AS it is our last edition of The North Central Review for the year, let’s go back and have a look at the stories that shaped the Mitchell Shire area in 2025.
JANUARY
The year started with the Mitchell Shire Council calling on the Federal Government to commit to road funding, with a dramatic truck fire on the Northern Highway causing chaos and gridlock in Wallan, leaving drivers in the lurch.
There was more frustration when it was revealed that there was no planning for construction of the Kilmore Bypass – which continues to be a talking point.
FEBRUARY
There was an enormous announcement from both the Mitchell Shire Council and Melbourne Victory, with the A-Leagues club committing to building a campus for youth and women’s players in Beveridge. The campus would act as the club’s new home, connecting the sport of football to Mitchell Shire.
MARCH
Mitchell Shire Council received its wish for more road funding, with the Federal Government contributing $45 million to upgrade and seal Old Sydney Road – an additional $5 million of funding than what Council had submitted.
The next week, Council backflipped on the restoration of the Old Goulburn River Bridge in full, overturning the decision made in September last year, costing the Council just over $850,000.
Council was again in the news at the end of the month, with rail funding secured from both parties ahead of the Federal election for potential electrification to Wallan, and potential station construction at Beveridge and Cloverton.
Wallan is promoted from the Gisborne District Cricket Association’s Johnstone Shield to McIntyre Cup courtesy of a convincing win in the grand final over Eastern Hill.
APRIL
Emotion was the word from the Seymour Historical Society as it passionately described the benefits of restoration of the Old Goulburn River Bridge.
Rob Mitchell and the Federal Government announced a road blitz would come to Wallan, hoping to solve black spot issues around the town.
The community got their wallets out to support the Children’s Hospital Good Friday effort, with the local area generating $153,500 towards a record-breaking total.
A week later, record crowds would attend numerous ANZAC Day ceremonies across town.
MAY
The Federal election is held, with Anthony Albanese’s Labor party winning the election. Rob Mitchell wins the seat of McEwen over Liberal’s Jason McClintock, while the Nationals’ Sam Birrell retains the seat of Nicholls.
The first month of the Mitchell Shire Council’s new bin system was completed, with residents torn on the new fortnightly collection, while Council itself recognises residents for doing its bit to adjust.
Controversy erupted in the middle of May when the State Government’s contentions Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy was announced ahead of the first Budget from Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes. Farmers and CFA volunteers were furious at the announcement, while Mitchell Shire Council voiced its opposition to the collection of the tax.
After the Mitchell Shire Council released its draft budget, the future of the Old Goulburn River Bridge was again put up for a vote, with the motion for a business case costing $80,000 carried unanimously.
JUNE
Wallan residents on Stanley Street score a victory when a childcare centre is rejected by Council.
Soon, fury emerges over the Seymour V/Line service and the lack of support it receives, with new services instead going to towns such as Ballarat and Bendigo. Overcrowding and reliable service concerns are common issues that emerge.
JULY
The proposed Northern Campus moves one step closer, with Mitchell Shire Council intending to grant Melbourne Victory a 29-year lease in Beveridge.
Mitchell Shire Council’s bin changes carry on, with households soon learning their bins would be inspected to check on whether they had met the new four-bin system threshold.
On top of the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy, farmers are again furious at the proposed Right of Entry Bill from the State Government.
The month ends with Council again split on the future of the Old Goulburn River Bridge, with the total demolition of the bridge opposed.
AUGUST
The future of the North Central Quarry is finally decided, with the State Government approving the Beveridge North West Precinct Structure Plan. It followed four years of fighting over whether to approve the quarry despite opposition from the Mitchell Shire Council.
An amusing story emerges with an early-morning V/Line service detaching with 10 passengers stranded in Tallarook, with the driver of the train unaware of the train splitting as it continued on towards Melbourne. The scare forces the shutdown of the Seymour and Shepparton lines, with replacement coaches deployed.
SEPTEMBER
A waste fire leaves Broadford and Tallarook residents on edge, with the Environmental Protection Authority, CFA District 12 and Mitchell Shire Council urging residents to stay calm at a time where Council has also asked for the Department of Transport and Planning to improve rubbish removal in the area.
Wallan secures a memorable reserves premiership with a hard-fought victory over Romsey in the Riddell District Football Netball League grand final.
Kirra Wright makes a memorable appearance in the Para World Championships, medalling up in shot put.
Mitchell Shire announces its Youth Council, with Nic Houghton the Youth Mayor.
OCTOBER
Jessica Synon makes an impression on national TV, competing well in the Great Australian Bake Off and finishing in the top three.
Another great achievement from Kilmore saw Nate Long becoming Australian champion in the Australian Schools Championships in boxing.
Local author Caroline Angel makes an impact with her novel The Dead Spot.
Council makes a shopping list for next year’s state election, including the Beveridge train station, Greenhill Recreation Precinct, Hilldene Employment Precinct, Kilmore Secondary School and Kilmore Bypass.
NOVEMBER
Winslow earns a contract to build the long-awaited Watson Street Interchange, a $175 million project which is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments.
Soon, the Mitchell Shire Council scores a win in its designs on getting a new train station into Beveridge, while the quest to duplicate the Upfield Line into the Shire also earns a win.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor John Dougall is re-elected into the role, despite a challenge from Councillor Nathan Clark.
DECEMBER
The Kilmore SES earns a new home, earning $6 million of funding to transform an old Powlett Street house which was owned by founding members Sam and Kerry De Gabrielle.
The first Seymour Scouts celebrates its 110th anniversary.
In recent news, the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct finally has its first sod turn to mark what should be a mid-2028 start, with John Holland announced as the company behind the first stage.
