Fire season date set

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November 18, 2025

THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced the start of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) for Mitchell and Macedon Ranges Shires, which commenced on Monday. The City of Whittlesea will follow on November 24, with restrictions in all three municipalities running through to May 1, 2026.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to ensure their properties and families are well
prepared ahead of the FDP. This includes cleaning up grass, leaves and other flammable
materials. Residents should also have a fire plan for high-risk fire weather days.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer for CFA District 12, Stephen Keating, said any private burn-offs must be fully extinguished prior to 17 November.

“We’ve already seen several burn-offs get away in recent weeks, so it’s really important
that people conduct their burns safely and make sure the fire is fully out before they walk
away,” he said.

“This year we will see fine fuels drying off at a faster rate due to drier soils. The heavier
fuels are also more likely to be involved in fire due to the prolonged rainfall deficit.

“If you have a large burn off pile or bigger stumps or logs, it is too late for you to burn
them off.

“All burn-offs are the responsibility of the landowner to ensure that they are out and can’t
flare up later.”

CFA District 02 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Archie Conroy said that while recent rainfall had provided short-term relief, conditions were drying out quickly across the region.

“Rainfall totals are down across the board compared to last year, and with temperatures forecast to climb, we’re heading into a period where fires can start and spread rapidly,” Mr Conroy said.

“We are also expecting some unsettled weather in the district, so beginning the Fire Danger Period allows us to better protect our communities.

“We’re asking residents to take the time now to clean up their homes and properties before restrictions begin. Simple steps like clearing dry grass, leaves and debris can make a real difference when conditions heat up.”

Lighting fires in the open without a permit can attract penalties of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Residents planning to conduct burn-offs before the FDP begins must register their burn-off with authorities, either online through the Fire Permits Victoria website or by calling 1800 668 511. Registering ensures emergency call takers can prioritise genuine emergency calls.

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions,
visit cfa.vic.gov.au.

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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WHITTLESEA Neighbourhood House will host a special community event to mark the International Day of People with Disability on Thursday, December 4, at the Community Activity Centre, 57 Laurel Street, Whittlesea.

Running from 9am to 11am, the event will bring community members together to recognise and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and inclusion of people with disability within the local area. Attendees can look forward to a welcoming morning that promotes connection, understanding, and awareness.

The International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations–sanctioned observance held annually on December 3. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their contributions to community life. Each year, the day highlights the importance of removing barriers and fostering inclusive communities where everyone can participate fully.

Whittlesea Neighbourhood House encourages residents to come along and take part in this important celebration. For more information or to get involved, contact the Neighbourhood House on 9716 3361.

Specialised sleep service at Northern Health

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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Specialised sleep service at Northern Health

NORTHERN Health has launched its first dedicated public sleep service, marking a transformative step in addressing a long-standing gap in access to sleep medicine for communities across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Located at Northern Hospital Epping, the new Sleep Centre introduces a digitally enabled, person-centred model of care that is reshaping how sleep health is delivered. Until now, all sleep testing at Northern Health was outsourced to external providers, both public and private, leading to long wait times, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited access to clinical support. These barriers were particularly challenging for patients with time-critical conditions.

The Sleep Centre features a six-bed laboratory with capacity for both overnight and daytime testing, including assessments for hypersomnia. It offers a streamlined, multidisciplinary model of care designed to improve access, reduce delays, and deliver timely treatment for conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), insomnia, and parasomnias.

Dr Katharine See, Director of Respiratory and Chief Outcomes Officer at Northern Health, said the service was a powerful example of how innovation can drive equity.

“By prioritising those most at risk and supporting people through digital pathways, we are improving access and delivering the outcomes that matter most to our community,” she said.

What sets the Sleep Centre apart is its innovative, digitally enabled care pathway delivered through the My Health@Northern app. Before their first consultation, patients complete an evidence-based questionnaire via SMS, enabling clinicians to identify those at highest risk and prioritise them for care.

The pathway continues to support patients while they are on treatment, providing trusted education resources, tracking symptoms, treatment responses, and quality of life, and enhancing patients’ ability to stay engaged and adhere to their care plan.

This approach not only empowers patients to manage their health from home, it also improves long-term outcomes while freeing up clinician time for more individualised care.

The launch aligns with Northern Health’s values of Safe, Kind, Together and its strategic goal of delivering high-quality, sustainable, person-centred care. By integrating diagnostics, consultation, and treatment into a single, streamlined pathway, the Sleep Service not only improves outcomes – it restores dignity and control to people navigating complex health challenges.

Festive Spirit to Shine Bright at Whittlesea’s Carols by Candlelight

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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THE City of Whittlesea is set to sparkle once again with festive cheer when Carols by Candlelight returns to the Civic Centre Lawns on Friday December 12, from 6pm to 9pm.

The much-loved community celebration will bring families and friends together for a magical evening of music, laughter, and joy under the stars.

The night will open with a lively performance by Team Dream, whose energetic Christmas show promises to delight children and families alike. The festivities will continue with performances from the Community Carols Choir and Diamond Valley Brass Band, uniting more than 70 voices from across generations and cultures to fill the air with timeless Christmas classics.

To close the evening, Glenn Starr and his band will take the stage with a heart-warming performance of festive favourites and classic holiday tunes. Known for his smooth vocals and charm, Starr will bring laughter and classic holiday cheer to the night’s finale.

Mayor Cr Martin Taylor said the event holds a special place in the hearts of local residents.

“Carols by Candlelight is one of those special events that truly captures the spirit of our community, with families coming together, children’s faces lighting up, and neighbours connecting to celebrate the joy of the season,” Cr Taylor said.

“It’s a night full of warmth, laughter and song, and a wonderful way to wrap up the year surrounded by the people who make our community such a fantastic place to live.”

Families can look forward to free children’s activities, including face-painting, craft workshops, and roving performers throughout the evening, and of course, a special visit from Santa at 8pm. Printed songbooks will be available so everyone can join in the carols together.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, friends, and their best singing voices for a night of community spirit. A selection of food trucks will be on site serving delicious treats.

For more information, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/carols.

Strong batting in women’s competition

Michael Thompson

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November 18, 2025

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THE Kookaburra Women’s League continues to deliver some great cricket as a competitive A grade race heats up.

Wallan did enough to beat Lancefield Black by seven wickets at Greenhill Reserve.

Batting first, Lancefield scored 4/115 off the back of Luzanne de Kock’s 48 off just 35 deliveries. But in response, Megan Farrell guided Wallan on its way to victory, scoring an unbeaten 52 before retiring not out, with the Magpies scoring 3/116 in 18.5 overs to win with seven balls to spare.

Kilmore continued its good run in the competition, defeating Macedon by nine wickets at the Kilmore Cricket Ground.

Macedon batted first, but the game had Taylah Logie’s DNA all over it as she took a wicket and contributed to a run out as Kilmore held Macedon to 4/111.

Logie then scored 52 off 49 deliveries to help guide Kilmore to the target, with Wendy Smith’s 14 and Chloe D’Elia’s 20 finishing off the job as Kilmore scored 1/112.

In B grade, Broadford continue to get closer to scoring its first victory, putting in a good effort against East Sunbury.

Batting first, Rebecca Houston scored 17 and Maddison Benham scored 12 as Broadford made 5/71, but despite Brooke Jeffrey’s three wickets, couldn’t quite defend the target as East Sunbury did enough to score 3/72.

Lancefield Yellow held on to a 22-run victory over Melton Centrals.

Connagh Phillips’ 27 and Charlotte Hiscock’s unbeaten 22 helped the Tigers get to 4/83, before the Tigers’ tight bowling held Centrals to 4/61 off their 20 overs. Emily Consiglio took two wickets for the afternoon.

Letters to the editor – November 18, 2025

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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Prepare for summer

Dear Editor

As we head into possibly another significant Fire season with far below soil moisture levels and drought conditions in much of the state, it is worth noting how the Emergency Management structure and the State Government are approaching the situation.

Emergency Management is the body charged with planning and responsibility for preparing and mitigating potential disaster situations.

The State Government is responsible for keeping Victorians safe and has overall charge through their decision making and budgetary processes.

Currently the CFA is down approximately 7,000 CFA members since Black Saturday in 2009.

The age demographic of the current membership is extremely concerning and moral is low in many quarters.

The current CFA fire Tanker fleet is a huge concern. Approximately 240 CFA Tankers are over 30 years of age and an even larger number are in the 25 – 30 year age range. To anyone committing themselves to a major fire this is a very frightening situation. These trucks are not expected to sit on a suburban Street during a fire.

To add furthertothese woes we have a Fire management structure that is hamstrung by regulations has extremely limited community input and thus virtually ignores the problems. In addition we have a State Government that has shown distain and contempt for the vast majority of CFA members in Rural and Regional Victoria through their “ Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.” The Tax.!

I call on all Rural and Regional Victorians to make your views known to Metropolitan Melbourne and our Politicians. This legislation was passed by more than one Political Party. Your voice can actually make a big difference. Whether a sign, a post, a letter or personal contact, tell Politicians and our fellow Victorians to “ Scrap the Tax. “ Politicians have a responsibly to protect and treat all Victorians equally.

Bill Chisholm

President

Protect Our Farms

Equality and Democracy

Dear Editor

In your Public Notices, in the North Central Review, Tuesday November 4, 2025, pg27.

Notice of an authorization meeting for a proposed Native Title Determination on behalf of Taungurung people, 23 November 2025 – Camp Jungai, 475 Rubicon Rd. Rubicon, Victoria.

The maps border highlights from Euroa, then all the way around to Bright, with Seymour and Eildon Weir smack in the middle, then from the outskirts of Kinglake, then it continues around to Kyneton and Rochester. The Puckapunyal Army Base is also in this marked area. The map is not very clear.

The application only includes people of Taungurung descent. We aren’t considered important enough to invite to this meeting, we every day Australian landowners who own properties and pay rates in these highlighted areas.

Didn’t most Australians vote a unanimous NO on the October 2023, Voice referendum? A vote for equality and democracy for all Australians.

From a resident living in this area

Lola Puddy

Whiteheads Creek

Just My Opinion with Ian Blyth – November 17, 2025

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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Just My Opinion with Ian Blyth – November 17, 2025

Firstly, I must admit that the headline for this week’s column is not of my making – it came from my grandfather many years ago.

My grandfather called an expert a “drip under pressure.” He was right. It’s absurdly easy to find an expert on anything – net zero, climate models, even how to boil an egg – but governments treat them like prophets.

Ministers at both State and Federal level hide behind lab coats and charts, nodding politely while passing off responsibility.

In the race to net zero, this worship of expertise has become an epidemic of political cowardice.

Households are told to retrofit, businesses to decarbonise, and anyone asking “how?” is branded a heretic. Ministers quote “the science” like it’s a magic spell, conveniently ignoring that models cannot replace judgment. Experts predict, politicians pontificate, and the public pays.

Here’s the bitter truth: experts are not oracles. They do not govern, they do not weigh competing priorities, and they cannot take the heat when policy hits reality.

Yet governments act as if quoting a model absolves them of thinking. The result is a series of clever-sounding policies that collapse under practical scrutiny, leaving citizens frustrated and sceptical.

Take what’s happened this week: the Liberal Party majority formally decided to abandon its long-standing commitment to a 2050 net-zero emissions target, a decision made after weeks of internal debate and a five-hour party room meeting.

What does this reveal? It reveals that even at the highest levels of politics, the architecture of “expert-advice turned policy” rests on shaky foundations. If a major party can so formally dismantle a target that experts say was built on models, projections and commitments, what does that say about the pillars we’re expected to trust?

This isn’t just about one political party shifting stance. It’s about the broader mechanism of governance. When ministers lean on experts’ models as shields — but those commitments can be predictably reversed or abandoned — the public begins to realise: the experts were convenient, not commanding. Ministers were hiding, not leading.

Climate action demands urgency. Yes. But it also demands leadership, real leadership that asks hard questions, balances competing needs, admits uncertainty. Blind obedience to experts is safe; governing is not. Elevating technical advice to untouchable doctrine is not courage, it’s a drip under pressure masquerading as wisdom.

And at the end of the day, when the public suffers the consequences, whether through higher costs, unreliable energy, or policy whiplash, these “experts” will shrug, and the politicians will still be hiding behind them, many as clueless as ever.

But then that’s just my (non-expert) opinion.

An exciting night of racing at Kilmore trots

Len Baker

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November 18, 2025

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An exciting night of racing at Kilmore trots

Kilmore harness racing last Thursday, November 13 presented a thrilling night featuring heats of the Victorian Sires Stakes for four year old entries, geldings and mares.

Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster combined with Anthony Butt to snare the APG – A Horse For Everyone S-S (first heat) over 2180 metres with Muscle Mass-Betty Hall gelding Mister Blindside, leading most of the way after going forward from outside the front line to record a 1.2 metre margin in advance of Ringer Wells (gate three) which led out before taking a trail. Polemarker Jack Sprat used the sprint lane for third 5.1 metres back after following the pair. The mile rate was 2.03.2.

Heat two saw What The Hill-Glenferrie Unixa gelding Hilltop Hugh trained at Riddell by Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar lead all of the way from the pole with Chris Alford aboard, accounting for Kyvalley Maven (gate two) which raced outside him by 5.2 metres, with Heza Gun (gate five – one/one) a stablemate of the winner third a nose away after switching down to the sprint lane on turning. The mile rate was 2.02.6.

The first heat for mares went the way of outstanding Volstead-Keayang Yankee mare Keayang Zahara trained at Ecklin South by Marg and Paddy Lee with Glen Craven in the sulky. Going forward from gate three, Keayang Zahara had nothing more than a stroll in the park, cruising to the wire 14.3 metres in advance of polemarker Maoris Mac (three pegs) in a 2.00.5 mile rate. Preferred Love (gate four) which trailed the winner after leading out finished 3.1 metres back in third place.

Heat four went the way of Volstead-Needle mare Pinnie for Long Forest duo Andy and Kate Gath, leading throughout from the pole to blitz her rivals by 9.2 metres from Keayang Lavita (gate five) which raced exposed. Mega Spur (gate four) after trailing the winner was third 5 metres back. The mile rate was 2.02.4.

Byrneside trainer Damian Wilson landed the Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres with much improved Danny Bouchea-No Dispute 8YO mare Settle The Bill. Driven by wife Laura, Settle The Bill starting from gate two on the second line settled three pegs enjoying a cosy passage as polemarker Midnight Muscle led. Extricated three wide running into the final bend, Settle The Bill finished her race off well to score by 4.8 metres from the pacemaker, with Sky Lindy (gate two) using the sprint lane off the back of the leader third 3.7 metres back. The mile rate was 1.59.8.

Daylesford duo Mick Barby and Anne-Maree Conroy’s honest 6YO Betting Line-Glenlyon Glad gelding Glenline raced by a large syndication was victorious in the 2180 metre Kilmore Ford Pace. Trailing Watching Over Us (gate two), Glenline used the sprint lane to perfection to greet the judge by 5.6 metres from a death-seating Flying Sparks (gate four), with Watching Over Us holding third 1.4 metres away. The mile rate was 2.00.6.

Bolinda part-owner/trainer Vince Vallelonga provided 5YO Always B Miki-Golden Showgirl gelding Always The Showmanl to outstay his rivals in the JC Windows Pace over 1690 metres after going forward to race exposed from gate two on the second line. Driven by Tasmyn Potter, Always The Showman was equal to the task, recording a 1.8 metre margin in 1.57.3 over Evileye (gate three – one/two – three wide last lap) and Chirripo (gate five – one/one) which switched down to the sprint lane on turning to be 2.1 metres away in third place.

MNelton trainer Michael Breen snared the Picklebet “Get Your Pickle On” Vicbred Voucher 2YO Maiden Pace over 1690 metres with Banjo Star, a gelded son of The Storm Inside and Panorama Star bred by the Dodd’s. Driven by Heathcote’s Sean O’Sullivan, Banjo Star led throughout from the pole to register a 1.6 metre margin over Siargao Island (gate two second line) which was sent forward to race uncovered. Storm Vendetta (gate two – three pegs) was third 4.7 metres back. The mile rate was 1.59.1.

The MC Labour Vicbred Voucher 2YO Pace over 1690 metres was taken out by Avenel trainer David Harris’ Vincent-Cowgirlsnlace filly Bay La Ville in a 1.58.1 mile rate. Driven by Charlton based Luke Dunne, Bay La Ville after a slow beginning from inside the second line angled to be four back in the running line before flashing home late with an electrifying finish to score by 2.7 metres over the leader from the bell Swaywithsierra (gate five). Dusty Philtra (one/two) after racing roughly at the start from the pole was third 1.1 metres back.

Kilmore races again on Thursday December 11.

From the Boundary with Ray Carroll – November 18, 2025

Ray Carroll

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November 18, 2025

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ASHES PREVIEW

Can Ben Stokes (pictured) become only the ninth captain in Ashes test history to lead England to a series victory in Australia since way back in 1877.

History says no, but Stokes is a tough no holds barred cricketer as were Douglas Jardine and Len Hutton who led famous victories in 1932-3 and 1954-53. Jardine’s triumph of course come in the infamous bodyline campaign in which Australian players feared for their lives.

Such was the fearsome assault. Jardine had two great express bowlers, Larwood and Voce.

Hutton had Tyson and Statham a pair of the all-time great fast bowlers. In Perth this weekend the Poms will have Mark Wood and Jofra Archer and both can crank up past 90 miles an hour.

Both however are under a fitness cloud. England’s batting can be highly entertaining, often thrilling but the desire to score at a rapid rate will leave most of their line-up vulnerable to Australia’s pace line up. It is rare that England’s Test XI is younger than the Aussies but this time around it will definitely be old Australia v young England.

This will be the youngest team ever to come here for an Ashes series. In Stokes they have a great leader, in Joe Root they have one of England’s greatest bats of all time.

Perth will set the tone for what hopefully will be an enthralling series. For what its worth my tip is for two all with one rain affected draw. However, some are not convinced “Bazball” can survive in Australian conditions and are predicting a 5-0 whitewash. Whatever the result Australia’s team thereafter must be a next generation side with the likes of Campbell Kellaway and Harry Dixon (Vic), Cooper Connolly (WA), Xavier Bartlett (QLD)and Sam Konstas (NSW) in the muse.

***

Below is the Australian team of 1886 in England. It was then a three test series and England won 3-0.

JAMIE’S TRIUMPH

Ace jockey Jamie Melham wrote herself into the record books by being the only female riders to win the Melbourne and Caulfield cups double. She is pictured here with good friend Michelle Payne who rode the winner a decade ago in the Melbourne Cup.

Jamie (nee Kah) and Michelle are forever legends of the Australian turf. It has been a huge year for Jamie with also her wedding and two family funerals. She paid a moving tribute to her late grandfather when accepting the trophy at Flemington.

VARIA

Racing has been a staple in the “bush” down the generations. A fortnight ago, the annual Mortlake Cup meeting took place. A carload of former ACK students made the trip and really enjoyed the day — the people, the hospitality and the friendly welcoming atmosphere. My dad, a shearer and tent boxer with many indigenous boxing friends, loved the race day at Mortlake and near Terang. I still remember my late brother and myself selling racebooks to make a few shillings.

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TRIBUTE TO ALAN TRIPP

Son of a well-respected Army officer and his wife, Alan Tripp certainly made his mark in life, becoming an internationally-acclaimed operator in the field of sports betting.

Married to Kate Dow, the latter surname significant in college annals, Alan lives in Yarrawonga where he and Kate regularly hosted Collegians’ reunions at their lakeside property. Classmates of Alan’s era turn up in force with names such as Coates, Comitti, Keenan, Cummins, Brear, Ryan ever prominent.

Alan was a boarder at ACK in the late 60s, hailing from Puckapunyal Army base. His brother Ian also attended the college.

Alan and Kate have raised a fine family, held in high regard. Many organisations and people have been the recipient of Alan’s generosity.

A son, Matthew, took over the business reins from his dad and maintained its success.

From Matthew’s class of 1991 a number of his pals have been employed in the operation. Sam Crimmins, (son of the late Peter), Tom Carroll, John Fisicaro and Brad Fanning (grandson of legendary Melbourne goal-kicker Fred Fanning) are a few who have prospered along the way.

For some years in the 90s and beyond, Matthew brought a cricket XI to Assumption for a ‘friendly’. They were happy occasions made more so by the fact that Alan Tripp came to each game and handed over a welcome donation to assist college cricket.

Alan released a popular book ‘Beating the Odds’ in 2006. The launch at a city hotel attracted a large crowd with notables including Bob Hawke present. A review of the book in the Sydney’s Daily Telegraph stated “Alan Tripp is a man who had lived life like no other man on the planet. He is an Aussie original.”

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P.S Son Matthew has played a notable part in Melbourne Storm rugby team’s success.

NC Real Estate (2025-11-11)

North Central Real Estate

ncreview.com.au

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November 11, 2025

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