Suspicious fire burns close to homes

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March 26, 2019

An out-of-control grassfire that burnt fences and narrowly missed homes at Springridge Estate in Wallan is being treated as suspicious.

About eight to ten acres of grassland was damaged after the fire broke out at about 1.50pm on Saturday in the ridge between Pretty Sally Drive and Speargrass Avenue.

Multiple CFA ground units, including Wallan, Wandong, Whittlesea, Kilmore, Kalkallo, Craigieburn, Darraweit, Clonbinane, Epping and Wollert fire brigades, attended the fire, along with an aircraft water bomber to help control the blaze.

Seymour Police Station Senior Sergeant Steven Conlin gave praise to the speedy response.

“The CFA are so quick. I can’t believe how fast they got into position to put it out,” Sen Sgt Conlin said.

“The police are treating the fire as suspicious and are following a number of enquiries.”

District 12 operations officer Justin Dally said it became evident over the weekend that many residents didn’t have a fire plan.

“With an interface type fire – that’s when a bushfire runs into residential areas that affects a number of properties at the same – many residents believed they were not at risk,” Mr Dally said.

“If you have grass at your back fence there is a risk, it might be small, but still a risk.

“What is your plan regarding yourself, your family, and your pets?

“It can be simple as standing back 100 metres from the fire or fire edge and making sure the roads are clear for fire services.”

Mr Dally also noted on the timely response from from CFA members and volunteers.

“Many CFA volunteers had a great, fast response where no structures were lost with a fire that had plenty of potential,” Mr Dally said.

“There were 15 trucks from as far away as Craigieburn and Whittlesea.”

Thief steals from primary school

The North Central Review

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March 26, 2019

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Romsey Primary School students have a bad taste in their mouths after 60 kilograms of fruit was stolen from its kitchen garden over the March Labor Day weekend.

The garden had an orchard filled with red currants, plums, nectarines, pears and apples that students pick and cook with in home economics to help them learn the importance of ‘farm to table’ cooking.

A team of volunteers help maintain the orchard and allow students to harvest fruit for jams and other products over the winter months.

Kitchen garden volunteer Ellie Parker said she was looking forward to harvesting pears and apples for term two cooking sessions.

“We’re appalled that somebody has stolen the entire crop. The children now have no fruit to cook with,” Ms Parker said.

“The thieves have come in over the long weekend. They would have had to use a trailer and ladders to reach the fruit.”

School volunteer Kylie Grant said the incident seemed too organized for it to be eaten by animals.

“There is a lot of fruit – you can see it wasn’t the birds because there was nothing left on the ground,” she said.

Ms Parker is now calling for donations to help rebuild the orchard and fund a permanent position for the kitchen garden.

“We’re about to put in gravel, mulch and new raised garden beds plus rows of bay trees, olive trees, lemons and of course seasonal crops grown by and for the children,” Ms Parker said.

“It would be great if members of the community could donate to help these children rebuild their kitchen garden.”

For more information on how to donate and upcoming fundraiser events, please call Romsey Primary School on 5429 5099.

Teddy bear picnic all heart

Kids & Youth

The North Central Review

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March 26, 2019

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GISBORNE resident Emma Dwyer has spent nearly a decade raising awareness on children’s heart conditions.

In 2010, her daughter Hannah was born with a complex heart condition and was told that she wouldn’t make it to her first birthday.

Hannah will soon be turning nine, and has lived through four open heart surgeries, 10 cardiac catheters and hundreds of tests at the hospital.

Over the Labour Day weekend, Hannah experienced a stroke that lasted 48 hours – Ms Dwyer counts her blessings that her daughter recovered.

The duo often celebrate HeartKids – an organisation and voice for all people impacted by congenital heart disease – and this year they will be hosting a ‘Teddy Bear Picnic Day’ at Jacksons Creek Reserve in Gisborne on Saturday, April 13.

“Eight children a day are born with heart disease, sadly heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in children under 12 months old,” Ms Dywer said.

“I really want to give something back and help empower, support and educate the community on heart disease.”

The picnic will be from 10am to 4pm and will include teddy bear activities, rides, market stalls, food vans and storytelling time.

All proceeds on the day will be going to HeartKids Australia. For more information visit www.ticketebo.com.au/GisborneTeddyBearPicnic

Recycling robot recognised

The North Central Review

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March 26, 2019

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CITY of Whittlesea students have won a state-wide award for creating a walking school bus robot – an invention that walks students to school and collects organic and food wastefor the school compost bin.

The robot was designed by 12 students who participate in the Makers Club at Mill Park Library each week.

Club coach Edmond Lascaris, who works in council’s waste team, said the group focused on design, electronics and coding.During the school holidays students worked on a project to enter in the Victorian Design Challenge 2019.

“The challenge invites design professionals and students to tackle the great challenges of our time – waste,” he said.

“It aims to inspire impactful and implementable solutions that demonstrate the value of design and creativity as a way to a better future.”

The team came up with the idea of a robot that could not only walk kids to school but would also be able to carry organic and food waste from home to take to school for composting.

Named R3, short for ‘reduce, reuse and recycle, the robot has compartments to transport litter and food waste.

Children will follow the robot and the children will pick up litter and rubbish along their way to school every day.

The team pitched their design to a jury – including the ABC’s War on Waste’s Craig Reucassel – at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of Melbourne Design Week.

The robot won the school student category. Students will receive a one-day tailored learning package at the NGV including talks and an exhibition tour.

Mayor Lawrie Cox said the project was a great example of council partnering with the community and young people to foster creativity and innovation.

“Our young people are not only the key to our future, they offer solutions for now,” he said.

Council painted lines around Mill Park Library to help students with the testing of their robot and have committed to a trial of the Robot Walking School Bus around Plenty Parklands Primary School.

But the group’s dreams don’t end here.

“Our R3 model could easily be implemented in other schools- because as a proof of concept – we designed, built and coded R3 ourselves, just to show how easy it could be,” the group said.

“We are planning to conduct free workshops on how to code and build R3 through schools, libraries and websites and other free community spaces.

“Our Robot Walking School Bus here will help reduce stress for parents all over the world, help reduce the number of suffering wildlife on this planet, reduce amounts of food waste entering landfills, encourage more students to be healthy and active, learn about technology, computer coding and encourage everyone to reduce, reduse and recycle.”

Sweet 35 years for lollipop lady

The North Central Review

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March 26, 2019

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School crossing supervisor Val Bickerton has been helping students in Whittlesea cross the road safely since 1983 in rain, hail and shine.

The Eden Park resident celebrated 35 years of being a crossing supervisor in October and wears her shiny badge proudly.

“I love joking with the kids. It’s a social atmosphere, you talk to the mums and you meet people,” she said.

“The grandmothers walk up to me and say, ‘Are you still here?’.

“Yes it has changed. The school has grown a lot, but it still has the country atmosphere that I love. Whittlesea is good for that.”

Ms Bickerton encouraged people looking for something to fill their days to consider becoming a crossing supervisor.

“I was bored and I wanted something to do,” she said.

“To me it has been fabulous. It’s a really rewarding job. Anyone can do it, if I can, you can.”

The City of Whittlesea has 160 children’s school crossings and 192 school crossing supervisors.

People interested in becoming a school crossing supervisor can call the City of Whittlesea on 9217 2141.

Making a difference in Broadford

News

The North Central Review

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March 20, 2019

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PharmaSave Pharmacy and Love in Action Broadford are collaborating to make a difference in the community this week.

Love in Action Broadford is a group of local people who collect food and toiletries for struggling families.

In celebration of Love in Action week, beginning March 18, the community group is asking people to buy items from the pharmacy at cost price, which can then be given to families who can’t afford them.

“If we can help families with food and toiletries, it means they can put their money towards other things like rent,” Love in Action member Barb Radford said.“The key thing is Broadford people looking after the Broadford community.

We collect food and toiletries from the Broadford community to give to those in Broadford who are struggling,” she said.

PharmaSave pharmacist Paul Halabi said his team was happy to support the cause and were honoured to be part of it.

“We’re proud to be able to re-introduce this wonderful program to the community.

I think it’s very worthwhile and we’re very supportive of it,” PharmaSave manager Mel Brereton said.

To donate or find out more, visit the Love in Action Broadford Facebook page, or visit PharmaSave pharmacy in Broadford.

Tough ask for Laurimar in decider

The North Central Review

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March 20, 2019

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By Jackson Russell

LAURIMAR Cricket Club is facing an uphill battle after day one of its Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield grand final against Research Eltham Collegians.

Playing down the road at Waterview Recreation Reserve in Mernda on Saturday, the Power were sent into bat by the Collegians and bowled out for 145 after 64.5 overs.

A rough start saw Laurimar fall to 2/23 early, with the wickets captain Jake Zerella and Daniel Roberts both taken by Jack Sassella on his way to a team-best 4/40.

Opener Ashley Williams and Andrew Nicholls were able to stem the bleeding, albeit slightly, before Williams also fell victim to Sassella, caught behind for 21.

Nicholls took on the bulk of the scoring, leading the side with 27 and putting on a 32-run partnership with Rian Boddy (9) before both were also caught behind in quick succession to have Laurimar 5/73.

Collegians wicketkeeper Dale Lander had the safest hands in the match, taking six catches.

Wickets fell with regularity through Laurimar’s middle order, with the side 8/106 before Steven Mitchell (21) and Michael Peters (10) put on 23 runs.

Tailender Chris Marienfeld chipped in with 13 before his wicket was the last to fall.

With 15 overs left in the day, Research Eltham Collegians were able to make 53 without loss before stumps.

Lander followed up on his great innings behind the stumps with 35 not out.

Laurimar captain Jake Zerella said while his side got off to a rocky start, the lower order batted well.

“We batted pretty well through the lower order to get to 145 and give ourselves a shot,” he said.

“Steven Mitchell did a really good job with the bat to help get us to that total. Obviously it’s not the best spot to be in and it’s going to be a pretty tough job from here to get the win, but we’ll see what we can do anyway.”

Despite having a relatively small total to defend, Zerella said he would back his bowlers in.

“We’ve definitely got the bowlers to get the job done. We’ve got a good bowling line-up and with our spinners, we’ve got the line-up to be able to run through a side,” he said.

“We’re by no means out of it and it’ll be a tough task but I’ll back the boys in to do it.”

Research Eltham Collegians 0/53 (D Lander 35)
v Laurimar 145 (AJ Nicholls 27; J Sassella 4/40, J Turner 3/26, SR Velagala 2/14)

Big step up for Pacers

The North Central Review

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March 20, 2019

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By Jackson Russell

WHITTLESEA Pacers’ women were unable to get the win in their first Big V State Basketball Championship game, going down to McKinnon Cougars 84-67 at home.

The Pacers started hot, taking a six-point lead into the first break but the Cougars came back firing with a 24-8 second quarter to take a 39-29 lead into the half.

McKinnon stretched the lead with a 23-15 third period, putting the game out of the Pacers’ reach.

Whittlesea’s shooting let them down, going 27-80 (.337) from the field and 3-14 (.214) from three.

The Pacers were reliant on their new imports, with Dani Reinwald leading the team with 27 points, a massive 21 rebounds and two assists while Rachel Bell played all 40 minutes and had 24 points and 11 rebounds.

No other Pacers had more than six points, but Caitlyn McLeod moved the ball well with eight assists.

They did their best to contain McKinnon forward Emma Pearce who had 31 points and 14 rebounds.

Coach Damon Lowery said it was a step up for the Pacers’ reconstructed roster.

“I was really happy with their effort and at one stage, we had a 12 point lead. The imports have only been in the country for six days so we were all a bit underdone but I was really happy with effort of the group,” he said.

“Dani’s got the work rate of two people, I couldn’t believe it, her energy is just so high. Rachel playing the whole game was great too. I played as an import once and we don’t fly them out to sit on the bench. They’ve only been in the country six day so they’re only going to get better.

“Caitlyn McLeod had eight assists, I was rapt for her. Aaliyah Cordova, she’s the baby of the team at 17 years old, she went out there and played and competed on the defensive end. They’re the future of the club so I couldn’t be more proud.”

Whittlesea’s rushed preparation costly

The North Central Review

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March 20, 2019

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By Jackson Russell

WHITTLESEA Pacers’ men started off the new Big V Division One basketball season with a 93-79 loss to Shepparton Gators at home on Saturday night.

Whittlesea led just once in the game midway through the first period, before Shepparton went on a 10-2 run to lead by eight.

A 28-18 second quarter stretched the lead to 21 at the half and Shepparton carried its momentum through the half-time break with a 27-19 third period giving the Gators a 79-53 lead at three-quarter time.

The Pacers stuck with it and ate into the lead in the fourth, but it was too much.

Judson Seumanu led the Pacers with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists while new import Hakeem Simon had 11 points and five rebounds.

Jayce Beasley also chipped in with 14 points and eight rebounds.

Whittlesea’s shooting let them down, going 28-81 (.346) from the field and 7-20 (.350) from three-point range.

Coach Brian Vaughns said his side was out of sync after Simon only started training with the team on Thursday.

“Implementing Hakeem into our scheme on two days’ notice, we were out of sync for most of the game,” he said.

“Guys were trying to figure out how best to play with him and get that continuity. As a coach, I was trying to figure out the best way to get him involved.

“For the moist part, I was pleased with what we were able to accomplish even though we didn’t shoot the ball well. Shepparton shot the ball well, they got a lot of good looks and hit a lot of open perimeter shots.

“We were down 30 at one point and managed to get that back to 14. They didn’t take their foot off the pedal, so for us to come back was a good sign.”

Panthers women struggle in opening game

The North Central Review

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March 20, 2019

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By Jackson Russell

WALLAN Panthers’ women were blown out by the Sherbrooke Suns 89-62 in their first Big V Division Two fixture.

New recruit Carly Simons was the only Panther to reach double figures with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while captain Jayda Hunter had nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Wallan struggled to contain Sherbrook captain Rebecca Jones, who had a game-high 25 points.

While Sherbrooke got off to a strong start, Wallan was able to pull them back with a 22-15 second quarter to have a 35-33 lead at half-time.

The second half was all Sherbrooke, as the Suns put on 25 in the third and 31 points in the fourth period to run away with the win.

Turnovers were a killer for the Panthers, as Sherbrooke racked up 19 steals and scored 30 points from Wallan’s 31 turnovers.

Wallan coach Warren Taylor said the team probably wasn’t prepared for the physicality and pace of Sherbrooke.

“Sherbrook did a fantastic job of denying us, they pressed the whole game and that’s not something you see every day,” he said.

“We were down early and got ourselves back in front, played a solid second quarter and got some momentum but at half-time, Sherbrooke was able to regroup and blew us away again.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t get into our offence or get to the spots we wanted to get the ball. When we did, we looked good but we were just outpaced, outmuscled and outhustled so we never really got our flow.

“We had a couple good individual performances, Jayda was good, Carly was great. Megan Marasco was great off the bench and gave us a real spark and Maddison Delbridge, who missed most of the season with illness, was asked for more than I expected of her and she really stood up.”