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’