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Weekly Mini Crossword Week 02/12/2025
Mini Crossword puzzle of the week
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$6m new home for Kilmore SES
By Ashok Verma
A GAMECHANGER for the region — that’s how Jaclyn Symes described the new $6 million Kilmore State Emergency Services (SES) unit headquarters.
There was a unanimous round of heart-felt smiles and applause as Ms Symes kickstarted the landmark project on Tuesday with a sod-turning ceremony to mark the facility construction along with Kilmore Unit Controller Steve Caddies and one of the founding members, Kerry De Gabrielle.
“Our volunteers deserve the best facilities, and this new headquarters will ensure the VICSES Kilmore unit is well equipped to continue its vital work,” Ms Symes said.
The headquarters, on about a 2000sqm site, is located at 114 Powlett Street, next to the unit’s current site at 24 Green Street.
Ms Symes said: “The Kilmore SES, they’re just a huge part of the community.
“So, to be able to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that’s going to meet their needs now, and in the future, is a gamechanger for the local unit.
“It’s going to make sure that they’ve got a place where they can be comfortable, safe and ready to turn out when the community needs them, but also more and more people are going to be interested in joining a wonderful organisation.”
The ceremony was attended by proud volunteers, VICSES chief executive officer Rob Purcell, who came for the day from Melbourne, Deputy Chief Officer Cain Trist, and newly elected Mitchell Shire Council Deputy Mayor Timothy Hanson.
“This new facility isn’t just for us — it’s about delivering better outcomes and services for the whole community,” Mr Caddies said.
“With improved infrastructure, more space and room to grow, we will be equipped to meet whatever support the community needs, respond to a wide range of emergencies and support our partner agencies, whenever needed.
“Today we are not just breaking ground, we are setting up Kilmore SES for the future. I am really looking forward to seeing this new unit rise and proudly serve our region for many years to come.”
Asked whether the unit can expect some more funding in the future, Treasurer Ms Symes said: “Obviously, as they’re saying, this is actually one of the busiest units, and for rescue and storms and all that.
“Well, look, it’s a multimillion-dollar build that we’re building, and obviously, they’ll have the opportunity to make sure they’ve got the equipment that they need.
“So we’re always responding to the growing communities in Victoria, making sure SES has got the resources that they need to do what they do best.
“1 want to thank SES volunteers for all the wonderful work they do in keeping our community safe, their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
The facility has been funded as part of the Victorian Government’s $26 million investment in emergency services’ upgrades.
Cr Hanson, who represented Mitchell Shire Council at the ceremony, said: “We are pleased to see this project moving forward. A modern SES facility in Kilmore will make a real difference to emergency response across our region.
“The SES has been a long-standing partner for Mitchell Shire, and we appreciate the dedication and professionalism of the Kilmore unit’s volunteers.”
The new facility will have a large motor room with four vehicle bays, a large training and meeting space, offices, turnout area, kitchen, laundry and storeroom. It will also have shower, washing machine, dryer, air-conditioning, facilities that are lacking at the current site.
The unit’s current building at 24 Green Street will stay. Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by mid-next year.
Lions bring Christmas to Whittlesea
WHITTLESEA’S festive season officially lit up on Saturday as the town’s Christmas tree was unveiled, the result of remarkable community spirit and the tireless efforts of the Whittlesea Lions Club. Crowds gathered along Church Street to watch the tree sparkle to life, marking the beginning of the region’s much-loved holiday celebrations.
The Lions Club expressed heartfelt thanks to the broader community for its generosity and support in making the display possible. This year’s tree was donated by Rob Mitchell, Member for McEwen, whose contribution ensured the town could continue its cherished tradition of hosting a central Christmas feature for families to enjoy.
Adding to the display’s brilliance, Bunnings Mernda donated the solar lights that now illuminate the tree each evening. Decorations were generously supplied by the Whittlesea Salvation Army, the Flowerdale Op Shop, and the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, each contributing handmade and meaningful pieces that reflect the region’s strong sense of togetherness.
In addition to the tree itself, the surrounding streetscape has been transformed into a festive corridor. Santa and candy cane figures, all hand-painted by a dedicated Lions Club member, now line the length of Church Street, bringing colour and cheer to the town centre. Their handcrafted detail has already become a favourite feature among visiting families.
A new highlight this year is the Santa photo board, designed and painted by local artist Cardy Toons. The vibrant artwork offers families a fun photo opportunity and celebrates the talent of creatives within the community.
The Whittlesea Lions Club hopes the display will bring joy to residents and visitors throughout the festive season, reminding everyone of the power of local collaboration and the true meaning of Christmas spirit.
This coming Friday, December 5, the community will be able to share in the Christmas spirit around the tree. To coincide with Cruise Night, the area will come alive with an icecream van and entertainment.
Victory and Assumption team up
MELBOURNE Victory’s burgeoning relationship with the Mitchell area has continued to grow, with the club announcing a strategic football partnership with Assumption College as part of its plans to establish itself as the premier sporting club in the region.
The partnership ensures Victory are keen to remain the most well-known soccer organisation in the state, as well as laying its marker in Melbourne’s growing northern region battleground to compete with local rivals Melbourne City, who has its Melbourne City Football School program at Bundoora’s Parade College.
The four-time men’s champions and three-time women’s champions will provide Assumption students with access to elite coaching, mentorship and pathways to professional sport as a result of the program.
Last Tuesday’s launch event at Assumption College saw speeches from College and club leaders, training demonstrations on Carroll Oval and Melbourne Victory footballers in attendance.
The day was headlined by the appearance of Marco Rojas, who works within the Academy for Melbourne Victory, having also played on 45 occasions for his native New Zealand in international football, while also making 119 appearances and scoring 39 goals for Victory alongside stints in Germany for Stuttgart and Heerenveen in the Netherlands.
Paul Finneran, Assumption College principal, said it was another key cog to success for the college going forward.
“Today’s launch is a stark acknowledgement of soccer’s contribution to sport at Assumption College, and it is our hope that this partnership with Melbourne Victory Football Club inspires excitement about the opportunities this collaboration brings for current and future students,” he said.
Caroline Carnegie, Managing Director of Melbourne Victory, said it was another way the club would give back to the Mitchell community.
“Melbourne Victory is proud to welcome Assumption College into our Performance Schools network. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to the Mitchell Shire and enhances our focus on developing young talent in an environment that supports both football excellence and academic achievement. Together, we are creating a clear and meaningful pathway for the next generation of Victory players,” she said.
“It’s a thrill for us to be here. Melbourne Victory Performance Schools are a big part of what we like to do. It helps us to not just identify talent but make sure every one of you and every one of your families and everyone at Assumption College comes to games and gets to learn a little bit more about Melbourne Victory and football.”
The move to link up with Assumption College continues to elevate Melbourne Victory’s standing in the Mitchell Shire area.
Construction of Melbourne Victory’s Northern Campus in Beveridge will begin in the coming months after the club agreed to an in-principle agreement with the Mitchell Shire Council, following negotiations which started almost two years ago.
The $35 million facility will support the club’s women’s and academy programs, with the facility fully managed by the club, including three full-sized football pitches and four synthetic small-sized pitches.
The facility will give students from Assumption an unprecedented opportunity for access once completed, which Melbourne Victory will hope cements it as its new hub for excellence.
Wet and wild weekend
THERE was immense frustration across the Diamond Valley Cricket Association as rain halted what looked to be multiple exciting finishes to games.
Mernda’s Money Shield clash against Lower Plenty at Waterview Reserve was affected, which meant the Demons were stranded on 0/4 chasing 195.
Laurimar’s match against Hurstbridge at Ben Frilay Oval was listed as a draw, with the Power 3/159 chasing 266 after 72 overs.
Luke Richardson was impossible to get out, finishing on an unbeaten 56, while Rian Boddy was also unbeaten on 30.
South Morang was undone by a wild innings from Thomastown’s Shoaib Khan, who scored an unbeaten 107 at Main Street Reserve to help Thomastown chase down the Lions’ 9/190, winning by five wickets.
Theiveekan Theivanesan was a lone hand for the Lions with the ball, taking 4/46 off 27.5 overs.
Whittlesea’s first XI game was abandoned against Research Eltham Collegians, with both teams settling for a draw.
Elsewhere, Mernda’s B grade team was no match for Diamond Creek, losing by 178 runs after being bowled out for 80.
Arshdeep Singh’s 18 and Satinder Sekhon’s 16 were the best for the Demons on a difficult day.
There was no play for Laurimar’s second XI, meaning they lost on first innings to Hurstbridge, 125 to 6/153.
It was a similar story for the Power’s third XI, losing to Rivergum 98 to 4/113 after play was abandoned.
South Morang’s second XI just avoided an outright loss to Riverside.
Riverside passed the Lions’ 139 and declared with a 38-run lead.
The Lions batted again, with Paul Martin leading the way with 23 runs, and sportingly declared on 7/107 to try and take 10 wickets.
From six overs, Riverside made 1/34, falling short of an outright win by 35 runs.
The Lions’ third XI saw them fall short by 34 runs to Banyule.
Brodie Slater put in a fighting innings, scoring 49, but his departure spelt the end of the Lions’ chances as they were rolled for 126, chasing the Bears’ 9/160.
Mernda got the job done on the second day’s play in its third XI, winning outright against Dennis.
After bowling Dennis out for 45 on day one, the Demons did a number on their opponents once again, all out for 72 as they won outright by 43 runs.
David Taylor took 3/14 off 11.1 overs to lead the way, while Stephen Otter took 2/6.
There was no play for South Morang in F2 grade, meaning its 77-run margin over Research Eltham stood as a first innings’ victory.
The Lions also did not get on the park for their G2 grade game.
Mernda’s G1 West team won via forfeit against Heidelberg.
Laurimar, on the other hand, had a difficult day against Bundoora Park, all out for 84 chasing 9/154.
Jack Cordwell, Michael Peters and Chaminda Arachchige took two wickets apiece, while Peters played a lone hand in scoring 57 runs.
The Power’s G2 grade game was abandoned.
Mernda had a thrilling G3 grade win over Hurstbridge, winning by one wicket.
Chasing 7/166 courtesy of Gurbinder Pannu’s 4/19, the Demons were looking comfortable at 4/135, but a collapse saw the Demons lose 5/25.
However, Saurin Sandeep Sharma had ice in his veins, scoring an unbeaten 58 to take the Demons home on a thrilling afternoon’s play.
South Morang struggled greatly in G3, losing to Bundoora by 10 wickets, 115 to 0/118.
Adi Sharma’s 26 was the best score for the Lions, while Michael Flint provided some lower order hitting with his 22.
Another big innings from Jack Jerabek guided Whittlesea’s second XI to a 57-run win over Eltham.
Jerabek’s second consecutive 50 saw him score 52 off 61 deliveries, while Thomas Watt scored 41 as the Eagles made 7/195.
After Eltham made an encouraging start in response, the Eagles slowed down the run rate greatly, and Jerabek performed strongly with the ball, taking 3/11, while Gavin Butler took 2/32 as Eltham made 9/138, falling well short.
The home-and-away portion of the women’s competition in the North Metro Cricket Association ended on Sunday.
South Morang Blue’s match with North Balwyn ended as a draw, with the Lions making 5/132.
Emma Leatham led the way with 36, while Kristy Carbis added 22, before taking 2/33 as North Balwyn finished on 2/33 before rain intervened.
Laurimar Black avoided the division one wooden spoon with a terrific win over Epping.
Phoebe McKenna, Tara Chetcuti and Abbey Buckley took two wickets apiece as the Power restricted Epping to 83 runs, before Chetcuti’s 28 and Kyra Rule’s unbeaten 35 helped Laurimar get the job done easily, scoring 2/86 off just 12 overs.
In division three, Laurimar Teal was no match for Preston Baseballers.
The Power was restricted to 78 runs, and Preston only needed 13 overs to chase it down with eight wickets left in the shed.
South Morang Maroon ran out of time to chase down Macleod/Heidelberg’s total, losing by 24 runs.
Kylie Krezuer-Pierce was terrific for the Lions with the ball, taking 2/6 off six overs as Macleod/Heidelberg scored 6/128.
Liba Ahmad did her best to try chase down the total, scoring an unbeaten 27, but the Lions could only make 4/104.
Tunnel approved for Sunday Creek
SOUTHERN Cross Gold’s Sunday Creek Project has had a new exploration tunnel approved – and naturally, it has brought significant attention to the project as more minerals could be discovered.
The project was announced by the Victorian Government last Thursday, in which the tunnel is slated to reduce community impacts for noise and light while underground drilling and exploration goes on.
The new project is set to create 100 to 150 jobs, according to Southern Cross Gold, while also creating opportunities for local contractors.
The new tunnel has been approved as research from the Geological Survey of Victoria suggests there may be a large antimony resource in Central Victoria than believed previously.
The tunnel will be around 150 metres deep and 600 metres long, with construction of the exploration tunnel to take six to nine months.
To minimise traffic, buses will take workers to and from the site, avoiding school bus times.
Southern Cross Gold Consolidated President and CEO/Managing Director Michael Hudson said the work plan approval does not mean mining and processing can begin at the site.
“Southern Cross Gold Consolidated is still only permitted to undertake exploration activities which will help us to understand the Sunday Creek resource more quickly,” he said.
“The licence does not permit us to mine for minerals nor does it guarantee that a mining license will be approved. A mine licence requires a separate, comprehensive approval process.”
Mr Hudson said feedback from residents was considered from the formulation of the plan.
“We shared our plans with community members from the earliest possible stage and their feedback has been incorporated into the project’s final design,” he said.
“We will continue to keep the community updated on any plans and activities and will let residents know before any construction begins.”
Mr Hudson said dust and noise suppression techniques will also keep the community front of mind.
“While the exploration tunnel will enable drilling to occur 24 hours per day from underground, we will continue surface exploration drilling during the day as well,” he said.
“We will monitor dust and noise emissions so that activities can be adjusted if needed.”
Local jobs remain the focus for Southern Cross Gold, according to Mr Hudson.
“With the increase in rigs, we will be hiring more local people to train as field assistants, creating more employment opportunities. We also deliberately focus on using local businesses, which will further support local economic development,” he said.
“We support local initiatives, volunteer organisations, sporting clubs and events across the region, and we work closely with neighbours, landholders and community groups to ensure open communication.
“This year we have welcomed a number of local people into new roles across the business. Many of our staff are locals, and this announcement will further accelerate that growth, creating additional jobs at our Kilmore core shed and on site.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said it was a project which helps support the mineral industry in Victoria.
“Critical minerals are the future and we’re backing the industry in Victoria – while protecting the environment and our communities,” she said.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said it was also a boost to the industry in Central Victoria.
“Victoria is home to globally significant deposits of critical minerals and we’re backing projects that could lead to jobs in central Victoria,” she said.
While seeing the positives of a local employer creating more jobs in Sunday Creek, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she also expected the local community to get engagement for the works throughout the process.
“With the project now moving to an underground exploration tunnel, impacts such as noise and light for nearby residents are expected to be reduced. It is vital that the assessment of environmental and community impacts remains thorough as this work progresses,” she said.
“Local communities rightly expect clear information, genuine engagement, and strong protections at every stage of exploration. I will continue to monitor the development closely to ensure the voices of residents, landholders, and local businesses are heard.
“The prospect of a significant local employer is welcomed, provided that lasting, high-quality jobs are created. Throughout the process, I have engaged with Southern Cross Gold, community groups, and local stakeholders to get feedback and understanding of this significant region building project.”
Work goes on for Council bin system
THE Mitchell Shire Council have officially reviewed the first six months of its transition to the four-bin kerbside system, acknowledging that while it’s a continued work in progress, they emphasise they are listening to feedback from residents.
The detailed report in the Council agenda prior to last Monday’s meeting found that 56.9 per cent of waste was diverted into landfill, up from 26 per cent from the previous two-bin service, something which Councillor Nathan Clark pointed out was a ‘largely successful’ result.
“A huge part of that has been the redirection of food-organic, garden-organic material into the green bin, which people in the Shire have been begging for,” he said.
“The result has been largely successful. Over the six-month period, 56.9 per cent of waste collected at the kerbside have been diverted from landfill.
Cr Clark also offered advice for larger families, in which the report had acknowledged that they had struggled with the new system, as well as younger families with nappies – leading to council meeting with a mothers’ group in May to understand how young families were coping with the change.
“There are options for large families to upgrade your bin as well, so if you qualify for that, I’d certainly encourage it. I do recognise and acknowledge that nappies are a problem in the community in terms of timing, the fortnightly pickup as well,” he said.
As part of the next six months of reporting, independent audits will occur to ensure Council can pick up on how full bins are getting, and whether there are contamination threats.
Cr Clark said it would allow Council to understand common themes as a result.
“Upcoming after this, there will be kerbside audits, where the experts go through the various bins and check for contamination rates, see what’s in there and give us a good idea of what’s happening in waste,” he said.
Councillor Ned Jeffrey said he understood resident feedback loud and clear.
“Sometimes I feel like the public sees us receiving these reports and acknowledging them, and their large level of complaints that were originally lodged when this program was implemented could be forgotten,” he said.
“I would like to say to the community that we have heard your complaints, they’re still very much front and centre.
Councillor Timothy Hanson said a significant success of the program was the MyMitchell application, with 12,000 downloads as of August 2025.
“We had a significant uptake in the downloads of the MyMitchell app when the bins came in, so that in itself is great,” he said.
“Anyone who doesn’t have the MyMitchell app should think about it. It’s great for kerbside collection schedules, reminders and a great way to see what we’re doing here at council.”
Councillor Bob Humm took note of the monthly glass collection, saying that understanding more data would allow Council to review the contract, given changes that has occurred in the rubbish industry since then.
“The glass situation – this contract was done out in 2023, prior to this council being put out, and prior to the 10 cents to know what impact that would have on the articles that are actually dropped off to the recycle centres,” he said.
“That’s impacting on our pickup, and the fantastic report that the officers did just recently is actually showing a lot of that information, and hopefully over the next six months, we’ll know a little bit more about it, and as far as the glass side of things go, we’ll be definitely looking very hard at that contract, because there is a major saving there for the ratepayers.
“If we can save our ratepayers a few hundred dollars a year, that’s great.”
Other findings from the report indicated that the bin inspection program found that while most bins were presented well, there were issues with minor contamination in the mixed recycling, glass and organics bins.
It was found that 17 per cent of inspected general rubbish bins had material which needed to be placed in other bins, however, Council noted a positive where contamination rate in food and garden organics dropped significantly, noting that the contamination rate had dropped from 12.4 per cent in April, to 3.5 per cent in October.
A night for Ray
With Ray Carroll
A GIANT of the community was celebrated on Saturday night as Ray Carroll’s immense contribution to Assumption College and the wider community was celebrated with a testimonial dinner in front of 600 guests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Olympic Room.
The capacity crowd included former students who travelled from London and New York and every Australian state.
It was not just an assembly of star footballers and cricketers but many from all walks of life-medicine, law, teaching, captains of industry, the arts and agriculture.
Also, quite a number were girls’ students Mr Carroll had taught in the classroom or who had assisted him with sport.
The gala occasion honoured Mr Carroll’s five decades of service to Assumption in the classrooms, dormitories and sporting fields. Also, it paid tribute to the 48 football and cricket premierships he had coached on Australian record.
Mr Carroll had previously been honoured by the AFL, Cricket Australia, federal and state governments and Mitchell Shire. A moving tribute was also paid to Australian of the Year Neale Daniher.
Twenty-five of his 1978 First XVIII and First XI premiership players were present.
Nearly all of the 82 VFL/AFL footballers who played in Mr Carroll’s teams were present along with nearly 40 cricketers who had progressed to test, state, UK county and Australian premier clubs.
The night saw multiple guest speakers provide their insights on Ray’s impact within the Assumption community, as well as their later success in life.
Hosted by Simon Costa OAM, the speakers on the night were Brother Doug Walsh, Fred Le Deux and Dion Prestia, Brian Forrest, Francis Bourke, Simon O’Donnell via video, Neville Clark OAM via video, 1999 Brownlow Medallist Shane Crawford, Neale Daniher, Tony Ottobre, Ken Fletcher via video and Hayley Casboult via video.
Mr Crawford provided a stirring speech which documented his journey from Finley in country New South Wales to Assumption under Mr Carroll’s watch, while Mr Bourke read AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon’s personal message to Mr Carroll.
Mr Daniher spoke about Mr Carroll’s impact on his life, while Mr Fletcher and Mr Clark spoke as respected figures from other schools who competed against Assumption in both football and cricket.
A panel session soon followed, with Damian Drum hosting the first contingent from the 1970s to the 1990s, with Gary O’Brien, Michael Connor, Peter Tossol, David Brooks, Ray Power, Jon Henry and David King on the first panel, before the second panel, hosted by Mr Costa, brought in Jason Smith, Dan Kavanagh, Adam Pickering, Eric Kuret, Michael Barlow, Jamie Sheahan and Tallan Wright.
Former Geelong player and modern-day Triple M radio host Billy Brownless provided support to Mr Costa, before a horse-race hosted by racecaller Gareth Hall and Fox Footy’s Ben Dixon determined who Ray’s favourite student was, won by Mr Power.
To finish the night, Mr Carroll spoke on stage, greeted and finishing the speech to a rousing standing ovation, speaking about his memories at Assumption College.
“To all of you here, I’m greatly in debt. You made my life so good, and it was a great privilege to know you and so many of your families. Without exception, you are all here with success in life and various forms, whether it be medicine, law, school teaching, agriculture, farming, it’s wonderful that you all made a success of your life and families and in nearly all cases, contributing to your community,” he said in his speech.
“I wish I could mention all your names to say how you impacted on my life across the decades, but that would take hours.”