The Old Castlemaine Gaol Precinct
A precinct for learning, creativity, and connection.
Once a place of isolation, the Old Castlemaine Gaol is now reimagined as a living precinct for community, creativity, and lifelong learning. Here, history is acknowledged, and the future is co-created through culture, making and shared purpose
About the OCG Precinct
From confinement to connection.
The Old Castlemaine Gaol Precinct is a collaborative, community-powered destination — a place where learning, creativity, enterprise, and celebration thrive side by side.
Our vision is to transform this historic site into a vibrant hub where people of all ages can learn, make, and connect. Each part of the precinct contributes to a shared ecosystem of activity and belonging — from Global Village Learning’s youth-led education and The Governor’s Café, to the Make & Matter Space and artist studios.
Here, we learn by doing, honour the past, and celebrate community through art, story, food, and shared time together.
Learning for all ages
At the heart of the precinct is a belief that learning is lifelong — shaped through doing, making and sharing. The Make & Matter Space welcomes people of all ages to create, problem-solve and experiment, blending craft, sustainability, technology, and imagination.
You’ll find textiles and fabrication zones, sustainable making labs, creative tech studios, and open workshops for the community — from youth-led digital design to First Nations weaving, from AI art to furniture restoration.
Workshops, courses, and mentoring programs connect learners, artists, and innovators — a place where everyone can grow.
Explore Our Spaces
The Governor’s Cafe
Good food, warm coffee, historic surrounds.
Make & Matter Space
Run a course, host a workshop, or gather your community in one of Castlemaine’s most iconic spaces.
Event & Festival Space
Indoor and outdoor venues for markets, music, art, and celebration.
Global Village Learning
Learner-led, Adult-supported education for young people shaping their futures.
What’s on
Our calendar is always changing — from live performances and markets to community skillshares, exhibitions and festivals. Whether you’re joining a youth-led workshop, a shared meal, or a weekend market in the Courtyard, the precinct is a space to connect, create and celebrate.
