Struggle for teams in bowls competition

Michael Thompson

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November 25, 2025

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THE eighth round of the Saturday pennant has been completed, with some fascinating results across the divisions.

In division one, Broadford was no match for Diggers Rest at home, losing 45-73.

Broadford was able to earn only one point out of the match, courtesy of Daryl Kelly’s 18-18 draw with Phil Robinson, but it was all Diggers Rest as Rodney Davies defeated David Ellis 22-13, and Kylie Stafford took care of Robert Chapman 33-14.

Kilmore had a setback when it lost to Romsey, 78-39.

Cameron Austin was too good for Lance Whitnall, with a 26-7 scoreline, while Aaron Young took out a closer affair over Daniel Noonan, winning 22-19. Romsey completed a sweep with Damien Ely’s 30-13 win over Daniel Carroll.

Other division one winners saw Kyneton Golf take care of Lancefield, while Kyneton was too strong for Trentham and Gisborne similarly comfortable against Woodend.

Kilmore was no match in its division two clash against Kyneton, losing 102-37.

Colin Hodgson had a good game against Neil Jamieson, although the result would go Kyneton’s way, 27-19, but it was all Kyneton on the other two rinks, with Michael Plowman defeating Carol Wright 34-9 and Denise Knight defeating Alan Langdon 41-9.

It was a much closer match at Broadford, with both teams finishing the way they started, on equal footing at 63-apiece.

Kevin Inness was desperately close to claiming victory on his rink, losing 19-18 to John Trounce, while Rodney Campbell was similarly close, losing 21-24 to Graeme Williamson. In the end, it was Richard Frost’s 24-20 win over John McQualter which helped Broadford obtain a share of the points.

Others to score victory in division two were Gisborne 2 and Romsey 2.

Kilmore’s third division team forfeited its home match against Woodend and conceded 16 competition points as a result. There were also wins for Gisborne 3, Mt Cottrell 1 and Kyneton 3, while Romsey 3 had the bye.

Thrilling weekend of hoops

Michael Thompson

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November 25, 2025

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JUST one round remains in the Country Basketball League season, with Seymour and Wallan warming up for finals appearances.

Second-placed Wallan and third-placed Shepparton had a terrific battle in the North East Men’s competition at RB Robson Stadium on Saturday night, but it was a blow in the Panthers’ quest for the minor premiership as they lost by seven points.

In a game of momentum, Shepparton had a good start and it led 27-22 at the first change, but Wallan held firm and went on a run of its own to take the lead by half time, 50-49.

The Panthers held on to the lead in a back-and-forth third quarter, scoring 18 points to 17 to lead 68-66 at the final change, but it was the Gators who had more in reserve, scoring 28 points to 19 in the last term to run out 94-87 victors.

A shorthanded Panthers’ outfit saw Ryan Philippe go berserk as he looked to single-handedly secure victory, scoring 34 points in the loss, while Jayden O’Brien scored 20 points.

On Sunday, it was Seymour’s men’s turn to face Shepparton, albeit away from home at Shepparton Sports Stadium.

In a tight contest, it looked as though Shepparton would have the upper hand when a 19-point to 13 second term saw the Gators go into the second half up by five points, but a terrific third term saw Seymour get key stops and turn for home leading 45-42.

A thrilling final quarter saw both teams up their scoring prowess, scoring 19 points apiece, but a fast start to the final term was enough for Seymour to hang on for a 64-61 victory, and maintain top spot on the ladder.

An even team performance saw Tyler Best scoring 17 points, while Harry Stones added 15.

In the women’s competition, Wallan finally broke through for its first victory of the season, with the Panthers winning all four quarters in taking their 81-57 victory over Shepparton at RB Robson Stadium.

The Panthers weren’t going to let this one slip after getting off to such a fast start, leading 26-13 at the first change, and finished the game off with great confidence.

Melissa Buckley was dominant for the Panthers and was everywhere in their success, pouring in 27 points.

Seymour, however, was unable to prevent the Gators from scoring its first win of the season, with a six-point third quarter proving costly in its 64-61 loss.

Seymour won both the first and second quarters to hold on to a two-point lead at the main break, 35-33, but could not hit shots in the third term, as the Gators went on a 14-6 run to lead 47-41 at the final change.

Seymour hit the front through Chloe Dimkopoulos with just a minute to go, but Shepparton held its nerve to drain clutch free throws, scoring the win.

Dimkopoulos scored 23 points, while Aleisha Watson scored 16 and Kasey Lennox 11.

Local trainer scores at Caulfield

Mary Hackshaw

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November 25, 2025

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By Mary Hackshaw

KILMORE trainer Alicia MacPherson would have to be excited after her stable star You’re Two Vain scored his fourth win from as many starts at Caulfield on Wednesday.

The four-year-old son of Magnus has never been beaten, whether it has been a jumpout or raceday start. Wednesday’s race was a step up at benchmark 66 level over 1000 metres, with the gelding winning comfortably in the hands of regular rider Cory Parish.

Seymour trainer Don Dwyer took two horses to the picnic meeting at Healesville on Saturday and came away with two winners. Cesar Bessan continued his winning form over 1000 metres. Wilma Wombat raced fresh up in her first start since last autumn, scoring over 1200 metres. Both horses were ridden by in-form jockey Shaun Cooper.

Kilmore trainer Tyson Barton made the trip to Hay and was successful with War of Wisdom with Jason Lyon aboard. Seymour apprentice Tom Spillane also had a win at Hay aboard Noble Nightcrawler, trained at Benalla by Olivia Osborne.

Seymour-based Barry Malanczyn gained a start at Pakenham on Friday with Second Nature after scratchings gave the horse, which was first emergency, entry into the field. The result was a win in the $40,000 benchmark 62 event over 2000 metres and followed a last start win at Wodonga earlier in the month.

Off to a brighter future

The North Central Review

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November 25, 2025

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By Ashok Verma

RAIN will not dampen the spirits of Kilmore Girl Guides any more – they are well covered from the elements.

The reason, explains Kilmore Kookaburra Girl Guides Unit Leader Carolyn Atkinson, is their hall’s leaky roof has been fixed with a much-needed $500 grant from Southern Cross Gold.

Ms Atkinson said It had been a long wait as the Guides have been trying to win a grant for a year, but without any luck.

“We are very pleased as our wish for funds was finally successful in June. The hall’s roof which has had a leak for a couple of year is all fixed, with no more leaking.”

Another reason bringing extra smiles is a bright hall.

“Years old Laserlite roofing sheets were replaced in September with the great support of Kilmore Verandah Solutions. Now we have no more leaks and the hall is also very bright inside, as the new Laserlite (sheets) bring in light,” Ms Atkinson said.

She has one more wish – to see an increase in the number of Kilmore Girl Guides.

“There are not a lot of girls, and we would like the numbers to rise as we have a lot to offer – the girls gain unique leadership, lifestyle and confidence-building skills.”

Kilmore Girl Guides first started meeting in 1971.Kilmore Kookaburra Girl Guides began in 2005

Kilmore Girl Guides attended a region event in Benalla on November 9 with representatives from as far away as Tallangatta. They took part in fun activities derived from Africa, England, India, Mexico and Switzerland, including hand painting, cricket and making drums.

Now Girl Guides have more key dates marked on their calendar, heading to a camp at Lake Nillahcootie at Barjarg from November 28 to 30. Activities include canoeing, archery, low ropes and campfire fun.

Those keen to learn new skills and join Kilmore Girl Guides can phone Unit Leader Carolyn Atkinson on 0400 578 103, or email carolyn.atkinson@guidesvic.org.au

Get to know old and new Wandong

The North Central Review

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November 25, 2025

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By Ashok Verma

A JOURNEY down memory lane coupled with a glimpse of the present – be ready for this new Wandong project.

Wandong History Group is getting ready for its then-and-now venture showcasing the town’s proud heritage treasures and also putting the spotlight on what the area looks like today.

Its Capturing Memories: Embedded in the Landscape exhibition is being held on November 28.

Group secretary Lynne Dore said people would have a chance to see the town’s historic landscape and be able to compare it with the present times.

“Like many local towns dealing with the Inland Rail Project, Wandong has been heavily impacted,” Ms Dore said.

“This display will focus on what the town looked like before the construction works by featuring historical and current images as well as information on those who once lived and worked here.

“People can see the exhibition and make up their own minds to what the changes have done.”

This exhibition is in collaboration with another big event in the town – the Wandong State School’s 154th birthday celebrations.

“We acknowledge the support of Inland Rail for this event as we bring beautiful images of our treescape and town entrance during autumn, a view that will be forever changed when the new bridge is finished,” Ms Dore said.

She said people could visit this unique exhibition as “we capture memories of our town”.

The exhibition is on Friday, November 28, from 3.30pm to 7pm at St Michael’s Catholic Church, 11 Dry Creek Crescent, Wandong. There will be a PowerPoint presentation at 5.30pm.

There will also be a small display of school items from years gone by with photographs and students’ work.

For more information, contact Lynne Dore on 041 989 9626 or via email on pldore@iprimus.com.au or president Karen Christensen on 0432 120 736.

Christmas cheer in Wallan

The North Central Review

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November 25, 2025

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THE sound of Christmas will ring out across Hadfield Park when the Community Bank Christmas Carols take centre stage in Wallan on Saturday, December 13.

The event is presented by Community Bank Wallan, Kilmore and Broadford, in association with BGCreative, Discover Mitchell and Hilltop Caravans, and proudly supported by Nestlé and Southern Cross Gold.

After outgrowing its previous home in Kilmore, the beloved event is moving to a bigger venue to welcome even more families for an evening of festive music, free activities and community celebration.

“The Community Bank Christmas Carols are one of the most loved events on our local calendar,” Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said.

“It’s a chance for people of all ages to come together, sing along and celebrate what makes our community so special.”

The move to Wallan provides more room for families and visitors to enjoy the night safely and comfortably, with an evening of festive music and free activities including face painting, pony rides and a special visit from Santa.

“Hadfield Park is the perfect spot for this growing event,” Cr Dougall said.

“It’s central, accessible and has all the space needed for the thousands of families who love to be part of the carols each year.”

Gates open at 5pm, with pre-show entertainment kicking off before the main concert runs from 6pm to 8pm. Guests can also enjoy food trucks and market stalls featuring local vendors.

“We’re proud to support events that bring people together and showcase the heart of our communities,” Cr Dougall said.

“After such a big year, this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to relax, have fun and share in the festive spirit.”

Families and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or low chair and settle in for an evening of Christmas magic.

Four-bin system to be reviewed

The North Central Review

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November 25, 2025

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MITCHELL Shire Council was set to review its much-talked-about kerbside transition, providing an overview of the transition to the new four bin system at last night’s council meeting.

The agenda for last night’s meeting was part of the endorsement in December last year to review the implementation of the four-bin system, which was set to include assessment of resident feedback, key themes and issues and opportunities for improvement.

Included in the agenda are the common social media commentary themes, which has included a request for weekly collection, bigger families and people with nappies struggling to maintain the kerbside transition, and that people do not like sorting.

Social media claims include rubbish dumping has increased, and that people think waste goes to landfill. However, there was positive engagement with the new green bin.

The results of the four-bin system has seen an increase in kerbside bins from 45,692 in February to 90,514 in August, while bin lift numbers have increased from 134,882 to 209,002.

Monthly recycling tonnes has increased from 351.4 in February to 760.56 in August, while the diversion from landfill has increased dramatically, from 26 per cent to 56.9 per cent.

Read more about last night’s council meeting in next week’s edition of the North Central Review.

Stage 2 for Macedon Ranges’ jewel

The North Central Review

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November 25, 2025

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THE Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct is one step closer to being the centralised hub for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, with a sod-turn completed for Stage 2 of the facility.

Stage 2, which is budgeted at $17 million, including $15 million from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program and $2 million from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, delivers significant upgrades, which include three new multi-use indoor courts, four gender-neutral change rooms, a second natural turf oval, as well as two outdoor netball courts.

The facility will soon cater for Australian Rules football, cricket, basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball, futsal and other sports, as well as being hireable for social and corporate events.

Federal Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, was present at the sod-turn, saying it was a milestone for the Macedon Ranges’ crown sporting jewel.

“From the community’s standpoint, this sod- turn is a monumental milestone for the vision to build this regional precinct. With Stage 1 delivered by Council and the State Government, it has already proven itself an overwhelming success,” he said.

“I have been a long-time supporter of this project which has been driven by the community to meet our growing needs. That is why I have always showed my backing for Stage 2 and was proud to deliver our commitment of $15 million to the precinct.”

The second stage of construction is due to finish by late 2026, with an opening for the facilities shortly after.

World record in Donnybrook

The North Central Review

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November 25, 2025

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A NEW world record has been secured back home just in time for the Ashes starting on Friday, with the Olivine housing estate in Donnybrook securing the Guinness World Record for the largest cricket lesson in a single venue.

Held at the Olivine Recreation Reserve, this was a team effort which involved the Olivine housing estate, Mirvac, Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades, which helped involve students from the neighbouring Hume Anglican Grammar school, as well as Donnybrook Primary School, with kids aged from six to 14 participating in the event.

In total, 1070 students participated in the activity last Tuesday, which beat the previous record of 943, which was held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London earlier this year.

The session is part of an ongoing partnership between Mirvac, Cricket Victoria, and the Melbourne Renegades, focused on school programs, clinics, and inspiring more young people to try cricket.

“We’re thrilled to bring cricket to growing communities like Olivine,” Dylan Prescott, General Manager Consumer and Business at Cricket Victoria, said.

“Partnerships and events like this with Mirvac are crucial in growing the game at a community level and bringing cricket to growth corridors. We were incredibly proud to work with Mirvac to achieve a new Guinness World Record and to have achieved it, hopefully inspiring the next generation of cricketers.”

“We were incredibly proud to work with Cricket Victoria, the Melbourne Renegades and the local community to achieve a new Guinness World Record,” Elysa Anderson, General Manager, Residential Development Victoria at Mirvac, said.

The Olivine Recreation Reserve reflects our commitment to creating healthy, active places, and seeing local schools and families come together for this milestone showed exactly what community is all about. Supporting grassroots sport helps young people build confidence, teamwork and a sense of belonging, and this achievement highlighted the strength of the Olivine community.”

Funding to grow more native plants

The North Central Review

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November 25, 2025

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PEOPLE have a chance to add sparkle to their local landscape, and there is help available.

The Victorian Government is helping businesses and organisations grow more native plants to restore the precious landscapes and protect habitat through BushBank.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos has announced a $3 million investment to help meet demand for native woody shrub and tree seeds and seedlings. The funding is part of the $77 million BushBank program. It is the largest restoration program aimed at restoring important habitat for native wildlife across the state and reduce carbon emissions.

This investment will ensure Victoria has the seeds and plants needed to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and create healthier environments for future generations.

Mr Dimopoulos said: “BushBank is our most ambitious habitat restoration program that is planting millions of native trees and plants across more than 20,000 hectares of land across Victoria.

“Today’s seeds will be tomorrow’s habitat, a vital source of shelter and protection for wildlife and an important tool in our fight against climate change.”

The BushBank Seed Sector Support Grants will help expand and upgrade seed orchards and provide a more reliable seed supply in areas across the state, including in the Wimmera, Goulburn Broken, North Central, Mallee, West Gippsland, Glenelg Hopkins and Port Phillip.

The funding will help seed sector businesses, organisations and Traditional Owner groups create new regional jobs, purchase machinery to improve harvesting, expand and upgrade nurseries and propagate hundreds of thousands of seedlings per year – supporting their work to restore habitat across Victoria.

It will also support First Peoples’ participation in the sector, provide workforce training and capability uplift and help establish a strategically located seed centre to build regional capability.

Most native seed used in the BushBank program is at present collected from existing native vegetation.

BushBank’s program partner, Cassinia Environmental, continues to work with landowners for planting on private properties, working towards a target of revegetating 20,000 hectares of land by 2035.

The Victorian Government has made a record $800 million investment to protect the state’s natural environment and reverse native species decline.