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Kilmore’s new gateway

Ian Blyth
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Kilmore’s new gateway

KILMORE looks set to receive a retail boost if a town planning application to develop land at the corner of Clark Street and the Northern Highway is approved.

If approved the project – known as Kilmore Gateway – will see the construction of a Woolworth’s supermarket, 12 specialty shops and a medical centre on the 1.8 hectare site.
Council is presently acting on an application from specialist retail developer, Lascorp and is seeking ministerial authorisation to prepare a planning scheme amendment that will change the designation of the land from industrial to commercial to enable the project to go ahead.

The decision to seek ministerial approval was made at a special meeting of council held on January 29.

If ministerial approval is received the project will kick start the consultation phase that will see council and the community consider the proposed project at the same time. It is believed that a call for submissions from the community will be open for a month.

The consultation phase will see the project placed on public exhibition to seek the views of the community and relevant referral authorities.

Public exhibition will include sending notices to the land owners and occupiers for surrounding properties, advertising in the North Central Review and on council’s website. Hard copies of the project will be available for public inspection during opening hours at the Kilmore Library, Broadford customer service centre and the Wallan planning office.

Many see the Kilmore Gateway as a logical addition to the development at the northern end of town that is developing into a supermarket and retail precinct, enabling the southern end of Sydney Street to develop the character of the old town centred on the Mill Street Mall.

The long-awaited pedestrian bridge over the Kilmore creek may also receive a boost with Lascorp discussing with council a potential contribution towards the construction of the bridge.

The bridge has been identified as vital to servicing the Kilmore caravan park, businesses to the north of the creek and a future residential neighbourhood.

In late 2016 council received a petition asking that it support a footpath and footbridge from the Kilmore caravan park to Clark Street Kilmore. The petition contained 77 signatories.

There have long been safety concerns associated with pedestrians crossing the existing road bridge to access the Kilmore township.

The Kilmore Gateway project will see pedestrian footpaths fronting Kilmore Creek, Clarke Street and the Northern Highway, parking for 256 cars, ‘left in and left out’ access to the Northern Highway and full access from Clark Street.

Op Shop set to close its doors

The North Central Review
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Op Shop set to close its doors

THE workers in Romsey’s Op Shop on Main Street are ‘shocked’ after their lease was not renewed.

It is believed that the owner has deemed the building unsafe and will seek to have it demolished.

Eileen Lever, one of the shop’s workers, said she was sad to see the Op Shop close, a shop which has helped support drug and rehabilitation programs.

“I couldn’t believe it when the lease wasn’t renewed. What can we do?” she told The Free Press.”

“It is sad for the people who can’t afford to cloth and look after themselves. Our proceeds go to drug rehabilitation and those programs were always been our main focus.”

“It is just sad really. You are sad you can’t get involved in the community and help people. A lot of the people are shocked.”

The Op Shop workers said they were not sure if they were able to start up again at another venue due to the price of rent.

Ms Lever said of the properties available, she could not see a way they could afford to start again soon. Hopefully an affordable building inthe area will become available.

“Right now there are no shops available for us and we wouldn’t be able to afford ones that are on the market,” she said.

“Where is everything going to go? We have helped recycle this stuff for the past seven years.

“We get overloaded on a Monday, so now people might take their stuff to the tip.”

The last post

The North Central Review
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The last post

By Brooke Haffenden

FOR Gwenda and Ross White the relocation of the Whittlesea Post Office signals a new era. After 48 years of dedication and hard work, the husband and wife team will be doing the last mail call next week when new Whittlesea Post Office owners Andrew and Sneh Schie pick up the post bag.

For nearly five decades, Gwenda and Ross have ensured that residents were provided with much more than an efficient mail service. Customer service and going the extra mile is important to both Gwenda and Ross but after nearly half a century they have decided to take a well-earned break and have sold the business.

It has been a big year for the Whites who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December and their 50th anniversary with Australia Post in January.

Reaching their 48th year in Whittlesea, Gwenda and Ross decided it was time to hang up the mailbag and enjoy a well-deserved retirement, travelling and spending time with their three grandchildren.

“First of all we would like to go on a cruise, we’ll just start on the small cruise first and see how we travel and then we’ll take it from there,” Gwenda said.

Gwenda and Ross took over the Whittlesea Post Office in 1970. They had previously owned the post office in Apsley South Australia where they were for 20 months and then they worked at the mail centre for four months.

Ross’ grandmother had heard through an old school friend that the couple in Whittlesea were retiring and through their connection they were able to meet the previous Whittlesea Post Office owners who approved of Gwenda and Ross taking over the business.

OVER the years there have been small changes but Gwenda and Ross White have tried to keep the post office as close to the original as they could. Just recently the post office, which is 95 years old, was granted a heritage listing status and is up for sale.

Gwenda explained that her and Ross also differentiated their post office by doing everything the traditional way.

Gwenda and Ross thanked everyone for their support and said they will miss the people of Whittlesea.

“(Our fondest memories) are the people,” they said.

“We’ve seen three generations. Just sharing peoples joy and their sorrows… Your customers become family to you, you’ve known them since they were kids, and growing up and having babies themselves.

“We’ll miss the people because it’s like part of your family. We watched their children, from babies going off to school.

“There have been a lot of memories, a lot of funny memories.

“Thank you to everyone for all their support over the years and we’ll miss you, and we’ll be around so we’ll catch up for coffees.”

Many local residents have said they will dearly miss Gwenda and Ross. Trish Wileman of Hairy Cherubs told the Whittlesea Review that the Whites have been an integral part of the community.

“They’re like Whittlesea icons. They’ve watched families grow from young to old – that’s pretty special,” she said.

“They’ve been beautiful people… They are Whittlesea.”

Over the past couple of week’s Gwenda and Ross have been helping the new owners and said they will continue to provide support where needed.

Andrew and Sneh Schie thanked Gwenda and Ross for all their support and said they were excited about opening the new post at Shop 1, 66 Church Street, Whittlesea.

“We look forward to being able to serve the community and we want to assimilate and become part of the community as a whole. Our ambition is to move up here and become a greater part of the community,” Andrew said.

Broadflooded

The North Central Review
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Broadflooded

By Joshua Wells

THE residents of an estate in Broadford have pleaded with the Mitchell Shire Council to change the drainage system before they become inundated with flooding.

The action group formed after two rapid water events swept through parts of Casey Crescent and Kearns Court without a significant downpour which typically brings floods.

The first meeting of the Casey/Kearns/Donaldson Flooding Action Group was attended by Mitchell Shire councillor Anne Goble who promised the 20-person strong group action would be taken soon.

According to residents, the problems have come about because houses and roads are being constructed on Reservoir Road, Broadford, which is generating stronger flows down toward the affect estate.

Previously the ground was a paddock allowing rain water to seep into the ground.

The group’s spokesperson, Darren Gray, said the drains had to be upgraded immediately.

“We need a new open drain or a pipe drain from the point it enters in our estate to the creek to divert the water away from us. I have lived here eight years and never seen this much water come through,” he said.

Since the meeting Mitchell Shire Council CEO. David Turnbull, has advised the North Central Review of the actions council is taking on the matter.

Check out the North Central Review, Whittlesea Review and The Free Press for more.

Premium Home in the Dress Circle of Kilmore

The North Central Review
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Premium Home in the Dress Circle of Kilmore

10 Bindley Court Kilmore

Opulence and grandeur take center stage in this spectacular Englehart designed home. Be enthralled by the extravagant proportions and five-star quality of this stately four bedroom home on 5 acres (approx.), zoned LDRZ, in the best court address of Kilmore.

This home has a luxurious quality and feel:

Emporite front doors filled with French glass lead to the formal lounge and formal dining room, both with Brinton English carpets. The master bedroom is a delight in itself, large and light-filled, flowing through to a luxurious bathroom and walk-in-robe. Three further double bedrooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows, have magnificent views of the gardens and gives one that country feel. The kitchen exudes quality, with Blackwood timber cabinets, granite bench tops and a spacious butler’s pantry. The adjoining lounge and meals area is ideal for entertaining which seamlessly flow out to a huge sun-sail covered external BBQ/entertaining area, as is the adjacent billiards room with wet bar. A large insulated & temperature-controlled wine cellar with individually carved bottle racks, is an excellent feature for the finer tastes in life. For the home/professional duties, a well proportioned study is at hand and a three car garage at the house is spacious and gives proper width for easy access.

The beautifully presented low-maintenance gardens have a very gentle slope leading to the barn which can accommodate around 12 cars or other equipment and a tack room and has the convenience of 3-phase power. A very long list of premium features includes double glazed windows on the south side, ducted heating and cooling, alarm system, external security lighting, a real-flame log fire in the formal living, a fully automatic irrigation system, and a 40,000L rainwater tank which is topped up automatically by the on-site bore.

The location of Bindley Court is sought after as it is quiet, very family friendly, and is serviced by the local school buses (which stop outside) and is only a short drive to the local shops and other facilities. Kilmore has always been known for its quality of life and the affluent horse racing community. Rarely does one find an opportunity to purchase such a property in Kilmore. Inspection is a must.

To be auctioned, if not sold before.

Photo ID required for inspections.

General Features

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1.99ha (4.93 acres) (approx)
  • Ensuite
  • 4 Living Areas
  • Built-in Wardrobes
  • Dishwasher
  • Air Conditioning
  • 1 Carport Spaces
  • 15 Garage Spaces
  • Outdoor Entertaining Area

Open for Inspection Times

  • Sat 3 Feb 11:00AM – 11:30AM
  • Sat 17 Feb 11:00AM – 11:30AM
  • Sat 3 Mar 11:00AM – 11:30AM
  • Sat 10 Mar 11:00AM – 11:30AM

max brown lgo

Seymour College receives more than $6 million

The North Central Review
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Seymour College receives more than $6 million

SEYMOUR College has reason to celebrate following the announcement they will receive more than $6 million in state government funding for a redevelopment of the school’s facilities on Friday afternoon.

The Victorian government have allocated $2.5 billion toward upgrading school infrastructure across the state, allowing the Mitchell Shire school to reap the rewards.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the money could have wider economic implications for the region.

“I think, along with this funding, there are some really exciting things for Seymour,” she told North Central Review.

“We have new business coming to the town, we are looking at future proofing the town and I think this is an important step to revitalising Seymour.

“Fixing the school is going to make a great deal of difference. You have passionate teachers committed to educational outcomes and the facilities send a message to the kids that we don’t care, so once they realise we do care, they can learn better in those environments.”

The $6.88 million project includes a new building for the school’s middle and senior students, an extension for food technology and will align closely with an integrated community/learning hub.

The $3.7 million hub, which is funded by the State Government and the Mitchell Shire, will host a range of activities including Maternal and Child Health services, an Early Learning Centre, extended day care, Allied Health and parenting and community groups.

Works on Seymour College are expected to begin later this year.

Two arrested after Lancefield police operation

The North Central Review
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Two arrested after Lancefield police operation

Police have arrested two people in connection with the incident in High Street, Lancefield earlier in the week.

A male has been charged and remanded in custody and will attend court in Bendigo on March 9. A female has also been charged and has been bailed to appear in Castlemaine on March 19.

The male has been charged with reckless conduct endangering injury, criminal damage, breach of bail and firearms offences. The female has been charged with assault with a weapon and reckless conduct endangering injury.

It is believed that the victim who fled the house after shots were fired and the two alleged offenders were known to each other.

EARLIER:

INVESTIGATIONS are underway after police executed an operation on High Street, Lancefield on Tuesday.

Police attended the address following reports of a man armed with a firearm at about 9am.

Police began calling out to anyone inside after shutting down a portion of the road.

After receiving no response, police entered and cleared the property about 1.20pm, establishing there were no occupants inside.

Lancefield Primary School also reportedly went into lockdown.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police operation in Lancefield

The North Central Review
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Police operation in Lancefield

INVESTIGATIONS are underway after police executed an operation on High Street, Lancefield on Tuesday.

Police attended the address following reports of a man armed with a firearm at about 9am.

Police began calling out to anyone inside after shutting down a portion of the road.

After receiving no response, police entered and cleared the property about 1.20pm, establishing there were no occupants inside.

Lancefield Primary School also reportedly went into lockdown.

The investigation is ongoing.

 

Road trap fears

The North Central Review
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Road trap fears

CFA District 12 is not disputing Wire Rope Barriers will save Victorian lives, but they are concerned about people becoming trapped.

CFA District 12 Vegetation Management officer Phil Hawkey said the CFA municipal managers from Seymour to Wodonga aren’t being heard.

“It is of concern there is an inconsistency from VicRoads in attendances at meetings,” he said.

“It is more concerning the fact we need to meet and discuss with people who are familiar with the region to try work through the issues, but we aren’t getting that from VicRoads. It is extremely frustrating,” Mr Hawkey added.

“I think we would be able to achieve a result that will be suitable for both CFA and for VicRoads, and more importantly the community, if they come to municipal meetings.”

“We do not dispute the fact these barriers will save lives, it is absolutely true. We just may be creating another hazard and we are the most fire prone state in the world.”

Mr Horkey said VicRoads has been invited to all of the relevant municipal meetings, but ‘more broadly, they haven’t been forthcoming’.

VicRoads Safe System Road Infrastructure Program director Bryan Sherritt said representatives from every district had been consulted about their roll out.

“We’ve been working with CFA district representatives throughout the design and rollout of flexible safety barriers in north central Victoria,” he said.

“We incorporate the CFA’s position on flexible barriers into our road safety designs and we’re continuing to work with them throughout the rollout.”

Peter is a top Aussie

The North Central Review
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Peter is a top Aussie

ROMSEY resident Peter Mitchell has been recognised in the Macedon Ranges Australia Day Awards for his contribution to the Romsey community for many years.

He received one of council’s Community Achievement Awards for his contribution to the local community.

Mr Mitchell has been active in the historical society, the former Romsey Shire Council, the Romsey Water Trust, the Romsey Sewerage Authority, the Lancefield Cemetery Trust, the Rotary Club, Romsey Primary School, and the scouts.

He was involved with the Romsey Uniting Church’s and the Romsey Primary School’s 150 year celebrations and is a great supporter of local sporting groups, he has helped raise money for new tennis courts and a new sports complex.

Mr Mitchell also contributed significantly to the book When Memory Turns the Key—the history of the Shire of Romsey and followed this with Romsey: a veritable Garden of Eden.
Mr Mitchell served as a Shire of Romsey councillor for three terms in the ‘70s and ‘80s and describes those years as a time of major development in the town.

More recently he served as a member of one of the Romsey Main Street sub committees for the RRBATA township rejuvenation project.

“We had an amazing group of people working on those projects and I know it is through the hard work of our residents that Romsey is the great place that we have today,” Mr Mitchell said.

He added that as the town has grown new residents have brought new life and ideas to the area.

“The drive and ability that has been brought to the town is great. The energy is amazing. It is rewarding to see how people are so involved,” he said.

His book Romsey: a veritable Garden of Eden is something of which Mr Mitchell is extremely proud. While being the author of the book he pays homage to others who worked on the project acknowledging the efforts and teamwork that ensured the success of the publication. He is particularly praiseworthy of the books supporting writers Alan Jackson, Carol Moore and Gavin Smith.

“I spent six years on that book in between work and heart attacks. Some people urged me to give it up for my own sake. But I believe if you commit to a project you see it through to the end,” Mr Mitchell said.

Romsey: a veritable Garden of Eden is a story of the families and rural history of Romsey.
The book is 312 pages and Mr Mitchell penned the entire tome in long hand.
“There was not a computer in sight,” he joked.

Another project in which he takes great pride is the upgrade of the Lancefield cemetery, saying that it was another great achievement for the district and a project the community should be very proud of.

Mr Mitchell is a humble recipient of his award, praising many who worked with him on the projects for which he is recognised. He is extremely proud of Romsey, his town – just as his town is proud of him.

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