HIGH Camp Railway Station area, near Pyalong, has had a welcome spruce-up.
As part of a working bee on a recent Saturday, 31 volunteers spent three hours sawing, clipping and dragging branches.
This was part of a mission to develop the High Camp Rail and Flora Reserve as a future picnic and recreation spot.
The working bee was coordinated by the Mitchell Alliance for Tracks and Trails, led by the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail. Volunteers included local residents, members of BEAM Mitchell Environment Group, Wallan Environment Group, Mitchell Bicycle Users Group, Mitchell Bushwalking Group and the Australian Plant Society.
The day was part of a project funded by a Victorian Government Tiny Towns grant, with added support from Mitchell Shire Council.
The grant is helping restore and enhance the reserve, install picnic tables and signage, and create a welcoming destination for walkers and cyclists. It also supports the collection of history of the station and surrounding farms, and the recognition of the Indigenous history.
High Camp may never have another train, but it is on track to welcome many more visitors.
THE Seymour Racing Club (SRC) is gearing up for two of its most vibrant events as summer racing kicks off with Christmas Party Race Day on Thursday, December 18, and Kids Day Out on Sunday, December 28.
Racegoers can expect a welcoming, lively atmosphere across both events, perfectly timed for the holiday season and offering entertainment options for families, businesses and end-of-year celebrations.
At the Christmas Party Race Day, attendees will enjoy a relaxed day on the lawn with live music, festive cheer and plenty to keep younger racegoers smiling, including face painting, pony rides and a special visit from Santa.
SRC CEO Chris Martin said the event has become a must attend occasion for locals and businesses looking to celebrate the end of the year.
“Our Christmas Party Race Day is always a highlight, the perfect mix of festive fun and great racing,” Mr Martin said.
“It is a chance for families, friends and businesses to come together, relax on the lawn, enjoy live music and get into the holiday spirit. Having Santa drop by really brings the magic for the kids.”
Just 10 days later, the SRC will host another race day as families return for Kids Day Out, featuring a huge lineup of free kids’ activities, including games and sports with Kelly Sports, pony rides, jumping castles and face painting. The first 200 children to visit the Kelly Sports area will also receive a free Country Racing showbag.
Mr Martin said the day is all about creating a memorable and affordable outing for families during the holiday break.
“Kids Day Out is one of the most enjoyable days on our calendar as the whole course comes alive with families,” he said.
“We have partnered with Kelly Sports again to deliver high energy fun for the kids, while parents can relax and enjoy a great day of country racing in a safe, friendly environment.”
“It is a fantastic opportunity for families to spend time together, especially during the school holidays.”
Mr Martin said both race days reflect the club’s commitment to offering experiences that extend beyond the track.
“These are true community events. We love seeing families and big groups return year after year, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back in December.”
It was Kilmore’s first meeting since November on Thursday, December 11 with the club conducting an eight-race program of even races.
Racing commenced with the Arcadia Group Pace over 1690 metres and it was Meltonian Arthur Wood victorious with 9YO Alta Christiano-Miss Feelgood gelding Aveiro.
Having start number 111 (28 placings), Aveiro who is never far away in any race he contests led out from gate two for Huntly reinswoman Lauren White, before electing to take a trail on Glenn Bull’s bold front runner Regal Rock (gate five).
Crossed in the last lap by Tupelo Beach (gate two second line) which went forward with a rush from mid-field in the running line to push Aveiro back a spot, Lauren was not perturbed and Aviero using the sprint lane ran home best to prevail by a nose in a tricky finish over Midnight Mojo (which went forward to race exposed from outside the front line). Tupelo Beach held third 1.9 metres away. The mile rate was 1.57.5. It was Aveiro’s 10th success.
It was another close finish to the 1690 metre OKRFM Vicbred Voucher Trotters Mobile with honest 8YO Skyvalley-Kyvalley Drive gelding Floating Mountain bringing up two wins in succession and eleven in all.
Trained at Coimadai by veteran Graeme Whittle for owner/driver son Matthew, Floating Mountain led virtually throughout from gate five after crossing polemarker Montana Cheval.
Settle The Bill after racing exposed from gate six fought on gamely for second a half neck away, with Amour Maternal (gate four second line – one/one racing for the bell) third 4.1 metres back.
Montana Cheval looked poised to use the sprint lane coming to the home turn only to go off stride putting an end to her chances. The mile rate was 2.01.7.
Ross Creek owner/trainer Stephen Clarke is making a habit of snaring the quinella in several races that he has runners and did it again in the La Dimora Retirement Resort Concessions Drivers Pace over 2180 metres with 4YO Rock N Roll Heaven-Isabelle Delacour gelding Monsieur Flamel defeating his half-brother Are Weasley (by Betting line) by 1.3 metres.
Driven by local reinsman Nick Beale, Monsieur Flamel settled at the tail from the extreme draw as Fake Collection (gate five) led. Gaining a three wide trail home in the last lap on the back of Are Weasley ahead of him, both horses swamped the leaders on turning, with Monsieur Flamel the victor. Feel The Reign (five pegs last lap from gate six) flashed home late when clear to be a neck away third.
New Gisborne father and son Darren and Riley Pace landed the O’Briens Electrical Pace over 1690 metres with Blazin By, a 3Y0 gelded son of Betting Line and Dreams In Heaven.
Part-owned by Darren, Blazin By settled three back in the moving line from gate six with polemarker Our Angels Envy retaining the front running.
Moving forward three wide solo in the last lap, Blazin By well supported sustained the run to register a head margin over Caties Son (inside second line) along the sprint lane off the back of the pacemaker, with Our Angels Envy holding third 1.5 metres back. The mile rate was 1.59.1.
Much travelled 8YO Danny Bouchea-Biggies gelding Piesridingshotgun trained at Newstead by Brad Angove led throughout from gate five to capture the 2180 metre Picklebet ‘Get Your Pickle On’ Trotters Mobile.
Driven by Jordy Leedham, Piesridingshotgun was rated to perfection before kicking clear on turning to greet the judge by 11 metres in advance of With Aplomb (gate three – one/two – three wide last lap) and At The Distance (gate two) which raced exposed. The mile rate was 2.04.7.
The trotters took pride of place at the meeting and the MC Labour 4YO and Older Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres saw sixty one year old Toolern Vale owner/breeder/trainer/driver Michael Azzopardi the happiest person on course when his 5YO Father Patrick-Whosinthenest mare Tas Suffarell at start number two gain a last stride victory in a 2.06.6 mile rate.
Taken back at the start from outside the front line to settle a mile off the leader Apachevalley (gate four), Tas Suffarellwas still a clear last as the field headed into the last lap with Mi Bow (one/two from a solo second line draw) joining Apachevalley and drawing clear appearing to have the race in her keeping when Tas Suffarell after making the final bend five wide sprouted wings on turning to register a half head margin in another tricky finish. Imaboganboy (three pegs from gate three) after easing away from the markers was third 2.9 metres away.
What a night it was for the Pace family when Harkness trainer Vic Pace and son William combined to land the 2180 metre C&M Build Group Pace with the heavily supported 5YO Rock N Roll Heaven-Dyed Blonde mare Platinum Jive raced by a large group of family and friends.
Trapped three wide from gate four Platinum Jive was unable to get in resulting in him being taken back to the rear as polemarker Wazowski and Alby Ashwood applied plenty of pressure to the leader Rakarompa (gate three) with Darren Pace going for a double.
Moving to be one/two in the back straight on the final occasion and three wide on the final bend, Platinum Jive justified the betting move to draw clear and win by 5.6 metres from Direct Command (inside the second line solo) which gave chase to no avail. Fiano (gate five one/one) was third 2.8 metres back after having every chance. The mile rate was 1.58.6.
The Coulter Legal 4YO and Older Maiden Pace over 1690 metres concluded the meeting with 16 start 5YO Four Starzzz Shark-Pocketsizedelta mare Delta Starz leading throughout from gate two for Mount Cottrell part-owner/trainer Mathew Falzon.
Driven by Ewa Justice, Delta Starz pounced on the lead as the gate pulled away and given an easy time, scored easily by 6.6 metres from Itsallgee (gate three) which trailed returning a 2.00.9 mile rate. Lone Sailor (gate six) after racing uncovered for the trip was third a nose away.
THE Whittlesea CFA brigade is already laying the groundwork for a major milestone, with preparations under way for its centenary celebrations next year.
Founded in 1926, the brigade has spent nearly a century protecting the Whittlesea community through fires, floods, road accidents, and countless emergency call-outs. With its 100th anniversary approaching in 2026, volunteers have begun planning a series of events to honour the brigade’s history and the generations of locals who have served.
Brigade representatives say the centenary will be as much about the community as the firefighters themselves. Early ideas include an open day showcasing vintage and modern firefighting equipment, a formal celebration recognising past and present members, and a historical display charting the brigade’s evolution over the decades.
Organisers are also calling on residents to share photographs, memorabilia, and stories that could feature in the centenary program. Many former members have already come forward with pieces of the brigade’s history, and planning committees are working to catalogue the items.
While details are still being finalised, the brigade hopes the celebrations will give the community an opportunity to reflect on the vital role the CFA has played in the region. With hotter summers, heightened grassfire risk and continued population growth across the north, volunteers say the brigade remains as important today as it was a century ago.
More information about centenary events is expected to be released early in the New Year.
And as the brigade looks ahead to its historic milestone, it’s also preparing for one of its most beloved community traditions — the annual Santa Run, set to take place on Wednesday, December 24. Santa Claus will once again tour local streets atop a CFA fire truck, joined by brigade members spreading festive cheer.
The event brings families, friends and neighbours together for a magical evening of lights, smiles and community spirit — a fitting reminder of the close connection between the Whittlesea CFA and the people it serves.
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and keep an eye on the brigade’s Facebook page for route details and timing updates.
A Tallarook landowner has been fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $3111.05 in costs after pleading guilty to unlawfully removing more than 160 native trees without planning approval.
The trees were cut down on or around May 16. The matter was heard in Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 8.
The accused, who had no prior criminal history, entered an early guilty plea to a single charge of removing native vegetation in contravention of clause 52.17 1 of the Mitchell Shire Planning Scheme.
The court was told the accused had cooperated fully with council during the investigation and intended to enter into a Section 173 agreement with it to support remediation of the land where possible.
Judicial Registrar Eales found the charge proven and imposed the penalty without conviction, noting that deterrence remains a key consideration in cases involving unlawful clearing. The maximum penalty for this type of offence is up to $200,000.
Mitchell Shire Council CEO Mary Agostino said the outcome reinforces the seriousness of removing native vegetation without approval.
“Native vegetation plays a vital role in our local environment, particularly in rural areas like Tallarook,” she said.
“Council is committed to protecting these landscapes and working with landowners so they understand their responsibilities under the planning scheme.
Angela Ryan (nee Johnson) travelled a thousand miles with husband Greg to be at the MCG function. Both families have been well known in this area in former times.
The 1993 Centenary Annual paid tribute to the former student and later college nurse.
Angela Ryan (Johnson) attended the college during 1975 and 1976 when ACK was known as an all-boys’ school and was undergoing the early stages of change to a coeducational school.
Hers was the first Year 11 class to include girls. She studied English literature, English, politics, commercial and legal studies, and biology in Year 12. She was on the Student Representative Council and played netball and cricket.
In 1980, Angela completed her General Nursing training at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne. During this time she married Greg Ryan, an ex-ACK student, and over the next four years worked at diabetic, asthma, and cystic fibrosis camps with children, and nursed part-time in private hospitals in Melbourne.
Angela returned to the Kilmore area to raise a family and daughters Seana and Brigid were born. In 1984 she moved into her family home.
in Kilmore to nurse her mother Mrs Bernadette Johnson, who, after a long struggle with cancer, died in 1985.
Mrs Bernie Johnson was a long-standing employee of ACK, working as the principal’s secretary.
Angela worked as an ACK nurse for several years before moving north with Greg and the family. Both were welcomed rapturously by the many ex-students of their time in the crowd.
***
There were many notable speakers at the event, and it was a hard job to follow them. I tried to cover many aspects of life and times across the decades at ACK. Not just the happy times but also the sad ones when current or recently graduated students lost their lives. I reflected on the enormous spirit the brothers, staff, and students that had built up over more than a century. Spirit is priceless and there was plenty of it in the MCG room.
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At the end of my address there was a brief tribute to Neale Daniher who could only stay for a short time. I received a copy of his second book, just released called “The Power of Choice” it is a brilliant read and I’m sure will have massive sales.
TRIBUTE TO NEALE
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Neale is a truly great Australian. He has been a champion all his life. His impact on the football and cricket fields was exceptional. If he hadn’t gone from college straight to Essendon – and had chosen cricket he could have reached test level. Neale was loved by his peers and hero worshipped by the young students.
His grasp of the practice and tactics of both sports was so good I thought he would make me redundant. I met Neale’s mum and dad several times and once made the long trip to Ungarie to visit them. They were great people of faith and fortitude and it was easy to see why they produced such fine sons and daughters.
Jim and Edna were truly people of the real Australia. So to Neale, Jan, Bee, and all the clan – you have made millions proud.
VARIA
Young Broadford lad Harrison Wood became the youngest player to debut for the club’s First XI when he was included in the team to play Romsey last round.
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It was great to see quite a number of local area folk at the MCG function – Paul Rea, Mark Clancy, Des Langdon, Brad Ryan, Mark Carboon, Bill Schrama, Archie Baines and son Alan, Robbie and Katia Fowler and family, Peter Cleve, Pat Burgess and daughters, Judy Watson and daughter Sharne to list a few also a blast from the recent past in Jason Mancini and Peter Crowley.
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Ray and Marie Scott drove more than eight hours from there sheep station way north of Balranald in the wide blue Riverina. Stoic people of the real Australia their and previous generations life stories could have come from the book of Mary Grant Bruce.
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Prominent racehorse owner Tony Ottobre, one of the speakers gave a moving address. He had earlier in the day watched two of his “Jenni” stable horses win in the city.
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Many of those present made contact in days afterwards commenting on the enormous spirit in the venue generated by the 600 plus present. A fair number were unable to get tickets. The rousing war cry just about brought the “house” down. It was a three-quarter time feature for over a hundred years.
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Brother Doug Walsh a prolific charity worker made a really brave appearance. Only a fortnight earlier he was so desperately ill he had been given the “Last Rites” of the church.
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AFL GESTURE
AFL supremo Andrew Dillion presented a superb, framed message which is much appreciated. Andrew is a fine person much in the mould of the 80’s “boss” Jack Hamilton who was tragically killed in a car accident.
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It was great to see England’s Joe Root finally score a century in Australia. Despite scores on three previous Ashes tours here the “ton” had eluded him. Rated one of his country’s greatest of all-time, alongside Len Hutton and Jack Hobbs, the quietly spoken Yorkshireman is a superstar of the game. He played in a Sheffield senior XI with his dad when he was only 12.
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Meanwhile full marks to champion left arm speedster Mitchell Starc who is now the greatest “leftie” of all time in cricket having gone past Pakistan legend Wasim Akram.
LONG AGO CHMAPIONS
Before joining the AGSV (colleges) competition in 1959 Assumption cricketers played in the local men’s competition with great success, winning multiple titles. The picture shows the unbeaten XI of 1931-32. Descendants of two of the players, Dave Joss and Ted Maroney caught up with me recently and it was great to speak with young relatives of ACK sporting legends.
THE International Maarif Schools of Australia Kilmore campus held its inaugural festival on Saturday with education, culture and global connections in the spotlight.
The excitement was tangible with a jumping castle and animal farm for the young and young at heart to enjoy.
A market alley featuring educational resources, clothing, jewellery and accessories populated the school grounds, and the food trucks complemented the festival with fragrant street foods to purchase.
Mahmut Mustafa, President of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, spoke to the North Central Review: “The holidays begin and we want to be all together with our families and our students and our supporters in the community and this feel of being together is very important for us”.
“On the other side we are a very new school here in the town and it’s a joyful day for us,” he said.
On the school’s 2026 opening for Years 7 and 8 students Mr Mustafa said: “We are waiting [for the] licence for high school and we are hoping there is no problem and next year we will welcome our high school students”.
A WANDONG family is in the spotlight for sporting achievements with the support of the Aussie Athlete Fund who provide tools to lessen the costs of competition for athletes.
Glenn and Kristy Macdonald are proud of their children Mackenzie, 15 and Jackson 13 who are excelling in sport.
Mackenzie has won two national taekwondo championships and several international medals this year.
Meanwhile, Jackson returned from Spain last Wednesday after three months of training and motorcycle racing where he achieved impressive results, finished in the top 15 of the MIR Finetwork Series.
“Glenn and I took turns to accompany Jackson on that overseas trip” Mrs Macdonald said.
Jackson returned home to the news that he has achieved a Media Excellence Award for his outstanding website, social media and newspaper presence.
Kristy and Mackenzie accepted the award on his behalf.
The next exciting chapter was also celebrated with both Macdonald siblings promoted to the prestigious Elevate program where 32 athletes are guided through a masterclass learning program.
“It is an incredible opportunity,” Mrs Macdonald said.
“And it helps us as a family to navigate this journey together.
“The program will support us with continued fundraising tools and mentorship from experts.
“It’s the whole package, we are learning about the business of sport and how to equip them to compete at an elite level and succeed in life.
“They have each received a $5K award for their promotion to Elevate32, with Jackson receiving an additional $5K as the recipient of Media Excellence. This will help us immensely to kick off their 2026 seasons.”
AAF founder Nat Cook is a five-time Olympian in beach volleyball and founded the fund to help create a sustainable athlete economy.
“The Aussie athlete fund provides fundraising education, networking with business leaders and skills to flourish outside of sport,” she said.
All staff at North Central Review join all family and friends, saying: Congratulations to Jackson.
REGIONAL tourism facilitates a bevy of employment and lifestyle opportunities as the State Government announced its record $40 billion visitor economy earlier this year.
Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Mitchell Shire Local Government Authorities (LGAs) merged to become Goulburn Region Tourism (GRT). They invited industry leaders at the heart of the Goulburn visitor experience to share their feedback.
Chief Executive Jane Lovell said the survey received 380 responses which have helped guide its intention to grow its tourism economy from $337 million to $500 million per year by 2030.
“The Goulburn region has all of the most sought-after things interstate visitors are looking for – nature experiences, unique towns and villages, scenic drives, great dining experiences, and history and heritage,” she said.
“Our job is to spread the word and grow the visitor economy, and our new digital platform is being specifically designed to do that.”
Working alongside Ms Lovell, Louise Bannister is marketing and industry lead and since 2020 Ms Bannister has championed the voices of her community as a Mitchell Shire Councillor, Deputy Mayor (2022-23) and Mayor (2023-24.)
“I’m at the fun end of this project [building the website,]” she said.
“I want to hear from people, no matter how big or small their potential tourism opportunity is.
“What we feel is unique about our region is its diverse offerings and the local stories … we can only add them if the locals are happy to share.”
To make sure the richness of its assets including hiking tracks, nature experiences, unique towns, scenic drives, great dining experiences and history and heritage are included on its website, GRT invites all residents to share their favourite places and activities with its team.
“The current website is an interim one. Our new digital presence will be completely different to anything any other tourism board has done in Victoria,” Ms Bannister said.
“We are doing something no other tourism body has done with their digital presence before.”
The GRT brand will be launched in autumn 2026 and in between contributions can be emailed to marketinglouise@goulburnregiontourism.com
THE inaugural Zonta Club of Mitchell study grant has been awarded to Broadford Secondary School student Evie Birks.
The club has 14 members who say no to violence against women and girls and yes to advancing equality and education opportunities for all Year 10 girls with aspirations to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Previously the study grant recipient was randomly selected by its members. However, this year students were asked to self-nominate and then meet with three local Zonta members on their inaugural interview panel.
Evie learnt about the opportunity via the school compass portal and applied for the $1000 study grant to assist her with senior school studies.
“I really want to go to university and study a bachelor of commerce and I’m not sure what to major in, maybe marketing,” she said.
“It is important that everyone gets the opportunity to learn about STEM. Lots of STEM is very male dominated I’d say, so the more women in there the better.
“There is equal opportunity [here at school]. I can take the same subjects as anyone, and I have the same opportunities.
“Equal opportunity can be limited for women in sporting clubs as certain age groups only have men’s teams.
“I really like Zonta as a club, I like their goals, their values and everything they try to do in the community.”
Evie will buy a new laptop to start her VCE journey.
In Evie’s eyes, sportspeople that role model good behaviours are Kathy Freeman, Ash Barty and Issac Heeney.
“They are powerful, have done really well for themselves and I respect them.
“My mum is one of my main role models, too. She is in a male-dominated field in her work and she does really well … she is a wine maker.”
