Casterton Connections

Casterton Connections
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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 42 - Donald ‘Duck’ Jones

    22H AGO

    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’.

    1h 8m
  2. Episode 41 - Rick Lane

    FEB 9

    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 ‘.

    1h 14m
  3. Episode 40 - Neville Wombwell

    JAN 26

    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
  4. Episode 39 - Brian Murrell

    JAN 12

    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”

    1h 29m
  5. Episode 38 - Elizabeth Betinsky

    12/29/2025

    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 !”

    1h 16m
  6. Episode 37 - Ian ‘Manny’ Carlin

    12/15/2025

    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
  7. Episode 36 - Karen Stephens

    12/01/2025

    Episode 36 - Karen Stephens

    “ 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.

    1h 7m
  8. Episode 35 - Gavin Larkins

    11/17/2025

    Episode 35 - Gavin Larkins

    One of the delights for Casterton Connection’s Interview team is the opportunity to unpack the hidden experiences and journey of our treasured community characters. Listeners will be treated to meandering with Kane the pathways of life pre and post “ Warrock Homestead ‘ with Gavin Larkins . Gavin’s return with wife Carol and family approxiametly thirty years ago was indeed a full circle moment for him as he returned to the district of his mother who had been born and bred in Sandford. In a heartfelt conversation Gavin and Kane empathetically share the eclectic experiences , job choices , travel opportunities, patient courting days and endearing love of Carol and the resilience through family pain that have coloured Gavin’s life. Creativity with his hands and a love of design and at times impulsive tinkering evident in his experiences Gavin gratefully continues to live his connection with Casterton believing ‘’You get what you put In ‘

    41 min
See All (42)

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
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Casterton Connections
  • Show Website
    Casterton Connections

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