Casterton Connections

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 fee...

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 Alan Upton who in true country nickname style is known around the district as Poddly. Together they unpacked Alan’s 88 years, the origin of his inherited nickname and the w...

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 Low...

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 A...

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 w...

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...

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 li...

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 th...

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...

‘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...

“ 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 fo...

“ 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 h...

Gavin Charles Larkins – 13/04/1941 - 29/06/2026. His story lives on. 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 fami...

George Robertson’s Foresight in 1843 to survive, farm and be self sufficient could never imagine that throughout the years of custodians Patterson and Larkins that the passion would remain alight. 182 years on Warrock is still a jewel and a Prime Part of Australian Pastoral History as Scott Farquharson and family carry the passion and preservation of not only the land but the inherited Heritage Vi...

Casterton Connections Kane Forbes chats and unpacks a few of the recollections, relationships, events and intrigues that envelope the history of Warrock Station with past owner Gavin Larkins. Gavin, wife Carol and children David, Peter, Andrew and Bridget accepted the role of custodians of George Robertsons 1843 homestead purchasing it from the Patterson descendants around 30 years ago. Gavin’s re...

Casterton’s ‘Birth Place of the Kelpie’ title is entrenched in the history of Warrock Homestead and the Robertson, Patterson, Larkins and Farquharson families. From its earliest days of settlement and self sufficiancy in 1843 to our present day Warrock’s historical journey, aura, development, heritage preservation has intrigued locals and historians alike. Casterton Connections is thrilled over co...

Casterton Connections is thrilled to bring to the crease lifelong Coleraine Resident Chris Hutchins whose connection to Casterton evolved through a love of cricket and his service for many years as a school bus driver around the district. Chris shares an insight into a childhood with his siblings including a twin brother. A simpler time created many treasured connections and without television a c...

To mark 150 years of football in Casterton, Casterton Connections in collaboration with the Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club, brought together generations of players, coaches, committee members, volunteers and supporters for a weekend of celebration. Recorded live across the reunion weekend, this special podcast captures the stories, memories and voices that have shaped the Casterton-Sandf...

Wando Vale resident Denise Houlihan truly embodies the spirit of Pioneering Women. Along with her husband Frank they worked together to provide and raise their children, promote love of the land and learning. Following Frank’s death Denise’s thirst and willingness to experience new horizons while assisting others was kindled by an advertisement for teachers to join School of the Air through Volunt...

At 94 years old, Denise Houlihan still lives alone on her Casterton farm—despite losing her sight. Her fierce independence is matched only by her deep gratitude for the local community and family who support her way of life. One of eight children, Denise grew up during the Great Depression, moving from town to town as her father sought work. She eventually completed her schooling in Melbourne befo...

Casterton and District Residents were for 31 years accustomed to our “cycling cop “as Leading Senior Constable Shane Kelly rode his pushbike to and from his shift. An answered call of 36.5 years of service and duty by a Muntham born and bred policeman until enforced retirement due to ill health in 2024. This latest podcast sheds light on the Kelly 120 year “Kildare” Muntham history, Shane’s intere...

Growing up in Casterton, Paul Cottier enjoyed the freedom of a small-town childhood, surrounded by mates and steeped in music. His passion was sparked not just by his father, a gifted musician, but also by the rich legacy of the Casterton Vice Regal Band—an enduring symbol of musical pride in the region. Together with his brother, Paul carried that passion into the Royal Australian Navy Band. As a...

Peter Chantler’s childhood with his family was mobile as they travelled to numerous communities across the country with his father’s banking employment. Casterton embedded strong connections in Pete’s teenage years resulting in him to lay a lifetime base. His family’s nomadic early years however had sown a seed of adventure that became his passion and as listeners are treated to his re-treking of...

Join us for a heartwarming journey through time as Arnold and Irene Hornibrook share captivating stories from their decades in Casterton. From the early days of local businesses to the founding of the Lions Club and the Casterton Motor Enthusiasts Club, this episode is rich with community spirit and personal history. Arnie, who grew up in Strathdownie, first laid eyes on Irene—then just 15—at a lo...

Leaving Casterton and travelling 18 kilometres along the Casterton–Naracoorte Road, you’ll pass through Red Cap Creek. Redcap was the name of one of the members of the first Indigenous cricket team, which travelled to England in 1868. That pioneering team embraced the opportunity with courage and determination, embodying the belief that life can offer: “Wings to show you what you can become, Roots...