Bowling joy for Kilmore

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October 28, 2025

THE Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region (BHBR) mid-week bowls competition has already seen division one’s best teams break away in idyllic playing conditions last Tuesday.

Winning its first game of the season, Kilmore hosted Diggers Rest, 51 – 47.

While, rink one was barely defeated, 16 – 17; rinks two and three had good results, 20-18, and 15 -12 respectively.

Douglas Haynes is standing out for Kilmore on the ladder with a 125 per cent shot rating on his first game.

Sport Mid week bowls Kilmore v Diggers Rest pic 2

Romsey played away against Kyneton Golf and won convincingly, 71-45, while, Kyneton defeated Gisborne, 61-46 at Kyneton to finish round two on top of the ladder.

Next week, Kilmore host Kyneton Golf who are fifth on the ladder and Kilmore is third.

In division two, Kilmore hosted the Macedon Ranges, and its club witnessed another close competition, 59 – 52.

In rink one, Kilmore got it done, 22-13 while Macedon played a deadly game on rink two; 30 -13, and rink three, was as close as it gets, 17-16, Kilmore’s way.

Phillip Wood is leading for Kilmore on the player’s ladder with a 148.15 per cent shot rating for the season.

Broadford (1) hosted Kyneton (2) and were sorely defeated in each rink.

Rink one, 34 – 8, rink 2, 20 – 15 and rink three, 28 -7.

The results, 82-30; sees Broadford slip to fifth position on the ladder and their opposition lift into third place.

Rodney Campbell is leading for Broadford on the competitions player ladder, after just one game, Campbell has a 183.33 percentage shot rating.

Trentham (1) played Gisborne (2) and won their away game by five points, 62-57 and also earnt the leading ladder position for the round.

Broadford play away against the top team in round 3 today.

Sulky Snippets with Len Baker – October 28, 2025

Len Baker

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October 28, 2025

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IT was Kilmore trots on Thursday with a good eight race card taking place, punters looked to be behind the eight-ball following the first two races which were rough results, however things improved as the night progressed.

Popular Darraweit/Bolinda part-owner/trainer Alex Hurley snared the opening race the Coulter Legal Pace over 1690 metres with 4YO Alta Christiano-Tourbillon Dargent gelding Altius much to the delight of the large syndicate who race him.

Driven by neighbour Tristan Larsen, Altius was driven with aggression from the pole, but couldn’t hold out 12Y0 gelding Iamawingate (gate four) which began with great speed and enjoyed a good trail on his back. Using the sprint lane, Altius ran home along the sprint lane to just get there by a nose over a death-seating Caruso Star (one/two last lap) returning a slick mile rate of 1.55.6.

The well supported Maxbeca (one/three from the extreme draw – three wide at the bell) dropped into the one/one for a short breather in the last lap before easing three wide on turning to finish third 4.8 metres away.

Ali could easily have brought up a double when stablemate Spun Silver (extreme draw) finished third in the 1690-metre Picklebet “Get Your Pickle On” Pace taken out by local trainer Tom Parnell’s 4YO Always B Miki-Dolly Jasper gelding Miki Mark who’s latest and only victory had been at the same track in October 2024.

Driven by Rita Burnett, Miki Mark settled four back in the moving line as polemarker Atomic Glory led before handing over to Self Exclusion (gate six) which had been trapped wide. Going forward three wide in the last lap and five wide on straightening, Miki Mark charged home down the outside fence to prevail by 1.3 metres in a rate of 1.58.4 from Atomic Glory along the sprint lane, with Spun Silver driven brilliantly saving every inch of ground from well back to save every inch of ground along the inside in the last lap using the sprint lane for third 2.4 metres back.

Raging hot favourite Rocklena, a 4YO daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven and Our Mackalena trained by John Justice at Toolern Vale, raced by partner Kasia Sas and driven by daughter Ewa Justice led throughout from gate five to comfortably land the Kilmore Ford 4YO and Older Maiden Pace over 2180 metres.

Always in control, Rocklena greeted the judge by 2.3 metres ahead of Riddlemethis (gate three second line – one/three – three wide to join the winner at the bell) which fought on bravely. Cool Story (gate four) one/three mid-race gained a late split in the straight for third 33 metres back. The mile rate was 2.00.8.

New Gisborne part-owner/trainer/driver Darren Pace led throughout aboard Kiwi bred American Ideal-Rakarata filly Rakarompa from gate four in the 1690 metre Styles Construction Pace to register a nice victory.

Never looking in any danger, Rakarompa coasted to the wire 14.2 metres in advance of a death-seating Bella Louise from outside the front line, with Wallan hope Anakin (four pegs from inside the second line running on late for third 1.7 metres back. The rate was 1.57.4.

The 2189 metre Broadstead Kilmore Trotters Mobile saw Rockbank owner/trainer Freddy Spiteri land a spectacular plunge when 7YO Love You-I Am Majestic gelding Te Amo backed from around $13 in the morning quote to run favourite at $3.30.

Driven by Bendigo’s Jack Laugher, Te Amo, first up since May, began fast from outside the front line to lead all of the way, accounting for Kyvalley Mariachi (gate 6) which galloped away before going forward at the bell to drop to the back of the winner for the last lap. The Italian Dream (one/one from inside the second line) was third 1.7 metres back. The mile rate was 2.05.

Prohibitive $1.15 American Ideal-Abbreviated colt Snippet bred and raced by long time harness participant Russell Maisner, trained by the Stewart/Tonkin stable at Cardigan made it two from two at Kilmore when easily taking the 2180 metre MC Labour Pace 2YO Pace.

Driven by Ryan Sanderson, Snippet led throughout from gate three to greet the judge 8.8 metres clear of Secret Service Agent (gate three which trailed) and Razor Horizon (three pegs from a solo second line draw) who ran on well in the straight for third a half neck away. The mile rate was 1.58.3.

The C&M Build Group Concession Drivers Pace over 1690 metres went the way of Derrinal (Heathcote) trainer Glenn Bull’s 7YO Sunshine Beach-Dilinger Girl gelding Animado in a mile rate of 1.57.3.

Driven by Huntly’s Lauren White, Animado was taken back to the rear from outside the front line as local hope Highview Hammer led from gate four with Nick Beale in the sulky. Giving the leaders a tidy start in the last lap, Animado gradually made ground in the last lap and despite making the final bend five wide, sprouted wings to record a runaway 1.5 metre victory over Highview Hammer which had no answer to his finishing burst. Feel The Reign (gate six) after racing exposed held on for third 1.5 metres back.

Locksley trainer John Nissen’s very smart Love You-Im Lady Angus 4YO gelding Locksley Cavalier first up since April was victorious in the 2180 metre Beraldo Trotters Mobile.

Raced by John in partnership with driver Bec Bartley, Locksley Cavalier received a sweet passage from gate two on the back of the leader roughie Midnight Eagle with the favourite Hilltop Hugh (gate four) having to race exposed. Slightly checked coming to the home turn when the leader gave ground, Locksley Cavalier straightened one/one as Hilltop Hugh kicked away. Switching to the sprint lane in the straight, Locksley Cavalier finished full of running to blouse the favourite by a half neck in a mile rate of 2.03.2.

Dossier (one/one from a solo second line draw) was third 4.6 metres back. The well supported Bitta Irish Luck looked a big chance when easing four wide on the final bend only to go off stride.

Kilmore races again on Thursday November 6 during the afternoon which is Oaks Day during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

From the Boundary with Ray Carroll – October 28, 2025

Ray Carroll

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October 28, 2025

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THE NATION STOPS

Soon it will be Melbourne Cup Day again- the race that stops a nation. It also has worldwide prominence. The famous race began way back in 1861 with Archer the winner. International horses have been a key part of the Flemington show piece for many years now. Four thousand people watched the first cup (below) the record is now 124,000 set in 2003.

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HISTORIC CONTEST

The picture below shows an England cricket team arriving at the Café De Paris in Melbourne in 1862. They played a series of games in Victoria and NSW. The first official test was played at the MCG in 1877 when 45,000 spectators watched the play. The Aussie’s won by 45 runs and a century later defeated the “Old Enemy” by the same margin before a total crowd of 275,000. The fight for the Ashes resumes in November and the historic contest attracts a massive worldwide audience. All five test venues look like being sellouts for the first three days at least. Australia very hard to beat at home, will start favourites but England’s attacking bats and express pace duo, Wood and Archer gives them a great chance.

A STAR IN THREE

A young relative, Tegan Matthews, 20, has to date starred in three sports- basketball, football and cricket. Pictured with her dad at Keilor Football Clubs awards night, Tegan won the club’s leading goalkicker trophy and Best and Fairest runner-up. Playing cricket for Maribyrnong last Saturday she scored a match winning half century. When she was very young, I used to bowl to Tegan in her backyard and even then, I felt she should play cricket. Many basketball trophies are also on the shelves at her Keilor home. Tegan is studying law at university.

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VARIA

Nice to catch up with former student Peter Rose the other day. Son of Kilmore residents Mr and Mrs Norman Rose, Peter was a popular figure at ACK and enjoyed his footy playing for the 3rd XVIII.

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The function at the MCG on November 29 is attracting former students from near and far. As far as Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin there are prominent ACK names booked in, also from London and New York. The presence of Neale Daniher and his teammates of 1977-8 will be a highlight but also will be the attendance of principals and students from rival colleges. College “legends” from before my time are booked in as well as fine families from Kilmore, Wallan, Broadford, Seymour, Lancefield etc. Shane Crawford, Bill Brownless and Simon O’Donnell are likely to feature on the night- but as not only sports stars, but ex ACK boys and girls who excel in fields of law, medicine, agriculture, commerce and industry. Another great Australian Simon Costa (OAM) and his committee have worked hard to ensure a “full house”, and they are full of praise for ACK’s Kate Boulton who is in charge of alumni.

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TONY’S JOURNEY

Now a media superstar and fine young man, Tony Armstrong has battled racism all his 36 years. He was a boarder at ACK in 2005-7 and made a fine contribution to college life as a student and member of the First XVIII and First XI. He was very devoted to his mum who had raised him by herself in a small Riverina town. Tony’s father had moved on shortly after his birth. Tony was good enough to have played some games for the Magpies. His wide knowledge of sport proved very useful in his early days at the ABC. Despite his undoubted talent and love of life- the going has not been easy.

The horrifying racial abuse Tony Armstrong endures daily – online and in person – drove him to tackle racism in a new show. End Game, which seeks genuine solutions in a powerful, raw three-part series.

There isn’t a day that passes without Tony Armstrong experiencing direct, personal and revolting racial abuse.

Not a single day.

A few years ago, the former AFL star went for a run when a couple of kids, aged no more than 15 he reckons, shouted “run faster – the cops are chasing you”. He can’t react though – or then he’s the “angry black guy”.

Online, it’s getting worse. It’s constant, it’s vile, and it’s not if, but when, he says.

And it’s not just him that suffers – his partner Rona Glynn-McDonald is in the firing line just for being with him.

It makes him emotional. All of it. And it’s made the TV personality and dual Logie-winner put measures in place to protect himself mentally as much as he can. He’s careful where he goes in public. He vets people he spends time with. Trust is earned and respect a given.

But outside the safety of his own little world, the big wide world is anything but. And enough is enough. Racism in sport -and racism in any form -has to stop, even in a country like ours, which he says suffers “racism fatigue”. But he won’t be silenced by the bullies, and so passionate is the proud Gamilaroi man that his new show, End Game, tackles just that.

He has travelled abroad and discussed the issue with some legends of sport including the great West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding, who said the vile abuse hurled at him and team-mates from crowds around the world, and in particular Australia often made “days in the sun” unbearable.

Racing news with Mary Hackshaw – October 28, 2025

Mary Hackshaw

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October 28, 2025

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SEYMOUR trainer Dr John Heath is reaping rewards from regular forays across the NSW border. After a second placing with the eight year old gelding Altai Ranger, at Lockhart and Young on October 3 and 11; Heath scored a win on Saturday at Bombala in a benchmark 50 1400 metre event.

Closer to home, veteran Gordon Strang scored at the Yea picnics with six year old gelding First Venture, or Vinnie as he is affectionately known.

The chestnut scored his maiden win comfortably by two lengths under the guidance of rider Tracy Johnson.

The local trainer made a comeback from a shocking accident two years ago when walking his horse across the road (next to the track,) he fell and shattered his ankle.

Mr Strang was in hospital and then rehabilitation for quite some time and friends and racing enthusiasts are amazed that he is still doing what he does at 87.

The picnic meeting at Alexandra on the weekend produced several local winners despite the meeting being abandoned after four races after rain made the track slippery. In the opening event the Don Dwyer trained gelding These Boots scored his second win from as many starts for Dwyer, winning by an impressive 6.5 length margin. Kilmore’s Tyson Barton scored in the Open Trophy 1300 metres with Kahungunu, giving rider Shaun Cooper a double for the meeting.

The win by Kahungunu followed second placings at the meetings at Lockhart and Deniliquin.

Pigeon racing season concludes

The North Central Review

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October 28, 2025

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The Wallan Kilmore Homing Club had its final races of season 2025 recently, with some good results across the board.

The club raced at Nathalia on October 11, with Jerzy Gregorzek taking out club honours from Charlie Grech and Les Morris.

A strong north westerly wind saw 133 birds compete, with a top speed of 1423 metres per minute.

The final race of the season was at Pretty Pine on October 18, and it was Morris who took club honours from A.Cocks in second, while Gregorzek finished in third. This was a tougher race with 151 birds battling a strong south-westerly breeze, and a top speed of 1090 metres per minute.

Grech was the club winner for 2025, with Morris second and Gregorzek third.

Macedon Ranges on board

The North Central Review

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October 28, 2025

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MACEDON Ranges Shire Council is proud to support Respect Victoria and Safe + Equal by partnering with local organisations to deliver a range of activities for the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence next month.

This year’s campaign offers multiple ways for the community to get involved, with the Free to Be Me Photo Competition taking centre stage.

Residents are invited to capture and share images that challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate respect, equality, and safety.

The competition feature’s the People’s Choice Award, as the community are invited to vote for their favourite entry.

Shortlisted works will be showcased in a special exhibition during the 16 Days of
Activism campaign and entries close on Sunday, November 9.

Alongside the competition, a range of local events will take place throughout November and December.

On Wednesday, November 12, panellists Grace Tame, Mat Stevenson, Sonia Orchard, and Madison Griffiths share their stories and explore the role of power, consent, and trauma in It’s Time to Talk About Power at Kyneton Town Hall. Please note; this carries a content warning due to the difficult subject matter and bookings are required.

On Thursday, November 20, there will be a free screening of Left Write Hook, followed by a Q&A moderated by Alexandra Riches, featuring the Director and Producer of ‘Left, Write Hook, a survivor advocate and representatives from the Centre for Non-Violence and Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria.

The documentary follows survivors of childhood sexual abuse on their healing journeys; please note; this carries a content warning due to the difficult subject matter and bookings are required.

Additional events, including a Story Walk and a series of film screenings and panel discussions on gender-based violence awareness and prevention, will also be held during the campaign, with further details to be announced.

Mayor Dom Bonanno said the 16 Days of Activism is an important time for the community to come together and stand against gender-based violence.

To get involved, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/16-Days

Blessings all round

The North Central Review

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October 28, 2025

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COMMUNITY members are invited to attend Broadford Cemetery Trust’s annual Blessing of Graves to honour the dead this weekend.

Held on All Souls’ Day, this year on Sunday, November 2, the people are encouraged to gather at 2pm at the Broadford Cemetery on Piper Street for the fourth-annual event.

“This is our fourth year of our remembering ritual, and attendance is growing each year,” Catholic priest Fr. Andrew Choi said.

“All are welcome, as it’s a lovely way of remembering our dead here in Broadford or wherever they are.”

Included in the short service, the Trust reads the names of those interred in the last year, and everyone present is invited to light a candle for those they are remembering, whether this year or in times past.

The blessing of the graves by pastors of the Christian churches concludes the ritual.

“Reading the names out aloud is a very meaningful way to remember people we have loved and lost as we light a candle for each,” Chairman of the Cemetery Trust, Paul Fleming, said.

“The blessing is a lovely opportunity for us to come together in our common grief, especially as we lead up to Christmas time,” Uniting Church Rev. Len Sherratt said.

All are welcome to attend the Blessing of Graves regardless of faith, tradition or none, with light refreshments to follow.

All Souls’ Day is also known in some cultures as The Day of the Dead.

Five minutes with Fran Cleland – October 28, 2025

The North Central Review

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October 28, 2025

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WHO will read my books when I die?

So many much loved and often read books from my childhood onwards are in the bookcase…holding so much learning, dreaming and and other worlds travelled.

Will they be gathered and dumped in a Salvation Army bin? Or set fire to in a searing bonfire?

I watched a woman on a quiz show miss out on $50,000 because she didn’t know which early governor of Australia was overthrown during the Rum Rebellion – She was 30 and supposedly well educated. Obviously had never read Mutiny on the Bounty, or Sara Dane.

The pleasure of smelling a brand-new book!

The joy of being immersed in the story!

Standing with Scout on the porch hoping Boo Radley would come out!

Being Anne in Persuasion, reading the note from Frederick!

Rhett Butler saying, “Frankly my dear I don’t give a damn.”

Books have always been part of my family life, and a search for one, across two years, went all over Australia, because my Mum loaned a favourite to my Nana, who then loaned it to someone else…and it was never returned.

It’s called No Survivors, by Will Henry, and it’s in my bookcase again, courtesy of abebooks.com.

But Mum was so angry with Nana, who couldn’t fathom why… so the search began.

Mum checked every second hand book store as she and Dad travelled Australia, to no avail.

My brother Jon did the same…I wound up writing the story of the missing book in a newspaper column where I worked at the time, and presto, a lady phoned me to say it was in the Geelong library.

Eureka! I phoned the library to ask if I could buy it, and the snooty woman said no…but said occasionally they did have book sales of older books.

“Look. I said…Ï am perfectly willing to come down there and steal it, so you might as well sell it to me.”

I think I scared her.

There was a stunned silence, then she said it could be bought for five dollars.

I quickly phoned the person who had told me where it was, and she ran down and bought it. She first read it, then her brother, and next posted it to me.

I read it and then I proudly sent it to mum…who said – it had the wrong cover… sigh.

Pet of the Week – October 28, 2025

The North Central Review

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October 28, 2025

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Our Pet of the Week is Lilly and rubber duckies are her jam. Lilly’s owners take as much delight in them as Lilly does.

Lilly is a 12 year old Chihuahua – a Mexican breed of toy dog and she stays in Beveridge at times when her owners need her cared for.

Thank you Vic for sharing your very important pet photo with us.

Women’s cricket washed out

Michael Thompson

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October 28, 2025

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SADLY, none of the Kookaburra Women’s cricket matches could be completed across the weekend, with the competition now split into two divisions.

Seven teams are playing in the A grade competition, with Kilmore, Wallan and Lancefield Black among the teams fighting for glory.

Interestingly, Kilmore was the only team to get a win on the weekend, albeit via forfeit, with Darley doing so for a second week in succession.

Wallan had an interesting task at Bacchus Marsh, but while Kia Montgomery got the Magpies off to a good start with an early wicket, the heavy rain on Sunday set in and the game was abandoned with Bacchus Marsh on 1/26.

Nat Jeffery and Abbie Sarginson was on the offensive early for Lancefield Black against Gisborne as the Tigers sought their first win of the season.

However, that was stopped by the rain, with the Tigers 0/24 off six overs.

Four teams make up the B grade competition, with Broadford and Lancefield Yellow joining East Sunbury and Melton Centrals.

Lancefield Yellow and Broadford’s game at Lancefield Park was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

There will be no games in the Kookaburra Women’s competition this week due to the Melbourne Cup public holiday.