Home Blog Page 1136

Washout

Ian Blyth
-
0
Washout

by Ian Blyth and Joshua Wells

THE Country Fire Authority has slammed a ‘small number’ of drivers who drove through floodwaters after seven cars became trapped over the weekend’s rain.
As the downpour began on Friday, two people inside a car had to be saved by a man on his tractor at Whiteheads Creek after a car became trapped at about 6pm.
CFA District 12 Operations officer Justin Dally said call outs to cars becoming trapped in floodwaters were disappointing.

“There were about seven rescues from people becoming trapped in cars,” he said.

“It drags resources away from other incidents and these people are told not to drive through floodwaters, yet people are still choosing to do so because it would be inconvenient otherwise.

“They put themselves and others in harm’s way. Just stay out of floodwaters. Many drivers adhered to the advice and were slowing down on the roads – so well done to a majority of our drivers.”

The CFA assisted State Emergency Service (SES) crews after many call outs across the weekend.

Throughout the district events and sporting fixtures were cancelled amid the heaviest rainfall to hit the state in 25 years. Many areas experienced three times the summer average in just two days.

The weather forced the Kilmore Show to run on a smaller scale with all outdoor attractions, including the popular horse events, cancelled. The undercover events went ahead.
Rain also caused a mass cancellation of cricket with the Gisborne and District Cricket Association deferring the decision to play or not to play to club captains. All matches were called off in the Seymour and District Cricket Association.

Romsey Cricket Club made the decision to play its scheduled match against Sunbury United and in doing so secured the club’s first competition points for the season. A report on the Romsey match is on page 43.

The Goulburn River at Seymour peaked at 3.72 metres (minor flood level 3.80 metres) around 3am on Monday, December 4 and at the time of going to press was at 3.52 metres and falling.

In Mitchell Shire, the worst hit areas were around Whiteheads Creek, Seymour and parts of Avenel and Mangalore.There were also calls for assistance and road closures in other locations including Tallarook, Broadford and Clonbinane.

With 200mm recorded in the Goulburn River catchment, council received 117 calls to its after-hours service for water over roads, trees down and other hazards.

Council had staff working across the weekend with 10 crews active at the peak and five crews attending to overnight call outs and inspections across the shire. Council also engaged specialist drainage and tree removal contractors.

At the peak, there were 15 local roads closed in the shire due to flooding, water over the road and trees down. VicRoads also closed Anzac Avenue and Emily Street in Seymour and Upper Goulburn Road from Tallarook to Trawool.

Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson said that there was minor damage to the Seymour Visitor Information Centre, which has re-opened. The opening weekend for council’s outdoor pools was postponed.

“There is still a lot of debris in places and damage to roads, so we urge our community to take care and drive with caution when entering these re-opened areas. We will continue the damage assessment today and hope to re-open the remainder of the roads soon,” Cr Sanderson said.

“You may still see water over the road signs in place while we continue the clean-up. Please take care in these areas. We’re currently assessing the impact and will be discussing any funding assistance as required,” she added.

Residents requiring information about damage to outbuildings and potential impacts on drinking water, septic tanks, mosquitoes, livestock, crops or economic impact to visit the relief and recovery tab www.emergency.vic.gov.au or contact the Victorian Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Woman goes to court over Hume Freeway fines

The North Central Review
-
0
Woman goes to court over Hume Freeway fines

By Joshua Wells

A WALLAN woman is taking on the courts this month, adamant six fines she was allegedly issued in 2016 were wrong.

Seran Magraci was allegedly fined six times between September and November of last year while travelling along the Hume Freeway between Wallan and Melbourne.

Ms Magraci appeared in a Magistrates Court to plead not guilty, adjourning her case until December 12. She said she was gobsmacked when the sixth fine rolled in.

“It was weird to get them all together, I am familiar with the road and I am constantly using it,” she said.

“I am sure with the speed limits. Back then, our car was a year old and there are no problems with my speedometer.

“I am a bit upset… all of those fines add to about 12 demerit points and here I am trying to prove my innocence.”

Her fines were subject to an internal review where the cameras were deemed to be in working order.

Ms Magraci refuted the findings and wrote to the Road Safety Camera commissioner John Voyage who was unable to assist her case.

Hunter’s Day to honour late son

The North Central Review
-
0
Hunter’s Day to honour late son

By Joshua Wells

AN outpouring of love and support from the Wallan community has ‘overwhelmed’ the family of baby Hunter Gibbons following his tragic death.
Katie McCullough and her partner Andrew Gibbons received the devastating news their son had passed away on November 22.

Hunter had been diagnosed with a hole in his heart before birth and fought his way to the end. Despite the emotional time for the family, Miss McCullough said she could not believe the effort some people were going to help.

“Andrew and I are overwhelmed by all of the support we are getting, even when Hunter was in hospital, people were keen to help,” she said.
After hearing the story of Hunter, both Lauren Fanelli and Sarah Brewer combined to begin planning a fundraiser called Hunter’s Day on December 22.

Miss McCullough said she was taken aback when the idea was first brought up with her.

“For everyone to organise this and for so many to get involved, it is mind blowing,” she added.

“It is the hardest time we will ever go through and everyone’s support makes it easier, there are so many people he impacted in his short, little life.”

Co-organiser of Hunter’s Day, Ms Fanelli, has spent hours working with Ms Brewer to organise the major fundraiser.
She said it was just to help a family in need, after Mr Gibbons had to stop working in order to take his son to the hospital.

“When we heard about it, we knew they needed some help,” she said.

“They need the money for medical expenses and to just get by. I like to help anyone I can.

“We have the facilities and we could help out, so we put together Hunter’s Day.”

The event will be held at Café Vento and tickets are available from www.trybooking.com/TEVP

Broadford Church vandalised

The North Central Review
-
0
Broadford Church vandalised

Joshua Wells

SEYMOUR Police has confirmed it is investigating a report into vandalism at a church in Broadford.

A man, who wished to remain anonymous, informed the North Central Review of the damage caused to their church which visibly upset some in the congregation.

The man wrote in a letter the vandals may have got into the building using keys ‘entrusted’ to them.

“[They] proceeded to paint scriptural graffiti onto the back wall of the pulpit alcove,” the letter read.

“Those who attended the service on Sunday, [November 26] were confronted by this appalling and despicable desecration of an innocent church.

“Sadly, it could not be removed until the police had finished their work.”

The vandals also allegedly cut the bell tower’s rope.

A police spokesperson confirmed the investigation was underway but could not make any official comment at this time.

If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

No new date for Kilmore Cup

The North Central Review
-
0
No new date for Kilmore Cup

THE Kilmore Cup will not be rescheduled after being postponed after race one due to torrential rain and thunderstorms.

Racing Victoria has found there no suitable dates which would allow the Kilmore Cup to be rescheduled.

Racing Victoria in consultation with the Kilmore Racing Club has decided that the cup won’t be run this season, but will return next November.”

A $40,000 race will be added to the January 6 meeting at Kilmore with the distance and conditions to be determined.

Busy bodies

The North Central Review
-
0
Busy bodies

MITCHELL Shire councillors attended over 120 community group and association meetings over the last month.

These meetings are in addition to their attendance at ‘in house’ meetings pertaining to the operation of council.

Each ordinary meeting of council, the councillors table a report of their activities and it makes interesting reading. Each report provides an update on activities and deliberations of groups and associations for which councillors are an appointed delegate, along with events where they may have been invited to attend in their capacity as a ward councillor.
The report makes interesting reading and highlights the level of community involvement that is required of a councillor.

Attended events include the Harley Hammond Reserve Committee of Management annual general meeting, the final rail trail steering committee feasibility study at Wallan, Citizenship Ceremonies, the senior citizens concert, Kilmore Historical Society, Honbetsu Sister City Committee Meeting, Kilmore and District Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, Broadford Amateur Theatre Society (BATS) performance and the Municipal Association of Victoria Annual Conference.

A complete list of events attended by councillors is updated each month on the Mitchell Shire Council website.

This year’s new committee and organisation delegates were appointed at the special meeting on November 8.

Mayor’s excuse disabled

The North Central Review
-
0
Mayor’s excuse disabled

by Brooke Haffenden

FORMER Whittlesea councillor Christine Stow has called out Mayor Kris Pavlidis for parking in a designated disabled space while attending the launch of a café for people with intellectual disabilities.

On Friday, November 17 Cr Pavlidis was directed to park in the spot by staff at Yarra Plenty Regional Library when she arrived for the launch of Chancez Café at Mill Park Library.
As a mother of a disabled daughter, Ms Stow said she is sickened by the mayor’s actions.
“This makes me feel ill and it is such a slap in the face to me and other carers and people with disabilities,” Ms Stow said.

“With all this talk of equality – we have a long way to go.”

Attending last week’s council meeting, Ms Stow attempted to ask questions regarding the mayor’s behaviour but her request was denied as it was not relevant to the evening’s agenda.

Ms Stow questioned what kind of example the mayor’s actions provide the community and why she parked in the spot when there are plenty of parks across the road or in the street. Ms Stow also asked if there would be any disciplinary action for the mayor.

“As a rate payer and a mother of a child with multiple disabilities, I am saddened, ashamed actually to see the mayor park in a spot saved for those who cannot walk or cannot talk, cannot defend themselves like my daughter,” Ms Stows question to council began.

“It makes me feel sick actually to see in the news the current mayor parking right out the front of the library to launch a cafe at the library- a project that I myself put in the prospectus as Chair of the Disability Cluster.

“I would like the Mayor to answer the question – how is this going to help the disability network improve parking issues if this is the way she behaves?”

In a response from council, seen by the Whittlesea Review, Ms Stow was informed that her question was not answered at the meeting as it was not pertinent to matters listed on the agenda or “a significant strategic or governance matter affecting the City”.
Ms Stow was advised that her question will be referred to council officers who will provide a written response to the issues she raised.
Ms Stow said Cr Pavlidis had spoken of being transparent during her mayoral speech but her actions show poor leadership. She also accused the mayor of hiding and not answering questions.
In a joint statement released last week, Cr Pavlidis and Di Shaw, CEO of Yarra Plenty Regional Library, apologised to the community.

Cr Pavlidis said as someone who is passionate and committed to empowering and supporting people with disabilities she was disappointed that she didn’t follow her instinct not to park where she was directed to.

Both the mayor and Yarra Plenty Regional Library will be donating $200 each to Chancez Café.

At the council meeting on September 19 of this year, Cr Pavlidis moved the Disability Action Plan 2017-2021. During the motion she led a discussion around council’s ability to monitor and respond to incidents of misuse of disabled parking spots.

Chance meeting leads Irish band to Kilmore

The North Central Review
-
0
Chance meeting leads Irish band to Kilmore

by Joshua Wells

ONE WOMAN’S passion will become a community’s gain following the announcement a traditional Irish band will play at the Old Kilmore Gaol.

Kilmore’s Caroline Killeen is determined to bring Breaking Trad’s ‘World Class Celtic Magic’ to the township in the early New Year.

The unique event was inspired by Ms Killeen’s travel to Ireland where she met a band member’s family years ago, forming a unique bond with the people and the music.

“We met [Breaking Trad’s] Gino Lupari’s family in the north of Ireland and they had told us about him, so we made sure we saw him when he came out to Australia,” she said.

“We all became good friends… and a few years ago my husband and our children went back to Ireland for a family holiday and we went to a Fleadh Cheoil [Translated from Celtic to ‘a festival of music’].

old kilmore gaol a
Caroline Killeen and Jeremy Phillips at the Old Kilmore Gaol

“We fell in love with it all and I just wanted to share it, show my kids the culture of it all, which very much goes with the music… I find it beautiful and I wanted to bring it to Kilmore.”

Ms Killeen contacted the owner of the Old Kilmore Gaol, Jeremy Phillips, and struck up the idea of bringing a bit of Ireland to North Central Victoria.

Mr Phillips said he believed the idea to be a no-brainer for him and wanted to help out.

“I was happy to jump on board, it is a great thing for the town,” he said.

“I think the gaol is one of the best buildings in town and it has been just sitting there… so I am very excited for this performance.

“These are the sort of things lend themselves to arts and culture and I think it would be great to bring here.”

Breaking Trad will bring their unique Irish music to the Old Kilmore Gaol on January 14.
Tickets: $40, kids under 12 free – www.trybooking.com/SXDJ

Hark! the Whittlesea choir sings

The North Central Review
-
0
Hark! the Whittlesea choir sings

RESIDENTS across the district are invited to dust off their Santa hats, warm up their singing voices and get ready for festive fun at the annual Carols by Candelight event.
A great night out for the family, the City of Whittlesea event will feature the Community Carols Choir and Diamond Valley Brass Band.

There will be plenty of entertainment for the kids including face painting, a live nativity scene, animal farm and art workshops.

And of course there will a special visit from Santa who’s bringing a special touch of magic to the carols this year.

“I’m bringing a touch of the North Pole with me to Carols by Candlelight this year, come along and see some Christmas magic,” Santa said when he dropped by the Civic Centre in South Morang last week.

This year’s event is proudly supported – for the second year – by Community Developer AVJennings’ Lyndarum North project.

The AVJennings team will be hosting the children’s craft tent and selling LED Candles, with the proceeds going to the Steve Waugh Foundation.

Infinity Church in South Morang will also be collecting non-perishable food times and presents to donate to those in need in the community, while the church volunteers will be cooking up a barbecue to raise money for their community kitchen.

Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic, enjoy the barbecue of visit one of the food trucks.
The City of Whittlesea Carols by Candelight will be held on Friday, December 8 at 7pm at the Redleap Reserve in Mill Park.

Busy council year kicks off

The North Central Review
-
0
Busy council year kicks off

IT was a busy night at Macedon Ranges Shire council last Wednesday night, November 22, with a special meeting to elect councillors and the ordinary meeting for general council business to follow.

West Ward Councillor Jennifer Anderson was re-elected Mayor with councillors again deciding not to appoint a deputy mayor.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson, said she was honoured to be re-elected, and thanked her fellow Councillors for their support.

“This is a great council, with councillors who are committed to working together as a team. “I’m thankful they trust me to be the mayor again for another year,” Cr Anderson said.
“It’s been a very busy first term as mayor, with the new council getting out into the community and talking to residents, consulting on the council plan and implementing our first budget. I am proud of what we’ve achieved in the last twelve months and we’re looking forward to building upon that, and continuing to work closely with the community,” she said.

This is Cr Anderson’s third term as mayor. She previously served as mayor in 2014 and 2016.

In other business conducted during the two meetings, council noted two reports about mayoral and councillor allowances and the councillor code of conduct, and endorsed the councillor support policy.

Councillor allowances were set at $83,790 for the mayoral allowance and $27,079 for councillors.

The Hanging Rock Strategy Advisory Committee minutes from its October meeting were received and noted.

Councillor delegates for various internal advisory committees and external committees/organisations were appointed for the 2017/18 council year.
Two grant applications were endorsed for funding as part of council’s Small Community Grant Scheme: Macedon Pony Club received $1,364 and Romsey and Lancefield Districts Historical Society received $1,500. Details are in the story on page 2.
Nine tender contracts were endorsed to be awarded by council officers under delegated authority.

Council adopted its related party disclosures policy.

An updated financial reserves policy was adopted with an amendment requesting officers to investigate how further funding could be directed towards new walking, cycling and transport service facilities.

An item of urgent and other business was discussed directing that officers seek urgent advice from the Minister for Planning regarding the potential application of a blanket interim heritage overlay to the significant heritage assets across the Macedon Ranges Shire.

1...1,1351,1361,137...1,144Page 1,136 of 1,144