Kinders improving outdoor areas

-

July 31, 2018

FOUR Macedon Ranges kindergartens are set to benefit from nearly $25,000 in grants that will provide kids with improved outdoor play spaces.

The funding comes through the state government’s Minor Infrastructure Refurbishment grants, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to improve the amenity of indoor or outdoor spaces used by children.

Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre in Gisborne will receive $9000 to relocate the current fence to increase its outdoor capacity and incorporate a water tank, vegetable garden and natural play space.

Romsey Kindergarten will receive $7400 to replace its existing shed with a larger one with new shelving.

Gisborne’s Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre and Kyneton’s Lady Brooks Kindergarten will each receive $4200 to create small, raised and calming sensory rock gardens, while Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre will also beautify the current sandpit area.

Council’s Director Community Wellbeing, Karen Stevens welcomed the announcement and thanked the Victorian Government for their contribution.

“The funding will assist with upgrades to outdoor spaces and technology to ensure our facilities continue to meet the growing needs of local families—it’s a great result for our kindergartens.”

Ten kindergartens in the Macedon Ranges will also share in more than $15,000 of funding as part of the state government’s Children’s Facilities Capital Program.

Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre, Romsey Kindergarten, Gisborne Kindergarten, Riddells Creek Kindergarten, Goodstart Early Learning Kyneton, and Goodstart Early Learning Woodend each received $1500 for new desktop computers.

Information technology grants of up to $1500 are available to purchase desktops, laptops, tablets and televisions used for either learning programs or administration use.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said she is excited for the upgrades to Macedon Ranges kindergartens.

“These exciting upgrades will give our little residents in the Macedon Ranges an even better kindergarten experience,” she said.

“This funding will provide great new learning and play spaces and new information technology for the children at eight kindergartens across the Macedon Ranges.”

For more information on recipients and the program, go to schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au

Child safety near schools a priority

The North Central Review

-

July 31, 2018

1

COMMUNITY concerns are growing about school safety in Kilmore, particularly around Kilmore-Lancefield Road and Conway Street, Kilmore.

Former school crossing Officer Denise Galea spoke about her concerns of the roads network near four local schools as traffic congestion rises.

She said she wanted to see a safer approach to the corner of Kilmore-Lancefield Road and Conway Street, as well as a footpath constructed on the opposite side of the road to reduce risk.

“We need to get something done for the safety of the children, we are playing Russian roulette,” she said.

“It only takes one kid to get hit… We want to just improve the area for the children.

“There are not a lot of road markings about the crossing for students, but there are a lot of cars and buses coming through. Logically, we want to see a crossing closed and moved down the road, with a footpath on the other side to help students and even those residents in the nursing homes.”

The Mitchell Shire Council has allocated $159,000 to fix the missing links in footpaths across the shire.

Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said safety of students was paramount.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to fix footpath missing links across the shire, $159,000 is allocated in our 2018/19 capital works budget to construct a new footpath along the northern side of Kilmore-Lancefield Road, between Willowmavin Estate and Church Street,” she said.

“Improving the safety of our community is a priority for council and this new footpath will significantly improve safety for pedestrians, especially children, when travelling to and from the schools in this area.

“The safety of school children across our shire is a priority and we will continue to invest significant amounts of funding, and lobby for external grant funding, to fix the gaps in our footpath network, construct new school crossings, and fund school crossing supervisors.”

Kilmore Primary School Principal Kim Laffan said the school wanted to make sure the students felt safe to walk to school.

“Our main priority is students and their safety. We’d have a lot more people walking to school if it was safe a environment to do so… at the moment some parents are driving their kids,” she said.

Mother-of-five and school council parent Jodie Cloke said she wanted to stop the crisscrossing on the road.

“It is the ‘tetrising’ on the roads because of where things are… the long term solution would is a footpath which would be utilised for students and also the nursing homes,” she said.

“We don’t want to discourage people from walking to school.”

Kilmore set to install game changing GoodSAM device

The North Central Review

-

July 31, 2018

0

Kilmore set to install game changing GoodSAM device

KILMORE Ambulance Station has installed an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) in the hopes of saving local lives.

Ambulance Victoria Acting Team Manager Kilmore Nick Smailes said the funds used to purchase were from community groups, the station’s way of giving back.

“We had community funds given to us by members of the community and, we usually buy training equipment, we purchased an AED,” he said.

“This is in conjunction with the GoodSam program which will hopefully help the community… we hope people will come grab it and use it. The first few minutes are vitally important to someone’s life.”

GoodSAM, a smartphone app, is rolling out following a four-month pilot phase where more than 1100 Ambulance Victoria paramedics registered as GoodSAM responders.

An army of responders is set to grow into the thousands as registrations open to trained professionals such as firefighters, lifesavers, doctors and nurses.

Ambulance Victoria CEO, Associate Professor Tony Walker ASM said the revolutionary app was a game changer.

“GoodSAM will play a key role in helping save more than 6000 Victorians who suffer a cardiac arrest away from hospital every year. We’ve already seen lives saved as a result of the app, when off-duty Ambulance Victoria paramedics helped to save the lives of patients after responding to a GoodSAM alert,” he said.

“The two lives saved in pilot phase proves that GoodSAM is transformative technology for patients in cardiac arrest and highlights the impact trained bystanders can have in the critical minutes between a Triple Zero (000) call and emergency services arriving.”

Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest by 10 percent.

Associate Professor Walker announced last week that Ambulance Victoria had partnered with St John Ambulance, Chevra Hatzolah, the Country Fire Authority, and Life Saving Victoria to grow the GoodSAM responder community.

“We have an army of responders on board already. Victorians shouldn’t be surprised if an off-duty lifesaver, doctor or firefighter arrives within minutes – they may be in their pyjamas but they are there to help save your life,” he continued.

“It takes a community to save a life. And we are growing this community – a community that before this technology wouldn’t have even known someone just a few hundred metres away needed their life-saving skills.”

Associate Professor Walker said that while GoodSAM was an exciting innovation, it wasn’t a replacement for Victoria’s emergency services.

“When it comes to cardiac arrest, seconds count. Bystanders have a vital role to play while emergency services make their way to the scene, and GoodSAM is all about harnessing that,” he said.

The GoodSAM app allows trained and trusted medical professionals to become ‘Good Samaritans’, sending an electronic call for help when people nearby are in cardiac arrest.

It does so using GPS technology, notifying up to three responders of the patient’s location and the closest defibrillators while emergency services are on their way.

Visit here to find out more about GoodSAM and becoming a responder.

Lights for Lancefield Park

The North Central Review

-

July 31, 2018

0

A LIBERAL Nationals government will contribute $250,000 to upgrade the lighting on the Lancefield Park oval if they were to be elected in the upcoming state election.

The 110 lux lighting upgrade will enable playing and training times to be significantly extended at the ground, in order to support both the senior and junior teams as well as the club’s planned introduction of a women’s football team and Under 19s team in 2019.

Liberal candidate for Macedon Amanda Millar said the club is at the heart of the Lancefield community.

“The club has been disappointed in recent years at missing out on funding which has gone to other towns,” she said.

“These upgrades will provide the club with the opportunity to move to the next level – most especially by opening the door to introducing a women’s football team in 2019.”

Shadow Minister for Sport Danny O’Brien echoed Ms Millar’s sentiments, adding the coalition prioritises grassroots.

“We will always put grassroots sport first,” he added.

Child hit by car in Kilmore

The North Central Review

-

July 26, 2018

0

by Joshua Wells

A CHILD is recovering after being hit by a vehicle on Rutledge Street, Kilmore, at 3.30pm on Wednesday, July 25.

St Patrick’s Primary School principal Michael Bourne confirmed to North Central Review a child had been affected following the incident.

“There was a traffic incident, a slow speed impact,” he said.

“There was contact between a child and a car but there was no broken bones and the child is at home.

“Staff came out from multiple schools for traffic management… the responses from staff and parents was nothing short of amazing. Within 40 minutes everything had disappeared.”

While the unfortunate event caused some panic at the time, Mr Bourne said he was proud of the ‘compassion and professionalism’ shown by those at the scene.

However, Mr Bourne was left disappointed by rumours.

“If there are incidents like this, it is so important to wait for correct information to be shared with the community,” he said.

“By following the correct information channels, it prevents misinformation or any anxiety.”

Victoria Police confirmed emergency services attended the scene.

“Police and emergency services attended a collision on Rutledge Street about 3.30pm on July 25,” a spokesperson said.

“It’s understood an eight-year-old boy was hit by a slow moving van when he ran onto the road.

“The driver was treated at the scene for shock.”

Romsey wins third straight

The North Central Review

-

July 25, 2018

0

by Jackson Russell

ROMSEY football won its third game on the trot, beating reigning Riddell District Football League premiers Macedon by 31 points at home on Saturday.

The win brings the sixth-placed Redbacks closer to overtaking the Cats for the fifth spot with three rounds left in the season.

Romsey utilised short, accurate kicks to work its way up the ground throughout the game.
It was a slower start as both teams felt each other out, with three goals kicked between the two teams in the first quarter as Macedon took a four point lead into the first change.

The heat was turned up in the second term as the Redbacks kicked five goals to three to wrestle back the lead from Macedon.

Romsey was able to extend its lead in the premiership quarter, kicking another five goals to three to take a 17-point lead into the final break.

The Redbacks held the Cats goalless while kicking four goals of their own in the final term to seal the win.

Romsey coach Corey O’Sullivan said the key to his side’s win was contributions from all 22 players.

“It was definitely [one of our best games] in the sense that everyone was able to stick to the task. We understand Macedon had a couple key players out but you still have to be at your best to beat these top sides and that’s what we got,” he said.

“We just tried to deny Macedon the ball until we could find the right option to utilise our tall forwards.

“I was really happy with our defence, it was a major part of our game. I said at three-quarter time it was a game we needed to win and not save so to get the job done was really pleasing.”

While most teams will enjoy a break during the second half the split round, the Redbacks will take on Diggers Rest this Saturday to make up for the postponed fixture earlier in the season.

“We think on our day, we can beat any of the top sides, we certainly don’t fear them. We need everyone to play near to their best as an individual and as a team,” Mr O’Sullivan added.

Motorists urged to avoid Hume after horror smash

The North Central Review

-

July 24, 2018

0

Motorists urged to avoid Hume after horror smash

A PERSON, or people, may have become trapped within one or more vehicles following a smash on the Hume Highway Outbound Amaroo Ramp at 4pm on Tuesday, July 24.

Following Triple 000 calls, emergency services are responding to reports of a road traffic collision on Amaroo Road and the Hume Highway Outbound Amaroo Ramp.

There are reports that there may be persons trapped within one or more vehicles.

Drivers are advised to take care in the area and avoid where possible as delays may be experienced.

The new law requires all motorists to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicles displaying lights or sirens or risk a $277 penalty.

Discover the old line

The North Central Review

-

July 24, 2018

0

A BOOK detailing the old Lancefield-Kilmore railway line was launched at the Old Railway Station bed and breakfast on Saturday, July 14.

Authors of A Pictorial Guide to the Long Lost Lancefield and Kilmore Railway, Bob Tomkins and Kylie McKay designed the book to be used, rather than just read.

“It’s specifically designed to use and go and look at the line,” Mr Tomkins said.

“The idea of the book is using GPS or Kylie’s maps or our verbal descriptions and that will take you to good places to look at the railway line. We’d really like families to go out, it’s an outdoor activity and that’s why the Geocaching locations are all family friendly.”

There’s been a fantastic response to the book already, with nearly the entire first run sold a week after the launch.

“We have enough for the book signing but none for anything else. We printed 185 and we think there’s a danger of running out before the book signing so that’s why we’re trying really hard to get some more for the book signing,” Mr Tomkins added.

All proceeds from the book will go directly back into the Romsey Lancefield Historical Society, where Ms McKay is vice president.

While neither received any payment beyond a free copy of the book, Ms McKay said the experience was payment enough.

“[It was about] the experience of actually travelling the line and having detailed looks into things that other people won’t get to see,” she said.

Mr Tomkins and Ms McKay will be holding a book signing on Saturday, July 28 at Red Door Books during the Lancefield Farmers Market and invite anyone interested to come along.

Severe weather warning issued

The North Central Review

-

July 24, 2018

0

THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for people in the North Central, Central and South West districts as a cold front creates damaging winds across the state.

North to north-westerly winds will strengthen today (July 24) as another cold front moves eastwards across Victoria.

Damaging winds, averaging 60-70km/h with peak gusts of around 90km/h are possible within the warning area during Tuesday.

The Kilmore Gap weather station, just north of Wallan, measured a 63km/h wind gust at 2pm this afternoon.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Stephen King said the cold front should Kilmore sometime around 5pm.

“We’ll see lighter showers and some wind gusts up to 90 or 100km/h. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as it was last night, but it should only last for an hour or so. Once things slow down tonight, we should have a few days of much lighter winds.”

Mr King said peak gusts at the Kilmore Gap station reached speeds of over 100km/h on Monday night.

Elevated areas and the south-west coast are considered to be most susceptible. Winds will increase from the west during the day, then ease later in the afternoon and evening.

Damaging wind gusts are most likely with showers during the afternoon as the cold front moves through.

Over alpine areas, winds are expected to gradually increase during the day to average 70-80km/h by later this afternoon, with peak gusts of 100-110km/h, before easing overnight.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wonthaggi, Bacchus Marsh and the alpine resorts.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony, and keep clear of fallen power lines.

Local woman’s Pick My Project appeal

The North Central Review

-

July 24, 2018

0

by Joshua Wells

A MERNDA mum has said she found it ‘hard to believe’ the council wouldn’t support her Pick My Project campaign to have public toilets installed at the Mernda Villages Estate parks.

Resident Belinda Smith had been pushing to have an application for $200,000 for the toilets supported by the City of Whittlesea, but was told by a director the support would not come.

In a letter written to Ms Smith, the Whittlesea Review has sighted the letter, a director told the campaigner it would not be possible to support the campaign at this time.

“Council receives numerous requests for public toilets. To ensure equitable distribution and location in appropriate safe spaces and sustainable management of liabilities and facility standards, as part of Council’s open space strategy public toilets are typically positioned in regional parkland,” the letter stated.

“Planned additional toilets in the Mernda Villages area are limited to the Mernda Regional Recreation Reserve currently being planned.

No toilets are propose near the lakes area and accordingly cannot be supported at this stage.”

Despite the response, Ms Smith said she hoped to continue the push for the toilet block.

“We have had the playground the whole time, a BBQ and so forth and we thought the toilets would be coming,” she said.

“The dog park, playground, lakes – they are also used constantly. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t support the project.

“I have kids. You can’t have a party there. You drive home and come back, it is frustrating.”

North Ward councillor Tom Joseph said he supported the idea but said external factors would hamper the project.

“While I support the idea, unfortunately the reality is that in a rate-capping environment the council has a very limited means to raise the funds and there are conflicting priorities for the rates dollars,” he said.

“The current council policy on public toilets in that parks is that only regional parks will have toilets, the reason for that being it is very expensive to build toilets in parks as well as on an average we have a park for every 400 houses so for most people they have a park within walking distance from their house, and the cost of maintaining a public toilet is extremely high due to vandalism.

“Having said that, the Quarry Hills park in Mernda will be a regional park and I will be pushing for toilets in that park as it fits in with the council’s policy of having toilets in the regional parks.