WITH 16 episodes put to bed, Casterton Connections is taking the local community to all corners of the globe.
Developed through Hands Up Casterton and led by Lois Lowe, the podcast tells the stories, first-hand, behind the fascinating personalities, who contribute to the fabric of our community.
Community engagement officer, Kane Forbes said each episode broadcast a one-on-one conversation with a person who had a connection to Casterton, each with a great story to tell, in their own right, with more already recorded and awaiting release.
“Stories include, but are not limited to, born and raised locals, newcomers to town, farmers, business people, a centenarian, sporting identities, a well-known artist, world-renowned check and musicians,” Kane said.
“There is a topic for everyone but with that being said, you would be surprised how that you might have thought a topic would not interest you will hook you in.”
He said the project was also keen to add to its ranks – on both sides of the microphone.
“We welcome anyone who might be interested in helping with developing the podcast; that could be interviewing, editing, promoting,” Kane said.
“We would welcome any suggestion of an interviewee, they just need some sort of connection to Casterton.
“Everyone has a story.”
New episodes are released fortnightly on Tuesdays; Carol McKinnon-Ward is the latest Casterton Connection to be shared with the world, her story released last Tuesday, 11 March.
In her chat with Adam Robertson, Carol talks about growing up in Sandford with her parents and sister, the war years, with many men (including her father) absent from Sandford during that time and the community fundraising events to support the war, including making camouflage nets.
When Carol was nine years old, her father was stationed at Laverton and she, her mum and sister moved to live in a boarding house in Geelong.
While living there, Carol contracted poliomyelitis.
The family moved back to live in Sandford and Carol completed her schooling at Casterton High School.
Carol’s journey then took her to Horsham and Melbourne with work and marriage, but after 20 years, moved back to live in Casterton and became involved with the theatre troupe.
She found love again and spent time travelling.
Gardening and Yoga are now her passions.
Casterton Connections’ next episode will be released on Tuesday, 25 March and shares the story of an award-winning artist, who loves the restorative powers of renewal and healing she finds, when returning to Casterton.
To listen to all of the podcast episodes, visit www.podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/casterton-connections /id1774798958.
