Residents who have taken the train from Castlemaine Station in the past few months will have noticed scaffolding and works taking place at the nearby Castlemaine Goods Shed which is managed by Castlemaine State Festival. The Festival announced an update on Thursday 29 May, saying that the maintenance and upgrade project is on track to be completed by the end of 2025.

The shed, a Victorian-era building, located within the Castlemaine Railway Precinct, was originally built to store freight in the 1860s and more recently as a cultural hub that includes the festival office and meeting rooms. The festival’s update said: “Stage 1 building works were completed in April 2020 and the Stage 2 works commenced earlier this year in March. A significant project milestone was recently achieved with the removal of the termite damaged flooring and the installation of the screw piles for the new flooring.”

The repairs and improvements, which the festival says have been funded by donations and support from the State Government, continue to see the conversion of the Goods Shed into a “flexible and vibrant creative hub,” for the region.

Meanwhile, the festival also declared that planning for the 2026 festival is successfully proceeding in the wake of the organisation recently undergoing nearly four months of voluntary administration. Over 90 artist proposals were submitted between December and March related to the theme: ‘Surprise, Surprise!’ The festival says: “We received over 90 proposals that draw on the region’s unique landscapes, hidden gems, and special spaces to create unforgettable artistic experiences.” Shortlisting has commenced and the 2026 festival is expected to feature “…delightful, playful and extraordinary works in the distinctive places and spaces of Castlemaine and the region’s townships.” For further information, stay tuned to: castlemainefestival.com.au.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 6 June 2025.