An initiative of Hands Up Casterton where a group of enthusiastic locals who have come together to capture, preserve and share stories of people who have a connection to Casterton.
Kari McGraths roots are grounded in the soil and farming life of Strathdownie. Along with her three sisters, her childhood, was a vibrant happy one entwined in the local community and the love and respect of the land. Parents Ed and Sharon [ nee Joyce] built a life with their family that always engaged and encouraged them encompassing a wide range of experiencesand life lessons.
It is these early family times that Kari treasures and believes epitomizes her foundations of curiosity, learning, resilience, adventure and community. Her mantra to never ‘Tap Out’ of a challenge and to broaden her horizons has resulted in life enhancing experiences which Casterton Connections are excited to present in this latest episode.
Graduating as a nurse this 21year old bit the bullet, spread her wings into the unknown heading far from the fertile farming lands of home to Australia’s infamous mining town of Kalgoorlie. Thus began a love of nursing in remote areas which resulted in working for ten years throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australia including time in Esperance, Darwin, Port Headland and nursing with the Royal Flying Doctors.
Remote, extreme and clinically challenging nursing has resulted in Kari having a foot in two worlds, a world and understanding foreign to us on the eastern sea board. With fascinating and frank discussion with Casterton Connections’ Lois Lowe Kari generously highlights the fear of the Covid pandemic in the outback areas and shares a compassionate insight into the multi- faceted difficulties that are faced by health professionals, who serve and find the balance of their call, to care while respecting the outback ways and honouringIndigeneous ‘Country’
Kari McGrath has packed much into her 38 years. She has spread her wings, responded ‘ why not ‘ along the way to life changing, emotional opportunities but always remained that Strathdownie girl acknowledging her history, her roots and sense of country.
Continue to fly Kari!
6 Jul 2026
Episode 47 - Tracie Kelly
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 feels relaxed and happy to call home.
Tracie’s journey of self discovery is full of eclectic and somewhat contradictory life shaping factors. From a naïve shy homebody of a child blessed with carefree happy memories, numerous work experiences , the strength to navigate through frightening controlling teenage relationships, the search for new beginnings and adult health challenges have all shaped the contented, resilient woman she is today.
Her willingness to say “OK” opened up her world and exposed her to the power and satisfaction of Community Connection in Mildura. Her belief in its power intrinsically led her into Community service as a Police Officer and with her empathy and adventurous spirit to try varied horizons she now continues her service as a Police triple 000 responder.
The little , somewhat naïve youngster from Frankston way , has indeed travelled a road of experiences she would have never imagined but saying “OK” and yes to Community she has learned and is living a truly connected life both in Casterton and beyond.
1 Jun 2026
Episode 46 - Alan ‘Poddly’ Upton
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 work ethic and jack of all trades skills learned over a myriad of work occupations.
Alan’s willingness to take on any opportunity offered and accept mentoring from other district characters; Clodes, Tanseys and JP Kent has enabled him to cherish many relationships and memory making moments including a much valued connection with the Wando Vale Community and the Casterton Racing Club.
Having attended the last eighty-one Casterton Cups is a feather in Alan’s cap and one he wears with pride. Many hours of voluntary service became the foundation of one of Poddly’s most humbling and treasured moments. Receiving recognition from Racing Victoria and inducted into their Service Award Club a momentous occasion and honour to the man who simply and happily calls Casterton ‘Home’
Who has been a guest on Casterton Connections
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Irene Hornibrook
Arnold Hornibrook
Shane Gill
Betty Collins
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Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
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