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Court hands down Hume Freeway verdict

The North Central Review
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Court hands down Hume Freeway verdict

By Joshua Wells

SERAN Magraci has been found guilty and fined $1000 for speeding on the Hume Freeway.

The Wallan woman appeared before Judicial Registrar David McCann at the Broadmeadows Courthouse today to fight six different speeding fines late last year. But she maintains she did nothing wrong.

Speaking exclusively to North Central Review, Ms Magraci said she wished the ’20-30 others’ in the Amaroo Road Speed Cameras Facebook group had turned up to fight their cases too.

“Everyone can’t just hope the fine will get dropped if they don’t raise their voice,” she said.

“Today was a good chance to come there and fight for their fines… but then I wonder if some were just saying it to get out of their fines.

“I am still adamant I didn’t speed. I have been driving for one year since my last fine and if I was speeding, I would have been caught again.”

While arguing her cause to Mr McCann, Ms Magraci was asked to produce evidence to prove the Hume Freeway point-to-point speed cameras were not working correctly.

He said since she could not prove otherwise or bring forward any witnesses, the fine must still stand.

Originally, Ms Magraci’s fines totalled $1515 but Mr McCann reduced it to $1000 and ordered the sum to be settled within six months.

Ms Magraci will now wait on VicRoads to find out the fate of her licence.

“I hope I won’t lose my licence but VicRoads will handle it,” Ms Magraci said.

“It would be bad if I did lose my licence for something I didn’t do.”

The Amaroo Road Speed Cameras Facebook group’s petition has attracted more than 200 signatures but so far it has not been tabled to authorities.

Action on gender equality

The North Central Review
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Action on gender equality

LANCEFIELD and Riddells Creek CFA brigades and the Lancefield Football Netball Club are part of a new three-year action plan that will empower local brigades and sporting clubs to be more gender equal and family friendly.

Following the success of the pilot program, the partnership received $140,000 from the Victorian Government and has developed a three-year action plan to support their ongoing work.

The action plan focuses on strengthening gender equality, inclusion and fairness in organisations through their participation on the Rural Challenge Gender Equality Leadership Program.

It also focuses on strengthening the partnership’s capacity to support and promote gender equality work.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson encouraged local brigades and sports associations to start the conversation now and think about signing-up in 2018.

“We all have a role to play in improving gender equity and preventing violence against women and we can do this by working together to make our local brigades and sports clubs more welcoming and inclusive for all,” Ms Anderson said.

Regional General Manager of AFL Central Victoria Carol Cathcart believes the AFL and the CFA should take the lead on actions to improve and promote gender equality in regional and rural areas.

“Sport has great potential to influence social change and promote gender equality. By creating inclusive, equitable and safe environments for men, women, boys and girls, we can prevent violence against women,” Ms Cathcart said.

CFA brigades and sports clubs are encouraged to participate in the leadership program because they are hugely influential places in their local communities, are generally male-dominated and places where strong leaders can drive social change.

Participants attend a series of workshops designed to empower leaders to improve gender equality in their organisations.

The Rural Challenge Gender Equality Leadership Program will run in the Macedon Ranges region in the first half of 2018.

The program was developed by the Rural Challenge Partnership involving Macedon Ranges Shire Council, City of Greater Bendigo, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, CFA District 2, Sports Focus, Centre for Non-Violence, AFL Central Victoria and AFL Goldfields.

Ten local brigades and sporting clubs from the Macedon Ranges and City of Greater Bendigo participated in the pilot program earlier this year and have started making changes to their organisations.

CFA brigades and sporting clubs interested in participating in the program should contact Jessica Crofts on 5422 0333 or via jcrofts@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Review rates call

The North Central Review
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Review rates call

RESIDENTS from retirement villages from across the municipality are calling on the Whittlesea Council to give them access to fair rates.

On behalf of the residents from Mernda, Plenty Valley and Arilla retirement villages, Cr Tom Joseph tabled a petition at last month’s council meeting asking the City of Whittlesea to take action on rate issues.

More than 700 hundred residents signed the petition objecting to the over valuation of properties in retirement villages and requesting a differential rate be struck. Calling it a serious issue, Cr Joseph moved that council receive the petition and requested a retirement village rate review and a report be prepared.

Mernda Retirement Village Action Group members, Adrian de Ross, Bain Simpson, Emilio Moreno and Frank Constantin, told the Whittlesea Review residents are asking council to value their villas at a ‘level that reflects what a similar sized dwelling on a similar sized plot would be worth in a freehold situation.’

“We want to highlight the fact when valuing the property they are not taking into account other factors. It’s a depreciating asset … we can never sell and go back to the community. We’re not complaining about that but it’s a fact the valuer should be considering,” Mr De Ross said.

“We want them to see and understand the villas are overpriced. Valuations have to get correct value set from the beginning.”

“We have no ownership rights and no titles. It’s the only asset you have that’s a depreciating value and you lease it,” Mr Moreno added.

“We want council to value our units at a realistic figure and apply a differential rate.”

Currently, the City of Whittlesea calculates rates based on each property’s Net Annual Value (NAV) and the action group is asking for council to move to the Capital Improved Value (CIV) rating method and vote in favour of a differential rate which will enable council to set different rates in the dollar for different categories of rateable land.

City of Whittlesea Manager Property, Rates and Valuations Gino Mitrione said council has no plans to change the process and will not change them until legislated to do so.

“This is an issue that has been raised on various occasions over the years and there are currently no plans to change the process,” Mr Mitrione said.

“All residences in the City of Whittlesea are valued using the same process in an effort to be fair and equitable. The state government has recently proposed several changes to the way rates are calculated, including requiring all councils to move to assessments based on Capital Improved Value.”

“The City of Whittlesea plans to continue its current rating process while these matters are being discussed at a state level.”

The Mernda Retirement Village Action Group has written to the State Valuer General, local Members for Parliament, Minister of Local Government and opposition leader Matthew Guy.
The group also advised they are considering lodging an appeal with VCAT regarding the rate valuation process.

Teacher hands $10,000 gift to his school

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Teacher hands $10,000 gift to his school

By Joshua Wells

STUDENTS in Year Five and Six at Wandong Primary School will receive a generous Christmas gift this December – $10,000 donated by a teacher.

The school were stunned when Primary teacher Bradley Moedt announced he had won a competition to win $10,000 through X-Drive Australia and confirmed every cent was theirs.
He entered the competition explaining what he would do with the cash which endeared him to a voting public who declared he was a worthy winner.

Mr Moedt said the students of his school needed the cash injection more than he did.

“I would have loved the $10,000 but the kids need this so much more than me,” he said.

“They will be able to explore the world from the classroom and become global citizens. We are very spoilt in Australia and we aren’t quite aware of that so I hope this helps them develop an idea.”

“We can get them more technology so they can further their understanding of the world and life. It all goes to them.”

The generous gift was inspired after Mr Moedt noticed the students could greatly benefit from more funding.

The school’s community came together to rally for the funding and garnered public support.

Kooknapped in Kilmore East

The North Central Review
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Kooknapped in Kilmore East

By Joshua Wells

A COMMUNITY group in Kilmore East has been left bewildered following the theft of their kookaburra statue recently.

The Kilmore East Recreation Reserve had its famed animal taken recently, a blow to the community members who helped fundraise to erect the park’s centrepiece.

Kilmore East Recreation Reserve Committee Management chair John Dixson said he could not understand why somebody would take the kookaburra.

“It is very disappointing, the community put effort into this reserve and to see this happen is most unfair,” he said.

“This has significant impact; it is the community spirit which seems to get destroyed.”

“Bring it back. There are lots of reasons why it ought to be here and no reasons why it should not be here.”

The police have been notified and are on the lookout for the thieves.

The group is hoping the statue is returned so they can re-erect the bird as soon as possible.

Debate rages over Hume Freeway speed cameras

The North Central Review
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Debate rages over Hume Freeway speed cameras

By Joshua Wells

PUBLIC opinion is divided on what is actually happening on the Hume Freeway, with some motorists claiming they have been unfairly fined.

Wallan woman Seran Magraci is today fighting in the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court after she allegedly received six fines in late 2016 after driving through the point-to-point cameras.

Debate has raged on about what is actually happening on the Freeway, and regular freeway driver Scott Carpenter said he had put thought into why people were being fined.
“Was pondering this again,” he said.

“I travel the Hume [Freeway] most days in both directions and have never received a fine.

“If there is a fault in the system, how does it single out just some non-speeding drivers and not others?”

A group on Facebook named Amaroo Road Speed Camera was started recently where it appears a slew of drivers were receiving the same 108km/h fine, some more than once.
Others spoke of family members who have used the roads every day and not once received a fine.

Joanne Walsh said she wondered if people slowed down on the highway, raising their average speeds in the point-to-point system.

“Does anyone know if the point to point cameras also take into account the varying speed limits?” she questioned.

“Between Beveridge and Craigieburn the speed limit changes from 110 to 80 to 100 km/h, so I would assume anyone not slowing down to 80 would receive a fine, even if they didn’t exceed 100 further on.”

While this question was a common one raised, others believed it was due to people’s lack of awareness on the roads.

Jenny Tucker said she thought all the cars zipping by her car probably would be fined.

“I see plenty passing me while I am doing the speed limit and my theory is most people fined probably are speeding and deserve it,” she said.

NRL Women’s a golden chance for Whittlesea

The North Central Review
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NRL Women’s a golden chance for Whittlesea

By Joshua Wells

THE National Rugby League (NRL) announced a ground breaking women’s league will debut in 2018 and officials are confident the City of Whittlesea could become a breeding ground for female talent.

Mernda Dragons Rugby League Club Female Pathway coordinator Matt Sheens is confident the announcement of the new league could lead to a boost in participation numbers.
He said girls could now aspire to play for Australia at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2021 or play for Melbourne Storm in the next few years.

“Obviously it provides a real line of sight and a pathway for all girls and women who are interested in rugby league,” he said.

“They have a chance to play professionally and we won’t lose those talented players to other sports, so it is very exciting for women’s rugby league and girls in Victoria.

“From what I know, the Whittlesea area has a huge Melbourne Storm following and is one of the strongest supporter bases for the club.

“There is a growing interest in schools and there is a chance to get a foothold in junior rugby league.”

The new structure will allow NRLVIC women to represent their state at a weekend tournament against South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to form a combined squad.

From there, the representative side will take on powerhouses like Queensland before filtering players into NRL Women’s clubs prior to the NRL finals in 2018.
Up to 40 players will then be contracted by the Australian Rugby League.

NRLVIC General Manager Brent Silva said Melbourne already had a strong women’s league and was confident they could represent the state at the highest level.

“We have had a women’s first grade competition for three years and now we have this pathway,” he said.

“Our female players have the chance to represent Victoria… and there is a genuine chance for those players to represent the state and maybe pull on the Storm and [Australian] Jillaroos jersey one day.”

Fire Crews dash to Seymour fire

The North Central Review
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Fire Crews dash to Seymour fire

By Joshua Wells

UP to 25 Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers are battling a blaze at a business on Emily Street, Seymour, after a fire broke out at 7am on Thursday.

A fire began in a spray booth which prompted an evacuation of the business but it took an hour to bring the event under control.

CFA District 12 Operations officer Justin Dally said the local bridge, and crews from Shepparton, Bendigo and Hilldeen, all did a fantastic job to help put out the fire.

“It happened first thing and on arrival the spray booth was well alight,” he said.

“Crews aggressively attacked the fire to contain it… and it took an hour to bring it under control.

“The heat and smoke damage has spread through the building. There are no suspicious circumstances.”

While the crews remain on scene, it is expected they will leave at about 4pm.

Mr Dally said the business owners followed all of their processes to make sure people were safe and he wished them good luck for the road ahead.

He also thanked all of the volunteers who give up time in their lives to help out.

“There are men and women who turned up, like those from Hilldeen and Seymour, who are all volunteers,” he said.

“They have given their time to protect the community and I thank their families who allow them to do so.

“We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope everyone will stay safe on our roads.”

Whittlesea, where’s my swing?

The North Central Review
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Whittlesea, where’s my swing?

By Brooke Haffenden

THE Whittlesea community has been left outraged following the theft of a basket swing from Lions Park.

The new swing, which costs $2700, was cut down between 7.30pm on Thursday, November 23 and 8am on Friday, November 29.

A community member has kindly come forward and donated money towards the replacement of the swing, however, with concerns regarding the security of the playground, the Whittlesea Lions Club is calling on community members to help them fundraise for CCTV to be installed.

Installed late last year as part of the park’s $40,000 upgrades, the Whittlesea Lions Club worked hard to fundraise $20,000 by running sausage sizzles, selling Christmas cakes and working at the Whittlesea Show. The remaining $20,000 was contributed by federal government grants.

Lions Club president Georgina Stewart said she felt sick someone had stolen the swing.

“It took us a long time to put that $20,000 together. We all found it unbelievable; we couldn’t believe someone would do that. The whole club is devastated,” Ms Stewart said.

“If we have to replace the swing that’s money we could have used to help someone else. That’s money that’s being taken away from us and we have to think twice about who gets the money and where we spend it. Everything we raise goes back to the community.”
Member Robyn France said she stunned.

“As volunteers we’re out there putting into the community and this person has taken from the community,” she said.

“This doesn’t happen in our community. People support this community and it shocks the community when something like this happens.”

Dean Jordan confirmed to the Whittlesea Review his family run business, Just Spas in Mill Park, will be donating money towards the replacement of the swing.

Living in Humevale, Mr Jordan said his family used the playground quite regularly and he was disappointed the swing had been stolen.

“It’s more about the effort they (the Lions Club) go to. They get this up and running… and some turkey comes along and cuts it down for their own benefit. It’s disgusting, the community deserves more,” Mr Jordan said.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell called the theft disgusting and appealed to residents to report any information surrounding the theft to the police.

“It’s disgusting that someone would do this to a community group who spend a lot of time out in the community fundraising and helping people,” Mr Mitchell said.

“To have it (the swing) stolen is appalling. If you know someone who has got it in their backyard, report it to police immediately.”

With many in the community, including Mr Jordan, expressing concern regarding the security of the park, the Lions Club are now fundraising for CCTV to be installed.

“Unfortunately, we don’t want to be big brother but it looks like we might have to be,” Lions member Ms Hayward said.

For more information regarding the Whittlesea Lions Club please call David Cordell on 0418 348 057. The Lions meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Whittlesea Bowls Club at 7pm.

School’s big night out

The North Central Review
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School’s big night out

ST Mary’s Primary School in Lancefield recently held its annual ‘Drive In Movie Night’, the most successful one to date.

The school incorporated a family friendly carnival at the beginning of the evening, providing an air of excitement mixed with community spirit. The Grade five and six students were responsible, with the help of parents, for running the stalls. Parents and Friends committee member Meaghan Keogh said the students did a ‘fabulous job’ creating all of the activities.

“Seeing multiple faces painted, fake tattoos, hair extensions, lolly necklaces and full show bags roaming around was reward for all of their hard work,” Ms Keogh said.

“A beautiful spring night was also in our favour and the combination of wonderful community support, a beautiful evening and family friend fun, was the perfect recipe for a great night.”

The Parents and Friends committee said the evening would not be possible without the support received from major sponsors Lancefield and Romsey Community Bank, Grange Cleveland Winery, Chess Properties and Ozworks Excavations.

The Grade three and four students also helped with the sponsorship. After listening to a parent who worked in advertising explain a little of how an advertising agency works, the students worked studiously for the best part of their schooling day – researching the supporting sponsors, understanding their businesses, locating their logos and business details before creating an advertising poster for their chosen sponsor.

The posters were all displayed on the night at the carnival with the public getting to vote on their favourite poster.

The winners on the night were Rocco McTrusty and Sam Haslett who prepared an advertisement for new local business Lancefield Providore. The two boys were treated to juices from the Providore juice bar and each won a box of Favourites for their efforts.
Soltan Pepper also provided delicious sundae vouchers for each student in who created a poster.

All of the Drive In Sponsors including Newearth Constructions, Farm Fresh on Main, Humvee Excavations, Lancefield Bakery, Thrumy’s Mini Digger, Soltan Pepper, Essence of Chinese Medicine, Verdure, Rue d’Fleur, Trimson Real Estate, Integra Pizza, Mach1 Logistics, Lancefield Providore, Lancefield Neighbourhood House, Pete’s ‘Puters, Ace Barber, Pawfect Manners and Greenridge Homes all received their advertisements created by the children to display in their shops.

“St Mary’s would also like to give a special shout out to Romsey Fish and Chips who provided the chips for the night, it just wouldn’t be a carnival without hot chips,” Ms Keogh said.

“Finally a big thank you to all who attended the Carnival and Drive In Night, we hope you enjoyed yourselves and look forward to seeing you next year.”

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