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Old school, new future

The North Central Review
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Old school, new future

THE transformation of the old Romsey Primary School site into a community health centre and all-abilities park has begun.

Council, Cobaw Community Health and the Greater Romsey All- Abilities Park committee (GRAAP Inc.) are working on the project, which will see the former school turned into a Cobaw Community Health centre and deliver stage one of the community-initiated Romsey All-Abilities Park  that has been given the working title of Ecotherapy Park.

Construction and landscaping crews are on site setting out work areas, establishing tree protection zones, upgrading underground services, demolishing redundant external and internal fixtures and constructing the frame and subfloor for a building extension.

Works will take place throughout the coming months and are expected to be complete by late April.

A grant from the federal government’s National Stronger Regions Fund has assisted in enabling the site to be redeveloped together with a grant to Cobaw Community Health from the state government’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said Council was excited to see the project underway:
“This is a much anticipated and exciting time in the Romsey region as we see this site transform into a space where the community’s health and wellbeing are central and where people can meet, engage in healthy activities, develop stronger connections and celebrate together,” Cr Anderson said.

GRAAP President Raelene Mottram added that her group can’t wait to share the committee’s vision for the space with Romsey residents and visitors and give everyone a taste of the park’s many exciting features.

“Stage One of the park includes an extra-long flying fox, a raised cubby hidden under the beautiful oak tree, pathways, a basket swing, and log climbing features. All of these features are just the beginning of the realisation of the community’s full vision for the park,” Ms Mottram said.

Once completed works on the old school building will provide the full suite of Cobaw’s health and wellbeing services in early childhood, youth, families, adults, and aged and disability through the repurposing, fit out and extension of the historic old school building.
Cobaw CEO Margaret McDonald said that delivering local place-based services to the east of the shire has been a long held vision of the Cobaw Board and staff.

“We are excited to see the build well underway and are progressing our planning internally to ensure responsive, integrated health and wellbeing services for Romsey and surrounding communities,” Ms McDonald said.

The former Romsey School site works have been funded by the Commonwealth Government, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, $997,478; the Victorian Government, Department of Health and Human Services, $733,000; Macedon Ranges Shire Council, $215,000 and • Cobaw Community Health Services Ltd, $50,000.

Barriers under fire

The North Central Review
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Barriers under fire

By Brooke Haffenden

CFA concerns regarding the placement of wire rope barriers recently became a reality when local firefighters were unable to access a fire on the Hume Freeway.

The North Central Review can reveal that on Sunday, February 18 the Wallan Fire Brigade was unable to gain vehicle access to a fire on the Hume Freeway due to an apparent failure by VicRoads to listen to CFA recommendations.

Brigade Captain Nathan Anderson confirmed he contacted VicRoads and requested a representative to attend the fire and cut the wire rope barrier.

Mr Anderson said no advice was provided by VicRoads as to what the brigade could have done to access the fire sooner. Knowing the representative was at least an hour away, the brigade parked next to the barrier and climbed over.

“We haven’t actually been trained by VicRoads or the CFA to pull them (the barriers) down,” Mr Anderson explained.

“I myself am not going to put any members in that situation including cutting tensioned wire… We can’t get in there and there’s not any way of forcing our way in there.
“The fire hadn’t spread; we were lucky in that respect.”

This is not the first report of a CFA brigade being unable to gain access. Last week in Parliament, Member for Euroa Steph Ryan questioned Roads Minister Luke Donnellan over reports from the Broadford brigade who said a fire had spread much further than it should have due to poorly placed wire rope barriers preventing them from gaining access.

Broadford Fire Brigade Captain Jamie Atkins raised his concerns with Ms Ryan following a car fire on the Hume Freeway. Mr Atkins said the fire should have been no more than a quarter acre fire but quickly spread to 10 acres after the brigade struggled to gain access.

Local brigade captains including Mr Anderson, Mr Atkins and Yorin Miller (Wandong CFA) told the North Central Review that there needed to be a standard maintained with the barriers. At times the gaps have not been large enough for a person to walk through let alone a vehicle or fire engine.

“Honestly, I’m happy we do have the wire rope barriers in the area, they’re there to save lives and prevent serious injury and that’s what we’re all about. But I’m not quite at ease with the design and how they’ve been implemented,” Mr Anderson said.

“It leaves very little room for us to park on the side of the road safely.”

Mr Miller also reiterated the safety concerns for road users and emergency services.

“We definitely have concerns. They (the barriers) impede our access in terms of accessing fires and also preventing us doing U-turns and getting away,” Mr Miller said.

“The space between roadside edge and safety barrier – there’s not enough space for us to pull over safely.

“There’s also no real egress point for people to get out safely, to turn around and get out if required. The potential to get trapped is quite high.”

Wallan thrash East Sunbury

The North Central Review
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Wallan thrash East Sunbury

WALLAN Cricket Club smashed East Sunbury Cricket Club at Greenhill Reserve on Saturday with another huge score to move them along.

This week it was Scott O’Donnell in the B Grade side who hit 150 runs – including 16 boundaries and one maximum – as he saw the ball like watermelons.
The home side raced out to 361 runs from 73.3 overs – a touch ask for East Sunbury.
Despite their best efforts they were unable to compete and were bowled all out for 195 runs.

Kilmore trainers’ successful

The North Central Review
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Kilmore trainers’ successful

by “Pegs”

KILMORE female thoroughbred trainers enjoyed success at the weekend.

At Benalla on Friday, Lesia Masnyj and Jody Thompson saddled-up winners in Full Reward ($12) and Snake Cavern ($5.50) respectively.

For the former it was a special thrill as it was her first winner since obtaining her licence mid-last year.

Web Racing 3
Happy connections with First Watch and Alicia Macpherson doing strapper’s duties after the gelding’s win at Yarra Valley on Saturday. Photos: Racing Photos. Photo: Ross Holburt

The four-year-old daughter of Reward For Effort and Pinpante was most impressive in an all-the-way win in the $22,000 Benalla Waste and Recycling Maiden Plate (1206m) defeating Shadow Looms ($8.50) by 4-1/4 lengths with Hurry Up Harry ($11) a further ¾-length away third.

On waiting for the mare, with Stan Tsaikos aboard, to return to the winner’s stall, the excited Masnyj when interviewed by Racing.com’s Kevin Casey wanted to thank everyone – even down to the stewards.

“I would like to say thank-you, if I could, to all the trainers at Kilmore because they have been really supportive because I’m only new at doing things, and also the strappers, and the jockeys and the track riders and again the stewards for being supportive in helping me understand a lot of the things when it comes to racing,” she said.

“Today the horse really performed well and fingers crossed we are looking upward and forward to many more first placings.”

Masnyj said her mare was injured in the tie-up stalls in her first prep with her and had to be spelled.

“She just loves to get out and run, run, run and I love her and I love working with her, and thanks everybody,” a thrilled Masnyj said.

Formerly trained at Mornington by David Brideoake, the mare, now part-owned by Masnyj along with family and friends, has had two minor placings prior to her win from nine starts.

Consistent Snake

Thompson’s Snake Cavern was equally impressive in taking out the bet365 BM58 Handicap (2046m) later on the Benalla program.

The Golden Snake 6-year-old gelding was still eligible for a maiden race, was well ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, in defeating Arthurian ($4.80) by ¾-length with the $2.70 favourite a further 1-3/4 lengths third.

Thompson said the gelding has drawn really bad gates probably in five out of the last six he has been entered.

“I’m just glad for the horse as he deserved to win a race.

“The Norton Bit helped, but Daniel gave him a 11 out of 10 ride,” Thompson told Kevin Casey.

Thompson said she’ll keep the gelding as “he’s pulled up super”.

“He’ll tell us when he’s had enough,” she said.

Raced by long-time stable client, Craigieburn resident Ian Forsyth, the gelding has had four minor placings prior to his win from 14 starts.

First up for First Watch

At Yarra Valley the following day, fellow Kilmore trainer, Alicia Macpherson had First Watch ($10) cherry ripe for a first-up win.

Having his first run since September last year, the four-year-old gelded son of Bel Esprit and Belle Ball stormed down the outside from the rear of the field to take out the Direct Connect 0-58 Handicap (1009m).

The gelding, giving apprentice Jack Martin his first winner since returning from a bad fall, defeated Waterford Sound ($6) by a head with Jack Henry ($8) a half-neck away third.

Part-owned by the Macpherson family along with stable clients, Snake Cavern has now won two races with the same number of second placings from 13 starts.

Border-hop win for Laws

Fellow Kilmore trainer saddled-up Equitation ($2.40 favourite for an effortless win at Balranald (NSW) on Saturday.

The Equiano 4-y-o gelding was a six-length winner of the B R & C Agents Maiden Plate (1400m).

The gelding, part-owned by Laws, was having his 16th start. He has had four minor placings.

Slice of Paradise

The North Central Review
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Slice of Paradise

Kilmore 19 Mannagum Court

Come home to your own slice of paradise in Kilmore’s most sought location. Set in the picture perfect Mannagum Estate, this ideal three bedroom home boasts many features with the highlight being the tropical pool area complimented by a large paved outdoor area.

For the boys the 7 x 9m garage (under roofline) is perfect for those toys or a home workshop. Inside the home offers a large lounge with adjoining dining room, functional kitchen and meals area, large master bedroom fitted with ensuite and walk in wardrobe plus a family bathroom. All of this on a large corner allotment will make for your perfect slice of paradise.

Kilmore 19 Mannagum Court

Price (Estimate): $495,000 to $540,000
Contact: Brendan Flynn 0481 283 637

barry plant logo

Earn your spot in history

The North Central Review
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Earn your spot in history

IT IS time to draw a line in the sand and ask why local footballing talent is walking away to other leagues, according to one club president.

As sides struggle to fill their teams full of resident talent, often heading off for financial carrots dangled in front of them from country leagues, Kilmore Football Netball Club President Paul Maher said he was ‘sick’ of it.

He wants local players to earn their spot in history.

“There is no doubt there is a wane of young men wanting to play football, it isn’t just our problem as other sides struggle,” he said.

“I am sick of hearing the excuse of playing in a higher league, it is time to draw a line in the sand and ask why can’t we play at that high level?

“I would like to throw down the challenge to the players who want to be part of history and the club’s first Northern Football League premiership and move through the ranks… they don’t need to leave to play at a high level.”

The junior football club has been through some success over the past few years.

Last year’s under 17s side won the flag, competed in the grand final the year before and has consistently finished thereabouts.

And Mr Maher wants this success to translate into the 2018 under 19.5s side.

“We are attempting to field that side this year… I am calling upon the players in the premiership sides to follow the path to the senior club,” he said.

“It is a goal to move to division 1 but we won’t put a time frame on it.

“We have an extremely successful junior club so if we can retain the young talent we can put a successful team on the park comprised of Kilmore boys.

Kojo brings Canadian flair to Wallan

The North Central Review
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Kojo brings Canadian flair to Wallan

By Joshua Wells

CANADIAN basketballer Kojo Afari has joined the Wallan Panthers, describing them as ‘the luckiest team’ because of how excited he is to play ball.

The former Canadian Basketball League star – who tried out for a spot on a Toronto Raptors development roster in late 2017 – moved here with his wife Danae to help the Panthers rise in Big V.

Not only will he play for his new hometown, the 24-year-old will train anyone and everyone in a bid to turn Wallan into a Victorian basketball hub.

Mr Afari told North Central Review he was extremely impressed with the love for the game down under.

“The willingness to learn and the skill level is better than I realised coming in,” he said.

“It is a fun environment and I get chills being here on Saturdays at training, the energy is great.”

The husband and wife moved from Canada to join the club and have not looked back since.

When debating which team he would play for, Mr Afari said to Mrs Afari how much it would mean to him.

“I was talking to Danae when I was looking for a new team and I said to her whichever team I end up with will be the luckiest team because I just want to play and give everything,” he said.

“The talent here is good and I just want to fit in, improve and enjoy it… I pinch myself sometimes to be here in Australia and not have to shovel snow.”

Mrs Afari said she was proud of her husband and grateful to the community for all their help.

“It has been a really good experience, it is the best scenario coming here,” she said.

“When you move internationally, you don’t know what to expect. There is a lot you have to give up and see how it plays out.

“Overall, everyone is so welcoming and friendly… it has been a big encouragement for us to come so far and for everyone to be so nice and accommodating… they really believe in Kojo and the growth in him is amazing.”

While Mr Afari will star during the Big V season, Mrs Afari said she wouldn’t play for the Wallan Panthers’ Women’s side – but left the door slightly open for a domestic side.
“[I will play] only for fun, nothing competitive,” she said laughing.

Mr Afari began playing basketball when he was 15 years old, relatively late, but has picked up the game quickly.

Back in the day

The North Central Review
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Back in the day

Kilmore Free Press
Thursday, February 17, 1966

Farewell social evening to Mr. and Mrs. John Ledwidge

The supper room of the Kilmore Memorial Hall was well filled on the night of February 4 when friends of Mr and Mrs J. T. Ledwidge from the town and district gathered to bid them farewell.

After nearly 10 years as Engineer to the Kilmore Shire, Mr. Ledwidge resigned at the end of January to take up an appointment as Deputy Engineer to the Flinders Shire.

Cr. J. F. Butler (President Kilmore Shire) was the chairman for the function and the early part of the evening was devoted to dancing, with vocal – by Mr. W. Griffiths – and musical items with Miss P. Northby at the piano.

The Kilmore Free Press
Wednesday, February 20, 1985

Trix sets a record for her country

Fifteen-year-old Damien Mionogue and his dog Trix combined their talents to establish an Australian record for a dog high jump on Sunday.

The many, many hours of training on the family’s “rocklands” property beside the Northern Highway between Kilmore and Pyalong paid off as Trix excelled in the special dog high jump series held at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.

It was one of the highlights of the three day International Saddlery Horse Festival and Damien and Trix were presented with a championship ribbon and silver tray trophy, $400 in cash and a bag of Pal  dog food as a result of the victory.

Trix, an 18-month-old kelpie-collie bred by Damien, is the current dog high jump champion at the Seymour and Kilmore Agricultural shows.

The Free Press
Wednesday, February 18, 1998

Group pushes for secondary school
Minister for education Phil Gude is being urged to give consideration to an early start on a new secondary school for Wallan.

Wallan Resident’s Association has written to Mr Gude, indicating representatives would be pleased to meet with him to discuss the proposed school.

An eight-acre site located between the police station and Greenhill Reserve was purchased by the Department of Education and set aside for a secondary college some years ago.

Mitchell Shire Council is currently trying to discover what plans the department may have for the land.

Councils call for road side assistance

The North Central Review
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Councils call for road side assistance

LOCAL governments are reaffirming roads as one of their main priorities as residents continue to push for more upgrades on local stretches.

Both the Mitchell Shire Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council have noticed a reduction in funding from the state government since the Country Roads and Bridges program was removed.

Mitchell Shire maintains a 1383km roads network with each ratepayer funding roughly 78.2 metres of road – higher than the City of Whittlesea where each ratepayer funds about 14.9 metres.

The shire currently invests $11 million for the road, bridge, footpath and drainage network.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said residents had made it clear roads were a top priority.

“Our community has told us that roads and road maintenance are their number one priority and that’s why we’re investing more in our roads and bridges,” she said.

“However, with a large road network of nearly 1400kms and a relatively small ratepayer base, it is impossible to fund all these works alone… that is why council advocates strongly for additional funding from the state and federal governments.

“We understand there is still a lot of work to be done and we will continue to look at ways to obtain funding for new roads and road maintenance to meet the needs of our growing community.”

The Macedon Ranges Shire allocated about $7.6 million for improving their road network and $3 million for maintaining roads in the region this financial year.

While a ‘significant amount’ comes from federal funding, Operations director Dale Thornton said they were able to fix their roads with the current level of funding.

“The current level of funding allows us to meet the obligations of our road management plan,” he said.

“However, additional funds would be welcome and would allow us to improve further.

“Without the Country Roads and Bridges program, council has $1 million less per year to spend on road improvements… the extra $1 million had allowed council to make significant improvements to bridges and single lane roads in the shire.”

As the North Central’s population is expected to increase, residents are calling for an improved road network to cope with added pressure.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said she will continue her discussions with locals.

“I will continue to work with residents and local council on the issues that matter most to them,” she said.

Member for Euroa Steph Ryan said the region is growing rapidly and funding was key to helping the roads avoid deterioration.

Halt roundabout call

Ian Blyth
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Halt roundabout call

WORKS are underway on the $20 million upgrade of Melbourne-Lancefield Road, reducing the risk of head-on and run-off-road crashes.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Sunbury Josh Bull recently visited the site to view the progress of the project which started last October.

Identified as one of Victoria’s top 20 high-risk rural roads, the 35 kilometre stretch from Lancefield to Sunbury will include a range of safety improvements to prevent crashes and save lives.

Ms Thomas and Mr Bull said the works are crucial to the safety of motorists.

The upgrades include flexible centreline safety barriers to reduce the risk of head-on crashes, and left-hand side flexible safety barriers to protect drivers from run-off-road crashes.

However, local residents are concerned over the impact of the proposed Monegeetta roundabout on the businesses in the area.

“As these are the only two businesses in the Monegeetta precinct the current proposal will strangle both access and egress to both of them and possibly bring about the demise of family run businesses that have been in existence for many years,” the spokesperson said.
The intersection has long been a problem with traffic coming from Riddells Creek and turning left into the Melbourne-Lancefield Road.

There have often been reports of vehicles failing to give way to north bound traffic. Residents recently carried out a spot survey of the intersection, claiming that they observed four near misses.

The residents’ group has suggested a left turn feeder lane for traffic turning left from Riddells Creek to connect with the Melbourne -Lancefield Road around 100 metres north of the intersection.

The group has alerted Macedon Ranges Shire Council and local members of parliament to their concerns.

In addition to the planned roundabout, other safety improvements include extra overtaking opportunities, including four new overtaking lanes, to enable motorists to pass safely.

The road shoulder will also be widened and sealed to improve safety, while audio tactile lines will also be installed along the full length of the road, to alert drivers if they stray from their lane.

Stage one works from north of Monegeetta to the south of Lancefield are expected to be complete by the end of July 2018, while the second stage of works, from north of Sunbury to Monegeetta, are scheduled to begin mid-2018.

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