Community nabs new bus

The North Central Review

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May 22, 2018

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By Joshua Wells

A NEW community bus will be available to members of the community in Whittlesea which will aim to assist 80 local volunteers in their program delivery.

Whittlesea Community House manager Mary-Lynn Griffith was ecstatic last week when announcing the purchase of a new $35,000 bus with community matched funds allowing them to nab the vehicle.

After the Whittlesea Bowls Club matched the federal Stronger Communities Grant, the Whittlesea Community House chipped in the final $5000 to make the bus a reality.

“We need a community vehicle to support our volunteer drivers in the Whittlesea Area Community Care and Assistance program, while also looking to support community groups,” Ms Griffith said.

“It is also for our groups in the house and some groups hire the bus too… we got to a point where we needed a bigger vehicle and to buy it because leasing was costing too much.
“We are very lucky to have the support of the Whittlesea Bowls Club… we have about 80 volunteers in the house and this will make our program delivery all the more achievable.”
Whittlesea Bowls Club chairman of directors Geoff Aldous said helping the local community was what his club was all about.

“We are pleased to put some money back into the local community,” he said.
“We feel it should be in kind and this is worthy organisation and we are happy to help.”
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said the bus was an easy choice for the government because it was a community effort.

“We knew the need for a bigger bus in Whittlesea was growing with more and more people needing access,” he said.

“The Stronger Communities Grants gives us money to spread across the region to help… it is matching funds and the bowls club have helped.

“They are always helping people and that is the strength of this grant. It was a community need and the community has come on board… they stepped up and grabbed it.

“This was a highly competitive round but this was an easy one to fund.”

Lancefield history being studied

History

The North Central Review

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May 22, 2018

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LANCEFIELD is one of the towns being looked at as part of a heritage study being undertaken by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

The study will review sites of heritage significance in Lancefield, Woodend, Macedon and Mount Macedon.

Council said the study is a positive step towards ensuring the preservation of important historical assets in the towns.

The first stage of the study has already begun, with a review 54 potential heritage sites that have previously been identified as having some heritage significance.

As part of the study, the Romsey Lancefield Historical Society has been asked to contribute its ideas as to how to better preserve the heritage of Lancefield.

Research officer Wendy McDonald said the society believes there aren’t any more buildings that should be added to the Heritage Overlay.

What the society would like the see come from the study, however, is a greater connection between council’s planning department and the Heritage Overlays so that property owners are aware of the history of their building and keep its heritage intact.

“There’s seemingly not an understanding between what has a Heritage Overlay and how the Overlay relates to people who ultimately purchase the building,” Ms McDonald said.

“We would really like to make sure that it’s recognised, that the owners of the buildings recognise that they’ve got a building that has a Heritage Overlay, because I’m quite sure there are some people who may not actually be aware.

“We would like that if you purchase a building that has a heritage overlay, you keep it looking heritage.”

After the initial 54 sites are reviewed, the second stage of the study will involve more detailed research to determine what the heritage elements are, how they contribute to the heritage place, the level of significance of each site and whether a site should haves protection via the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme.

Following the completion of the study, a planning scheme amendment will be sought to apply a Heritage Overlay on properties assessed as being of heritage significance.

The study is part of council’s 2014 Heritage Strategy, which has provided Heritage Overlay protection for 278 sites across the Macedon Ranges Shire.

For more information on the heritage study, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/C124 or call 5421 0704.

Ray Carroll’s plea to government

The North Central Review

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May 17, 2018

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ONE of Kilmore’s longest serving football coaches, has taken aim at the state government for ‘sinking more money’ into Melbourne’s stadiums instead of helping out in the country and outer suburbs.

Ray Carroll slammed a $225 million deal with the AFL to redevelop the Etihad Stadium precinct, while $100 million has been allocated for facilities.

Mr Carroll said he wasn’t the only one who shared concerns about the state’s football.

“I am not the only who has concerns about this deal… I don’t understand. Couldn’t that money be better spent around suburban and country clubs where facilities are poor and clubs are falling over due to funding?” he said.

“This game is built on volunteers. If they all stopped and walked away, the sport would die. They are the real stakeholders in the whole thing.

“I want to see more money given to the ordinary people to help out.”

Mr Carroll said the funding available was positive, but clubs were still in vulnerable positions.

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren told the North Central Review there was plenty of funding on offer for the state’s football clubs.

The state budget will invest $60 million for community sporting grants, $5 million for Community Sports Infrastructure loans and $15 million for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund.

Mr Eren said the funding would target both the city and local sporting clubs.

“Labor has delivered the biggest investment in women’s and community sport in Victoria’s history – upgrading local grounds, change rooms and pavilions so more Victorians have the facilities they need to play and watch the sport they love,” he said in a statement.

“We can have both here in Victoria – the biggest games and the best venues, and first-class facilities for grassroots clubs across our suburbs and regions.”

Recently, the Kilmore Football Netball Club was interested in developing new social rooms, while Member for Euroa Steph Ryan committed to an upgrade at Seymour’s Kings Park if The Nationals win government in November.

Are the Magpies the best in the league?

The North Central Review

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May 16, 2018

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By Joshua Wells

The Riddell District Football League side from Greenhill Reserve are on top of the ladder with the best attacking statistics, the third best defensive numbers and a 5-0 record.

From a side who missed out on the finals by way of percentage in 2017, the ‘Pies have the best percentage by more than 75 per cent after five rounds.

But no one player is doing the work on their own.

The Magpies have six goal kickers in the RDFL’s top 20 and the line-up is led by Joshua Barber who had kicked 15 goals by the end of the fifth round.

In comparison, Diggers Rest have three players in the top 20, Sunbury, Melton Centrals, Rupertswood, Riddell and Woodend-Hesket all have two players and Macedon have one.

Coach Daniel Nolan’s charges rank third in defence, but piled on 20 goals against the league’s second best defensive side, Riddell, back in round two.

In the same game, the black and white stripes held Riddell to less than 100 points – allowing 99 points to be scored.

That match, at home, was Wallan’s worst day out defensively, with three opposition scores below 30 points since then, while Sunbury kicked 70.

On Saturday afternoon at Welsh Group Oval, Wallan kicked 30.22.202 to thump Rockbank 2.3.15 in a one-sided affair.

Best on ground Ricky Schraven led the side around the park, but Barber fronted up for the forward line with six goals.

Assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said the Magpies wanted to focus on a good start.

“This week we managed to kick the first goal again, it was one of our focuses,” he said after the match.

“Our work rate in the first term was very good, in very difficult conditions. Our conversion rate was good considering the wind and sideways rain.

“After quarter time, it was another professional performance.”

Asst. coach Mathieson also praised the efforts of four of the youngest players.

“We had four Under 19s, Corey Grindlay, Joel Vella, Bill Direen and Liam Birch, who were more than serviceable,” he added.

The ‘Pies’ stroll into the Interleague break this weekend, but will go on to face Melton Centrals at home in round six of the competition.

Should Wallan win that match, it will most likely set up a mouth-watering top-of-the-table fight with Rupertswood on June 2 at Greenhill Reserve.

Rockbank 2.3-15
defeated by
Wallan 30.22-202

Rockbank:
Goal Kickers: L. Milligan, J. Austin.
Best Players: J. Austin, T. Mainey, B. Billing, H. Cameron, M. Baumgartner, S. Lowe.

Wallan:
Goal Kickers: J. Barber 6, J. Davies 4, S. Rexhepi 4, C. Barton 3, A. Saladino 2, B. Cox 2, J. Layley 2, B. Schraven, R. Schraven, C. Grindlay, T. Muldoon, S. Stewart, K. Marc, L. Birch.
Best Players: R. Schraven, J. Davies, A. Saladino, J. Barber, S. Stewart, B. Cox.

Government pledge up to $200,000 for Tallarook rebuild

The North Central Review

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May 15, 2018

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Government pledge up to $200,000 for Tallarook rebuild

By Joshua Wells

EXCLUSIVE: THE Mitchell Shire Council is expected to receive up to $200,000 from the state government to help rebuild the Tallarook Mechanics Institute.

During a public meeting on Tuesday, May 15, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes made the announcement to assist in the rebuild.

The funds will come from Community Support Fund and will be directed to the Mitchell Shire Council in the coming weeks.

The Mitchell Shire Council was contacted for comment.

More in the North Central Review on Tuesday, May 22.

Police calls on public to help find Robert Love

The North Central Review

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May 15, 2018

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Police calls on public to help find Robert Love

VICTORIA Police are appealing for information on 27-year-old Robert Love.

Police are trying to locate the man in relation to alleged armed robbery charges.

He is known to frequent Seymour.

He is described as 185cm tall, brown eyes, short brown hair with a solid build.

Anyone who sights Love or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Monitor council plea

The North Central Review

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May 15, 2018

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By Joshua Wells

THE City of Whittlesea Council will formally ask the government to request a municipal monitor for six months after a heated special meeting on Tuesday, May 8.

The special meeting was called by Cr Alahna Desiato, Cr Caz Monteleone and Cr Ricky Kirkham to review the council’s processes for 18 months – a move which appeared to have unanimous support.

The call for the review was made amid concerns, which were expressed multiple times throughout the meeting, centring on council’s decision-making processes and an alleged bias from Mayor Kris Pavlidis, along with a potential issue with the way the February 6 meeting was closed.

The concerns were summed up by Cr Monteleone, who told the gallery at the beginning of the meeting that the council was ‘mediocre’, with constant infighting.
“I would love to stand and gloat about the council, but I can’t and won’t,” he said.
“We are mediocre at best… I have witnessed countless decisions which could cause ratepayers distress.

“Why? Because we can. How can we be a voice when some councillors come with closed minds?”

The motion to introduce the monitor was eventually passed, six votes to four, although the time frame for the monitor was watered down from the initial 18-month period to six months.

The four councillors to vote against it were Cr Kirkham, Cr Desiato, Cr Monteleone and Cr Norm Kelly.

The adopted motion included an amendment, moved by Cr Lawrie Cox, to have the reasons for introducing a monitor expressly stated on the record.

The main points focused on unruly behaviour with constant interjections, the use of media statements and failure to adhere to code of conduct, and meeting, guidelines.

“I think we need to expand on what the problems are,” Cr Cox said.

“This is not a dysfunctional council. The unruly behaviour since the mayor was elected… is the problem.”

Cr Kirkham interjected to seek advice, from the mayor, about the proposed change to the motion, leading Cr Cox to argue this was typical of one of the issues he was referring to.

However, Cr Kirkham said the issues were widespread throughout the council and not aimed at any particular councillors.

“The intent of this motion is to focus on our council. There are processes in place to hold people to account,” he said.

“To amend this, I think it goes beyond the merit of why we are here.

“I find it laughable six people here think they are beyond reproach.”

Cr Tom Joseph stood to throw his support behind the motion to request a monitor but was concerned of the cost to ratepayers.

“I support the motion calling for a monitor. Now, Madam Mayor, how did we come to this situation? Since your election we have a group of Councillors… who are hell bent on disrupting the functioning of the council meetings,” he said.

“Why? Because they are finding it hard to accept that what works in a democracy is the majority decision making.

“It will cost the rate payers to have a monitor $30,000 a month.”

When the amended motion was passed, Mayor Pavlidis expressed her disappointment and defended her past actions.

“I feel embarrassed as mayor of the day,” she said in summary.

“After several warnings, we do ask people to leave chambers.

“At the end of the day, we usually have a thick agenda to get through.”

Boost for local projects

The North Central Review

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May 15, 2018

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The Victorian Government’s Pick My Project fund is designed so that the community are able to have their say on the projects they want to get funded.

The state budget, released last week, has $30 million set aside to fund community projects between $20,000 and $200,000.

State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the fund is a great opportunity for the community to get around some of the great ideas that never fitted into the criteria of previous government grants.

Once entered, projects will be assessed on their feasibility before being voted on by the community online.

There are many projects through the region that will be able to benefit from the Pick My Project fund. Ms Thomas said the Greater Romsey All Abilities Park (GRAAP) is one that immediately comes to mind.

“GRAAP have had a fantastic idea they have been working on, they’ve got lots of community support, they’ve got the plan, they’ve completed stage one and they’re ready to go to complete their vision. To me, that is a prime example of a project that could be funded,” she said.

The Lancefield Neighbourhood House already has some ideas that they’re willing to submit for the community to vote on.

Coordinator Vivien Thomas said the idea for a food bank has been in the works for a few years now and the Pick My Project fund is the perfect opportunity to get it underway.

“Rather than coming in and getting a box like you’re on welfare, there’s a pantry you can go to. Sometimes people, they never need assistance but then they crash their car, their hot water service blows up, their registration is due and all of those things in the same week,” she explained.

“People can be under a lot of stress doing that and they can just take the pressure off their grocery shopping for a week or two, and there’s an abundance of produce that’s grown in the area.”

Other possibilities the Lancefield Neighbourhood House is looking into is creating more storage at Lancefield Park and creating an off-lead area for dogs.

Rather than funding going towards specific projects or groups, just about any project from anyone can be funded.

The only restrictions are that applicants must be over 16 year old to submit their idea online and they will need to identify an eligible organisation to sponsor and support the idea and administer funds through a registered ABN.

“I would be encouraging environmental groups, community groups, maybe business and tourism groups; anyone for where there is not yet a funding stream,” Ms Thomas said.

“This is an opportunity but they’ve got to be community-led, that’s the key thing. They’ve got to be led by the community and something that people in the community want.”

Broadford Pony Club vandalised

The North Central Review

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May 15, 2018

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by Jackson Russell

THE Broadford Pony Club was the victim of a random act of vandalism on Friday, April 4 when fences around its dressage arena and between two of its paddocks at Broadford Common were cut, collapsing around 500m of fencing wire.

Broadford Police are currently investigating the incident. Senior Constable Steve Holcombe called the act “just spiteful behaviour”.

There are no cameras in the area and the one resident in the area around the time of the incident has said he didn’t see anything.

Police are appealing to anyone who knows anything about the incident to come forward.
Broadford Pony club secretary Lisa Haigh told the North Central Review the club recently installed $2000 worth of new fencing in March and will now need to spend around $700 to fix fencing that was barely two months old.

“It’s our time too, we’re all volunteers. We just replaced all the fencing down there,” she said.

It’s not the first time the club has been target by vandalism. For the last two months or so, the club has been finding sticks and tree limbs placed on top of their cross country jumps, as well as bricks and tyres placed strategically before and after the jumps.

Ms Haigh said she doesn’t know why the club is being targeted. “We don’t really have any problem with anyone. We deal with council a bit and no one’s made any complaints. We maintain grounds highly and we have working bees and try to keep it looking good,” she said.

Broadford Pony Club volunteers took part in an impromptu working bee on Saturday to fix the damage before the club meeting on Sunday.

“We had to try to get as many members on Saturday to fix it otherwise it wouldn’t go ahead because it would have been dangerous to horses and kids to not have that wire in place,” Ms Haigh said.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said council is working close with the Broadford Pony Club to assist them after this setback.

“It’s so disheartening for the volunteer members of our local clubs or community groups when they are targets of senseless vandalism such as this.

Council to ask for monitor

The North Central Review

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May 9, 2018

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By Joshua Wells

THE City of Whittlesea Council will formally ask the government to request a municipal monitor for six months after a heated special meeting on Tuesday, May 8.

The special meeting was called by Cr Alahna Desiato, Cr Caz Monteleone and Cr Ricky Kirkham to review the council’s processes for 18 months – a move which appeared to have unanimous support.

The call for the review was made amid concerns, which were expressed multiple times throughout the meeting, centring on council’s decision-making processes and an alleged bias from Mayor Kris Pavlidis, along with a potential issue with the way the February 6 meeting was closed.

The concerns were summed up by Cr Monteleone, who told the gallery at the beginning of the meeting that the council was ‘mediocre’, with constant infighting.

“I would love to stand and gloat about the council, but I can’t and won’t,” he said.

“We are mediocre at best… I have witnessed countless decisions which could cause ratepayers distress.