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February 26, 2019

A BIG step has been taken towards Lancefield Primary School’s exciting upgrade, with an architect appointed.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced on Friday that Y2 Architecture was appointed to design the school’s $288,900 upgrade.

A discovery learning centre will be incorporated into the existing library which will also undergo improvements.

The discovery centre will support the school’s science program and its successful Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.

It will also support students’ interest in Lancefield’s unique megafauna and rich Wurundjeri heritage.

Lancefield Primary School principal Jo Emond said seeing the first design ideas made the project feel like a reality.

“Today’s really important because now it’s actually happening,” she said.

“I’m really glad Mary-Anne was here when the kitchen garden program was running because they need to see how difficult it is at the moment.

“The kids carry in their classroom chairs, we’ve got old trolleys to put everything on, they all do their washing up in a bucket but they manage, it’s a bit like camping really.

“I’m really proud of the school and really proud of the kids and community supporting us with this and it’s just a really exciting day for us.”

Y2 Architecture project leader Amy Tremewen said the discovery centre would include and kitchen and science lab space, a new general classroom and upgrades to the library with reading rooms and exploration spaces.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the upgrades were exciting for the students at Lancefield Primary School.

“I know students can’t wait to enjoy the new discovery centre and learn more about science, Lancefield’s rich Wurundjeri heritage and the unique megafauna site,” she said.

“The Victorian Government is making sure Macedon schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and every child is given the chance to succeed.”

Sustainable living in Romsey

The North Central Review

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February 26, 2019

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LINDA Holt has followed a sustainable living practice for as long as she can remember.

Mrs Holt recalls her Italian grandmother picking an array of fruits and vegetables from her yard to cook with every day.

After meeting her husband in Montana, USA, the two combined their love of sustainability, food and travel and built an organic farm in Romsey named Homestead Enterprises.

Mrs Holt now grows a vast range of rare herbs, fruits and vegetables that she sells to the public.

Some include brahmi, borage, pineapple sage and calendula that are used in her daily cooking.

“People can pick their own fruit and vegetables and see exactly where they are coming from. Nobody else has touched that food like many in the supermarket,” Mrs Holt said.

“We don’t spray or use any chemicals at all. You just wash the dirt off and eat them.”

Her business also offers cheese-making, preserving, sausage and salami and wood-fire smoking workshops, hosted by Mr and Mrs Holt.

“With my cheese class, we do a complete demonstration and its hands on. Everyone takes home their cheese that they make, their workshop notes and I talk them through the steps they have to do when they get home – they can continue learning once they’re outside the classroom,” Mrs Holt said.

Homestead Hill is a Bed and Breakfast/Farmstay where you can learn about sustainable living and learn about the Holt’s American heritage.

More rural doctors

The North Central Review

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February 26, 2019

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Gisborne’s Bridget Fallon and Macedon’s Cassandra Hocking will start at a new Murray-Darling rural medical program in Victoria to tackle the nation-wide rural doctor shortage.

The 15 regional students accepted into the course will commence an end-to-end medical program next year, involving seven years of training at La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne – at three regional centres in Victoria.

Students who successfully complete a three-year undergraduate Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) course at La Trobe’s Bendigo or Albury-Wodonga campus will be accepted into the University of Melbourne’s Doctor of Medicine postgraduate program in Shepparton.

Ms Fallon said she was sitting in a cafe when she found out she had been accepted into the program.

“I was so shocked that I was one of the 15. Cassandra and I have been at school together since grade one, it’ll be great to take the next seven years at university together,” Ms Fallon said.

“I’m really looking forward to anatomy classes in second year – we haven’t the opportunity to do things like that in high school.

“Orientation begins next week. It’s the first time the 15 of us will be together – it’s a bit intimidating but I’m excited to get into it and make new friends.

”Ms Fallon has noticed the need for more rural doctors in the region.

“I have a family doctor that I visit, but you need to book in weeks in advance,” Ms Fallon said.

“If something comes up unexpectedly, it’s hard to get in unless I travel from Gisborne to Sunbury.

”Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) Course co-ordinator Dr Cristina Keightley said the university went through a rigorous selection process to select the right students for the seven-year program.

“We conducted multiple mini-interviews with numerous questions relating to suitability for the course,” Dr Keightley said.

“We hoped they could strongly demonstrate connections to communities and intent to practice in the regions.

“It was evident with student’s answers as to how they see the issues. They are aware that it’s very hard to access medical care because of distances and shortages of doctors.

“They previously haven’t had the role models in the communities to show the possibilities, so hopefully this can create that.”

Council calls for government to catch up

The North Central Review

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February 26, 2019

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Council calls for government to catch up

City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox joined a national call for better access to roads, transport, jobs and community facilities in fast-growing outer suburbs in Canberra last week.

Mayors and councillors from 21 of Melbourne’s growing surburban fringe gathered at the launch of the ‘Catch Up with the Outer Suburbs’ campaign at Parliament House on February 18, in the lead up to the next federal election.

Cr Cox met with Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Anthony Albanese.

Cr Cox also met with Member for Scullin Andrew Giles and Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, along with other members of parliament from fast-growing areas around the country.

The National Growth Areas Alliance’s campaign calls on federal politicians to ‘catch up’ with population growth in the outer suburbs and give residents access to the same essential services and infrastructure as inner-city residents.

“People move to new areas like City of Whittlesea to create a better life for themselves and their family,” Cr Cox said.

“But we have more than 8000 new residents each year and the essential services and infrastructure we need are stretched and unable to keep up with this unprecedented level of growth.

“Our residents have the right to fair levels of infrastructure investment that will enable our new and established communities to thrive.

“We are doing all we can to help our residents live in safe, healthy and connected communities. But we cannot achieve that outcome on our own. This is a national issue.”

‘Catch up with the Outer Suburbs’ has three recommendations for the Federal Government: get five million people to work, study or home on time; create jobs where the works force lives; build facilities to build communities.

“I urge residents to join the email campaign at catchup.org.au to tell our politicians about the priority infrastructure needs in our community,” Cr Cox said.

Broadford’s youngest entrepreneur making a difference

Kids & Youth

The North Central Review

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February 26, 2019

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Broadford’s youngest entrepreneur making a difference

Broadford’s youngest entrepreneur Darcy O’Connor has started a heart-warming new business ‘Darcy’s Doggy Treats’.

Darcy got the idea to make her homemade treats after starting a corner stall, where she and her friends sold store-bought dog treats at the front of her friend’s house.

“They had ones from the shops and I thought I should make some homemade ones because it’d be nice,” Darcy said.

The business has grown since its beginning in October last year. Due to her love for animals, Darcy has donated $100 to Edgar’s Mission, an animal sanctuary for rescued farm animals near Lancefield.

“She got to go there on the weekend to donate the money. They were blown away,” Chelsea O’Connor, Darcy’s mother, said.

The money donated to Edgar’s Mission ensures the animals have sufficient veterinary care and the emergency team is always ready to rescue animals in need.

“She’s mad about animals, she just wants to help them and care for them” Mrs O’Connor said.

Darcy’s dog Monty has been the perfect pet to test the star-shaped treats on.

“Monty has put on a bit of weight since we started this,” Mrs O’Connor said.

Darcy and her mum reiterated how grateful they were for the support from family, friends and teachers.

“We’re so thankful for the classroom support that Darcy has received, from all her friends and teachers,” Mrs O’Connor said.

Darcy sells bags of 10 peanut butter doggy treats for $9.

To support Darcy’s business, visit ‘Darcy’s Doggy Treats’ on Facebook.

Council release WorkSafe bullying report

The North Central Review

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February 26, 2019

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Council release WorkSafe bullying report

WHITTLESEA council has released to the public a WorkSafe report that indicates bullying policies and procedures at the City of Whittlesea are above board.

WorkSafe attended council offices last month in response to allegations of workplace bullying at the City of Whittlesea.

WorkSafe inspector Scott Anderson met with City of Whittlesea manager of governance Michael Tonta, team leader of safety and wellbeing Kon Karasavidis and team leader of human resources Anne McLeish to obtain workplace documents for further investigation.

Mr Anderson found the council’s workplace codes and procedures were thorough.

Mr Anderson added a recommendation that council consider adding further information to the Councillor Code of Conduct on inappropriate workplace behaviours as detailed in council’s policies on equal employment opportunity and prevention of bullying in the workplace.

The recommendation was put forward to assist further detailed guidance for councillors on standards of behaviour expected in their roles.Specific reports of the bullying allegations cannot be released due to privacy issues but City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said he was keen to release any related report that closes up the loops and showed transparency to residents.

“From our point of view, it’s about being transparent on the accusations that were made so people understand there’s nothing being hidden by council,” Cr Cox said.

“We have people acting against the interests of the council in my view – these reports are conducted at arm’s length and the conclusions are that we are acting fairly and above board at all times.”

Cr Caz Monteleone told Whittlesea Review that he welcomed the recommendation made by WorkSafe to strengthen the Councillor Code of Conduct to prevent incidences of bullying and ‘snide comments or baseless accusations’ that councillors were boycotting meetings.

“These comments are inflammatory and reflect badly on the attitudes of those councillors,” Cr Monteleone said.

Cr Tom Joseph said the report should be a circuit breaker for those councillors on strike to get back to work and do what they were elected to do.

Cr Lalios declined to comment.

Brigade mural defaced

The North Central Review

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February 26, 2019

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MEMBERS of the Broadford Fire Brigade are disappointed after an Aboriginal mural on the station’s roller doors was vandalised earlier this month.

The mural was vandalised sometime around 10pm on Friday, February 15 with black paint sprayed over the representation of Bunjil the eagle along with a tag.

Broadford CFA captain Jamie Atkins said he’s disappointed that someone would deface the mural.

“Unfortunately, it’s very disappointing that an individual thought to do this because it means a lot to me being a Koori person and it was a lot of work to achieve in the first place,” he said.

“It was part of the Koori Inclusion Action Plan the CFA did so it means a fair bit, not just to me, but the brigade who were very proud of those doors as well.

“I was very angry when the brigade let me know but I’m really just disappointed now that one individual decided they know better than the artist and know better than those schoolkids who came up here on a hot day and busted their bums for a couple of days to get it done.”

The mural was created as part of a collaboration between the CFA, the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Broadford Secondary College.

It was community funded and painted by artist and Taungurung Elder Mick Harding with help from Broadford Secondary College students.

Mr Atkins said he would like to sit down with the vandal and learn why they chose to graffiti the mural.

“I don’t understand why they have to do that sort of thing,” he said.

“If this individual could come and explain to me or my brother why he needed to do that, we’re quite happy for him to explain why he has that need to change what’s already there.

“I’d truly like them to sit me down and give me an education on why they need to do that but I could also educate them on why they don’t need to do that sort of stuff.”

Police investigate Mernda fire

News

The North Central Review

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February 22, 2019

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Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a grass fire in Mernda on Wednesday.

The fire encroached on residential paddocks on the western side of Everard Road about 4.30pm.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Police wish to speak with three people, pictured, who were seen riding dirt bikes in the area prior to the fire.

Police urge anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Get expert marketing advice from the best

The North Central Review

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February 21, 2019

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Get expert marketing advice from the best

LEADING marketing expert Damian Morgan is visiting the region for three seminars to help small businesses with marketing.The seminars, hosted by the North Central Review, will be on Tuesday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 27.

Businesses in the City of Whittlesea are invited to the seminar on Tuesday, February 26 at 5.30pm at Slices in Doreen.

Businesses in the Macedon Ranges Shire are encouraged to attend the seminar on Wednesday, February 27 at 7.30am, while Mitchell Shire businesses are invited to the seminar at 2.30pm, both at Spring Hill Estate Lancefield.

Mr Morgan said the seminars were about people taking the time to work on their business from a marketing perspective, rather than the day-to-day tasks, in order to make more money.

“Small businesses are usually very, very good at what they do, they’re more passionate, they care more and they’re better skilled but often, they don’t make as much money as big business,” he said.

“Sometimes they’re the best kept secret in town but, for whatever reason, they’re not getting the message out about how good they are at what they do.

“This is about getting them to stop, think and learn the lessons from big business about how you can better promote yourself to the local market.”

Some of the topics that will be touched on include making sure business owners get their message right no matter what form of media they choose, and telling their business’ story in a more compelling way.

“What small businesses will get out of it hopefully is an idea, at least one idea, or they can change the way they explain what they do and if that one idea helps them make more money without working any harder, they’ve had a big win,” Mr Morgan said.

Responses to Mr Morgan’s seminars have been overwhelmingly positive from small businesses across Australia, with business owners leaving motivated and inspired after identifying where they can improve rather than doing the same thing over again.

“It’s not a motivational seminar but they wind up being a bit motivated because they get some ideas than can help them,” he said.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive and I encourage as many businesses as I can to take the time, it’s only going to cost them an hour of their time.”

For more information, call the North Central Review office on 5734 3344.

New land boundaries for Traditional Owners

News

The North Central Review

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February 20, 2019

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New land boundaries for Traditional Owners

By Evelyn Leckie

TAUNGURUNG traditional boundaries have been extended following Victoria’s largest native title settlement, which occurred late last year.

After the Taungurung Recognition and Settlement Agreement was signed by the State Government in October 2018, Taungurung Land and Waters Aboriginal Council, TLaWC, were able to apply for an extension to the council’s Registered Aboriginal Party area.

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council approved the varied RAP area on February 8, granting the the land council the responsibility over areas further northeast and northwest of previous Taungurung land.

Traditional boundaries have now extended to cover 11 per cent of the state from Rochester and Kyneton in the west, Bright in the east, Euroa in the north and Kinglake in the south.

TLaWC chief executive Matthew Burns said the boundary extensions were significant because the council would have more oversight and control when it came to cultural heritage management matters.

“We’re really excited that this variation has been approved by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and it will provide us with more opportunity for say, advice and control over the activities that occur on our country,” Mr Burns said.

The $24 million Recognition and Settlement Agreement recognises Taungurung people as Traditional Owners of central Victoria.

The agreement follows a 15-year campaign by Traditional Owners and three years of settlement negotiations between the Taungurung people and State Government.

The RSA grants access for Taungurung people to Crown land for hunting, fishing, camping and gathering resources.

The agreement also transfers nine national parks and reserves to be jointly managed by the State and Traditional Owners.

These parks include the Buffalo and Lake Eildon National Parks and areas of the Alpine National Park.

Mr Burns said the settlement showed that times were changing for Traditional Owners in Victoria and for the Taungurung people.“It’s a pleasing recognition after such a long journey, which will help many Taungurung community members to heal,” he said.

The Recognition and Settlement Agreement was negotiated under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010, which allows for out-of-court settlements to recognise the rights of Victorian Traditional Owners.

The Victorian legislation was enacted nine years ago as an alternative to litigation under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993.

Victoria is the only state to have co-designed with Traditional Owners an alternative to the Native Title Act, and the Taungurung settlement sets a new benchmark for traditional owner groups to resolve native title issues outside the Federal Court.

Attorney-General Martin Pakula said that the settlement established mutual partnerships between the Government and the Taungurung people, reaffirming the government’s commitment to self-determination for Aboriginal people in Victoria.

The State Government will invest more than $16 million to support Taungurung economic and cultural development initiatives and $8 million to support the land council’s costs.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins said she was proud the Victorian Government had recognised and negotiated a settlement with the rightful owners of country in central Victoria.