Casterton Connections

Casterton Connections
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  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
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An initiative of Hands Up Casterton where a group of enthusiastic locals who have come together to capture, preserve and share stories of people who have a connection to Casterton.

  1. Episode 44 - Muzah Makore

    6 DAYS AGO

    Episode 44 - Muzah Makore

    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.

    1hr 25min
  2. Episode 43 - Barb Holmberg

    6 APR

    Episode 43 - Barb Holmberg

    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”

    1hr 7min
  3. Episode 42 - Donald ‘Duck’ Jones

    23 FEB

    Episode 42 - Donald ‘Duck’ Jones

    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’.

    1hr 8min
  4. Episode 41 - Rick Lane

    9 FEB

    Episode 41 - Rick Lane

    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 ‘.

    1hr 14min
  5. Episode 40 - Neville Wombwell

    26 JAN

    Episode 40 - Neville Wombwell

    The Wombwell Family name is synonymous with Bahgallah and eighty four year old Neville still farms the third generation land which was established by the previous generation brothers. In this episode of Casterton Connections grandson James and son Leigh share time with Neville His story, clear recollections of early years , floods, droughts, Henty Street in days past, the thriving activities at the hub of the Community ‘Bahgallah Hall ‘ passed on with ease and comfortable banter. With respect, three generations of men, acknowledge the role of many in the tough times to persevere, to get through it, and still make Casterton and District “ Home’

    36 min
  6. Episode 39 - Brian Murrell

    12 JAN

    Episode 39 - Brian Murrell

    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”

    1hr 29min
  7. Episode 38 - Elizabeth Betinsky

    29/12/2025

    Episode 38 - Elizabeth Betinsky

    ‘Who shall find a Valliant Woman? Who shall find a Woman of Strength? A Pearl of Great Price is She” She is known for Dignity and Strength And she laughs at the Days to Come She speaks with wisdom and acts in kindly ways “………….. Book of Proverbs Casterton Connections humbly present Mrs Bettinsky’s heart wrenching yet warming life journey of survival, resilience, determination, positivity and faith. In a spirit of generosity this woman of substance shares truthfully with interviewer Kane Forbes a childhood so entrenched with love courage and learning despite the horrors of war. Listeners will be carried through a time and cultural as her story unfolds. As immigrants she and husband Stefan contributed with hard work and dreamed of leaving city life. An Age Paper real estate advertisement brought husband Stefan to Casterton who bought their Old Mount Block on spec. Many a home in town has been graced with Mrs B’S curtain making skill and enjoyed her amazing cooking delicacies. Something so intrinsic to her gifts of giving learned from her beloved Mother. From the first time she saw their block, was so warmly and kindly welcomed by the Community Stefan, Elizabeth and their boys could say “ I feel Home”. In fact this calm, peaceful woman of substance states ‘ Casterton Means Everything It was and is My Destiny !”

    1hr 16min
  8. Episode 37 - Ian ‘Manny’ Carlin

    15/12/2025

    Episode 37 - Ian ‘Manny’ Carlin

    “ The Lights On the Hill”[Slim Dusty] or “On the Road Again”[ Willie Nelson} could aptly be the sound track of Manny Carlin. The highways and byways have seen him travel all corners of Australia resulting in his induction into The Australian Transport Hall of Fame in 2024 Born Ian, second of five children of well known Wando Vale and Casterton families Jack Carlin and Smith Manny left school at fourteen. His mother’s insistence, intuition and understanding that his life skills and interests laid outside the classroom opened up his world to experiences far and wide. His working life began at the family’s Grain Store and Mart which was in the Old Butter Factory building in Casterton. Deliveries of grain, chaff, groceries and vegetables from Mt Gambier and the district his initiation into driving. His indepth recounting with fellow mechanic Gavin Lowe of his years with legendary truckers Leon Jordan, Jimmy Simkin, Smith boys and Pat Chapman recounts unbelievable hours, road and weather conditions scratches the surface of years of service across all areas of agriculture, stock yards, feed lots and more. Buying his first truck from Boss Leon, Manny’s journeys and livelihood business continued and like all whose hours are spent on the road across our nation he acknowledges wife Jean stating ‘Jeans’ kids Trictia, Cindy and Darren all turned out well. Listeners will travel across our nation and be in awe of the miles, the work ethic and the service that prove this 2024 Australian Transport Hall of Famer is a title truly befitting of Manny Carlin

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

An initiative of Hands Up Casterton where a group of enthusiastic locals who have come together to capture, preserve and share stories of people who have a connection to Casterton.

Information

  • Creator
    Casterton Connections
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Casterton Connections
  • Show Website
    Casterton Connections

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