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Merri Creek Management National Landcare Awards

Jo Kubeil
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Merri Creek Management National Landcare Awards

BERNADETTE Thomas proudly accepted the Land Care Australian Government Community Partnership Award on behalf of the Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) at the awards held in Sydney last month.

The Merri Creek restoration project is the work of many people, over many decades who have worked hard to restore and protect the inland water way which meanders across sometimes crown land, sometimes private, sometimes densely populated growth corridors and sometimes infrastructure projects.

The MCMC pioneered a collaborative approach to its creek restoration projects beginning in the 70’s by combining community engagement, education and specialist technical advice to volunteers, land managers, and decision-makers with a reach over nearly 400 square kilometres.

Traditional Owners of the lands of the Kulin nation also care deeply about the Country and Local Government Authorities (LGA’s) which feature the defining Merri Creek tributaries include Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) and the City of Whittlesea.

Metropolitan Councils include the City of Hume, Moreland, and Darebin, as ultimately the Merri Creek meets the Yarra River at Dights Falls in Melbourne, before joining Port Phillip Bay.

Upper Merri Landcare Facilitator and Merri Creek Management Committee member Chris Cobern spoke to the Review.

“We entered the Victorian Land Care awards last year, and we won two of those and that automatically nominated us into the national awards,” he said.

“The Merri Creek headwaters start in Heathcote Junction.

“It is fed from around the top of Hidden Valley; Mittagong creek is one of the first main tributaries. They run down through Wallan East, Upper Plenty and through Melbourne.”

The Wallan Environmental Group (WEG) formed in 2004 and became an incorporated entity in 2013 so has to apply for funding to assist the project.

Since 2023 it included the Hidden Valley Environment subcommittee and Mr Cobern said in May, the MCMC helped found the Beveridge Environment Group.

At MSC’s recent meeting, Councillor Claudia James carried a motion that the Merri Creek Management Committee be congratulated on winning the award and it was carried unanimously.

“This is a very well-deserved award,” she said.

“I lived on the Merri Creek [in North Fitzroy] before it was just a drain, and I came back many years later to live in Northcote and I couldn’t believe the change in that creek.

“It was amazing to get out of suburban Northcote, (on your bicycle) and ride for miles along that creek.

“It really lifted you…and for that reason, I understand the importance. In dense housing developments, to maintain your sanity, you really need somewhere to escape and feel a million miles away.

“What they have done is amazing.”

Ms James said the Merri Creek Model is influencing many fellow environmentalists and the latest engagement is with a new Darebin Creek Management Committee.

Congratulations to all the other 2025 National Landcare Award winners.

To get involved, visit mcmc.org.au.

Community disaster mitigation

The North Central Review
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Community disaster mitigation

VALLEY Sport facilitated an informative event to unite local clubs and community organisations aimed at boosting disaster preparedness and strengthening community connections earlier this month in Seymour.

The hands-on Community Resilience Workshop participants included representatives from U3A, Seymour and District Cricket Association, Seymour Tennis club, Equestrian groups, the Lions Club, the Agricultural Society, and finally the Historical Society.

Valley Sport Project Officer Nate Dedman said the participants play crucial roles not only in community sport and recreation but as essential support networks during times of crisis.

“These clubs are the backbone of their communities,” he said.

“Their willingness to come together, learn, and collaborate shows their deep commitment to keeping their communities safe, connected, and resilient.”

Each group received a customisable Disaster Recovery Toolkit, designed as a living document to evolve with the needs of each club.

A particularly powerful part of the evening was the sharing of experiences from the 2022 floods, which sparked thoughtful discussion, empathy, and the forging of stronger ties between organisations.

These new connections may prove vital in future emergency situations.

Mr Dedman said Valley Sport will continue working closely with the clubs in the months ahead as they implement the strategies and tools introduced during the workshop, including; creating disaster and emergency subcommittees, conducting risk assessments and asset registers, understanding early warning systems, identifying vulnerabilities and establishing trigger points, sharing volunteer responsibilities, and navigating post-disaster recovery and operational continuity.

“This is just the beginning,” he said.

“We are excited to support these groups as they strengthen their resilience and continue to serve as trusted, prepared hubs in their communities.”

The event was made possible with funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) program.

In a giving mood for charity

The North Central Review
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In a giving mood for charity

AS part of Ford Global Caring Month, Kilmore Ford joined over 5000 Ford dealers worldwide to support a global initiative aimed at fighting hunger and assisting communities in need.

This global effort saw each Ford dealer aiming to collect at least 100kg of food, with a collective target of over 500,000 kilograms to be donated to local food banks, pantries, and non-profit organisations worldwide.

Running from September 15 to 25, Kilmore Ford called on their local community to donate non-perishable food items to help those facing food insecurity.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of the Kilmore locals, along with the dedicated staff and suppliers of Kilmore Ford, a remarkable 315 kilograms of food was collected and donated.

These vital donations will go directly to Foodbank VIC, helping to provide nutritious meals to vulnerable Australians. This marks the second year in a row that Dove Automotive has proudly supported Foodbank in their ‘Emergency Food Drive’.

“I’m so grateful to Kilmore Ford, Dove Automotive, and the Kilmore community for their support during Ford Global Caring Month. As someone who grew up in Kilmore, it’s incredibly special to see the town come together. Their generous donation of 315kg of food will make a real difference for Victorians doing it tough.” Foodbank VIC CEO, Dave McNamara said.

Foodbank Victoria is dedicated to providing food relief to vulnerable individuals and families across Victoria. They work with over 500 charity partners and 1,300+ schools, distributing millions of meals annually. Their efforts include supporting everyday food needs and responding to crises like bushfires, floods, and pandemics, partnering with charities and schools to ensure food reaches those in need and helping feed 69,000 Victorians each day.

Their mission is to combat hunger and provide essential support during emergencies and challenging times.

“Supporting Ford Global Caring Month is just one of the ways we give back,” said Kilmore Ford Dealer Principal, Adam Dove.

“We are proud to be part of a campaign that unites people around the world in a shared mission to fight hunger.”

Council makes statement on ESVF

Ruddin Ardzi
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Council makes statement on ESVF

THE Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) has sent another strong message to the State Government at its October meeting, moving a Notice of Motion to repeal the Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy in its entirety.

The latest move continues MSC’s offensive against the fund, stressing that while there is a need to fund emergency services, it isn’t feasible to put more cost-of-living pressures against farmers, businesses, families, households and properties.

Council has consistently raised concerns about the levy since its announcement in May 2025, highlighting the disproportionate burden it places on rural and farming communities. Under the current model, residential ratepayers are expected to see a 35 per cent increase, commercial properties a 70 per cent increase, and primary producers up to 150per cent, based on capital improved value.

Although the State Government announced a one-year pause on levy increases for primary producers, Council believes this does not go far enough.

Speaking at Monday night’s Council meeting, Councillor Andrea Pace spoke about the importance of fighting back for the community.

“Ever since it’s inception, our Council has been dead against this fund. Some of us have gone down and walked the streets in protest, we’ve written letters, we have not been silent,” she said.

“We are out there fighting for our community, for an unjust fund.

“This is just the next step. It’s not the final step, just the next step in trying to get this fund overthrown.”

Councillor Bob Cornish also spoke in support of moving the motion.

“I think the motion speaks to itself. It does mention the cost being placed upon families and businesses and the like. On top of all this, we are the highest taxed state in Australia with no transparency. So, the sooner this thing is removed, the better it is for one and all,” he said.

The vote was carried unanimously.

Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said more needs to be done to protect ratepayers from unfair cost increases.

“This is a tax our community cannot afford,” Cr Dougall said.

“While we support our emergency services, the funding model must be fair. The current levy punishes the very people who are already struggling – particularly our farmers and rural families who are facing drought, inflation and increasing input costs.

“Council should not be used as a tax collector for the State. We’re calling for this levy to be removed from households and farmers altogether.”

Council will now write to the Treasurer formally requesting the removal of the levy from primary producers and residential ratepayers. It will also continue to support the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Hume Regional Local Government Network in their advocacy on this matter.

Hero in the room

The North Central Review
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Hero in the room

THE Whittlesea Library Author Talk heard author Robyn Howarth revisit one of Australia’s most haunting crimes, the Faraday school kidnapping of 1972, and the long journey toward healing that followed.

Among those attending the talk was Whittlesea resident, Tricia Hayward, whose actions more than 50 years ago helped bring the ordeal to an end.

Ms Hayward, her husband and two friends were out rabbit hunting near Lancefield in the early morning of October 7, 1972 when they came across the terrified young teacher, Mary Gibbs, and six schoolgirls who had escaped their captors.

“We packed the group into our Holden Monaro and drove them to the Lancefield Police Station. We managed to pack five adults and six children into that car,” Ms Hayward said.

“At first the police thought we were the kidnappers but it did not take long to clarify the situation,” she added.

“It’s surreal to see them together again after all these years,” one attendee said as Tricia Hayward and Robyn Howarth shared a quiet moment before the crowd.

Robyn Howarth, who was ten years old at the time, spoke with grace and composure about the traumatic events that shaped her childhood.

Her book, Faraday – A Community Rediscovered, tells the story not only of that fateful day, but also of the resilient community nestled beneath Mount Alexander that was forever changed by it.

“Faraday was such a beautiful part of the world,” she reflected.

“But after that day, it became a word people whispered about, a place known for what happened, not for who we were.”

On October 6, 1972, two masked men stormed Faraday State School 797, taking teacher Mary Gibbs and six students, including Robyn and her sisters Denise and Sue, hostage at gunpoint. The captives were locked overnight in a van while the kidnappers left to collect a ransom.

Displaying extraordinary courage, Ms Gibbs kicked out a panel of the van’s rear door and led the children through the darkness to safety. Their rescue by Tricia Haward and her companions ended the ordeal and made headlines around the nation.

Ms Howarth’s book, written more than five decades later, explores life before and after the kidnapping, the community spirit of rural Victoria, the trauma that followed, and the slow reclaiming of identity.

“It’s taken me 62 years to say with pride that I came from Faraday,” she said.

“This story isn’t just about what was taken, it’s about what we’ve found again: our community, our identity, and our strength.”

NC Real Estate (2025-10-21)

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NC Real Estate (2025-10-21)

NCR (2025-10-21)

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NCR (2025-10-21)

WR (2025-10-21)

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WR (2025-10-21)

Wordy Week 21/10/2025 Challenge

The North Central Review
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Wordy Week 21/10/2025 Challenge

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Weekly 15×15 Crossword Week 21/10/2025 Challenge

The North Central Review
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Weekly 15×15 Crossword Week 21/10/2025 Challenge

Crossword puzzle of the week

How to play 15×15 Crossword

You can solve the clues in any order. Click or tap on either a clue or a box in the grid to start entering an answer. You can also use the arrow keys, enter/shift-enter or, tab/shift-tab to move around the grid. The clues for words that have been entirely filled in are marked gray, whether the answer is correct or not.

Play 15×15 Crossword together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this crossword puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)

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