Casterton Connections

Casterton Race Club’s meticulous preparations are in the starting gates ready for the 144th Casterton Cup. Its picturesque setting, historical live hedges , magnificent course where the horses hit the open country and “the Wannon meets the Glenelg”, impeccable facilities and flurry of fashion make it an exciting day for all horse racing followers and community alike.Casterton Connections Lois Lowe and John Matthews wind back time as they present reflections and recollections shared by locals Geoff Mitchell, Michael O’Connell, Alan Upton and Heather Mullen of one of the Clubs unforgettable Cups. One that put Casterton front and centre in the world of horse racing.Whilst often referred to as the “Sport of Kings” the Casterton Cup of 12th of May 1972 is infamous in racing history for one of the sports not so Royal or Regal Stings of deception. The scandal of a ring in horse, the comprehensive planning of such a heist, the ensuing aftermath are all now Casterton Racing Club folklore. Sit back and enjoy our four interviewees who were there. Listen to their accounts cover the experience from administrative, barrier attendee, punter and family trainer connections.A fascinating insight to the 1972 Casterton Cup when everyone there wondered:WHO WAS FIRST PAST THE POST ?

Life has been full of Déjà vu and full circle moments across Barb Holmberg’s eighty one years. From her earliest years being raised in post WW2 Melbourne Barb demonstrated a spirited joy to engage in all opportunities that came her way. Her vibrance , humour, articulation and recollections shared with co Dunrobin resident Lois Lowe [Craig] capture her sparkle, resilience, courage and devotion as wife , mother and community member. Sit back and envisage bygone times as Barb effortlessly paints pictures through her storytelling. She takes us down Epsom Road Flemington when it was a thriving stock route, 1960’s dance halls Jitterbugging and her pioneering nature moving from city comforts to Dunrobin with husband Wally and first son, baby Philip.With the birth of two other sons Darren and Glen and family connections Barb and Wally made Dunrobin home and for 60 plus years they have made an indelible mark on their community. The Holmberg mark is all around the Casterton District in Wallys Welding Mastery and Barbs legacy of Community spirit. Traits instilled and continued through their family.Despite the devastation and ensuing long rehab years following son Glen’s motorcycle accident, which required her to return to Melbourne, listeners will not only be touched by Barb Holmberg’s recounts of a harrowing time but be uplifted by her warmth, her openness and her spirit and essence of fun.Casterton Connections humbly presents Barb Holmberg’s story, a kaleidoscope of life challenges and the devotion of woman to her family and to her community. A woman proud to say ‘ These Hills are Home”

An eclectic patchwork of experiences across his 73 years have shaped Brian Murrell’s life and through them all he has always held true to his connection to nature, the bush and waterways. Shaped by his childhood memories of a self sufficient, sustainable upbringing on his parents’ farm Inglewood Noss Road he is comfortable and proud to be considered an Enviromentalist.Brian’s jovial recalling of numerous childhood misdemeanors and lucky escapes with his five siblings highlight a different era as does his early working life at 15, where work-safe practices in the timber industry were a far cry from the stringent processes of today.Joining the army as a teenager Brian despite his excellent marksmanship with a rifle was quickly earmarked for special forces signalling and although posted to Canberra, Watsonia, Puckapunyal and Singleton travelling back to Casterton was paramount. Mick and Kaye Murrell’s “ Copperwood Room”was the place to be at weekends and meeting wife of Vicky has shaped the past 48 years together. Three daughters, running Murrells Milk Bar/ Delicateseen/ Vic Roads Bus Depot and for 27 and half years seeing foot fashion come and go in their shoe store.Tireless Passion however for our natural jewels have earmarked his commitment to the Casterton Community. As a member and indeed Vice President of Friends of the Glenelg 2005-2025 he has been Instrumental in the development and maintenance of our beautiful Ess Lagoon and Junction Walking track where the Glenelg and Wannon Rivers meet.Brian’s wealth of knowledge of the Hummocks, Bailey’s Rocks, Rocklands The Junction ; The Rivers biodiversity and even his fishing tips are wrapped in his belief that ‘Mother Nature Knows Best”

“ I am the person I am today because of Casterton! Casterton means the World to Me”“ Volunteering is the Life Line of Community”Two reflective quotes highlighting the impetus of service which Karen Stephens has lived and breathed in this her Community since making Casterton her home, with husband Owen in 1992.Family is the central cornerstone of Karen’s life and she attributes a great deal of her resilience and persistence to her early years as one of eight with five brothers. Born and bred in Adelaide she recalls the wonderful essence of a big family, the fun and misadventure and having then the delight of children and grandchildren of her own who have enriched her life and the family clan. A kaleidoscope of Karen’s life experiences are empathetically, honestly and bravely shared in the latest Casterton Connections Podcast.With openness, warmth and humour Karen and Lois talk of​ the personal innocence and taboos and breaking down the barriers of 1970’s /80’s​ challenge of single parenting​ Building a new life and moving to Casterton with Owen​ Life defining and ripple effect of walking with grief every day ​ Mentoring and inspiration of locals including past councilors; forward thinking Community venturers and events Indeed with a rich tapestry of life thus far, a passion for people , a ‘Never say Never’ mindset how fortunate that a South Australian girl was hit by Cupid’s Arrow and settled making Casterton her Home.

Peter Chantler’s childhood with his family was mobile as they travelled to numerous communities across the country with his father’s banking employment. Casterton embedded strong connections in Pete’s teenage years resulting in him to lay a lifetime base. His family’s nomadic early years however had sown a seed of adventure that became his passion and as listeners are treated to his re-treking of such amazing world- wide experiences, highlights, and at times lucky misadventures they cross different continents. Peter’s ethos of accepting any opportunity and work skill challenge that opened up to him; along with his willingness to share it, has created a thrilling episode that takes listeners on an expedition. One that not only highlights borders, experiences, interesting characters but also an era of travel without social media and modern communications. An era of exploration grasped with great enthusiasm by a true explorer who treasures his life of adventure and equally so his Casterton Connection. “ His Base” first laid in those teenage years.

Leaving Casterton and travelling 18 kilometres along the Casterton–Naracoorte Road, you’ll pass through Red Cap Creek. Redcap was the name of one of the members of the first Indigenous cricket team, which travelled to England in 1868. That pioneering team embraced the opportunity with courage and determination, embodying the belief that life can offer:“Wings to show you what you can become,Roots to remind you where you are from.”In this edition of Casterton Connections, interviewer Lois Lowe shares a genuine, insightful, and honest conversation built on trust and rapport with Shane Gill, who was born in Redcap.Born in 1961, Shane is the sixth child of Jack and Verna (Bobbie) Gill. He fondly recalls a simple childhood filled with the antics and adventures shared with his siblings, extended family, and the neighbouring McArlein, Shannon, Foster, and Crossley clans.Like many others at the time, Shane left home in 1972 at the age of eleven to attend boarding school. Over the next eighteen years, his “wings” carried him through a wide range of experiences, people, self-discovery, and even to meeting his wife, Heather. Yet, his connection to his “roots” remained deeply embedded in his sense of home.For the past thirty-five years, the Casterton district has been fortunate to have Shane and his family return to where it all began. While he is well-known in the community in many ways, listeners will get a deeper glimpse into the chameleon-like nature of this much-loved local. Shane openly embraces his slightly eccentric and eclectic personality.Like sands sifting through an hourglass, this interview reveals the many grains that colour Shane’s days—family, nursing, community, travel, and music. It resonates with honesty, courage, humour, and a compassionate, non-judgemental approach to life and people.So sit back and enjoy the banter, the warmth, and the clear friendship between Lois and Shane, as she explores the layers of a man who walks to the beat of his own drum, while giving so much to so many.A local whose life experiences have spread his wings, yet who has always stayed true to the values and respect rooted in where he came from. A heartfelt connection to place and people that will always feel like “home.”

Carol McKinnon-Ward's podcast will be live on Spotify and Apple Podcasts next Tuesday 11th March. In this chat with Adam Robertson, Carol McKinnon-Ward talks about growing up in Sandford with her parents and sister.Carol discusses the war years, with many men (including her father) absent from Sandford during that time, the community held fundraising events to support the war, including making camouflage nets.When Carol was 9 years old her father was stationed at Laverton, and herself, Mum, & sister moved to live in a boarding house in Geelong. While living there Carol contracted poliomyelitis. The family moved back to live in Sandford and Carol completed her schooling at Casterton High School.Carol's journey then took her to Horsham and Melbourne with work and marriage. After 20 years Carol moved back to live in Casterton and became involved with the theatre troupe. She found love again, and spent time travelling. Gardening and Yoga are now her passions.Join us, to hear Carol's journey of finding peace back in Casterton.

David Scheel is known worldwide as a Comedian, Concert Pianist, and "Instinctive" Composer. He has lived and worked in Europe, U.S.A. South Africa and the Philippines.In London he performed as a Comedian and musician on the Stage, Radio and television, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Peter Cook & Ben Elton. His first one-man shows soon blossomed into a smash hit, Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player, which has now been touring the world for 15 years. Don't Shoot Me... sold out in the West End, then at 3 consecutive Edinburgh Festivals, and led to David being a regular on the top-rating BBC Radio and TV shows, Stop the Week and The Garden Party. By the time David returned to Australia his tally of TV and radio appearances topped 1000.David grew up in the tiny village of Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, and contributes this experience as part of the reason he and his wife Tatiana, to move to Merino, where he has a home with a large garden and a room big enough for his Grand Piano.

Peter Tait – 10/03/1954 - 29/03/2025. His story lives on.Growing up in the area, Peter Tait rode a horse from the farm to school in Wando Vale. He gained a love of Polocross from his father. He enjoys the sport still, and recommends it as the sport where different generational family members can play on the same team. He played first with his father and has since been a team member with both his son and daughter.Peter worked on his farm, a job he loved and has now handed over the reins to his son. Peter was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is recovering well. He is proud to call Casterton home, a place where people step up to help out those in need.

Linda Cleary had an idyllic childhood in Casterton, spending time with her sister and brother, filling up the oil bottles at the family run local garage, Kellett's Service Station, and doing all things that kids do in a country town.On leaving school, Linda gained an apprenticeship, then commenced her many years as a hairdresser. Linda met Mick, and they married in 1990. Their family was complete after the birth of their 2 boys, Zac & Gus. Linda’s strength and resilience was tested when Mick was diagnosed with cancer when the boys were only 8 and 10yrs old. The physical and mental health battle, for Mick and the family had begun. Further tragedy occurs in the family and Linda recounts her experience and strategies to cope and deal with what life has thrown at her.Linda agreed to this interview to raise awareness of mental health issues, especially those effecting young men.

Both Brian and Fran Dawson have memories of the German bombing of England.The couple met in 1957 and have been together for 65 years.Brian, Mick, Smokey Dawson, served in the British army in Germany and Malaysia.Fran finally agreed to migrate to Australia with their 2 children, as"10 pound poms", living in Melbourne before a friendship with Micky Murrell and Ernie Jones led them to move to Casterton. Casterton is now their "home sweet home".