The North Central Review | Local community newspapers for North Central Victoria & surrounds

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October 28, 2025

AN extreme weather event last Wednesday threatened residents, livestock, buildings, fauna and flora as cyclonic winds up to 120km/h were recorded in parts of Victoria.

Six races of the legacy Geelong Cup were rescheduled for the next day as power outages surged across Melbourne as wild winds created havoc bringing down hundreds of trees.

Victoria’s State Emergency Services (SES) said they fielded more than 800 calls across the state.

Kilmore VICSES Duty Officer Scott Calderwood said Mitchell Shire was fortunate.

“We were fortunate we didn’t get any calls until 3pm that afternoon,” he said.

“We ended up with eight trees down…all but one of them were on rural roads in the township of Wallan.

“The last call came in at 4.40pm and we were finished by 5.30pm.”

Mr Calderwood said the volunteers were ready to respond and assist their community.

“The first five responses were from volunteers who were available straight away and the others were able to be cleaned up later from volunteers who had finished their work days.”

Compared to metropolitan areas Mitchell Shire was lucky.

The Bureau of Meterology’s new website went live on the same day and many of its followers are disappointed.

“It wasn’t broken,” one said.

Bureau of Meteorology Acting CEO Dr Peter Stone said in a press release that the new Bureau website will make it easier for the community to access daily weather information and warnings, which are viewed more than 2.6 billion times each year.

“We designed the new website in consultation with the community to make sure it delivers the benefits people want and need,” Dr Stone said.

“We encourage the community to try some of the new features by exploring the new website from their mobile, tablet or laptop.

“Like the popular BOM Weather app, the new website’s weather map allows you to customise your experience by saving a list of your favourite locations and selecting the types of weather information that you want to see.”

The Bureau will gradually move specialist content from the ‘legacy’ website to the new website, so users of some content will see a mix of legacy and new pages.

A show of force

Ian Blyth

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October 28, 2025

THE Whittlesea Agricultural Show continues to thrive as one of the few remaining true-country shows in Victoria, and at the heart of its success is the tireless effort of the committee and volunteer army.

The Whittlesea Agricultural Society, founded in 1859, describes itself as a “dedicated band of volunteers who work throughout the year” to deliver the event.

Each year the Show draws crowds keen to reconnect with rural tradition, and it succeeds because behind the scenes there is a passionate team making it all possible.

The Society’s volunteer call‐out paints a clear picture of volunteers being the lifeblood of the Show society. They come from all walks of life, whether in sheep, cattle and horse sections, attractions, food expo or woodchop, administration or grounds-works.

It’s this depth of commitment that allows the Show to remain relevant in a changing landscape. Many country shows fade when volunteer numbers dwindle, or when the behind-the-scenes workload becomes too heavy.

But at Whittlesea the committee remains very active and the volunteers invaluable to the Show’s ongoing success.

What makes this especially impressive is that the team is operating on the edge of Melbourne’s suburban growth, the Show bridges rural heritage and urban fringe. It’s not just an entertainment event, it’s a demonstration of agriculture’s place in our community, and the volunteers are ambassadors of that connection.

In short, the Whittlesea Show isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. But it would not be without the committee and volunteers who give their time, muscle and heart. Their dedication ensures that this beautiful piece of Victorian country-show tradition remains strong, relevant and ready for future generations.

But then that’s just my opinion.

Letter to the editor; October 28, 2025

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October 28, 2025

Dear Editor

In regards to the tobacco wars, the ram raids, the robbery of tobacco outlets, the arson of tobacco shops is in my view is the government and the huge taxes imposed on cigarettes and the outrageous prices put on these filthy cancer sticks and the warnings out on the packets by the government.

If these foul smelling, life threatening cigarettes are so bad for ones health, then in my view they are only worth 50 cents a pack.

This would still give the tobacco growers income and would put an end to the violence caused by the ridiculous prices asked.

Wake up smokers these smokes are killing you.

Mick Crozier

Seymour.

A new page for the Kilmore and District Adult riding club

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October 28, 2025

A new page for the Kilmore and District Adult riding club

THE Kilmore and District Adult Riders Club (KDARC) celebrated 40 years of horse riding and friendship with past and present members at a combined AGM and fancy high tea earlier this month.

Over 20 members enjoyed a dandy afternoon complete with member Nicolle Cheriton performing live music at the Wandong and Heathcote Junction Community Centre on October 18.

Office Bearers 1068w WebRdy — GOVERNANCE: The 2025/26 KDARC office bearers (L-R) Sarah Powell, Beth Westworth, Maxine Coucill and Bianca Hurmez.

Proceeding the champagne, and a collection of newspaper clippings, sashes and photo albums on view, a new chapter opened for the club with its 2025/26 office bearers formalised at their mandatory AGM as follows; President, Maxine Coucill, Vice President Sarah Powell, Secretary Bianca Hurmez and Treasurer, Beth Westworth.

The office bearers, along with their general committee will continue to organise rallies and plan for fundraising events to subsidise the costs associated with employing qualified instructors for coaching.

Lesley 1068w WebRdy — MAKING MEMORIES: Lesley Holmes has been with the club for 30 years.

President Maxine Coucill presented awards to life members Mrs Melvaine (40years) and Lesley Holmes (30 years) and a glorious flower arrangement to outgoing president and life member, Joanne Russell.

“It’s the highest honour our club can bestow,” she said.

“Beth Westworth [has been] our Treasurer for seven years now.

“Beth is outstanding in her role…and has been the driving force behind the clubs fundraising including dressage competitions and silent auctions.

“We have her and her husband Curtis to thank for the construction of the metal yards at the clubgrounds at LB Davern Reserve.

“Horses are fantastic for your mental health, not to mention the great exercise riding and caring for them,”

“KDARC also has strong social benefits with lifelong friendships formed between club members.”

KDARC’s governing body, the Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria (HRCAV) was founded in 1981.

The Lancefield Equestian Group Inc. are approaching their 40^th celebrations later this year.

A historic location – 14 Sydney Street, Kilmore

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October 28, 2025

A historic location – 14 Sydney Street, Kilmore

IN part two of the Review history series, we acknowledge the Kilmore Historical Society for adding a new plaque to Kilmore’s earliest utility site -14 Sydney Street, and also the Inland Rail Project for funding its cost.

On August, 16, 1963 The Kilmore Memorial Hall was opened by His Excellency, The Governor Of Victoria, Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe.

Previously, its site was used to house machinery to generate electricity.

Its plaque reads… 14 Sydney Street

Site of the Former Kilmore Power House.

Kilmore established street lighting in 1858 (kerosene lanterns followed later by gas); it took much longer for an electricity supply to become available.

The Kilmore Electric Supply Company was formed in 1907 by Thomas Hunt, PF Egan and others.

In September 1908 the lights were turned on in Kilmore.

The first power plant was located on this site, a portion of the former Town Market Reserve.

By 1916, the Electric Light Company was in financial difficulty and subsequently sold the business to the Shire of Kilmore.

Over time a number of power generators were purchased and replaced to manage the increasing electricity use, unreliability and noise pollution.

November 1, 1956, was proclaimed a half holiday in Kilmore Shire when the State Electricity Commission connected Kilmore to the Victorian power grid.

The Power House was demolished in 1960 and provided a central space on Sydney Street for the Soldiers Memorial Hall.

A committee member of the Kilmore Historical Society, Rose King said Kilmore’s early notables were interesting people and noise and pollution was a community concern.

“Thomas Hunt was the owner of the free press, and editor until almost up until his death in 1934,” she said.

“Even in the 50’s the latest [power] model created considerable noise and pollution which apparently could be heard at times in Kilmore East.”

In J A Maher’s second edition of Kilmore 1837-1937 The Tale of a Century— A history of Victoria’s Oldest Inland Town, Patrick ‘Pat’ Francis Egan is known as the first secretary to be appointed to the Kilmore Shire on a crest bearing 1856.

“No record of municipal affairs at Kilmore and Pyalong would be complete without some pronounced reference to P F Egan,” he wrote.

“This worthy man first took office with the Kilmore Shire Council as Assistant Secretary. A few years later he qualified as Secretary by passing the necessary examinations…P F Egan acted in the capacity of Secretary for the Shire of Kilmore and the neighbouring Shire of Pyalong and was marked by a high degree of efficiency.”

New lights to brighten Council streets

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October 28, 2025

THE Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) is planning to light up its streets going forward, with a project set to replace more than 400 street lights with new LED lights.

As part of the works, 406 mercury vapour lamps will be replaced with energy-efficient LED luminaries over the coming months, starting in Beveridge and progressing north through Wallan, Wandong, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour.

This investment, which is supported by a rebate from AusNet, will deliver significant long-term financial savings of up to $50,000 each year in electricity and maintenance costs. This equates to an estimated one million-dollar saving over the life of the lights.

The project is also a key action of MSC’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and will assist Council to reach its net zero greenhouse gas emission target by 2035.

Street lighting currently accounts for around 24 per cent of Council’s non-landfill operational emissions, making the upgrade a significant step towards more sustainable operations.

Delivery of the project is expected to cut around 105 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 20 years.

The new LED street lights are up to 86 per cent more energy efficient than the current mercury vapour lamps and provide brighter, more focused light that improves visibility and safety for road users and pedestrians.

Delivery of the project also enables Council to meet the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The convention, which is an international treaty to reduce mercury pollution, includes phasing out the use of mercury added products such as mercury vapour street lights.

All old lights removed during the project will be disposed of responsibly, with approximately 98 per cent of materials recycled.

Glass from the globes will be recycled into home insulation products, mercury will be safely recovered and repurposed for dental manufacturing, and metals such as aluminium and steel melted down for reuse.

The changeover of each street light involves a single elevated work platform with two to three crew members. In most locations it takes less than 10 minutes to replace a street light, with more complex locations taking up to 30 minutes.

In most locations there will be minimal disruption to traffic, however crews may be required to close traffic lanes for a period of time.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said the project represents a practical and cost-effective way to deliver benefits for both residents and the environment.

“This is a smart investment that saves money for ratepayers, cuts emissions and improves lighting quality across our towns,” he said.

“By replacing outdated mercury vapour lamps with efficient LEDs, we’re reducing ongoing costs for our community and taking meaningful action on climate change.

“It’s another example of Council listening to the community, acting on our Climate Emergency Action Plan and finding ways to strengthen the budget.”

Merri Creek Management National Landcare Awards

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October 28, 2025

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

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October 28, 2025

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

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October 28, 2025