MITCHELL Rangers’ search for a win goes on in the Men’s State League Five North competition, losing 7-0 to Old Ivanhoe on Saturday afternoon.
There was no information on a half time score and goalscorers throughout the afternoon.
Mitchell Rangers will have their best chance of scoring their first victory of the season when they host second-from-bottom Greenvale United at Broadford Secondary College on Saturday night.
It was a tough outing for the women’s Rangers team on the weekend, with Dallas City showing why they are one of the contenders in the Women’s State League Three North competition with a 16-goal haul.
Dallas City were dominant in both halves, scoring eight goals apiece.
Mitchell Rangers will be looking to rebound on Sunday as they host Brunswick Zebras.
A DOMINANT third quarter from Wallan’s women has maintained their push for finals success in 2025, taking a 14-point win over Surfcoast at RB Robson Stadium on Sunday.
The first half was a battle for the Panthers, as they struggled to put the Chargers away initially.
Both teams were deadlocked at the first change and half-time break, scoring 18 points apiece in the first term, before adding 28 points each in a high-scoring second term to leave both teams split on 46 points apiece at the main break.
However, the third quarter was a completely different story for the Panthers, who were able to dominate on both sides of the glass.
The Chargers were barely able to make a shot, scoring just one bucket for the quarter, while at the other end, Ranika Guyton, who scored seven points for the quarter, and Maddison O’Nial, who added six, were key to the Panthers making a move, eventually scoring 19 points to three for the term to lead 65-49 at the final change.
Both teams went bucket-for-bucket in the final term as Wallan eventually scored a 77-63 win.
Guyton put aside some early shooting troubles to eventually record 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Ruby Pantisano scored 13 points. O’Nial added 12 and Madison Tinetti 10 in an even performance.
Wallan’s men will be hoping for a positive finish to the season, despite losing by 24 points to Surfcoast.
The Panthers had an exceptional start early on as they controlled the pace of play in the first term, leading 19-14.
However, Surfcoast almost immediately bounced back in the second quarter, drawing level in the opening stages and keeping pace from there, drawing things up at the main break at 40-apiece.
With plenty on the line for both teams, it was Surfcoast who made the biggest move in the third quarter, scoring 25 points to Wallan’s 10 to take control of the game, and make things very difficult for the Panthers as they led 65-50 at the final change.
The Chargers seemed to have every answer and again cleared out in the final term to eventually record their 89-65 win.
William Stewart led the way for the Panthers with 17 points, 11 rebounds and three steals, while Jon Bailey scored 13 points.
In Youth League, Wallan’s men’s team will have to beat Collingwood in the final round to secure second position following a 94-66 loss to Albury Wodonga.
The Panthers trailed at every change, but it was the second and last quarters that made the biggest difference as they were outscored by 12 in both respective terms.
Luke Cairns scored 16 points to lead the way for the Panthers, while Damon Anderson added 13, Kaleb Graham 10 and Brody Thrum 10.
Wallan’s youth league women’s had the bye, but will look to avoid a winless season when they take on Sunbury away this week in their final game.
LANCEFIELD tasted the sweet scent of victory for the first time in 27 matches, a clear highlight from round 13 of the Riddell District Football Netball League competition.
The Tigers’ first victory in 701 days brought great delirium to the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct as they scored a 33-point victory over the Gisborne Giants.
The Giants made the fast start to proceedings on Saturday afternoon as they kicked four goals to two in the opening term to open up a 10-point lead at the first change, 25-15.
However, Lancefield made its move in the second term and took control of the game in kicking four goals to one for the quarter, turning the game in its favour and leading by 10 points at the main break, 45-35.
The Tigers turned the wick up in the third term and kicked four goals to one to assume complete control of the game, leading 72-45 at the final change.
Having not scored a victory in two years, there was reason enough for a touch of nerves, but the Tigers were in no mood to let this game slip, kicking four goals to three in the final term to eventually score a 14.15 (99) to 9.12 (66) victory.
Ben Sankey soaked up the spoils to be the best man on the ground, while James Falcone, Riley O’Meara, Ned O’Connell, Leroy Ristevski and Thomas Indian were also named in the best.
A dominant second quarter from Wallan helped set up a 51-point victory over Romsey at Greenhill Reserve as Jake Carlisle continued his stunning run of form.
The Magpies withstood every punch Romsey threw in the first term, as despite conceding nine scoring shots, the Redbacks could only manage one goal as Wallan led 21-14 at the first change.
However, it was all the Magpies in the second term as they ran riot, kicking nine goals to two to effectively end the contest, with Cameron Cloke and Chris Stewart in particular doing plenty of grunt work up forward, and helping them to a 77-27 lead.
Romsey fought hard in the third term as it did what it could to close the gap, but the Magpies also did enough to hold station. In the end, it was the Redbacks who won the quarter, scoring three goals to two to reduce the margin to 45 points at the last change, 48-93.
Wallan hit back in the final term, kicking four goals to three to again keep the margin beyond 50 points, with the Magpies taking advantage of losses to fellow finals contenders Kyneton and Melton South in their 18.13 (121) to 9.16 (70) victory.
Carlisle and Cloke were the Magpies’ best, with Cloke kicking six goals. Brodie Gilchrist, Victor Micallef, Nash King and Steven Boyall also performed well.
For Romsey, Jack Jedwab played a lone hand up forward, kicking six goals, while Ash Millane, Nathan Rayment, Nathan Blair, Liam Muir and Matt Burkett also performed well.
In the RDFNL netball competition, Lancefield have had a blow in its hopes of securing the double chance, losing to Gisborne Giants 54-41.
The loss was the Tigers’ fourth in succession and sees them move down to fifth as a result, only six points ahead of Wallan in sixth, who are definite finals contenders after scoring an important 54-42 victory over Romsey.
A 43-goal haul from Maeve Donegan meant the Magpies closed in on potentially making a run towards the finals, and sets up a massive clash between the fifth-placed Tigers and sixth-placed Magpies.
In the Goulburn Valley Football League, Seymour have kept alive their finals chances thanks to a starring role from returning Collingwood VFL forward Riley Mason, scoring a four-goal win over Shepparton Swans.
The Lions held the ascendancy throughout the first half, leading by seven points at the first change, before erupting with five goals to two in the second term to lead by 29 points, 50-21.
Shepparton made a run throughout the third term, kicking six goals, but the Lions were also able to keep pace with four goals of their own as they led 74-61 at the final change, before kicking three of the last four goals of the game to eventually record a 14.10 (94) to 10.10 (70) victory.
Mason kicked six goals, while Nicholas Dundon, Jack Murphy, Jack Peris and James Wooster were named in the best.
IF you don’t know these two you haven’t had swimming lessons at Mitchell Shire Council’s (MSC) Leisure Centres.
The longest partnership of any swim teachers in the Mitchell Shire came to a close last month, and it was uncanny, that their decision came at the same time.
The forever friends shared memories formed over almost 20 years and why they are overwhelmingly positive about their future opportunities.
For Claire James, swimming is in her DNA, she does not see a future without it and will now dedicate herself as head coach of the Pyalong Piranhas swimming club and occasionally, if needed, be a fill-in teacher for MSC.
“I’m still in the swimming arena, but my focus is on the kids at the swim club, Ms James said.
“I’ll be working on projects regarding swimming. I’m very excited.
“It’s been 20 years and it’s time to have a little bit of a break.”
Previously a qualified integration aid, Ms James’ enthusiasm was the key to motivating and teaching her students, first becoming an asset to MSC in 2005.
Thereafter, hundreds of students have been taught not only water safety, but also how to improve their strokes, kicks, and tumble turns.
Ms King had another pathway into the local workforce.
“My traineeship was through the AFL Aboriginal Sports Ready program,” she said.
“I worked at the creche and on reception.
“I was 17, [when I started] and I worked through two pregnancies’,” she said.
“I’ve been a [swim] teacher for just over 18 years now,
“What stands out is the number of bathers I have gone through.”
Across the school terms, the A team also formed bonds with their students and caregivers.
Responsibilities included promoting students and indeed encouraging and congratulating them for their efforts to make it to their lesson, especially in winter.
According to Ms James, many parents requested Liz to be their child’s teacher.
“Liz is a fine example of a co-worker,” Ms James said.
“We had a flow-on system that worked naturally…our students flowed from one teacher to the next.
“After all this time, I have found my passion. It’s working with the disability sector,” Ms King said.
Many swim teachers have come and gone, but this flexible pair enjoyed every minute they worked together, especially at school holiday programs.
“We wouldn’t have done it for as long as we have if we didn’t love it,” Ms James said.
In addition to teaching, the ladies supervised children’s pool parties.
Across COVID-19 with the shutdown of the pool, Ms James wore an entirely new hat.
“I was deployed to the parks and gardens team,” Ms James said.
“I loved it…But I love my swimming, I don’t think you can keep me away.”
When the centre was closed for its roof repairs, Liz was relocated to clean at the temporary creche set up at St Patrick’s Primary School.
“The kids that I taught [and cared for] are teachers now. It’s our time to move on and let the younger generation do it,” Ms King said.
Claire and Liz will be spending these school holidays (at least) with dry feet for their first school holiday break in a long, long time.
MEMBER for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas has announced funding that will support local musicians, venues and festivals.
Ms Thomas said that the Victorian Gig Fund will fund 136 venues across the state to stage paid gigs by local artists.
Local recipients include the Wombat Forest Vineyard in Denver, Newham Mechanics Institute, the Lancefield Hotel, Mount Macedon Hotel and the 1860 Hotel (Evans Bar) in Romsey.
“Congratulations to our amazing recipients. Macedon is a hub for live music with iconic venues. This investment will help keep that local energy alive, while supporting local artists and businesses,” Ms Thomas said.
She added that the fund is backing the careers of emerging and established artists, supporting them to create new music, tour and reach new audiences.
“In addition, more artists will have opportunities to develop their careers through Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Newprint program, which is designed to support artists, producers and creative workers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to break into the music industry and take their careers to the next level.
“Live music plays a crucial role in Victoria’s creative sector, while driving jobs and the economy. This latest package will support not only the musicians on stage, but the crews behind them, as well as venue owners, hospitality staff and local businesses.”
A LARGE convoy of trucks rolled through Mitchell Shire over the weekend as part of Need For Feed’s latest hay run, delivering critical fodder to drought-stricken farms across south-west Victoria.
The volunteer-led initiative, which began at the Cobram fodder depot, made its way through the shire before reaching its final destination in Camperdown. Along the way, a hoard of truck drivers transported around 2,000 bales of donated hay, helping support more than 80 farming families doing it tough after months of dry conditions.
Mitchell Shire residents turned out to cheer the convoy, offering honks and encouragement as the trucks passed through Mitchell’s towns. Many expressed pride in the region’s role in helping Victorian farmers recover from ongoing drought and financial pressures.
Need For Feed, a project of the Lions Club, has been running hay convoys for nearly two decades, offering emergency relief to farms affected by fire, flood or drought. Last weekend’s effort saw between making the long trip across the state.
Deliveries were carefully allocated according to livestock needs. Some properties received full truckloads, while others were given smaller quantities to help tide them over. In some areas, rain began to fall not long after the hay arrived, offering a welcome double dose of hope and help for the struggling rural communities.
Organisers have confirmed more hay runs are planned for July, with a second convoy heading to south-west Victoria and another bound for South Australia later in the month. Need For Feed continues to seek donations of fodder, funding and volunteer truck drivers to keep the wheels turning.
The success of the latest run highlights the power of community spirit and grassroots support in times of need, and for many Victorian farmers, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
THE back-to-school blues are just around the corner, for government run primary and secondary school students schools officially back on Monday, July 22.
The City of Whittlesea’s Youth Team have created a winter holiday timetable to encourage young residents to mingle with their peers.
Two girls day out session
Let’s hear it for the girls with a fun day out playing games and making craft. There are two sessions so bring a friend or make a new one at Mill Park Leisure Centre, 33 Morang Drive in Mill Park on Tuesday, July 15 from 9.30am to 11.30am for girls aged 8 to 12, and later at 12.30pm to 3pm for girls aged 13 to 18.
NAIDOC youth event
Wominjeka – Welcome to a cultural experience with interactive games and food all wrapped up in a safe and inclusive environment to learn about the oldest living culture in the world (outside of Africa). The fun starts at 11am on Wednesday, July 16 with a meeting at the Thomastown Aquatic and Recreation Centre. This unique day out is suitable for young people aged between 12 and 18 and will conclude at 2pm.
Rewind time
Another unique experience not to miss is the 2000’s Nostalgia night out. The organisers promise an evening with fun, music and chaos (the good kind), so bring a friend or meet one at the Epping Memorial Hall on Friday, July 18 from 5pm to 7pm.
There is no cost for young people to attend these events, to book or for more information, scan the QR code.
TELSTRA customers in the Romsey area are currently being informed that there will be disruption to their mobile services next week as Optus carries out third party works.
The Telstra mobile base station will be shut down due to Health and Safety purposes in Romsey East between July 21 and July 28 between 7am and 7pm.
Customers are urged to make calls and send texts by switching on Wi-Fi Calling, a free setting on mobile phones, which is available with an active Internet connection, while business owners are being urged to talk to their bank about connecting EFTPOS terminals to an NBN, Starlink or Wi-Fi connection to prevent delays in processing transactions.
I am certain that birds have a communication system far superior to any sophisticated human, but a lousy sense of direction.
The local magpies have worked out that our son lets the dogs out for a feed at 6am, and that he will throw a handful of dog nuts in their direction, next they’ll raid my neighbours’ dog bowl and later in the afternoon, they’ll prance around on my neighbours front lawn. The little devils have us all on a string.
Another magpie family tried to join in recently and there was an air battle worthy of the Battle of Britain.
However, they and others need to learn that birds live outside! Recently there have been some indoor incursions that have caused dilemmas.
A magpie flew into the house then up and down the room before colliding with the bookcase and eventually falling down behind the couch.
The dog made a grab. I threw her to one side while yelling to my husband for help, appearing to add to the din with his shouting.
I grabbed the bird and got pecked, it didn’t matter.
I carried it out to make sure it could still fly and thank goodness it could.
A few days later, a Willy Wagtail flew in.
Every door open, towels waving, dog bent on a kill, until finally after an hour or more it finally found the opening and swooped back out.
Enter the Pardalote, or the peep-wren, a tiny creature that caused havoc when it left the bed of Salvia where it had been feeding and flew into the office.
My fault, I was working and the perfume from the garden was lovely, so I left the door open.
As usual, dog gone crazy, towels flapping, and two antique people equally determined to save its life.
We waited at each end of the window, and when it dived behind the curtain my husband grabbed its terrified little body and at the back door released it into the air.
All this bird invasion made me think of my deepest shame.
We had a big paddock block up at Rushworth and were quietly burning off. My job was to control the front.
But, in next door’s paddock, the Brolgas started dancing. And it was so beautiful, I forgot what I was doing. I stood, entranced.
Oh, the shame, next minute, my Husband yelling at me, the fire had escaped, the local CFA came, sirens blaring, it’s MID-WINTER! They lectured me. They didn’t appreciate it was the Brolgas fault.
Mea Culpa, I will never forget.
My dearest friend made me a plaque which I cherish—the ‘I Burnwell’ award.
My feathered friends have caused me much trouble, but I still love them.
THE rubbish of today has an interesting history. It all started in 2020 when the Victorian Government, under Premier Dan, unveiled its grand vision for waste management under Dan’s ten-year circular economy plan.
Among its noble goals was the rollout of a statewide four-bin system by 2027, designed to reduce landfill waste, improve recycling rates, and usher in a glorious new era of circular economy righteousness.
Enter the now infamous fourth bin – the purple-lidded glass bin – adding to the existing lineup of red (general waste), yellow (recycling), and green (organics). The logic? Glass contaminates other recyclables, so let’s give it its own royal chariot. Fair enough.
But the real kicker? Some councils tasked with actually implementing this bold vision quietly made the genius decision to collect the general waste bin fortnightly instead of weekly in many areas. Because apparently, if you separate your glass, your paper, your cans, your veggie peels, and your dog hair correctly, you should have barely any “rubbish” left. Problem solved.
Never mind that the state government didn’t mandate a fortnightly red bin pickup. That was left to individual councils and Mitchell and Macedon Ranges are two who embraced the idea with the enthusiasm of someone who’s never had to change a toddler’s nappy on a hot day.
And so now, in the name of sustainability, households are told to keep their garbage stewing for 14 days in the Aussie sun. Residents have voiced frustration – particularly families, the elderly, and anyone without space for six different waste tubs and a compost heap the size of a small car.
Meanwhile, councils defend the move, arguing that with weekly FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collection, there’s no need to keep hauling your “minimal” landfill waste every seven days. The scent of civic virtue, however, has done little to mask the stench of fortnight-old bin juice.
And because nothing says community trust quite like someone peering into your rubbish. In a bold move to educate residents Mitchell Shire has decided to have inspectors lift the lid on bin contents and leave little report cards — smiley face if you’ve recycled right, sad face if you dared toss a pizza box with a grease stain.
It’s like primary school, but with garbage. Apparently, the road to environmental enlightenment is paved with passive-aggressive bin stickers and the faint whiff of judgment wafting from your nature strip.
Who needs weekly general waste when you can have a colour-coded future full of fragrant optimism?
Progress, apparently, comes one rotting nappy at a time – but then again that’s just my opinion.
