WORKS are beginning to build a roundabout on the Northern Highway and Epping-Kilmore Road in Kilmore to help meet the town’s growing population and the accommodation of heavy vehicles.
It’s a project that will be constructed over the next year, with a completion date slated for late 2026 depending on weather.
Motorists will be asked to respect the reduced speed limits and lane closures when required.
The new roundabout has been designed as a dual-lane roundabout, and will improve safety in four different ways, by improving the traffic flow, safer turning opportunities from Epping-Kilmore Road, drivers slowing down and improving visibility of the intersection with new lighting provided.
There will also be same native, non-native trees and vegetation removed, but landscaping will utilise local indigenous plant species during construction.
THE Macedon Ranges Shire Council is in damage control as they seek to appoint a new Mayor following Mayor Councillor Dom Bonanno’s revelation that he had been caught speeding and drink-driving in the Mayoral car in Gisborne.
Cr Bonanno has since said he will not seek reappointment to the mayoral position, taking personal leave for the next two weeks.
Cr Bonanno, in a media release, said he had a significant error in judgment.
“I need to tell the community that I have let myself, my family, the Council and my community down for a major lapse in judgement, which I take full responsibility for,” he said.
“On the evening of Friday 31 October 2025, I was caught speeding on McGeorge Road in Gisborne South, but worse, with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit, while driving the mayoral vehicle. I will be disqualified from driving for six months from the end of November.
“I appreciate that my family, fellow Councillors, Council staff and the community put their trust in me, which I have breached, of which I sincerely apologise.
“I can’t turn the clock back, but I will work each day to re-build this trust in me over the months and years ahead.
“I am very disappointed in myself, and I have given my all to be a good Councillor and Mayor and always listen and strongly represent our residents and broader community.
“I have returned the mayoral car, which was neither impounded or damaged during the incident.
“I have taken personal leave and will return on Tuesday, November 25 at 11am, which is the annual Council meeting to elect the Mayor. I will not be standing for re-election to this position.
“As I work through what is a difficult and challenging time for me and my family, I ask for your forgiveness and to please respect our privacy.”
Kilmore Police intercepted a grey 2004 Holden Commadore Station Wagon that was travelling North on Wandong-Epping Road in Wandong.
Police observed the male; and believed he was intoxicated.
The driver was taken back to Kilmore Police Station, for an evidentiary breath test which produced a result of 0.193.
The driver was served with a Notice of Immediate Driving Ban for 12 months and had his vehicle impounded at a cost of $1445.
Burglary: Clonbinane
At approximately 6am on November 6 unknown offender/s accessed a shed at Doctors Creek Rd, Clonbinane, stealing dirt bikes and various tools.
Theft from Motor Vehicle: Wallan
Between 7pm November 3, and 9am November 4, unknown offender/s damaged tyres and stole a medicine bag from a Mazda 3 parked at Hogan’s Hotel in Wallan.
Fatal accident: Puckapunyal
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Puckapunyal on Friday, November 7 when a car crashed into a tree off Seymour-Tooborac Road.
The driver, a 45-year-old Junortoun woman, died at the scene. Two children who were passengers of the vehicle, were airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators have identified the driver of a B-double truck in the area at the time of the crash and he is assisting with enquiries.
NEWCOMER to the Don Dwyer stable, Oriental Dane got off to a flying start at her first run for the stable at the Yea picnic meeting on Saturday. Having only been in the stable a week, the 4 year old Sir Prancealot mare scored over 1300 metres lumping a 70kg impost.
Last start Healesville winner, Voriah had to be satisfied with a 2nd placing in the 0-55 rating contest, having only made the field on Friday afternoon after scratchings.
Dwyer’s evergreen galloper Pine Valley scored a narrow win over 2140 metres. The massive chestnut has had 21 starts for Dwyer for sux wins, eight seconds and three third placings. These Boots had to settle for a third placing, having won his first three starts for Dwyer.
Newcomer to the training ranks, Tim Eurell trained his first winner at Moe Racecourse on Sunday.
Having only held his trainers license since March, the son of leading trainer Greg Eurell has been based out of Seymour. Tim’s first win came with the promising gelding Taxing in a maiden 1600 metre event, winning by a comfortable 1.25 lengths with Thomas Stockdale aboard.
THE next chapter of the Review’s history series features 69 Sydney Street, which has had a transformation over the last 40 years into the Kilmore Palace Chinese Restaurant.
For a large part of Kilmore’s history, this building, located just outside the intersection of Sydney Street and Union Street, was a blacksmith’s building. However, the building was then demolished and subsequently transformed.
Many blacksmiths have called the business home in the history of the building, which lasted 124 years from 1860 to 1984.
The history of the building was captured by the Kilmore Historical Society, with a plaque attached to the front of the building to help tourists and historians understand the history of the town’s buildings.
The plaque at 69 Sydney Street reads:
Former Blacksmith’s Shop c1860
The building was constructed c1860 with façade changes made c1925.
The site was originally owned by James Tanswell, who is believed to be a former convict.
No history is available between 1849-1872, after which it was successively occupied by a number of blacksmiths, including Edward Weaver, Thomas Phillips, and Charles Stray (c1931-38).
Patrick “Toc” Maher had his blacksmith’s shop here from c1938-1976.
The blacksmith’s shop was demolished in 1984 and rebuilt to house a restaurant, using bricks from the former building.”
DOCTOR Cate Sinclair says she has seen firsthand how cost-of-living pressures, insecure housing and underfunded services have affected families across Victoria. Those experiences have motivated her to enter politics, standing as the Greens’ lead upper house candidate for Northern Victoria.
A former occupational therapist and researcher at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Sinclair worked with young people living with chronic illnesses and said she observed that many of their difficulties extended beyond medical issues.
“I was seeing kids in distress, but often it was the whole family that was struggling,” she said. “Many were dealing with housing insecurity, rising living costs or mental health concerns. While clinical care helped, it was clear the broader issues needed to be addressed at a policy level,” Dr Sinclair said.
Dr Sinclair said her decision to join the Greens stemmed from wanting to see greater attention given to housing affordability, community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
“Northern Victoria’s resilience and resourcefulness can lead the way,” she said.
Among her key priorities are improving access to affordable housing and strengthening local services. She said housing costs were increasingly pricing out regional families.
“Families in regional Victoria that historically could afford to live near their relatives suddenly can’t anymore,” she said. “People moving from the city see the benefits of country life, but locals are finding it harder to stay.”
Her background in children’s health research, she said, revealed how financial pressures can affect family wellbeing. “The number of kids with chronic pain, anxiety and mental health issues has grown,” she said. “Parents are under huge pressure coping with mortgages and everyday costs.”
Dr Sinclair also argues that health, the environment and the economy are interconnected, and that more investment in early intervention services, such as counselling and parental support programs, could prevent greater costs later.
On environmental issues, she supports renewable energy and climate adaptation projects, such as community batteries and local solar initiatives. “Energy security and climate resilience go hand-in-hand,” she said.
Dr Sinclair said she hopes to bring a practical and community-focused voice to state parliament if elected. “Our communities deserve to be heard,” she said.
MITCHELL Shire Council is once again standing united alongside its community and Lower Hume Collaborative Group for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign that begins on Monday, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on Tuesday, December 10, Human Rights Day.
Council, as part of the Lower Hume Collaborative Group, is partnering with Murrindindi Shire Council and more than 25 local organisations to make it clear that family violence is not tolerated or accepted within our communities.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said Council is proud to stand with community partners to raise awareness and promote action.
“Every person deserves to feel safe, respected and valued- at home, at work, and in our community,” Cr Dougall said.
“The 16 Days of Activism is a powerful reminder that change starts with us. By standing together, we can challenge harmful behaviours, support victim-survivors, and build a future where equality and safety are the norm.”
“Respect is shown in many forms, through healthy relationships, calling out harmful language, and making it clear that violence in any form is unacceptable.”
“We invite all members of our community to participate in events during the campaign. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward change and show that we stand united in our commitment to ending violence.”
Mitchell Shire continues to face high rates of family violence. In 2023–24, there were 1,327 reported incidents – an increase from the previous year – placing our community 13th highest in the state.
The numbers represent a call to action to the community from Mitchell Shire, setting up a number of workshops throughout the 16 days.
Council will set up a Community Bystander Action workshop.
In partnership with Women’s Health Goulburn Northeast, the Community Bystander Action Workshop is a free event designed to build knowledge and confidence to safely challenge disrespect and promote equality.
It’s open to all community members, including volunteers, sporting clubs and peer educators who want to know what they can do when they see something that doesn’t promote a just and safe world.
You’ll learn how to recognise harmful behaviour, explore how gender inequality impacts everyday experiences, and understand the role each of us plays in creating a respectful community.
There is a session taking place from 5pm to 7.30pm, Thursday, November 27 at the John Taylor Room, Kilmore Library. Light dinner provided.
The Steps Towards Change Walk is also a key event that will take place.
In collaboration with Goulburn River Trail Park Run and Seymour Rotary Club’s ‘Say No to Domestic and Family Violence’ campaign, the Steps Towards Change Walk invites the community to take part in a two km or five km walk/run to show support for respectful relationships and safer communities.
The event includes support service stalls, coffee van and more.
The walk will take place from 7.45 am to 10.30 am, Saturday, November 29 in Lions Park along the Goulburn River Trail in Seymour.
Council will also hold its traditional Coffee with a Cop through its continued partnership with Victoria Police.
Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee while engaging in informal and safe conversations with local police officers.
It’s a chance to ask questions and encourage meaningful conversations. There is a session taking place from 9.30am to 11am, Thursday December 4 at Kings Perk Café in Seymour. Free coffee provided.
In collaboration with Murrindindi Shire Council, Mitchell Shire has also created a Community Resource Guide to help provide access to local support services, as well as guidance on what to do when you identify and respond to family violence, while providing advice on what happens when it is reported.
These guides will be available on Council’s website, Customer and Library Service Centres, community centres and support services.
A FASCINATING day in the Gisborne District Cricket Association saw plenty of big scoring, as well as terrific individual performances.
McIntyre Cup
Wallan will need a further 228 runs to defeat Gisborne on a day where the Magpies, for a large portion of the day, took it right up to one of the pacesetters of the competition at Gisborne’s home deck.
Steven Bell, Scott O’Donnell and Hamish Mullavey-Clark combined excellently with the ball, taking two wickets apiece in the opening stages to have Gisborne wobbling at 6/133 at one stage.
While an 86-run eighth-wicket stand helped Gisborne get to 9/249, the Magpies took enough confidence throughout the remainder of the day to go into the second day’s play with all 10 wickets remaining.
Bell took 4/28, while O’Donnell (3/75) and Mullavey-Clark (2/58) also got in among the wickets.
Matthew Clayton will start day two on 19, while Jack Mifsud is unbeaten on two.
Some late hitting in Broadford’s bottom order has allowed it to set a defendable total of 186 against Sunbury United away.
It looked as though Broadford was in great trouble when it fell to 6/71, but the tail wagged significantly, with Dilsher Pal Singh and Riley Nolan both contributing 24, Samraat Sharma 20, Jeremy Bradshaw 25 and Nathan Woods an unbeaten 22 to help get it to 186 by the close of play.
Other progressive scores around the league saw Romsey score first innings’ points against Rupertswood, with Romsey 6/83 after rolling Rupertswood for 65, while Woodend are 1/7 chasing Macedon’s 194.
Johnstone Shield
Dale Tassone’s excellent form continued at the Kilmore Cricket Ground, with Kilmore setting Lancefield 269 runs to chase next week.
Tassone was terrific again at the top of the order, making 74 before departing just before tea, maintaining an average of 119 in the early part of the season.
Ben Dawson’s late hitting saw him score 52 as Kilmore looked to keep pace with the competition frontrunners.
Billy Cox fell just short of 100 but gave Eastern Hill a great platform in its game against Sunbury.
Cox scored 88 runs, while Benjamin Bryant added 54, Ollie Bryant 39 and Michael Brown similarly scored 39 as the Eagles swept aside anything Sunbury threw at them throughout the day to set 8/309.
Elsewhere, Diggers Rest Bulla Village took first innings points against East Sunbury, 2/83 after bowling the Thunder out for 56, while Eynesbury are 3/52 chasing Harkness’ 138.
Lower grades
In the McIntyre Cup seconds’ competition, a late wicket gave Broadford good confidence ahead of the second day’s play.
Broadford set 210, largely thanks to some good hitting from Ashley Wood (44), Tyrell Dunne (32) and Taylor Shell (35), but it was James Hibbins trapping David Falzon in front in the last over of the day which gave Broadford great confidence, leaving Sunbury United 1/8 at the close of play.
Wallan need seven wickets to defend 131, with Gisborne 3/74 at the close.
Russell Whittingham’s 51 saved the Magpies, who were in dire straits at 5/35, but Whittingham and Adam Reginato Junior combined for a 67-run partnership to give the Magpies something to defend.
Andrew Barber has taken all three wickets in response and will start day two with figures of 3/22.
Kilmore’s Johnstone Shield seconds team has taken first innings points comfortably against Lancefield and will look for an outright victory on day two.
Harley Austin and Rhys Ferraro combined to take three wickets apiece, with Noah Fairweather taking two as Kilmore bowled Lancefield out for 76.
In response, Harrison Purcell’s 36 and Rohan Audehm’s 43 allowed Kilmore to pass the target with ease and will start day two on 4/134.
Peter Speechley’s 77 off just 65 balls has allowed Eastern Hill to set 8/323, with Harvey Hager’s 63 and Josh Speechley’s 60 also giving the Eagles a terrific platform.
Wallan’s Jensen Shield team was no match for Hanging Rock, rolled for 91 and losing by 10 wickets, while Romsey took a thrilling one-run victory over Malmsbury, 166 to 8/165.
Some late hitting almost got Kilmore over the line against Riddell after sitting 4/20, but it wasn’t quite enough as Kilmore got bowled out for 117 chasing 8/124.
In the club grade north competition, Kilmore had a comfortable eight-wicket win over Hanging Rock, scoring 2/110 after bowling Hanging Rock out for 108.
Broadford similarly had a good win over Lancefield, scoring 4/121 and chasing down the Tigers’ 7/117.
Wallan was no match for Gisborne, with the Magpies’ 8/118 chased down comfortably, with Gisborne scoring 3/119.
SOME good scoring lit up the Seymour District Cricket Association throughout the weekend.
Tallarook continued its dominance of the competition by putting Avenel to the sword, scoring a 142-run victory.
Lachlan Watts was the hero, scoring the competition’s second century of the season, with his 123 runs coming off just 103 balls, which included 11 fours and two sixes.
Watts’ heroics allowed Tallarook to recover from 5/74 to set 7/204, and it was Kalon Winnell who did the rest, taking 6/19 off 9.5 overs to overwhelm Avenel’s batting lineup. Along with Tarkyn Dundon’s 3/5 off six overs, Avenel was all out for 62.
Seymour took a tense game against Yea, doing just enough to defend 149.
After a slow start, Luke Woolan’s 48 and Jack Hesse’s 44 allowed Seymour to set something it could defend, eventually making 8/149 off its 45 overs.
In response, Yea started slowly, but good middle-order hitting from Andrew Butterworth allowed the Tigers to get back into the game.
However, Seymour was able to bowl well in the clutch, especially with Lachlan Drummond taking 3/16 off nine overs, holding Yea to 7/144 and, as a result, has scored a break over the competition in third.
Pyalong continue to emerge as one of the main contenders in the competition, but had to survive a thriller against Puckapunyal, winning by just one run.
Pyalong batted first, and thanks to Mitchell Ryan’s 39 and Jamie Pryor’s 50, managed to make 5/183 off its 45 overs.
Danny Fountain led the way with the ball for Pucka with 2/31 off nine overs.
Pucka, in response, looked to be well on the way to scoring victory, especially with Nicholas Bennetts scoring at will in making 59 runs.
However, Anthony Pratt and Alexander Ryan took three wickets apiece to help Pyalong hold Pucka when it needed to right at the end and stole victory by one run in a tense finish, with Pucka scoring 9/182.
In the B grade competition, Tallarook needed all of its reserves to eventually take victory over Avenel by two wickets in a low-scoring game.
Russell Downie took three wickets, and Finn Melville and Braeden Dundon two apiece in rolling Avenel for 79, but Tallarook had great difficulty getting to the target.
Kieran Minter’s 20 and Brendan O’Donnell’s 17 allowed Tallarook to hang on, scoring 8/81 to win.
Brett Gordon’s 55 allowed Seymour to make an impressive 8/186, the highest score of the round, before Janak Abeywardane and Damian Murphy took three wickets apiece to hold Yea to 9/98.
Puckapunyal and Pyalong had a game equally as its A grade counterparts.
Batting first, Pyalong looked to have a good footing with Matthew Wilkins scoring 47 and Daniel Sowden 28, but collapsed from 4/106 to be all out for 118.
Jacob Nipperess did the damage with 4/25.
In response, Pucka did just enough, with Nipperess scoring 35 and Vaughan Agnew adding 26, but needed all its reserves to get the job done, scoring 8/121.
Jaxon Hill took four wickets for Pyalong in a losing effort.
