Sparse games for DVCA

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December 9, 2025

THERE was very little luck for cricketers hoping to take the field on Saturday, with rain washing away a large portion of games in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

Laurimar’s Mash Shield clash against South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve will be converted into a one-dayer, as will Mernda’s clash against Greensborough in Money Shield.

Indeed, all of Laurimar and Mernda’s two-day games have now been converted into one-dayers due to the rain.

Of South Morang’s two-day teams, just one game went ahead, with the second XI taking to the field against Eltham.

The Lions had a tricky day out in the field as the Panthers made 8/223, with Prageeth Hewa Pothuwilage taking 2/25, Jaskaran Singh 2/29 and Matthew Kiriakopoulos 2/44, meaning the Lions will have to put in a big shift next week to chase the target down.

Whittlesea’s first XI wound up taking to AF Walker Reserve against Greensborough, and it was a productive day for the Eagles as they held the Boro to 9/178.

Kevin Satharasinghege Don was the star of the show as he took 6/48, cutting through Greensborough’s batting lineup.

In the lower grades, all of Laurimar and Mernda’s games were abandoned, as was Whittlesea’s second XI.

South Morang’s fifth XI took to the park against Lower Plenty, and got the job done easily, winning by seven wickets.

Aamer Abbas tore through Lower’s lineup, taking 5/15, while Connor Jamieson was a handy sidekick, taking 3/27.

The sixth XI also had a run on the synthetic wicket at Mill Park Lakes Reserve against Panton Hill, taking a 33-run victory.

It was all Adi Sharma’s doing as he performed strongly with both bat and ball – firstly scoring 51 runs to anchor the Lions to 8/135, before taking 2/33 to help restrict the Redbacks to 3/12.

Nick Perry led the way for the Lions in taking 3/12.

The Lions was also the sole local representative in the North Metro Cricket Association women’s finals, with their division one team taking on Heidelberg.

However, the Lions were outpointed on the day, and bow out in the semi-final stage, losing by nine wickets.

Emma Leatham was the anchor for the Lions as she scored 33 runs, but Heidelberg proved too strong with both bat and ball as they chased down the Lions 85 with ease.

The DVCA continues on with two more rounds remaining until Christmas.

Robinson snares double gold

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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LOCAL Broadford runner Poppy Robinson has set the athletics scene alight in Australia recently, coming to Canberra and scoring a new Victorian record for the under 12 100m and 200m races in the School Sports Australia national track and field championships.

Held in Canberra from November 27 to November 30, Broadford Primary School’s Robinson ran with elite consistency from start to finish to claim two gold medals, an incredible achievement, cementing herself as arguably Australia’s fastest female primary school runner and a star to watch in the future.

The 100m heats saw Robinson qualify fastest by 0.13 seconds, running a 12.4 in the first heat, raising expectations.

Robinson was up to the task in the final with Queensland’s Alexa Gillon pushing her all the way, but in the end, it was a new personal best for Robinson, who ran a 12.3, taking one tenth out of her heat time to win the gold medal.

The times represented an improvement on the Victorian championships recently, where she had broken the Victorian record by running 12.52.

However, it was the 200m race, where Robinson completely blitzed the field, which made people stand up and take notice.

Robinson was 0.12 quicker than any runner in the heats with a lower wind co-efficient, running 26.22.

With the same wind co-efficient of 0.5 in the final, Robinson completely blindsided the field with an incredible run, again claiming a Victorian record time of 25.53 to win by 0.48 from New South Welshman Annika Kumar, and claiming a second gold medal.

The time was 0.42 quicker than the time she had run in the Victorian championships – again, then a state record, with a time of 25.95.

Robinson’s final medal saw her compete in the final of the 4×100 metre relay, running the anchor leg. Despite giving it her all, herself and teammates Zoe Strangis, Mackenzie Duddy and Amelia Miskell would have to settle for third, finishing 1.11 seconds behind eventual winners Queensland.

Robinson’s mother, Skye Bryans, said it was a significant achievement that reflected the hard work she had put in during the school sports circuit.

“She was fit, and did some trials, but her times were still reflective of where they were last year, but then we went to Bali for a couple of weeks, but then we came back and she did school district, and her times were starting to improve a lot, so the break did her good,” she said.

“She’s improved every time she has run, so I think that’s an indicator that she’s grown a lot over the last couple months, so she has gotten stronger and she’s very determined.

“She works hard. She’s back into training now and she’s a determined little girl who does a lot of training on grass. It is overwhelming going to some of these events, you are up against private school kids who have a coaching team around them, and there’s little old us from country Victoria.

“Hopefully it inspires other little kids that being against the odds sometimes, they can achieve awesome things. Broadford Primary School has got behind her and the kids look up to her, so it’s pretty cool for our community.”

Vic budget update raises questions

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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THE State Government is talking up Victoria’s economic strength following the release of its latest budget update release last Friday, highlighting modest improvements in the bottom line, strong jobs growth and record business investment. But economists caution that the broader fiscal picture remains far more complex than the government suggests.

Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said the update confirms Victoria is “on track” to meet its five-step fiscal strategy, with an operating surplus of $0.7 billion forecast for 2025–26, about $100 million better than predicted in May. The state has also recorded three consecutive operating cash surpluses, including $3.2 billion in 2024–25 and a projected $6.1 billion by 2028–29.

Net debt is expected to fall to 24.9 per cent of Gross State Product over the forward estimates, with total debt now forecast to be $1.4 billion lower than previously projected.

According to Ms Symes, these figures demonstrate that the government’s fiscal repair plan is working.

However, the Budget Update has been overshadowed by the fallout from the Silver Review, which will cut around 1000 public sector jobs.

Ms Symes maintains the reduction will not affect frontline services, arguing the review targets duplication and inefficiency. But economists warn the job losses sit awkwardly alongside the government’s narrative of strong employment growth, and may raise questions about the sustainability of current labour-market strength.

The tension between the government’s upbeat messaging and the job cuts reflects the deeper structural pressures still shaping Victoria’s finances. While the state is forecasting a return to surplus, analysts note that large-scale capital projects, including the Metro Tunnel and the West Gate Tunnel, continue to place significant strain on the overall budget position. Debt remains high by historical standards and will require ongoing economic momentum to stabilise.

Despite those concerns, the government can point to several robust economic indicators. Business investment has grown faster in Victoria than in any other state over the past three years, with national accounts data showing a 3.6 per cent jump in the September quarter, the strongest rise in more than two years.

The labour market remains one of the state’s most reliable strengths: Victoria has added more than 300,000 jobs over three years, and employment is forecast to grow by 1.25 per cent this year. Unemployment sits at 4.7 per cent, below long-term averages, with participation near record highs.

The update also includes changes to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, freezing the variable rate for primary production land and delaying adjustments affecting investment properties by 12 months.

While Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Symes insist the update confirms a “strong, resilient” economy, analysts say the true test will come as Victoria works to reduce debt after a decade of major infrastructure spending and pandemic-era borrowing.

Answers sought over health funds

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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THE Department of Health is under pressure to respond to allegations that it instructed Seymour Health to draw from unallocated funds, including money set aside for staff leave entitlements in a bid to reduce its operating deficit.

The claim was aired during Seymour Health’s annual general meeting, which was open to the public, on December 1. The allegation was revealed by The Age after it received audio from a community member who recorded the meeting.

The Age reports that in the recording, Seymour Health’s finance, risk and audit committee chair Laura Jeffery said the hospital recorded a $1.3 million deficit in the 2024/25 financial year after reporting an “approximately balanced budget” the year before.

Ms Jeffery went on to say that the deficit was due to higher staffing costs after vacant positions at the hospital were filled, and that while the hospital had in place a financial performance improvement plan, “the big headline is we’ve had insufficient funding from the Department of Health”.

“Moreover, they’ve explicitly advised us that we’re required to fund our deficit through draw-down, or use of our untied funds,” Ms Jeffery said in the recording.

“I wanted to convert this into plain language: untied funds, as the Department of Health’s definition, include funds that we’ve set aside for staff and employee liabilities, like annual leave, sick leave, long-service entitlements.”

Audience members reportedly expressed concern about whether the health service would be able to meet future leave obligations, particularly in the event of natural disasters, given that Seymour has experienced significant flooding in recent years.

The matter has also since drawn political reaction, with Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland describing the situation as “deeply alarming for regional patients and health workers”.

In a statement, Ms Cleeland said the allegations confirmed fears “that Labor’s health funding failures are now being pushed directly onto hospitals and their staff”.

“These are not spare funds. These entitlements belong to nurses, doctors and healthcare workers who have earned them,” she said.

“Using them to prop up Labor’s broken budget is completely unacceptable.”

Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier said the allegations highlighted a wider crisis across the state’s health system.

“This Government can deny it all it likes, but the reality is hospitals are under extreme pressure, and this situation at Seymour Health is a warning sign for what may be happening right across the state,” she said.

“We want to know how widespread this practice is, how many hospitals are in the same position at Seymour and exactly what services are now at risk because Labor will not properly fund our health system.”

Due to publishing deadlines, Seymour Health and the Department of Health did not respond to comment requests in time for publication. The digital version of this article will be updated if the North Central Review receives further responses.

Seymour Health has since responded to our request for comment. Their response is noted below:

“Hospitals Victoria did not provide any guidance or directive to indicate that employee entitlements are tied funds,” they said.

“There has been no change to the way hospitals treat employee entitlements.

“Seymour Health has since confirmed that they ‘can and will meet any and all obligations related to the payment of staff entitlements and that there is zero risk that staff superannuation, annual leave, ADO and/or LSL payments will not be made as they come due.’

“Of Victoria’s 76 public hospitals, Seymour Health was the only health service to request a letter of comfort related to untied funds and debt in 2025-26.

“There has been no change to the treatment of employee entitlements and the reporting or forecast cashflow where tied funds are reported.

“Hospital Victoria monitors cash and the Statement of Priorities operating result closely, partnering with each health service to ensure appropriate use of Victorian Government funds, ensuring all obligations are met and care to Victorians is delivered by the world class health care system.”

Happy 100th Joyce

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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IT WAS joy all round as well-known Whittlesea local Joyce Downie celebrated her 100th birthday with her extended family and friends.

The icing on the cake was the big surprise party organised by her family to mark the milestone at her beloved Whittlesea Bowling Club on Sunday.

Still living independently in Whittlesea, the secret of Mrs Downie’s rich long life is her devotion to her close-knit family, staying active with community work and having lifetime hobbies, and a good social circle playing bowls.

Mrs Downie has had a rich imprint on the Whittlesea community. She has been an integral part of Whittlesea Agricultural Society.

She has been an active member of the Whittlesea Bowling Club, walking and garden groups, Probus Club, church choir, arranging flowers for church, and a life member of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, working in the needlework section.

Named Erica Joyce Downie, she was born in Croydon and moved to a farm on the outskirts of Whittlesea after her marriage to Jack Downie in 1946. They shifted to Whittlesea in 1993 due to Jack’s illness. He died in 1998.

About her long life, Mrs Downie is happy to share the secret: “Living on a farm (on the outskirts of Whittlesea) with plenty of fresh air and sunshine, eating fresh home-grown meat and vegetables.

“I always kept very active on the farm helping my husband with day-to-day chores, milking, fencing, chopping wood, gardening and caring for the children.”

About her likes and hobbies, she singles out gardening and floral arrangements, sewing and knitting, making all her children’s clothes, even their underwear, and playing lawn bowls.

About the big changes she has seen over the years, Mrs Downie singles out her father delivering bread in a horse and cart. She also recalls trips on a steam train from her previous home in Preston to Whittlesea, chopping wood to heat water in a copper pot for bathing and washing clothes and dishes.

She lived without power on the farm on Whittlesea outskirts for 14 years until the area had electricity in 1960.

Mrs Downie also has vivid memories of ironing her family members’ clothes with a flat iron, heated up on top of a wood stove. She used ration coupons to purchase material to make her wedding dress.

A life full of hard work, with the Downies living on a farm on the Whittlesea outskirts, she started milking eight cows by hand and built the herd up over the years. She later milked 40 cows with milking machines.

“Selling cream was our main source of income. Our income was also supplemented with the running of sheep and pigs.

Before her marriage, she worked as a dressmaker and got married at 20 years old. Her first child, Tricia, was born in 1947.

Mrs Downie has four children – Tricia Pritchard, Rhonda Austin. who now lives in Colorado, USA, John Downie and Linda Apap. She has nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Mrs Downie never tires of sharing her favourite life maxim with all people she knows: “Always be kind to others”.

All staff at North Central Review and Whittlesea Review join all family and friends, saying: Happy birthday Joyce.

Interchange works ramp up

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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THE long-awaited transformation of Wallan’s key entry point to the Hume Freeway is officially under way, with preparations for the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade progressing steadily ahead of major construction in early 2026.

The $175 million project, set to significantly improve traffic flow and safety, will deliver a new diamond interchange featuring additional freeway access for motorists travelling north towards Wallan and south towards Melbourne. Signalised intersections on either side of the interchange will complete the upgrade, aiming to reduce congestion and streamline movement through one of the region’s busiest pinch points.

Recent community information sessions drew hundreds of locals eager for updates and reassurance that long-standing traffic frustrations may soon ease. Many pointed to the growing pressures on the Northern Highway, describing peak-hour delays as increasingly unsustainable for a town expanding as rapidly as Wallan.

Residents from Wallara Waters, one of Wallan’s largest newer estates, were among those welcoming the project.

“The upgrade means I won’t need to cross the bridge to travel into the city, which will save me time during peak hour,” one resident said, echoing a widespread sentiment of relief.

The upgrade is being delivered by Winslow Constructors, one of Australia’s largest civil contractors with extensive experience in major road and infrastructure projects across Victoria.

Winslow has now begun establishing its site compound in Wallan, marking a significant step in transitioning from planning to on-ground preparation. The company is known for managing complex builds under tight timelines and for engaging local subcontractors, an approach that has already been positively received by the business community.

Early works have been progressing since August 2025, when site investigations commenced. Major construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, signalling the start of a major infrastructure overhaul set to reshape how thousands of commuters access the Hume Freeway each day.

Sense of belonging

Ruddin Ardzi

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December 9, 2025

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ARTISTS across the City of Whittlesea are being encouraged to step forward and showcase their talents, with the much-loved annual Art Exhibition returning once again to shine a spotlight on creativity.

This year’s theme, Belong, invites creators of all ages and experience to reflect on what it means to feel connected to people, place, and community. Whether inspired by family, friendship, shared culture, or the landscape around us, artists are encouraged to explore how belonging shapes our lives and brings us together.

Open to everyone from seasoned professionals to first-time exhibitors, the event embraces artworks in any medium – from painting and sculpture to digital creations and imaginative mixed-media pieces. The message is simple: if you have a story to tell, this is your moment to shine.

Reigning 2025 Art Award winner Ildiko Kormanyos said taking part is a rewarding and inclusive experience.

“I’m very happy to participate in the exhibition. I love it because anyone can be involved,” she said.

The City of Whittlesea Art Exhibition has been running for more than two decades and continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s creative culture, offering locals the chance to connect, inspire one another, and celebrate artistic expression.

Expressions of Interest are now open and must be submitted by 5pm, Monday. March 15, 2026.

Selected artworks will go on public display at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, from Saturday May 2 to Wednesday May 27.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Lawrie Cox, said the exhibition captures the essence of community spirit.

“Belonging is at the heart of our community, and this exhibition is a powerful reminder that creativity brings people together. I encourage all local artists to share their stories and celebrate what connects us.

“This exhibition has played an important part in our creative community for more than 20 years, and each year it continues to inspire. I look forward to seeing the diverse and meaningful ways our artists explore the theme of Belong and reflect the spirit of the City of Whittlesea,” Cr Cox said.

For full details and to apply, visit the Art Exhibition event page on the City of Whittlesea website.

Christmas choir for Probus

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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THE Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea celebrated the festive season in grand style at its recent Christmas meeting, welcoming the internationally acclaimed Melbourne Lithuanian Choir Dainos Samburis for a special performance that left members deeply moved.

Thirteen of the choir’s 24 singers made the journey to the Whittlesea Bowls Club, arriving with their piano, traditional Lithuanian costumes and an abundance of enthusiasm. The Bowling Club prepared a separate dressing room and increased seating capacity to accommodate the special occasion, reflecting the excitement surrounding the visit.

Formed in 1949, Dainos Samburis is now in its 76th year and remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Lithuanian community. Based at Lithuanian House in North Melbourne, the choir regularly performs at national and cultural commemorations, as well as festivals across Australia and abroad. Their history includes performances in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Poland, and multiple appearances at Lithuania’s iconic Song Festivals — most recently in 2024.

As the choir entered the meeting room resplendent in traditional dress, an audible ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd. What followed was a unique multilingual concert featuring Lithuanian, English, Latin and German pieces. The six-song program included Silent Night, Christmas Hallelujah, Aussie Jingle Bells, and other carols reflecting the joy, reverence and cultural richness of Christmas.

Audience members, many with musical backgrounds, watched intently as conductor Birutė guided the choir through each piece, sharing stories about the songs’ origins and the choir’s long-standing traditions. The blend of voices, languages and festive sentiment made the performance a standout moment for all in attendance.

The meeting concluded with heartfelt applause before members made their way to their annual Christmas dinner and the choir returned to their everyday routines.

For the Probus Club, the opportunity to host a choir of such calibre, donating their time purely for the joy of sharing music, was considered a true Christmas gift — one that will be fondly remembered for years to come.

Dumping blitz

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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THE City of Whittlesea is sending a firm message to anyone considering illegally dumping rubbish: you will be caught, and you will face significant consequences.

Council has intensified its targeted patrols, surveillance operations and enforcement activities, with recent cases demonstrating that offenders are increasingly being tracked, identified and fined. The Victorian Government’s recent $21.5 million investment in the state’s Illegal Dumping Taskforce is expected to further boost these efforts, and the City of Whittlesea has welcomed the funding as a strong step toward a long-term state-wide approach.

Council is also urging the Victorian Government to strengthen laws so that penalties for illegal dumping are tougher and act as a greater deterrent.

Recent investigations highlight the effectiveness of Council’s approach. In Wollert, illegal dumping across three separate sites was traced back to the same offender using CCTV footage, community reports and a well-timed photo from a local resident. The result: fines totalling $3,555.

In another case, Council cameras captured a person dumping rubbish from a vehicle onto a nature strip and roadway. The registered owner of the vehicle failed to respond to a Waste Information Gathering Notice, leading to a $407 infringement for failing to respond and a further $1,221 penalty for illegal dumping. Council says the case highlights that both drivers and vehicle owners can be held responsible.

A third incident involved e-waste, a bike frame and furniture panels abandoned inside a Mernda bus shelter. The same items had been previously sighted on a nearby property. After the offenders ignored a Waste Abatement Notice requiring them to remove the rubbish, Council issued two infringements of $1,221, one for the dumping itself and another for failing to comply.

Between July and October 2025, Council investigated 681 reports of dumped rubbish, issued more than 200 compliance notices and directions, handed out 80 infringements under the Environment Protection Act 2020 and Community Local Law totalling $107,823 in fines, and completed 10 prosecutions in the 12 months to May 2025, resulting in a further $22,202 in fines.

Council continues to remind residents that illegal dumping costs the whole community — yet disposing of unwanted items responsibly can often be done for free or at low cost. Waste vouchers, community recycling stations, repair and reuse programs and Council’s online A–Z recycling guide all provide simple alternatives to dumping.

Community reports remain crucial. Residents can report dumped rubbish through Snap Send Solve, at whittlesea.vic.gov.au/litter, or by calling 9217 2170.

Club marks a milestone year

The North Central Review

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December 9, 2025

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THE Whittlesea VIEW Club has capped off a remarkable year of achievement, generosity and community connection, celebrating with a festive Christmas lunch at Hogan’s Hotel in Wallan.

The highlight of the day was the presentation of a $650 cheque by Hogan’s Hotel managers Jess and Darren Freestone, donated on behalf of hotel owner Jim Hogan.

The club says the contribution will go directly toward supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, which provides vital educational assistance to disadvantaged children.

For a club that is just two years old, Whittlesea VIEW has punched well above its weight. Formed with modest expectations, the club now proudly sponsors eight children through The Smith Family, an extraordinary achievement in such a short time.

“Two years in, who would have thought our little club would excel like this? Supporting eight children is something we are incredibly proud of,” President Julie Burgess said.

VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is a national women’s volunteer organisation with more than 15,000 members across Australia. Its mission is to exclusively support The Smith Family in improving educational outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.

Throughout 2025, the Whittlesea branch has been especially active, building a strong, supportive network where women come together to enjoy social activities, hear engaging speakers, develop skills, foster friendships and unite around their shared purpose of helping Australian children in need.

This year also saw the club celebrate its second birthday in style at the Epping RSL, where 68 women — including visitors from VIEW Clubs in Heidelberg, Greensborough, Eltham Evening and Epping Plenty Valley, enjoyed an afternoon of fun, friendship and colour.

With momentum growing and membership thriving, the club is looking forward to another year of empowering women and supporting children through education.

Whittlesea VIEW Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Whittlesea Bowls Club, 10.10am for a 10.30am start, with a guest speaker at every meeting. New members are always welcome.