The North Central Review | Local community newspapers for North Central Victoria & surrounds

WITH eyes set firmly on the November election, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has delivered a budget full of sweeteners in the $13.8 billion spending, but very few lollies for Mitchell Shire and surrounding areas in that thick wad of cash handed out last Tuesday to woo voters.

Delivering an operating surplus of $1 billion for 2026-2027 in her second budget as Treasurer, and first since post-COVID, Ms Symes spruiked $1.04 billion as the State Government’s biggest roads investment and says 70 per cent of that will be spent on rebuilding, repairing, and resurfacing roads across northern Victoria. But the details are still not known.

The big-ticket items delivered as part of its cost-of-living package to Mitchell Shire and the rest of Victoria are free travel on public transport extended to this month, and half rates until the end of the year, and 20 per cent off car registrations, as part of the government’s $1 billion spending.

The free travel is claimed to save the average daily commuter in northern Victoria more than $1300.

Of the overall government spending splurge that is expected to reach $107.7 billion in 2026-27, another big spend is $29.85 million for more services on the Shepparton line, which includes Mitchell Shire.

Another budget goody is the $32.5 million commitment to extend a discount to April 21 next year on stamp duty for Victorians buying off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses.

All this is spread on a platter in the presence of the big demon lurking as the state debt that is projected to hit $199.3 billion in 2029-30.

Other key items for Mitchell Shire and surrounding municipalities include:

• $250,000 for new cricket nets at Kilmore Cricket and Recreation Reserve.

• Additional classroom capacity with two modular classrooms for Broadford Secondary College.

• Funding to expand the Bring Your Bills program to the Mitchell LGA.

• $1.82 million for the Rural Financial Counselling Service, expanded to support geographical expansion to Mitchell Shire, offering free help to families doing it tough

• $2.3 million for land acquisition for a future, brand-new CFA station in Beveridge.

• $2 million for a new SES unit in Kalkallo, with new equipment, vehicles, volunteer recruitment and administration systems.

• Funding to deliver trains every 20 minutes on the Mernda Line all weekend. Bus services on Routes 589 and 525 will be improved with a $13.5 million package, alongside longer hours for Routes 386 and 387 on Monday to Thursday and Sunday.

• $1.8 million to improve pedestrian safety and bicycle parking at Donnybrook Station.

• $465,000 to convert the greens at Wallan Bowls Club from natural grass to synthetic turf

• $250,000 for a new playspace at Wallan East.

• $34 million for improving services at Craigieburn Community Hospital and $20.9 million to continue running nine Urgent Care Clinics, including Craigieburn Urgent Care Clinic.

• The budget also invests nearly $500 million to build and upgrade kinders and government-run childcare centres.

• $104 million to acquire land for future schools in high-growth areas, including a new primary school in the Mitchell LGA.

In the Macedon Ranges, Daylesford Primary School is receiving $6.7 million for an upgrade and modernisation, and Hesket Primary School gets $281,000 for capital improvements.

Ms Symes described the budget as ‘disciplined’ and said it will make life easier, safer and more affordable for families across the regional communities.

“We have invested more than $50 billion in regional Victoria, creating more jobs and services, while ensuring regional Victoria has the second lowest unemployment rate of anywhere in the country.”
Ms Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, said: “We know regional families in northern Victoria are feeling the pinch of higher transport and fuel costs.”

“This budget delivers direct relief for the household budget — slashing costs for those long drives with cheaper regional fares, and taking 20 per cent off car rego, saving a driver with one car up to $186, and a family with two cars up to $372.

“Regional Victoria is at the heart of this budget. We are investing $114 million in regional education. The $75 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund will go towards supporting regional hospitals and health services. And we’re investing $20 million into the Future Regions Program to boost productivity, liveability and investment in Victoria’s regions.” Ms Symes said.

Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said the budget delivers real cost-of-living relief for Kalkallo families with cheaper fares, rego rebate, and support for families with the cost of education.

“Only Labor is investing in Kalkallo’s future, upgrading Donnybrook Station, boosting local bus routes, and delivering a new SES unit and school upgrades.”

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said only Labor is delivering for Yan Yean families – with world-class health care and education for our growing community.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said Labor is investing $1.1 million to continue the Healthy Loddon Campaspe program, helping people in Macedon stay active and eat well.

The budget delivers investment to upgrade Old Kyneton Primary School and open the space into a bold, inclusive community and creative hub.

But Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland described the budget as another bitter blow for regional Victoria, delivering more debt, more taxes and more broken promises.

“This is not a budget built on vision or accountability. It is a budget built on debt,” she said.

Ms Cleeland said planning for a Kilmore Secondary College has failed to progress, leaving families without certainty and reinforcing concerns that Labor has no real plan to deliver a public secondary school for one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regional communities.

At the same time, the Kilmore Bypass continues to symbolise Labor failure, with about $40 million spent since 2023 and still no meaningful work delivered on the ground.

Local schools across the electorate also missed out entirely, despite growing enrolments and increasing pressure on ageing infrastructure, while CFA volunteers were once again overlooked for critical upgrades and support.

Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said the Macedon electorate has missed out on funding for vital projects essential to supporting growth in the region, including Riddells Creek public infrastructure upgrades, and Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve redevelopment.

Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Acting President Peter Star said regional Victoria has been left wanting after the budget largely ignored much-needed critical funding and left unanswered questions for the state’s multi-billion dollar agriculture industry.

“For many this budget will be seen to kick the can down the road during an election year,” Mr Star said.

“The much-hyped $1.04 billion for road repairs and resurfacing is a step in the right direction, but fails to deliver the level of investment required to fix Victoria’s deteriorating road network.”

Mr Star said the budget has been sold as Victoria’s vision for the future, but is lacking when it comes to detail for regional Victoria.

Thieves cut key facilities

-

May 12, 2026

COPPER THIEVES left Lancefield Park in the dark after they stole more than 100 metres of cables from the recreation reserve’s power box last Monday, which also knocked out Telstra’s 4G mobile tower.

The outage, which was first reported on the Telstra Outages website at 6.40am on May 4, left the entire precinct without power and residents in the area experiencing reduced mobile coverage.

Crews were on the ground on Friday morning to begin restoration works, and were able to restore the park’s capabilities.

A spokesperson for the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve Committee of Management told the Review that the theft had major impacts.

“Apart from the clubs not being able to use the lights or other training facilities, the toilets were needed to be closed because they’re septic and they need power to run,” they said.

Because Lancefield Park is one of 1500 Crown land reserves managed by voluntary committees of management, there were some initial concerns about where the funding to replace the cables would come from.

The committee told the Review it was in constant contact with a range of government and non-government organisations to ask for assistance, including the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

On Wednesday afternoon, it received confirmation that DEECA would cover the costs of the repairs.

The committee spokesperson said they were thankful for the help from Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas to secure the funding.

“I appreciate DEECA working collaboratively with the Lancefield Park Committee to help support a positive outcome for the community,” Ms Thomas said.

According to the Telstra Outages website, a majority of Lancefield’s residents were impacted by reduced mobile phone coverage throughout the week, while full outages were experienced in the Cobaw area.

Telstra’s Regional Engagement Manager Marcus Swinburne said: “Unfortunately, without power cables, we (couldn’t) connect backup power either.”

“The impact of this sort of theft on customers can be significant, and despite our best efforts to repair and restore services quickly, businesses, individuals and critical community services can be disconnected for days.”

Lancefield Football Netball Club had to make some changes to run their training sessions in the lead-up to their away fixture against Melton Centrals, with the netball teams heading to Sunbury on Thursday to get their practice in.

The senior men’s team got a generator in to get an indoor session rolling in the newly upgraded Laurie Green Pavilion, while the women’s football team hit the streets for their cardio.

Condemnations of the thievery came through thick and fast, with the LPCoM calling it “a pretty low effort” while Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Kate Kendall said she was disappointed to hear of another copper theft.

“We’ve unfortunately had to respond to a number of these instances ourselves at council-managed facilities in recent years,” she said.

Local police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Second stage of sports precinct under way

-

May 12, 2026

Second stage of sports precinct under way

WHILE debate continues over the status of a new pool in Mernda, the next stage of Mernda’s regional sports precinct is getting under way.

The second stage of the project, located on Everton Drive, will see a modern indoor stadium built, which includes four multipurpose courts, as well as outdoor netball courts with lighting.

These facilities are designed to support a wide range of community sports and activities, creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, particularly women and girls to participate.

The development will also include essential supporting infrastructure such as changerooms, a reception area, kiosk, outdoor pavilion, car parking, footpaths and landscaped open spaces, ensuring a welcoming and functional environment for players, families and visitors.

Stage two builds on significant early works already completed in stage one to prepare the site, including rock removal, land levelling, construction of retaining walls and the creation of a wetland to enhance the local environment and manage water on the site.

Stage three of the project includes aquatic and leisure facilities and the initial concept design work for this stage has been completed.

The City of Whittlesea said that from an overall business case budget of $180 million, $80 million from other levels of government had to be secured to help support the local investment into the precinct.

In total, the council has received $31.5 million in state and federal government co-contributions, with a promise of a further $10 million. This leaves a shortfall of $38.5 million from the required $80 million of co-contributions required in the initial business case.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said while the pool continues to be a subject of debate in Mernda, there needed to be a balance between what council could deliver.

Cr Cox said there were steps in place to make sure the precinct was viable.

“This project is council’s single biggest investment in a recreational facility in our history and we have had to take a staged approach to delivery to make it financially viable. Rising construction costs and the ongoing State Government rate cap have made it even more challenging to fully fund projects like this – that’s why our partnership approach with other levels of government is so important.

“This is not something we can deliver on our own … delivering this project in full will require substantial funding contributions from other levels of government.

“Council will soon consider the next stage of this project, and as always, our focus will be on making responsible decisions that delivers what matters most to our community.”

A report seeking council consideration of funding for the leisure and aquatic component of the project is scheduled to be presented before the end of the financial year.

Rotary giving a helping hand to Cambodia

-

May 12, 2026

Rotary giving a helping hand to Cambodia

Walking into the old Savaco timber factory on Broadford’s Mollison Street, times have certainly changed since it was filled with wooden reels used for long wires and cables for Telstra in the 1970s.

These days, it’s brimming with donated equipment, toys, books and medical supplies ready to be shipped worldwide to those less fortunate by the SHARE Project.

Run by the Rotary e-Club of Change Makers, SHARE stands for Serving Humanity And Re-Purposing Equipment, and acts as a midway point for some of Victoria’s excess medical products and other items bound for landfill that are then redistributed to those in need.

Jenny Foster, the onsite contact at the warehouse and the chairperson for the SHARE Project, opened the Broadford warehouse back in October 2024 after realising the need for more room to store and distribute things beyond the established rotary warehouse in West Footscray.

She says what makes it different is that the project brings members from all over the state together in Broadford to be part of something bigger than themselves.

“We do it on our computer. Whereas the local club here, which is Southern Mitchell … they meet in person.

“You can only have your members in this area, that’s just the rules (of Rotary). Whereas in e-club, we can have anyone.”

“We have people like Tony and the others, they’re just local people coming in to help. And I love that because having your volunteers and … knowing that our excess is helping other children in the world is also part of it.”

In the past week, their focus has been squarely on their upcoming shipment to Cambodia which will see a full shipping container of medical equipment, healthcare products and kids’ toys make its way to the inland city of Siem Reap.

The item of choice when the Review visited last Tuesday was wheelchairs, when sixty rough terrain chairs donated by Wheelchairs for Kids Australia in Perth were packed into the Cambodia-bound container.

Jenny said that she received a phone call from Wheelchairs for Kids years ago to seek her help in getting their chairs into Cambodia, and through that process she found Safe Haven Cambodia.

“Someone told me it would be a really, really good program that would absolutely make sure that the wheelchairs were fitted correctly to the kids, not just shoving a kid in a wheelchair and hoping for the best,” she said.

The wheelchairs being sent are specialised to provide mobility for children living with disabilities in less developed countries, and are among very few worldwide that comply with strict World Health Organisation guidelines.

Wheelchair SHARE pic12 1068w WebRdy — A GOOD CAUSE: One of the wheelchairs donated by Wheelchairs for Kids Australia on display at the SHARE Project warehouse.

There to oversee the process was Kate Arkwright from Safe Haven Cambodia, the non-government organisation (NGO) who will receive the shipment of supplies once it reaches Southeast Asia.

As the Development Director at Safe Haven, Kate has spent the past two years helping to support Cambodian children living with disabilities and their families, as well as educating members of the local communities.

“(Disability) has got a very big stigma about it. Many people still believe that a disability is because of bad karma,” she said.

“Or they think it’s bad spirits in you. Like epilepsy. They’ll think it’s a bad spirit inside you and things like that.”

The wheelchairs will end up all across Cambodia, assisting children with movement-inhibiting disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy.

The past week has been largely focused on the Cambodia shipping container, but Jenny said that there are also containers set for Uganda and Papua New Guinea on site.

Providing mainly medical equipment, the PNG container will also include some of the old Kilmore International School uniform.

“The PNG team that were here yesterday, one of those girls has only just moved here two weeks ago. I was showing her the navy blue pants, and she said ‘oh, they’re so needed in Papua New Guinea,” Jenny said.

As part of the SHARE Project, Jenny and a group of other members will be heading off to Cambodia later this year.

Although they’ll be busy helping fellow Rotary e-Club member Darrel Steer with his Cambodia Clean Water and Toilet Project, Jenny said that it gives her a chance to gain perspective on the needs of the people they are shipping these items to.

“I’m always one that really likes to visit the project,” she said.

“To me, it’s really important to go and listen to the people in the community, and understand what their needs are and then come back here and go ‘okay well, what part of that can we help?’ We can’t do everything, but there must be something.”

The SHARE Project also supports a number of local organisations, including Love In Action, the Helping Hands Mission and the Caroline Chisholm Society.

If you’re looking to get involved in the SHARE Project, you can get in touch with them by emailing rotaryshareproject@gmail.com

You can read the full story online by visiting the North Central Review website.

Local paramedic wins top honour

-

May 12, 2026

A WALLAN paramedic was honoured earlier this year, earning International Women’s Day honours from the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA).

The awards honours leadership, courage and commitment that women make across the emergency services sector, and are recognised across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

There were 56 recipients of the award across the three countries this year, with the honourees matching the International Women’s Day theme of Give to Gain.

Six recipients were from Victoria, including Wallan paramedic Kirsten Mitchell, who has served in the sector for 12 years.

Ms Mitchell was listed on the CAA website as someone who delivered excellence in high-pressure situations, a Community Emergency Response Team education champion at Craigieburn and Kinglake, and someone who builds strong partnerships with local organisations and schools.

Her biography states that her impact ‘goes far beyond the ambulance doors’.

“She’s a natural leader and mentor, always ready to guide new team members and share her knowledge. Her ability to connect with people patients, colleagues, and community groups has strengthened trust and improved outcomes across Wallan and beyond,” it reads.

“Kirsten’s drive doesn’t stop there, she has championed innovative programs that reduce response times and improve rural healthcare access, proving that her ideas are as powerful as her actions.”

The Ambulance Victoria website, in profiling Ms Mitchell, was glowing in its assessment. “Kirsten is a paramedic who does it all; from delivering world-class clinical care to mentoring colleagues and building strong community connections, Kirsten leads with heart and vision,” it said.

No change to rail project in Victoria

-

May 12, 2026

WHILE the Inland Rail project has been shuttered off from the New South Wales town of Parkes onwards in a dramatic Federal Government announcement on Wednesday, Inland Rail has confirmed that there will be no effect to local construction, including the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, and recent works in Broadford and Wandong.

Inland Rail confirmed that the project will continue as normal in a media release on Thursday.

“Inland Rail has been focusing our construction activities on the Beveridge to Parkes section of the project since a staged approach to delivery was recommended by the independent review into Inland Rail in April 2023 and has made substantial progress towards delivery,” they said.

“The Government also confirmed that it is focused on working with the Queensland and New South Wales Governments to preserve the rail corridor north of Parkes. We are working through the details of this currently with the Federal Government.

“This hugely important work will be led by our new permanently appointed Chair of the Board, Dr Collette Burke, and by our incoming Chief Executive Officer Dr Sean Sweeney, who will begin with Inland Rail on 1 July 2026.”

Inland Rail’s Brent Hooley confirmed the works specific to the local area will continue as normal.

“The Beveridge to Albury project is part of approved works and will continue as planned,” he said.

The confirmation of Beveridge remaining unchanged was also confirmed by a National Intermodal spokesperson.

“The announcement regarding Inland Rail reinforces the importance of Beveridge as a long‑term, world‑class intermodal precinct. National Intermodal’s delivery of this project remains unchanged, with Stage 1 construction underway and progressing as planned,” they said.

“The Australian Government has confirmed its focus on the existing freight network, continuing the Inland Rail project to Parkes while preserving the long‑term corridor and future intermodal terminal opportunities in Queensland.

“Planning will continue in key locations, including Parkes and south‑east Queensland, to ensure future options remain open, alongside targeted investment in upgrades to the existing rail network.

“National Intermodal continues to play an important role in supporting Australia’s supply chain resilience.”

The funding for the $45 billion project was axed on Wednesday and will stop at the central New South Wales town to connect freight from Melbourne to Perth.

The construction between Beveridge and Parkes will still be due to be completed by the end of next year, where $1.75 billion has been re-allocated to the project, allowing double-stacked freight trains to travel.

The news that the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will continue as normal will be a relief to local employment as it powers on through the first stage for a mid-2028 opening, where 70 per cent of 17,000 slated jobs could be filled by workers from the Mitchell Shire and City of Whittlesea areas.

The project will be the first terminal in Melbourne to receive and service double-stacked Inland Rail trains.

Sod turned for big sports reserve

-

May 12, 2026

CONSTRUCTION is progressing on one of the largest new sports reserves in Melbourne’s north, with Stockland and Hume City Council providing a first look at the Kalkallo North Active Open Space in the growing Cloverton community.

Spanning more than 93,000 square metres, equivalent to about four MCG playing fields, the precinct represents a significant investment in community infrastructure, designed to support local sport, active lifestyles and everyday recreation.

The update comes as Melbourne’s northern growth corridor has become one of the fastest growing regions, with Hume City’s population forecast to grow by more than 125,000 people by 2046 and Cloverton expected to be home to about 30,000 residents.

Works are now under way on key sporting facilities, including two cricket ovals and four soccer fields, with the broader precinct set to include multi-use courts, a large destination playground, dog parks, waterplay, parkour and picnic areas.

Stockland Development Director James Hawker said the milestone reflects growing demand for community infrastructure as Cloverton takes shape.

“As Cloverton continues to grow, access to high-quality open spaces that support organised sport as well as everyday recreation needs to keep pace with the community. Kalkallo North Active Open Space is being delivered at a scale that matches the growth we’re seeing and will become a major asset not just for Cloverton residents, but for Melbourne’s north,” Mr Hawker said.

Delivered in partnership with Hume City Council, the project includes a $450,000 contribution from the Victorian Government towards a district-level waterplay area, highlighting the shared commitment to delivering family-friendly community spaces.

State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said the space would deliver plenty for residents.

“As Cloverton grows, its vital families have access to quality local spaces to play, stay active and connect. This major new sports reserve shows what strong partnerships can deliver for our fast‑growing community,” she said.

Mayor of Hume City, Cr Carly Moore agreed.

“This precinct is a positive development for our growing community, providing a place for people to be active and come together,” she said.

“While projects like this are important, we know there are broader infrastructure challenges in our growth area communities, particularly with heavily congested key roads like Donnybrook Road, and we will continue advocating strongly to ensure our community gets the investment it needs.”

The Kalkallo North Active Open Space will open in stages, with playing fields anticipated from 2027. Timing for additional features, including a council-delivered clubhouse and waterplay area, will be confirmed as planning progresses.

Progress on the sports precinct follows the recent opening of Lumin Boulevard Reserve, a new sport-themed neighbourhood park in Cloverton featuring inclusive play equipment, outdoor fitness stations and a multi-use court for everyday recreation.

Major victory for Mitchell baseballers

-

May 12, 2026

AN incredible pitching effort from Lachlan Ruyter led the Mitchell Majors to a 7-4 triumph over Melbourne University at Minnitt Park on Saturday afternoon.

After not having much luck last week, the Majors were keen to bounce back against a similarly placed Melbourne Uni outfit who had started the season with two wins from three games.

Player-coach Ruyter took it upon himself to kick the game off, and a shaky start placed runners at first and second with no outs.

But that quickly changed thanks to the brilliance of Steve Bertucci at short stop who collected a ground ball hit to his right, stepped on the bag at second base and lasered one to Ben Owen at first to make a double play.

Steve Majors 12 — DOUBLE PLAY: Steve Bertucci perfectly executed his role at short stop, removing two of Melbourne University’s runners in a single play.

Not to be outdone, less than a minute later Ben Harkom leapt to pull down a screamer that prevented Melbourne Uni from scoring and ended the innings.

The Broadford-based club were also in a good position during its first at-bat, but couldn’t capitalise on a bases-loaded, no-out situation.

The Majors continued to be stingy in the field throughout, restricting the visitors to just four runs for the game thanks to the efforts of Ruyter on the mound.

He threw more than 120 pitches across the game, trusting his own arm to hold Melbourne Uni’s big hitters at bay as his own team put the scoreboard pressure on.

It was a team effort from all batters to get the side in front, and sharp running proved to be a defining factor to hand the Majors a three-run win.

In the A4-grade matchup, the home side were no match for an impressive Melbourne Uni who piled on 16 runs despite being held to just two through the first four innings.

Stuart Partridge did what he could on the mound, using his excellent arm speed to blow pitches by his opponents.

Unfortunately for the Majors, low numbers this season have forced the team to pull their E-grade side.

But the remaining two teams will hit the park again this Saturday, travelling to Watsonia to take on the Saints who are languishing at the bottom of the A3-grade ladder.

Success finally for Rangers

-

May 12, 2026