Wicklow House Country Retreat

14/02/2026

Thank you to Ben the random stranger who approached me today with this lovely gift of chocolates to share with my family on Valentines Day because his mother lives too far away for him to share it with her.

14/02/2026

Business Support Day 🌱🤝

Mount Alexander Shire Council and the Harcourt Progress Association (HPA) have teamed up to arrange a dedicated support day for local businesses impacted by the recent bushfires. This event is designed to help owners navigate the practical first steps of recovery and address immediate challenges.

The day will include one-on-one sessions with service providers, business advisors and agencies, plus a group discussion on long-term business and economic recovery strategies. Lunch is included, providing a chance for local business owners to connect and support one another in a relaxed environment.

Confirmed attendees include:
- Maree Edwards MP
- Agriculture Victoria and Business Victoria
- Rural Financial Counselling Service and Anglicare
- Workforce Australia
- Business Mount Alexander
- Representatives from Mount Alexander Shire Council
- More TBC

Event details
📅 Date: Monday 23 February 2026
⏰ Time: 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
📍 Location: Harcourt Leisure Centre
💚 Cost: Free (includes lunch)

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4tdhjmba

05/02/2026

Disaster Relief Australia is scoping local availability to help with clean-up activities in Harcourt, potentially to begin late next week. If you are interested in volunteering for roles that would include shifting, clearing, dragging green waste and clearing fence lines, please complete the form at the link below by Sun 8 Feb..

Disaster Relief Australia will be in touch directly if there is enough community interest and a schedule is confirmed.

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=svl72q66eEWqzXFQSlCb3-prWaPlxEhBmUeSOqbFiPJUREZHRFNaQzdSVU05WFZYNlZQVzZQVVJWSC4u&route=shorturl

More information will follow regarding registration of properties in need of clean up assistance.

18/01/2026

Please donate non-perishable food items to Bendigo Foodshareif you can when you’re next at the supermarket. Keep an eye out for the yellow bins 😊

18/01/2026

UPDATE - 1pm Pick up today (Sunday) of Ready to eat meals from Strathfieldsaye IGA carpark. Need to be delivered to Castlemaine Community House by 2pm. No home cooked meals will be accepted after today due to Health and Safety regulations. Alternatives are being organised.

16/01/2026

First pick up of meal donations today for the Harcourt community. Fridge looking good for delivery tomorrow to Castlemaine Community House. Another pick up will happen at 2pm Sunday from Strathfieldsaye IGA carpark for anyone who can donate.

14/01/2026

Anyone in the Bendigo area who has time to whip up some ready to eat meals to support the Harcourt community it would be a great help. I’m happy to collect from Strathfieldsaye IGA carpark from 2 - 2.30pm Friday and Sunday to deliver out to Harcourt. I have a travel fridge and esky’s to keep food cold.

POST UPDATE
The Harcourt Relief Centre are working closely with Mt Alexander Shire and due to an overwhelming response they are requesting that if you wish to donate meals that you email Castlemaine Community House on [email protected] who are now coordinating the delivery of home cooked meals and offers from registered food businesses who would like to assist with community meals or events.

Their assistance will provide some relief to the hard working volunteers on the ground who have rallied together for their community.

Please note the Community House is accepting food (and toiletry) donations only. If you have donations of furniture, clothing etc these can be taken to the centre set up at the former Castlemaine Mitsubishi building at 5 Johnstone St. The email address is [email protected]

For other information on how you can assist visit the Mt Alexander Shire website

https://www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Community-and-Wellbeing/Emergencies-and-preparation/January-2026-fire-event/How-to-help #:~:text=Castlemaine%20Community%20House%20is%20accepting,Castlemaine%20(old%20Mitsubishi%20building).

To ensure food safety, please label all meals with:

Name and contact details (if you’re happy to provide)

Name of the dish

Date made

Key Ingredients

Thank you for your support ❤️

01/02/2025

It’s the last day of the Pool Spa Life Expo today. Get out of the heat and come and see us at our feature garden stand! We would love to talk all things pool with you!