Julia Walsh takes us for a spin

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The Nugget
October 10, 2025

★ Julia Walsh takes us for a spin ★

“It’s a good excuse to get a bit fancy.” - Julia Walsh

By Tessa O’Brien

Get your sparkles and frills ready, and your dancing shoes on. There is another ball coming to town!

Julia Walsh has been sitting on this bright idea for quite some time. Hearing the stories of her parents and how they grew up going to local dances. Meeting new friends and sharing in collective joyful movement. 

She has a soft spot for country halls, and says these events “used to be called 60/40 dances where there was 40 per cent old music and 60 per cent new.”

Sort of like the debs she went to in Donald (minus the outdated premise) when she was a young girl spun around on the dance floor, “feeling as though life was bliss.” 

From Donald, she went onto Melbourne, and then up to Katherine in the Northern Territory.

It eventually came time to return home to Victoria, and Castlemaine was calling. Her two sisters were already living locally and an opportunity arose to work in her passion for sustainability. The town captured her heart and she hasn’t looked back. 

As for the dances, they’d not been seen on her travels, so it was time to take things into her own hands! 

She armed herself with a committee of keen friends to bring the vision to life, and set off to the Bendigo Ballroom Dance Club.

Months of lessons ensued, and one friend showed particular enthusiasm: the wonderful Isis, from Silent Disco.

A dream teaching duo was born. If you haven’t seen this pair together, they are a comedic hit.

As Julia says, “it’s guaranteed fun if we’re both there,” and well, it’s not just for them. 

Julia then received a community event grant from council, and ‘The Dance’ is now coming to you this Saturday October 18th at the Guildford Hall. Here’s a taste of what’s in store: 

  • Live music from local jazz cats, The Scufflers

  • Step by step instructions for easy ballroom dances

  • Time for freestyle dancing and mingling  

  • A supper table and delicious bar, including a signature cocktail 

  • Optional, free pre-event lessons to maximise the fun, and get a head start on the steps

“It’s a good excuse to get a bit fancy, whether you want to go Strictly Ballroom style, Bridgerton or The Great Gatsby inspired, or whatever feels comfortable for you,” Julia says.

There are even whispers of a catwalk. “I think it feels good to strut your stuff. 

“It’s a lovely opportunity to meet new people. In an environment, where talking to strangers feels comfortable because you’re sharing an activity together.” 

Julia is a warm and bright presence, and I'm thankful she’s brought her love of music, dancing and community into one delightfully curated evening.

A taste of old, with all the charm and flair of Castlemaine. Tickets are selling fast, so best to purchase soon.

❀ 24/7 food pantry launches ❀

Castlemaine Safe Space has launched an outdoor community pantry.

It is located on the Safe Space veranda at 74 Mostyn St. and is accessible 24/7.

Spread the word. You never know who could use this extra help.

♡˖ EVENTS ˖♡

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