Casterton Connections

Casterton Connection’s Gavin Lowe opening remarks paid tribute to Ian Lewis as a ‘ treasure of Casterton’ and on listening to the articulate, calm. clear and at times humourous reminiscing between the two it is obvious that Casterton has and will always be a treasure in the eyes of Ian; the man often affectionately known as Bozo.Self -titled, as a War Baby Ian was born on the 15th of June 1942 at the Casterton hospital. One of three children to Colin and Ida { nee Cotterill}. Across his 84 years Ian has endeavored to live by his parents mantras ‘ If you work hard, be honest you’ll reap many rewards” Throughout their relaxed encounter it became obvious that his parents mantra became true for Ian who recalls the delight ofmeeting the love of his life; Nursing sister Nancy Butterfield and his pride in his three children Michelle, Glen and Natalie. A mantra which opened up his world to life long friendships ,great work collegues, sporting team mates, local connections and those experienced further abroad through travel and interests including race cycling yachting and Murray River fishing trips.As the two travelled down memory lane various pictures of bygone experiences , Casterton businesses, first employment, 1960 swimming pool and childhood adventures with Winston Kim and his Chinese family came to life.Whist holding firm to his parents mantra Bozo was also no stranger to trusting luck on the Sandford football ground or the ocean as he recalls a misdemeanor of adventure with dear friend Terry Baker whilst on his pride and joy 18 foot Yacht.Over the years Ian Lewis developed his own mantra: ‘ Always do your bit for your Town”His 50plus years of service as a volunteer with the Casterton Fire Brigade and CFA; a time and people he so values and respects speaks volumes of his efforts to live the challenge of his mantra. Ian ‘Bozo ‘ Lewis you have indeed , like many, “ Done your Bit for Your Town ! ‘  

‘It takes a Village ………’ is a well known quote and ‘The Village’ definitely celebrated in fine form when a great generational crowd gathered in August 2026 to reminisce, tell their tall tales of bygone glories that spanned 140 years of the Sandford Football Netball Club.Casterton Connections proudly presents the live recordings of the weekend that captured the Village Spirit and companionship The Sandford Reserve Clubrooms overflowed on the Friday evening and celebrations continued on the Saturday when the Casterton Sandford Football Netball Club allocated its weekend clash to continue the embellishing of the story and the lifelong connections .Attendees were entertained and enthralled with the antics colorfully recalled by ex- Coaches, players and lifelong Sandford family ties were heralded with gusto as all joined as one choir in the loved theme song. Grab a beverage of choice and be taken on a journey down memory lane by Bruce Elijah, Shane “Fridge’ Giddings, Kym “Dozer” Eagleson, Richard Layley, Pam Brooker, Kerri Harvey and Barb Toma as they generously share not only their experience of involvement but the way “ The Village” left an indelible footprint on their heartsIndelible footprints have marked many on the ground, at the courts and through the doors of  the Sandford Clubrooms. Footprints so adequately presented on the night by Peter Dowsley who as Poet Lauret eloquently captured the heart,the spirit of ‘The Village ‘ and its job well done.      

Kari McGraths roots are grounded in the soil and farming life of Strathdownie. Along with her three sisters, her childhood, was a vibrant happy one entwined in the local community and the love and respect of the land. Parents Ed and Sharon [ nee Joyce] built a life with their family that always engaged and encouraged them encompassing a wide range of experiencesand life lessons.It is these early family times that Kari treasures and believes epitomizes her foundations of curiosity, learning, resilience, adventure and community. Her mantra to never ‘Tap Out’ of a challenge and to broaden her horizons has resulted in life enhancing experiences which Casterton Connections are excited to present in this latest episode.Graduating as a nurse this 21year old bit the bullet, spread her wings into the unknown heading far from the fertile farming lands of home to Australia’s infamous mining town of Kalgoorlie. Thus began a love of nursing in remote areas which resulted in working for ten years throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australia including time in Esperance, Darwin, Port Headland and nursing with the Royal Flying Doctors.Remote, extreme and clinically challenging nursing has resulted in Kari having a foot in two worlds, a world and understanding foreign to us on the eastern sea board. With fascinating and frank discussion with Casterton Connections’ Lois Lowe Kari generously highlights the fear of the Covid pandemic in the outback areas and shares a compassionate insight into the multi- faceted difficulties that are faced by health professionals, who serve and find the balance of their call, to care while respecting the outback ways and honouringIndigeneous ‘Country’Kari McGrath has packed much into her 38 years. She has spread her wings, responded ‘ why not ‘  along the way to life changing, emotional opportunities but always remained that Strathdownie girl acknowledging her history, her roots and sense of country. Continue to fly Kari!    

Every person has a story! Casterton Connections Lois Lowe sits to unpack the story of Tracie Kelly. What unfolds is a relaxed banter between the two that becomes a roadmap of experiences as Tracie openly and honestly shares her journey of self- discovery that thirty years ago saw her meet a Muntham born “ Officer and a Gentleman” and hence her discovery of Casterton and District; the place she feels relaxed and happy to call home.Tracie’s journey of self discovery is full of eclectic and somewhat contradictory life shaping factors. From a naïve shy homebody of a child blessed with carefree happy memories, numerous work experiences , the strength to navigate through frightening controlling teenage relationships, the search for new beginnings and adult health challenges have all shaped the contented, resilient woman she is today. Her willingness to say “OK” opened up her world and exposed her to the power and satisfaction of Community Connection in Mildura. Her belief in its power intrinsically led her into Community service as a Police Officer and with her empathy and adventurous spirit to try varied horizons she now continues her service as a Police triple 000 responder.The little , somewhat naïve youngster from Frankston way , has indeed travelled a road of experiences she would have never imagined but saying “OK” and yes to Community she has learned and is living a truly connected life both in Casterton and beyond.

Allan Francis Upton (Podley) – 20/08/1938 - 11/07/2026. His story lives on.Small country communities are enriched not only by its history but also through the lives of its iconic characters, their eclectic experiences of life and stories of a bygone era.Casterton Connections’ Gavin Lowe sat down with Allan Upton who in true country nickname style is known around the district as Podley. Together they unpacked Allan’s 88 years, the origin of his inherited nickname and the work ethic and jack of all trades skills learned over a myriad of work occupations.Allan’s willingness to take on any opportunity offered and accept mentoring from other district characters; Clode’s, Tansey’s and JP Kent has enabled him to cherish many relationships and memory making moments including a much valued connection with the Wando Vale Community and the Casterton Racing Club.Having attended the last eighty-one Casterton Cups is a feather in Allan’s cap and one he wears with pride. Many hours of voluntary service became the foundation of one of Podley’s most humbling and treasured moments. Receiving recognition from Racing Victoria and inducted into their Service Award Club a momentous occasion and honour to the man who simply and happily calls Casterton ‘Home’

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, Allan 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 ?

It’s New Year 2009: Imagine standing with your wife and two year old son in Perth Airport with customs officers asking “ Do you have money? Do you know where you are heading to?” and your answer being, “ No but I have seen Casterton on a Map and we have Nursing work Visas .”With the hearts of adventurers willing to tackle the fear of the unknown Muzah , Chiedza Makore with son Rufaro arrived in Australia excited to grasp the opportunity that Muzah states“Could Change Our Life”Travel back with Muzah as he not only shares his story but offers an expose of life precious to him in Zimbabwee. His joyful early years raised by his Grandmother, attending secondary boarding school and choice to train as a nurse and meeting his co- adventurer Chiedza. Listeners will be enthralled to hear of the traditional Marriage proposal / ceremony process , and the many challenges the Makore’s faced simulating in and learning about living in a first World Country.Despite some early subtle forms of racism and misunderstandings in the early years the decision to adventure to Australia has been life changing . Over the past seventeen years Muzah and Chiedza have connected whole heartedly and given much to the Casterton Community. Along with their children Rufaro, Taku and Nakai the Makore family, while always holding Zimbabwee dear are grateful for the life they live in Casterton. Equally so the Casterton Community says Thankyou to the Muzah, Chiedza and family for being brave enough to choose our town to spread their joy and community spirit.

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”

Boxings Australian Super Middleweight Champion: Donald “Duck’ Jones; the kid from Coleraine whose smiling demeanor in the ring belies the commitment, power , determination, speed and skill that earned him the title and Champion belt at only his third professional fight in December 2025. In a frank, raw at times, chat with Casterton Connections’ Kane Forbes and Luke Balkin this humble, grateful and quietly spoken Champion courageously packs a punch about his twenty- eight years and his challenges and life blows in and outside the ring.It is often quoted “It takes a Village to rear a Child” and the 8/9 year old Donald was waging his own battles when through the positive foresight and mentoring of a local Police Seargent; a fiery and passionate kid at the crossroads of choices was introduced to Mocka’s Boxing Gym Coleraine. Thus began a journey! With relationships built on respect, tough Love, patience, skill and mentoring from Mocka, his team and the whole Village; the Seed was Sown. Lessons learned, self- belief and discipline were cultivated courageously as Donald’s choices became his Power, his Purpose and Success.Casterton Connections is thrilled to present an insight into this young man’s rise through the amateur boxing ranks and ultimate victory as a Professional Boxer with snippets of commentary and interviews with some of the main players in whom he placed his trust.Ultimately though the inspiration belongs to Donald ‘Duck ‘Jones as he, with no punches pulled, opens up with strength and vulnerability about the disciplines and sacrifices of the boxing world, life losses and adversity that can knock you down but like all Champions pick themselves up, dust themselves off, receive and give back generously to their Village and fight on. Bravo Donald and Team ‘DUCK JONES’.

In a self-deprecating, humorously stated assessment Rick Lane sums up his life as a “Long Journey to Maturity “.What a journey it has been thus far! How privileged Casterton Connections are that this, sometimes called, unofficial Mayor of Merino took the time to take Lois Lowe on the backroads, bush tracks, capital cities, National Parks, highways and byways of his 67 years.Rick’s openness to life, his willingness to emerse himself in the freedom and beauty of nature and grasp all experiences that came his way was sown from a young age by family bush adventures. As his imagination and learning blossomed in between the pages of the countless books that nurtured his curiosity so too his thirst to be fully present to every opportunity and everyone and still walk that journey his way.From Merino where family tragedy taught him the value and gratitude of a Village caring for its own to his unbelievable encounters , living rough , seeing Australia via push bike , listeners will be captivated by so much more. True to his mantra Rick Lane leaves no stone unturned in this insightful , fascinating podcast and Casterton Connections encourage him on his continuing ‘Long Journey ‘.