Agricultural land plan

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March 19, 2019

People in Melbourne’s outer northern fringe will have their say on what land should be ear-marked for agricultural use in the face of the ever-expanding growth of suburbs.

The State Government will consult communities, councils, farmers and industries in a bid to develop a strategic plan for agricultural land in Melbourne’s ‘green-wedge’ and ‘peri-urban’ areas.

There are 12 designated green wedge areas across 17 municipalities, including the City of Whittlesea, while peri-urban areas include the Mitchell and Macedon Ranges shires.

Landowners whose land is assessed as strategic agricultural land, will have their agricultural uses supported but opportunities for non-agricultural uses, such as sub-dividing land for housing development, could be limited.

A regional workshop in Kilmore on April 3, 6pm to 8pm, will address developing a draft criteria and map and allow residents to provide input about what strategic areas should be protected.

The government says the planning is about providing greater certainty for agricultural businesses to support long term investment.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes said the government was undertaking technical work in partnership with Agriculture Victoria and Deakin University’s Centre for Rural and Regional Futures to provide information for identifying strategic agricultural land.

Key components to determining agricultural land include soils, landscapes, access to water, climate and versatility of land.

Piggeries, poultry sheds and greenhouses do not form part of the criteria in determining key agricultural land.

“We’re providing greater certainty for agricultural businesses to support long term growth, investment and innovation,” she said.

Ms Symes reiterated the importance of agricultural land on Melbourne’s outskirts, saying land within 100 kilometres of Melbourne grew 10 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural production, including 59 per cent of vegetables, in 2015-16.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said the plan was part of the government’s comprehensive review of outer-suburban and peri-urban land, which hopes to improve land use and assist decision-making in these areas.

Mr Wynne said the government would protect Melbourne’s unique green wedges.

“Once these areas are gone, they’re gone forever – it’s important we carefully assess these areas and preserve them for future generations,” he said.

Consultation is now open until April 23. Other workshops are planned for Bacchus Marsh, Mornington, Koo Wee Rup and Yarra Junction.

To RSVP for a workshop, visit protecting-sal-workshops.eventbrite.com or call 8392 5595.

Submissions can be made online through Engage Victoria or at a workshop. For more information, visit engage.vic.gov.au.

Gender diversity training for health workers

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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Gender diversity training for health workers

A training session in Macedon will aim to educate health professionals on the best practice in transgender and gender diverse health.

Cobaw Community Health, in collaboration with Zoe Belle Gender Collective, will provide the training for GP’s, nurses, psychologists, allied health professionals and any other health care workers on how to support community members who identify as transgender or gender diverse.

Cobaw Community Health’s chief executive Margaret McDonald encouraged health professionals to take part in the training.

“Social exclusion is one of the most significant determinants of health outcomes,” she said.

“ Due to ongoing prejudice, discrimination and often just ignorance, gender diverse people have significantly lower health outcomes than the general population and are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

“ It could be something as simple as using the correct pronoun when addressing a patient or client.”

The training will be Wednesday, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa, 652 Black Forest Drive, Madecon.

To register for the free event, contact admin@cobaw.org.au or call 1300 026 229.

Wallan girl gives back

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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ONE Wallan youngster is doing her bit for kids with leukaemia by raising money and donating her hair to Variety’s Hair with Heart initiative.

Eight-year-old Mackenzie Fereday has grown up knowing children who have suffered from leukaemia.

Mackenzie’s mother Mel Fereday said a friend of Mackenzie’s passed away due to the disease.

“When she was younger, Mackenzie had a friend who had leukaemia and he passed away at the age of three,” she said.

“Mackenzie was four at the time, her friend lost all his hair and that’s how she remembers him, so that really affected her. She also had a friend in primary school who had leukaemia and lost her hair.

”Mackenzie’s been growing her hair out for nearly two and a half years and after complaining about brushing it, Ms Fereday said she suggested they donate Mackenzie’s hair to make wigs and raise some money in the process.

“Probably four months ago, we started just talking about it and a few weeks ago we put up a link to the Variety Foundation’s Hair with Heart,” she said.

“Mackenzie’s goal was $500, we’re at $440 now and hoping to double that. We’re hoping to smash the $500 and probably go for $1000.

“It’s incredible in such a short amount of time and being eight, she’s doing really well and she’s constantly asking people if they have any money to donate.”

Mackenzie’s father Michael Fereday has gotten his employer Cleanaway on board too. The company will be hosting a morning tea to help raise money on Friday, April 5 where Mackenzie will cut her hair.

Mackenzie said she was excited to cut her hair and it felt good to be able to help out children in need.

“Thank you all for donating, I’m really grateful that you guys are donating to me and helping other kids who don’t have hair,” she said.

“It’s really good if other kids donate their hair and if you’re donating, make sure other people get involved and help you out.

“I’m always excited to help people and help people who need it.”

To help Mackenzie reach her goal, visit hairwithheart.everydayhero.com/au/mackenzie-does-the-big-chop to donate.

National busking competition set to draw crowds to Kilmore

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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National busking competition set to draw crowds to Kilmore

Kilmore is set to experience musicians, songwriters, belly dancers and many more talented acts at the regional busking championships next month.

The competition runs in conjunction with the Kilmore Art Expo, on April 12 to 14.

Talent from the local areas as well as musicians from metropolitan Melbourne have applied to compete in the championships where the winners will go on to compete in the Australian National Busking Championships in regional NSW.

The initiative comes from the Southern Mitchell Rotary Club and Kilmore Art Society.

Rotary member and event organiser Rose King said she was passionate about bringing life back into Kilmore.

“Fifteen years or so, Kilmore was a popular destination for Melbournians to visit because of our beautiful antique stores,” she said.

Aleesha Attard will be belly dancing as part of the busking competition

“We have fewer visitors now – but I’m passionate about bringing people back to Kilmore.”

Ms King said the event would promote performance art and provide exposure for emerging artists while also supporting the visual arts via Kilmore Art Expo.

Classical guitarist Alejandro Aguanta will be one of the many entrants taking a shot at first prize.

Mr Aguanta said he would play a mixture of traditional Bolivian songs, worldwide tunes and even tango music.

“I’d describe my music as easy going and relaxing,” Mr Aguanta said.

“I’ll be travelling all the way from the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

“I’ve competed in the past but this time it’s more about showcasing my music to the community and other buskers.”

Belly dancer Aleesha Attard will also be shimmying and showcasing her moves on the day.

With 15 years of experience, Ms Attard has performed at festivals, weddings, engagements, birthday parties and corporate events.

“The dance is quite vibrant, entertaining, mesmerising, fun, exciting and full of life,” Ms Attard said.

Ms Attard will be dancing to Arabic and Turkish music with colourful and traditional belly dancing costumes.

The competition consists of several categories – primary, secondary, open and people’s choice.

Winners will be announced at the finals concert, between 4-6pm.

Three judges will observe performers during the day and audience members can vote for their favourite performers by contributing busking votes to performers’ hats or guitar cases.

Over $6,500 of cash prizes are up for grabs and performers wishing to compete can still register.

“We’ve had so much support from the community – North Vic Constructions, Just in Time Transport Romsey and Victoria Wide Tyre Services are a few of the many businesses supporting the event,” Ms King said.

For more information, visit ‘buskingkilmore’ on Facebook.

SKM Recycling Update

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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City of Whittlesea continues to be forced to send recycling to landfill as SKM still hasn’t reopened its Coolaroo site.

The council announced last week that it hoped the Coolaroo site would reopen soon, following news that SKM’s Laverton North site is now able to receive recycling.

The recycling crisis has dragged on for more than a month after the Environment Protection Authority shut down two SKM sites for safety breaches, affecting the recycling process of dozens of councils across Victoria.

“We’ve heard word from the Environment Protection Authority today that SKM’s Laverton North site is now able to receive recycling again,” a spokesperson from City of Whittlesea said.

“The City of Whittlesea’s recycling is processed through the Coolaroo site, which is still closed.

“However, with Laverton North up and running again, fingers crossed Coolaroo won’t be too much longer.”

For more information on the SKM update, visit the City of Whittlesea’s website.

Federal Government urged to continue kindergarten funding

Kids & Youth

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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Federal Government urged to continue kindergarten funding

The City of Whittlesea fear families could be out of pocket $2000 a child unless the Federal Government commits to fund kindergartens on an ongoing basis.

In the lead up to the release of the 2019 Federal budget on April 2, the City of Whittlesea has joined the I Love Kinder campaign, driven by Municipal Association of Victoria, to secure ongoing funding from the Federal Government.

Mayor Lawrie Cox said the Federal Government provided five hours of kindergarten a week for every four-year-old, while the Victorian Government provided 10 hours.

“Unfortunately, the Federal Government has only co mmitted to fund their share until December 2019, leaving families in limbo,” he said.

“If the Federal Government does not provide ongoing funding, families throughout Australia could be worse off and children could miss out on the quality education they deserve.”

Cr Cox said there were currently 2558 kids enrolled in kinder in the City of Whittlesea.

“If the Federal Government does not fund their education on an ongoing basis then their families could be stuck paying an extra $2000 out of their own pockets, that is simply unacceptable,” he said.

“Children who have a quality early education generally have a smoother transition to primary school.

“They have better social and cognitive skills and have superior literacy and numeracy compared to those who don’t attend kinder.

“In school and beyond young people who attend kinder also remain ahead of those who don’t. They’re more likely to finish year 12 and on average they experience higher levels of employment, financial security, health and wellbeing.

“A quality kinder education is an investment in our future. If the Federal Government fails to recognise that then they will not only be failing children and families, they will be failing Australia.”

Kinder upgrades in Romsey and Riddells Creek

Kids & Youth

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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Kinder upgrades in Romsey and Riddells Creek

Families in Romsey and Riddells Creek are benefitting from upgrades to their kindergartens after grants from the State Government grant and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Romsey kindergarten unveiled its $600,000 expansion on Thursday with new entryways and an extension to the maternal and child health waiting room, new heating and cooling and an upgraded disabled toilet.

Riddells Creek Kindergarten also opened its $410,000 upgraded facility on Thursday with a renovated entrance, improved amenities and increased space for children.

The State Government contributed $330,000 to Romsey kindergarten and $211,500 to Riddells Creek Kindergarten through a Children’s Facilities Capital Program grant.

The remainder of the money required for the projects came from council.Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited both facilities last week.

Ximage 2 — Four-year-old Lyla enjoying her new upgraded facility at Romsey Kindergarten.

“These exciting upgrades will give Romsey and Riddells Creek’s littlest residents an even better kindergarten experience,” Ms Thomas said.

“What we’ve got here [in Romsey] is an early childhood precinct, which means that from newborn right through to primary school we can make the transitions easier into prep.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Deputy Mayor Mandi Mees said the developments have freshened up the facility in Romsey.

“They’ve made it light, bright and fresher – we wanted to bring it back up to standard,” she said.

Gastronomy gravitation

Community Groups

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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The Macedon Ranges is cementing its reputation as a beacon for gastronomy with hundreds of people travelling to Melbourne Food and Wine Festival events in the past week.

Events at Gisborne and Lancefield were among 250 on the festival calendar.Glen Junor Belted Galloways farm in Gisborne hosted the ‘Regional World’s Longest Lunch’ on Friday, showcasing regional produce and the expansive backdrop of the property to a table of 70.

Baringo Estate executive chef Tim Austin – who organised the event – said the Macedon Ranges was becoming a mark on the map for tourists.

“The idea was to look at what we were doing a few years ago and what we’re doing now to create a retrospective lunch”, Mr Austin said.

“We’ve used local beef from this farm, herbs from our gardens and almost 20 kilograms of ricotta sourced in Romsey.

“We’ve matched out produce with wines from our local winemakers including Bindi Winegrowers, Curly Flat, Hanging Rock and Place of Changing Winds – we used their past and present wines.

”Mr Austin said events such Melbourne Food and Wine Festival would continue to open up unknown parts of the Macedon Ranges to the wider public.

“It’s great for the region because we are part of the MFWF and the area may not have been on people’s radar previously,” Mr Austin said.

Gisborne Collective owner Nathan Presley – who also worked on the event – noted the talent growing in the region.

“The calibre of chefs is really growing here,” Mr Presley said.

“I’ve just come from Thailand where I visited 12 Michelin star restaurants for inspiration in our restaurant.

“I’ve refreshed and ready to get back into it.”

Toolern Vale resident Denise Drew attended the long lunch in Gisborne and said the location was convenient for tourists.

“We’re not that far out of Melbourne, only 40 minutes,” Ms Drew said.

“The station is right next to Baringo Estate, so I think it’s great for the amount of people coming into the area.

“We will see some great local produce, so I’m excited to try that and meet some interesting people.

”Owner of the Glen Junor Belted Galloways farm Joe Gauci said the lunch provided a perfect backdrop for people to see and smell what they were eating.

“We’ve got so many things to see here and access is so easy from the city,” Mr Gauci said.

“I think Macedon Ranges is the poor brother to the Mornington and Yarra Valley but I think we’re slowly catching up.

”The weekend also included ‘Spring Hill Estate’s Smoke, Fire and Water Family Day’ and ‘Baringo Twilight Gintastic’ at Baringo Estate in New Gisborne.

New kitchen for RSL

The North Central Review

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March 19, 2019

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KILMORE Wallan RSL will be able to better serve its 100-plus members after the opening of a new kitchenette on Thursday.

Funding of $45,600 from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran and Community Grants allowed the club to upgrade kitchen facilities and provide a safe and useable environment within the RSL.

Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell joined members at the club’s Kilmore base for the opening.

Previously, the RSL’s kitchen was essentially a small wardrobe with just a boiling water system and a sink.

With help from Kilmore Soldiers Memorial Hall committee and council, the RSL was able to take over the hall cleaner’s cupboard for the new kitchenette while Kilmore businessman Ray Wittmer paid to have a new cleaning cupboard built at the back of the hall.

The new kitchenette features sinks, storage, a microwave and a fridge which will help the RSL entertain its many members.

The upgrades pair with the hall’s $8,250 Stronger Communities Program Grant which funded a replacement burner stove, refrigerator and air conditioner to improve safety and promote further use of the hall for community programs.

Kilmore and District Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank also donated new tables and chairs to the RSL to replace its aging furniture.

Kilmore Wallan RSL Sub Branch president Rod Dally said it was great to see everyone working together to help complete the kitchenette.

“DVA have been really good as far as that goes. Rob supported it all the way, the hall supported it and council supported it. It’s really good,” he said.

Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said it was easy to be part of the grant process for the project.

“You know when you support grants like this and get involved that it’s for the greater good, and the value of the project, it’s going to outweigh any financial contribution because you know the people behind the grant are people of the highest calibre,” he said.

“This just looks beyond amazing, it’s just fantastic and it’s going to give you a new lease on life.”

Runs galore for Romsey

The North Central Review

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March 15, 2019

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By Jackson Russell

ROMSEY Cricket Club stormed home to an easy first innings win at home over Sunbury United in the final round of the McIntyre Cup home and away season.

The hosts made short work of Sunbury United, bowling the visitors out for 155 after 61.4 overs.

Matthew Milne led the charge with 5/50 from 15 overs while Adam Frost ended with figures of 2/34 from 9.4 overs.

With an eye on stealing second place on the ladder from Gisborne, Romsey went out on day two looking to make as many runs as it could rather than push for the outright win.

Coming into the day at 2/60 and with 52 runs to his name, Taylor Stevenson got the hosts off to a great start with his first century in the top grade, making 125 before he was dismissed caught and bowled at 3/259.

He put together a 199-run partnership with Mitchell Clement, who top-scored with 151 including 23 boundaries.

Romsey’s middle order kept the scoreboard ticking over with Chris Burkett making 102 and captain Ben Way making 47.

Romsey was eventually bowled out for 478 from 94.4 overs but unfortunately fell just short of nabbing second place on the ladder by 0.6 points.

Way said despite not getting a home final, his side goes into next week’s semi-final against Gisborne with confidence.

“We’re going in with confidence because a few batsmen had some personal bests. It just comes down to performing on the day from now on. We have to be at our best and if we are, we’re confident we can get the results to go our way,” he said.

“I’m not bothered whether we bat or bowl first. We’ve just got to do what we do well. We’d like to make over 200 with the bat and do what we do with the ball.”

Romsey 478 (M Clement 151, T Stevenson 125, C Burkett 102, B Way 47; S Fogarty 3/54, A Young 3/64, R Alam 2/81) def Sunbury United 155 (MD Koutroubas 33, S Fogarty 33, A Dudderidge 30, A Wright 25; M Milne 5/50, A Frost 2/34)

WALLAN Cricket Club closed out its McIntyre Cup season with a nine-wicket first innings loss to undefeated Bacchus Marsh.

The loss seals a winless season for the freshly-promoted side.

Wallan was bowled out for 130 after 55.1 overs on day one, with captain Kieran Atkin top-scoring with 43.

It was rough going on day two as Bacchus Marsh looked to play their batsmen into form ahead of next week’s semi-final.

Opener Alex Porter led Bacchus Marsh with 102 as he and Scott Wakefield (57) secured the win with a 152-run partnership.

Amprit Pal Singh Atwal bowled well for Wallan, taking 3/21 from 7.2 overs.

Atkin said it was a disappointing season but the club can take some positives out of it.

“A lot of young blokes got exposed to first grade cricket which gives them some good footing for seasons to come. They should take confidence out of that,” he said.

“Our expectations were to be fairly competitive but unfortunately a few of the premiership players didn’t back up which left holes in our first grade side that filtered down to lower grades which made it hard for the club.”

Wallan now has to wait and see who takes out the B Grade premiership before learning where they will play next season.

Bacchus Marsh 7/307(dec) (A Porter 102, S Wakefield 57, I Spiteri 55*, M Ekanayaka 41, D O’Loughlin 34; A Singh Atwal 3/21) def Wallan 130 (K Atkin 43; I Spiteri 3/30, J Powell 2/10, R Watson 2/36)