We’re Hiring! – Journalist

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October 16, 2018

Award winning newspaper based in Kilmore is seeking full time journalist.
This role involves writing general news and creating compelling headlines that are both engaging and relevant to our local community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Write engaging content to cover sport and EGN, presenting all stories in a factual and unbiased manner, while ensuring all deadlines are met
Taking appropriate and interesting photographs as well as writing promotional advertorials for advertising customer
Engage with and generate reliable sources in the community
Use your investigative skills to uncover breaking news stories
Writing & uploading “Breaking News” to website
Follow the established newspaper style

Your Background:

Degree or cadetship equivalent in journalism
1 year experience in writing newspaper articles, press releases & proofreading
Proficient with Indesign, and Microsoft programs, in particular Word & Outlook
Experience in writing content and managing profiles on social media platforms
Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and listening
Good working knowledge of the English language and its correct use with context and grammar
High level of accuracy and demonstrated attention to detail
Self-motivated with a drive to improve self, team and business as a whole
Current, valid driver’s licence

Key Selection Criteria:

Investigative skills and use of discretion to deliver outcomes
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and cultivate productive working relationships with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders
Experience in managing competing priorities and organising work in order to complete tasks at an appropriate standard while meeting strict deadlines

How to apply or further information:

To be considered for this position, send your resume and a cover letter (2 page max) addressing the Key Selection Criteria to: gm@newspaperhouse.com.au.
Only applicants who are an Australian resident or hold a relevant visa are
eligible to apply (NO VISA sponsorship).

Sign of the times: Police called in to find missing sign

The North Central Review

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October 16, 2018

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Sign of the times: Police called in to find missing sign

A BATTLE of the signs has erupted in the race for the Victorian seat of Yan Yean as police continue to investigate alleged election materiel tampering.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed to Whittlesea Review on Monday, October 15, that the ‘investigation remains ongoing’.

An election sign was allegedly taken from a sign post on private property on the corner of Yan Yean Road and Ironbark Road, Yarrambat, sometime between October 8 and 9.

According to public posts and comments, Liberal Candidate for the seat of Yan Yean, Meralyn Klein, allegedly had her election signs taken down.

Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green’s signs were allegedly then found in place, however, it is unclear what transpired.

According to Ms Klein, she had permission to use the space for her political signs.

However, Ms Green rebutted these claims and said in a public statement on Facebook her campaign had received permission.

“Mrs Klein’s signs were erected there… without the owner’s permission. My friends [who allegedly gave permission for the signs] were mystified as only last Thursday they had agreed to my husband’s request to install my signs, just as they did in 2014,” Ms Green alleged via Facebook.

“So instead of respectfully apologising to the property owners for her trespass and seeking the return of her property, Mrs Klein has made a police report of theft.

“It’s really is the strangest way to obtain votes, not to mention a complete waste of important police time.”

In speaking with Whittlesea Review, Ms Klein alleged she has spoken to the right people at the home.

“I went and visited the owner of the land and they said my signs were welcome,” she said.

“I spoke to the property owners. There was an admission of [Danielle Green’s] husband doing it… police want to speak to anyone who may have seen it.

“I just think for any political party to stoop to these sorts of tactics shows the calibre of people they are.”

Victoria Police said officers were looking into a report made to them.

“Greensborough Police has received a report in relation to allegations a political advertising board had been removed from a property in Yarrambat at some stage between 8 and 9 October,” they said.

“Police are looking into whether any offences have been committed.”

Not happy Dan

The North Central Review

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October 16, 2018

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THE Premier and his transport minister will be left with no doubt the local community is not happy with the current transport services – in town bus services and V/Line.

The Seymour Train Action Group (STAG) was active at the Wallan market at the weekend collecting signatures on a petition to government demanding action on the service that is presently at an all-time low.

By the time the market had closes, volunteers had collected over 600 signatures from concerned residents and commuters.

STAG has also written a letter to the Minister for Transport, Jacinta Allen, highlighting the issues and questions that were raised at a public meeting with Ms Allen in April 2017 and asking why many of the undertakings made by the minister are still waiting to be actioned.

Since the forum the Labor government has delivered bus services to Wallan over three routes. However, the letter highlights gaps in the daily services also with when many community members see as an inadequate Saturday service.

“Users of the train service between Seymour and Southern Cross have not seen any results in relation to the pricing inconsistencies north of Wandong,” the letter states.

STAG also point out that the services have actually deteriorated since the transport forum, highlighting that none of the 85 new trains ordered in 2016-17, none have been allocated to the Seymour line.

“In contrast 50 trains have been added to the Geelong line and with it many new services during the week,” the STAG submission points out.

”The rail line between Seymour and Southern Cross can accommodate VLocity trains, but it is the government that has chosen not to share the new trains and it appears to residents that only Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong lines are important to the government.”

The Bendigo line terminates in the heart of Minister Allen’s own electorate.

STAG has also questioned the promises of upgrades to Wallan and Donnybrook stations in the 2018 budget, pointing out that apart from signage to the fact placed around the stations no works are evident.

The group has asked for assurance that if the Labor Government is re-elected in November, it will deliver 12 new train sets for the Seymour line to replace the ageing diesel trains.

STAG has also asked for a fairer pricing system for commuters who board from Kilmore East to Seymour.

Presently a daily peak between Southern Cross and Wandong is $8.60, increasing to $23.20 for the 9km journey to Kilmore East, peaking at $34.80 at Seymour.

The North Central Review asked state election candidates to comment on their commitment to address issues on today’s rail network’s reliability.

We alerted them that between September 1 and October 3, V/Line had issued over 70 alerts regarding cancelled or delayed services on the Seymour line alone. We also asked the candidates what is most important to them. An immediate fix of the current issues or projects to be delivered over the next 15 to 30 years? Read their responses on page 15.

More buses to hit the road

Roads & Transport

The North Central Review

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October 16, 2018

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RESIDENTS in Romsey and Lancefield will soon be able to get around the Macedon Ranges with ease, with three new bus routes and extra services announced on Wednesday.

The three routes will provide dedicated services for Lancefield to Sunbury, Lancefield to Gisborne and Romsey to Kyneton by splitting the current Lancefield to Kyneton via Sunbury service.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas made the announcement at the Romsey Neighbourhood House that next year, the new routes will give passengers a bus network that is easier to understand and use.

Dividing the routes will allow passengers to get where they need to go sooner, without confusion.

The changes will improve travel between Kyneton, Romsey, Lancefield, Riddells Creek, Gisborne and Sunbury.

All three routes will travel between Lancefield and Romsey in both directions, greatly increasing connectivity between the neighbouring towns.

The new routes will have extra services added each week to provide a consistent weekly timetable, give more travel options and improve connections with trains where possible.

The new Lancefield to Sunbury route will run 12 return services each week day and three return trips on Saturdays, while both Romsey to Kyneton and Lancefield to Gisborne services will operate two return services per day, Monday to Saturday.

Bus services will operate on the Lancefield to Sunbury line from 6.20am to 8pm on weekdays and from 8am to 6.30pm on Saturdays, on the Romsey to Kyneton line from 9am to 2.30pm on weekdays and from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays, and on the Lancefield to Gisborne line from 9.30am to 2pm on weekdays and from 11am to 4.30pm on Saturdays.

Ms Thomas said the bus service is about seeing more people be able to use the service to get to where they need to go.

“We have a lot of people that might want to catch the bus to either Clarkefield or Sunbury station, we’ve got kids that need to get to Sunbury for school, but of course, we’ve also got people that want to go shopping in Gisborne or Kyneton or to a medical appointment so we’re making sure the timetable’s clear, easily understood and people can not only get where they’re going but come back home again,” she said.

“We’re better connecting Romsey and Lancefield to train stations and other towns for work, health care, shopping and education.”

A fact sheet outlining the changes is available on the PTV website. Timetables and journey planning information will be available one month before the changes begin. To plan your journey visit ptv.vic.gov.au

A map of the new bus routes can be found on page 2.

Missing election signs prompts police investigation

The North Central Review

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October 10, 2018

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Missing election signs prompts police investigation

VICTORIA Police have confirmed officers are into the whereabouts of missing political signage.

The sign was allegedly taken from Yarrambat, according to a Victoria Police spokesperson. “Greensborough Police have received a report in relation to allegations a political advertising board had been removed from a property in Yarrambat at some stage between 8 and 9 October,” they said.

“Police are looking into whether any offences have been committed. “Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on ‪1800 333 000.‬”

More to come.

Ecotherapy Park continues to climb

The North Central Review

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October 9, 2018

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by Jackson Russell

ROMSEY Ecotherapy Park is one of three Macedon projects to be selected for funding through the state government’s Pick My Project fund.

Voting results were released on Tuesday with the Romsey Ecotherapy Park’s Climbing Forest project the fourth-highest vote getter in the Loddon Campaspe region with 329 votes.

The Romsey Ecotherapy Park committee ran an intense campaign to lobby for community votes to support the $200,000 addition which will see a challenging pole, ropes and net course installed at the southern end of the park’s recently opened Active Nature Space.

Romsey Ecotherapy Park president Raelene Mottram said the committee is incredibly grateful for the community’s support.

“It’s fantastic that it’s come to fruition. We’re really excited. It fills in this space for the active nature space that was originally planned and it just builds on the momentum of the park,” she said.

“We’re really excited and we’re thankful for the state government for putting it forward and congratulations to all the other projects that will go ahead too.

We just want to thank everyone for all of their voting, we really appreciate the community and people from other towns that saw this project as being a real benefit for the region and got on board.”

The three successful local projects will share in $463,500 of grants through the $30 million Victorian-first initiative.

The two other projects to receive funding were the Woodend Kindergarten’s playground upgrade and nature-based inclusive outdoor learning space for children, carers and community, and a Trentham community art installation to celebrate renowned steel, stone and wood sculptor Matthew Harding’s life and work and to raise awareness of the high rate of suicide among men in regional areas.

With funding now secured, the Romsey Ecotherapy Park team is looking forward getting the ball rolling on the Climbing Forest and hope to install it early in the new year.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said it’s fantastic to see these three local projects win support from our community through Pick My Project.

“The Climbing Forest is a major part of stage two of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park development, so it’s great to see this wonderful project get the nod from our community,” she said.

Sporting futures

The North Central Review

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October 9, 2018

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WANDONG and Kilmore sporting groups are big winners following the announcement of funding close to $900,000 from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Representatives of the Wandong tennis, netball and football clubs were joined on the Wandong tennis courts by members of Kilmore Little Athletics and the Kilmore Football Netball Club to hear the funding announcement.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes and Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson delivered the good news that LB Davern Reserve would receive $250,000 in funding which will see the two netball/tennis courts upgraded and lighting installed.

The project, totalling $546,000, will be delivered by Mitchell Shire Council to ensure that the netball courts and lighting are brought up to competition compliant standard.

Ms Symes said that she was pleased for the communities of Wandong and Kilmore.

“These are exciting projects that have come to fruition following conversations between Mitchell Shire, the clubs, and myself and the Minister for Sport. The upgrades will go a long way in not only benefiting current players but also future members of these growing clubs,” Ms Symes said.

Cr Sanderson agreed saying that council was working hard to improve sporting facilities across the eight major reserves in the shire.

“It is great that we can join in this venture with the state government as our funding partners to bring these important projects for Wandong and Kilmore to fruition,” Cr Sanderson said.

“Both towns have growing communities with an increasing involvement in sport and it is through the hard work of the communities and their club representatives that we are able to announce funding here today,” Cr Sanderson added.

Following the Wandong announcement Ms Symes told the gathering that Kilmore’s JJ Clancy Reserve Oval will receive $216,670 towards the $325,000 project to install new 50lux floodlights.

“The lights will have the capacity to upgrade to 100 lux that will result in greater use of the oval. The Kilmore Football and Junior Football clubs’ 350 plus players can soon train day or night,” Ms Symes said.

Whittlesea HEART break

The North Central Review

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October 9, 2018

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by Joshua Wells

A COMMUNITY advocate has expressed her disappointment at the government’s Pick My Project campaign after the township of Whittlesea failed to attract funding.

Whittlesea Community House’s Mary-Lyn Griffith said some ‘who got up are urban-based hipster projects’ and called the process ‘problematic’ for the town.

More than $2.9 million will be awarded to fund the winning projects in the Northern Metro with the Hume City Council, City of Darebin and Moreland City Council the most successful with four projects each.

The most popular project, the Eltham North Adventure Playground Community Landscaping Project, received the most votes with 825, while the Bush Tucker Kitchen Garden at Lalor Secondary College received 130 votes and the Whittlesea HEART project picked up 66.

Ms Griffiths said the online voting process would benefit some regions more than others.
“We are still digesting the whole process and do think the online voting put us at a disadvantage,” she said.

“Many of our residents aren’t computer savvy… and you also need to be over 16 to vote, and some of our projects were for the kids.

“I think it is an urban process and you can see the ones who got up are urban-based hipster projects… I want to see projects funded based on merit, not public voting.”

The Whittlesea HEART project was aimed at reducing the alarming rates at which Whittlesea residents suffer from heart conditions by installing bike sheds to encourage a healthy living.

Project suggester Kerry Clarke said she would continue to work on the project.

“We tried really hard to motivate people to vote, but it seems they didn’t do it,” she said.
“We will keep on trying through other sources of funding… I think people still take heart health seriously.”

Labor’s Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said the results will still benefit the City of Whittlesea.

“Congratulations to everyone who participated in the ground-breaking Pick My Project initiative either through voting or the submission of a project,” she said.

“Residents in Mernda, Doreen, South Morang and beyond will benefit from the regionally significant Plenty Gorge Park mountain bike trail program which will deliver more than 21km of trails.

“Those whose projects weren’t successful shouldn’t be disappointed as many of these can still be submitted for future funding.”

Liberal Candidate for Yan Yean Meralyn Klein said she wanted project funding to be based on merit and the needs of each community.

Free tickets to bridal expo

News

The North Central Review

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October 5, 2018

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THE North Central Review is giving away free tickets to the Melbourne Wedding and Bride Bridal Expo.

The expo is on this weekend at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, October 5 from 5pm to 9.30pm, Saturday, October 6 from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, October 7 from 10am to 3pm.

Visit weddingandbrideexpo.com.au and use the promo code ‘NORTHCENTRAL’ to claim your free ticket.

Devastated

The North Central Review

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October 2, 2018

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Man knocked out after roof collpase

by Joshua Wells

A SECOND roof collapse left Australian Defence Force veteran Matthew Blunt unconscious on his floor recently – just two months after most of his ceiling fell into his home in July.

Wallan’s Mr Blunt was at home on Friday, September 21, when he began hearing loud noises.

He checked outside but could hear nothing. He then noticed his ceiling was sagging.
“I just looked up and thought ‘crap’,” he said.

“I could see the ceiling sagging and I pushed it up like a trampoline.

“Then, a little while later, down she came. Then on Saturday, I came out of my room and a little bit more of the roof came down onto me.

“It lifted me off the ground and I ended up unconscious.”

Mr Blunt is now regulated to just the bedroom with his dog Bella.

Most of the roof in the home is now collapsed with dust and debris throughout the house and on the front lawn.

Mr Blunt, who co-owns the home, purchased the house back in 2014.

Mr Blunt will compete at the Invictus Games later this month.