Trevor Bray represented Castlemaine at the Past President's Dinner in Bendigo where he spoke about the fire relief work that is being done with the support of so many clubs in our district and beyond. He was then surprised with a presentation by Bendigo Rotary's President Noel Hobley and Past President Brian Figg of a $7,000 cheque which was the proceeds of their Art Show raffle this year. What another incredibly generous gesture to support the fire impacted communities.
UPDATE 22/05/2026
President Trevor presented Jess Clark, team leader at Anglicare with 10 x $500 RAWCS Gift Vouchers at the Harcourt Community House weekly luncheon. They will be distributed to benefit those impacted by the fires.
Four more Harcourt women are heading off to the beach for a Starthrower experience next week 26-29 May. Applications are open for 23-26 June and the Spring months. Contact Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 719
UPDATE 15/05/2026
We give thanks to everyone who assisted with the Donation/Distribution Centre that has now officially closed. A special thank you to Colin Rantall and his family for making the facility available. Ongoing distributions will be through Anglicare and we are negotiating storage of the white goods donated through VERN until homes are rebuilt.
UPDATE 04/05/2026
Our next Starthrower experiences for women impacted by the fires are scheduled for 26-29 May and 23-26 June.
Please contact Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 719 if you would like more information.
Harcourt resident Ruth Hay is just back from a Starthrower Wellbeing Experience in April and wrote these lovely words.
The long-awaited Tuesday 28th had suddenly arrived… and I was nervous. What had I let myself say yes to this time?
A ladies’ retreat by the sea had sounded simply amazing when the Rotary Club of Castlemaine invited me. But as the day drew nearer, the nerves crept in. I was being hosted by a complete stranger… and had no idea what the next four days would hold. I was well and truly outside my comfort zone.
By Sunday night, I had almost called to cancel. Thank goodness I didn’t.
The journey began by train—an easy trip with one change at either Footscray Station or Southern Cross Station. Arriving at South Geelong Station, I was greeted with the biggest smile, a warm hug, and the kindest welcome anyone could wish for.
On the scenic drive to Point Lonsdale—or “Lonnie” as the locals call it—I instantly felt at ease.
Over afternoon tea, we met our fellow hosts and the other wonderful guests from Gellibrand and Harcourt. Soon after, we were whisked away to our homes for the next three nights, where we were thoroughly spoilt—a word that truly sums up the entire retreat.
Dinner that first night was beautiful, shared not only with the four guests but also with six members of the incredible “Starthrowers” group.
Wednesday began with Larrie (the chief organiser) leading a short life coaching session—positive, uplifting, and well received by all. This was followed by a “slow stitching” class, which was completely out of my comfort zone… but I thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill.
Lunch was once again amazing, with more opportunities to meet new people while soaking in the stunning weather and views from a deck in Point Lonsdale. A walk along the beach and pier helped clear my mind before we headed off to chair yoga.
Wow… I never imagined chair yoga could challenge my body the way it did! It certainly pushed me, and yes—I’ll be looking into something similar now I’m home.
Of course, the day ended with yet another delicious dinner, lovingly prepared by the Starthrowers.
Thursday brought a ferry trip across the heads to Sorrento. After a quick café lunch, we each chose our own pace—a brisk walk for some, a gentle wander for others, or simply sitting and soaking in the breathtaking sea views.
My personal highlight came that afternoon: a full-body massage (once again provided by a Starthrower). My body and soul both appreciated every moment of that hour of relaxation. This was followed by another peaceful beach walk and time to simply sit and enjoy the ocean.
That evening, the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove hosted us for dinner at the local bowling club—an evening filled with friendship, fellowship, and plenty of laughter.
Friday morning brought a farewell morning tea with all hosts and guests. It was hard to say goodbye—we had become firm friends in such a short time.
Listening to everyone’s stories reminded me that we all carry our own challenges. We all navigate grief and loss in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to heal.
I would recommend this retreat to anyone who simply needs to breathe. Too often, we wait too long to pause, to breathe deeply, and to give ourselves the care we truly need.
My heartfelt thanks go to the Starthrowers of Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff and Ocean Grove, the Rotary Clubs of Castlemaine, Bendigo and Ocean Grove, and the many local businesses who support this wonderful initiative.
Last but not least - my host. She is the most amazing woman, who was as nervous as me, but we are now friends for life.
Thank you, Ruth Hay
UPDATE 18/04/2026
Huge appreciation to the Rotary Club of Rochester for their $1,500 donation towards the Harcourt fire relief. Only too well does this community know the long haul that is required for recovery following a natural disaster. Thank you.
And what an honor to receive an international donation [$500 USA] from the Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak, Alabama through Grant Thomas's involvement with this club. Rotary relationships know no boundaries. Thank you!
The next Starthrower Wellbeing Experience for women impacted by the bushfire is scheduled for 28 April - 1 May. This whole incredible experience is totally FREE. There are a few places still available so please make contact with Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 719 if interested. There will be subsequent retreats offered in other months as well.
MORE INFORMATION
President Trevor and President Elect Linn Maskell attended an Emergency Recovery workshop hosted by Anne Leadbeater OAM.
Anne is a nationally recognised leader in disaster recovery and community resilience. She is known for her work following Victoria’s 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, where she helped coordinate recovery for the Kinglake Ranges communities.
That work was later recognised as best practice in the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, and in 2014 Anne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to disaster affected communities.
Most of those attending were volunteers from the Donation Centre. "It was really well done and explored what worked and what didn't and what needs to be done in the future. It was a really good debrief"
UPDATE 01/04/2026
Tania Butterworth reports that the Distribution Centre is closed until April 20. The Harcourt Progress Association is engaging mental health support services for volunteers and families as they enter a new phase of grief and tougher times. As predicted, this will be a long journey.
President Trevor Bray and President Elect Linn Maskell travelled Avondale Heights to collect donated power tools and workshop items from Helen Blom who wanted her late husband's estate to benefit the fire victims. "It was a good feeling for us both to be involved in this very kind act," said Trevor.
Following on from his tour of the Distribution Centre the previous week, Rotary's Guest Speaker for 1 April was Gary Spinner from the Rotary Club of Bendigo South who discussed his extensive research into establishing an emergency relief network in central Victoria.
UPDATE 25/03/2026
We were delighted to tour the Fire Relief Donation-Distribution Centre on Wednesday with representatives from Bendigo South and Bendigo Sandhurst also travelling down to join us.
Coordinator Tania Butterworth provided a valuable insight into how the centre operates and the needs of the 40 or so families that visit each week. With winter approaching there is a whole new range of needs.
We have three registrations for the next Starthrower Wellbeing Experience for fire impacted women in late April. The dates for May will be released soon. Please contact Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 719 if you require further details.
Kerry Anderson recently interviewed members of the Mallacoota and District Recovery Association to get their reflections on community recovery six years following their devastating fire.
WATCH INTERVIEW
UPDATE 18/03/2026
- Rotary Castlemaine is visiting the Donation-Distribution Centre at 7 Johnstone Street 5-6pm on Wednesday 25 March if any interested people would like to join us for the tour and pizza afterwards [please register through a club member or contact Kerry on 0418 553 719 to help us with catering].
- A big thank you to our latest contributors: RAWCS [Rotary disaster responder] for their donation of $5,000, Gunnedah West RC $5,000, and Taree on Manning RC $1,000.
- Our first Starthrower Wellbeing Experience was held 17-20 March with the support of Rotary Ocean Grove and Bendigo.
"It was a lovely group of women who cared about us and recognised the exhaustion we were feeling. I appreciated the generosity shown to us and it was so nice to see the ocean. The yoga, massage and a workshop on self-care were great. I am talking to my friends about how good it was and encouraging them to go. Thank you." Susannah
NB: More experiences for Harcourt fire impacted women are being scheduled for subsequent months - Kerry Anderson is the local contact on 0418 553 719.
UPDATE 09/03/2026
Our work will continue during the year but it is timely to say THANK YOU and WELL DONE to everyone who has contributed.
The new stage base [roof is still to come] was completed in time for Applefest to entertain over 8,000 people on Saturday 7 March. A wonderful morale and financial boost to the fire impacted community of Harcourt. Rotary Castlemaine was there all day to give support with parking and to greet Rotarians from other visiting clubs including our District Governor. 30 bicycles were donated in a call out through our social media, and, in exciting news, the first of many women are heading off for the Starthrower Wellbeing Experience on 17 March.
With great appreciation to those who given their support to enable Rotary Castlemaine to make a difference. This list continue to grow daily.
ROTARY DONATIONS
$7,000 Rotary Club of Bendigo [Art Show Raffle]
$1,000 Rotary Club of Gisborne
$500 USA Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak, Alabama
$1,500 Rotary Club of Rochester
$6,000 Rotary Club of Sandhurst
$5,000 RAWCS
$5,000 Rotary Club of Gunnedah West
$1,000 Rotary Club of Taree on Manning
$3,000 Rotary Club of Altona City
$2,500 Rotary Club of Pinjarra WA
$3,000 Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat
$4,000 Rotary Club of Carlton
$1,000 Rotary Club of Bendigo
$1,000 Rotary Club of Fitzroy
$2,000 Rotary Club of Malvern + CEM
$1,000 Rotary Club of South Bendigo
$1,548.96 Rotary Club of Woodend
$1,000 Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance
$2,000 Rotary Club of Beaumaris
Donations in Kind [donated household items]
VicEmergency Relief Network [ " " ]
Rotary Club of Bendigo & Ocean Grove [StarThrower Women’s Wellbeing Retreat]
BUSINESS SUPPORT
$5,000 The Mill [Phil McConachy]
$13,651 AFS Chartered Accountants
Maxi IGA [donation of food]
Barty Gas [donation of gas]
The Dove Catering [donation of food]
Giant Castlemaine [safety check of bikes]
Lyall Eales [donated hire of truck]
Cliffords Meats [discounted food]
We Are Vivid Upcycle Program [donation of 6 bicycles]
It is also appropriate to acknowledge the incredible work of the Harcourt Progress Association and their fellow groups, the Lions Club of Castlemaine and various groups, networks and businesses who have given support and organised fundraisers in and around our community. It is truly awesome.
UPDATE: 18 February 2026
So what is happening on the ground with our Club? Lots is the answer. Here is a quick summary.
James Park Stage is underway and on schedule to be used at Applefest on Saturday 7 March followed by the quarterly markets and other events. The lead agency for bushfire recovery, the Harcourt Progress Association, has written thanking us for our support and explaining that the stage in James Park is considered an integral part of their community recovery strategy and is a project that has been developed over a number of years by the Harcourt Valley Heritage & Tourism Centre Inc that hosts festivals and markets. In addition to other entities, Rotary Castlemaine committed $40,000 to this project after consulting with the Mount Alexander Shire, the Harcourt Progress Association, members of Harcourt Valley Heritage & Tourism Centre and Applefest committees, and Rotarians. NB: The roof is not included in this first stage of the project but is part of the long-term plans.
Donation Distribution Centre: continues to provide valuable resources for impacted families, everything from clothing to stock feed. In the initial week of operation Rotary provided 8 volunteers per day and most recently, we put out a call and received 16 bicycles donated by the public. We have secured items through Donations in Kind and on 17 February [see pic below] we unloaded a truck of electrical appliances and household items from the Vic Emergency Relief Network. President Trevor Bray and Director Marina Scott continue to stay in touch daily to provide assist. Marina has established a database to match household furniture donations with families as they move into temporary accommodation.
Purchase of washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards: for installation at the Harcourt Community House located in the old Railway Station. Given it is a heritage building we are awaiting advice on the cost of the installation.
Emergency Relief: $13,651 in Woolworth vouchers are being distributed through the key organising agency, the Harcourt Progress Association at their two recovery centres. This was made possible through a fundraising raffle organised by AFS Chartered Accountants.
StarThrower Women’s Wellbeing Experience: The Rotary Clubs of Bendigo and Ocean Grove have generously offered their StarThrower Women’s Wellbeing Experience to women impacted by the Harcourt fires. This will provide a 3 night-4 day beach experience at no cost in Point Lonsdale or Queenscliff. Enquiries to Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 719 if you would like more details.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
Fundraiser Events: Our portable stage has been loaned to support bushfire fundraisers conducted at the Global Village Learning Centre and the Taproom. It will also be in use at Applefest. Likewise, our BBQ trailer continues to be in high demand, sometimes with Rotarians and other times used by other community groups.
Resident support: As has been well documented since the fire, Rotary has provided practical support to fire impacted residents, with free food and drinks distributed at the Community Recovery Centre [in partnership with Lions and the Soccer Club] and a pool party for the kids.
