MAJOR roads in the Mitchell and Macedon Ranges Shires may become a whole lot less bumpy thanks to a $1.04 billion statewide funding announcement set for the 2026/27 Victorian Budget.
The State Government revealed the commitment last Monday as part of its pre-budget announcements, enough to get rid of 200,000 potholes, 200,000 graffiti tags, and clean up roadside overgrowth.
Premier Jacinta Allan described it as the biggest road blitz in the state’s history, and said most of that money is going to regional Victoria.
The funding will go towards state-managed roads across Victoria and could see works done on the Kilmore-Lancefield Road and Northern Highway, which, among others, have been riddled with potholes for years.
The State Government said specific information about where the roadworks will take place has not yet been determined.
However, the government has announced that major freeways, including the Tullamarine, Calder and Hume Freeways which service the two shires, will benefit from a specific $36.9 million blitz to clean up the roadsides.
“From July 1 when this new funding will kick in, locations for the blitz on freeways will be based on real-time data, in-person inspections and community feedback to direct work where it’s needed most,” a Victorian Government spokesperson told the Review.
Mitchell Shire Council CEO Mary Agostino said the council welcomes the Victorian Government’s investment in road maintenance, particularly the strong focus on regional Victoria.
“Investment of this scale is critical in helping maintain and improve the arterial road network that carries significant traffic through Mitchell Shire and connects our communities,” she said.
In addition to the state funding, the proposed 2026/27 MSC budget has allocated nearly $17 million in capital works towards the roads and bridges that the council services.
The draft budget for the Macedon Ranges shows an $8.7 million allocation for road projects and maintenance in their jurisdiction.
But not everyone is buoyed by the State Government’s announcement. The Victorian Farmers Federation Acting President Peter Star said the funding boost “misses the mark by almost $500 million annually” and doesn’t properly address the growing backlog of road maintenance across regional Victoria.
“Victoria’s regional roads are crumbling and this package is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. What we need is sustained funding that goes towards actually fixing the issue, not merely patching up a worsening problem,” Mr Star said.
BEVERIDGE is among the 10 Victorian CFA stations that will share in a $26.2 million funding outlined in the Victorian Budget 2026/27.
When told of the funding announcement last week, a delighted Captain Jason Smith said the brigade is excited for the Beveridge Fire Station.
“It would help us meet the needs of the growing population. The fire station has been operating from Lithgow Street. The funding would help us to have better facilities,” Captain Smith said.
The Beveridge Fire Brigade’s membership, all volunteers, has grown from 20 in 2024 to 40 at present.
It attended 430 emergency calls for help from August, 2024, to June, 2025. Since July last year to now, it has attended 350 calls.
Captain Smith said a potential emergency services precinct has been flagged for the corner of Patterson Road and Camerons Lane in Beveridge.
While it is still under wraps how much funding the Beveridge Fire Station would receive, Captain Smith said the brigade looked forward to acquiring land for a new home and having a new tanker and a pumper to better service the growing calls for help.
Beveridge became a standalone brigade on August 21, 2024, having previously responded as a satellite station for Kalkallo Fire Brigade.
The Lithgow Street site has already had an extensive $840,000 refurbishment.
Yarrambat fire station is also among the 10 stations earmarked for funding.
A state government spokesperson told the Review the exact amount of funding for the CFA stations will be announced in the budget to be handed down today.
But the spokesperson said the Beveridge funding would be used for further upgrades, while Yarrambat could use the funds for buying land for a new home.
“The money would be used based on the operational needs of the brigades, and also in keeping with the proposals put forward by the volunteers,” the spokesperson said.
The Victorian Budget will deliver an additional $100 million for new CFA tankers and pumpers.
“Our volunteers deserve modern, safe facilities that reflect the vital role they play in keeping Victorians safe. To back their incredible contribution, we will also deliver $22.4 million for more wellbeing support, training and new protective gear,” the spokesperson said.
“Our forest firefighters put themselves into dangerous situations to stop fire spreading. We’re backing their work with a $217 million investment to purchase 17 new assets including heavy tankers, dozers and graders, deliver upgrades to the vehicle fleet, secure the critical aviation fire fleet and conduct more planned burns and fuel management.”
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward said: “Our volunteer and forest firefighters are on the frontline, protecting us when we need it most. We’ll keep delivering the equipment and facilities they need to keep Victorians safe.”
THE City of Whittlesea has approved a new Aurora South Town Centre precinct plan that increases land available for new housing while supporting the creation of local jobs.
At the April council meeting on April 21, councillors approved the revised precinct plan as an addendum to the Aurora Development Plan Part 2.
The precinct plan applies to land at 180N, 188M and 200 O’Herns Road, Epping, and guides development of the land for residential, retail, commercial and other uses.
Since the Aurora Development Plan was approved in 2007, changing economic conditions, including rising house prices and the decline of bricks-and-mortar retail, have necessitated a review.
The revised plan allocates more land to medium- and high-density housing, creating about 210 new homes.
To support the shift to higher-density housing, an additional 1000 square metres of open space will be vested in council for use as a local park.
The amount of land for commercial development will be reduced, reflecting a shift towards modern trends such as remote working and online shopping.
The town centre will provide for shops to support the daily needs of the local community, including potentially a small supermarket. Once fully developed, the town centre is expected to support more than 500 jobs.
A further 4000 square metres of land will be vested in council for use as a community centre near the retail precinct and future train station.
The proposed revisions were exhibited to the public between January 8 and February 5 this year.
Almost 450 property owners and occupiers surrounding the precinct were contacted and invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
A total of 10 submissions, including three from statutory agencies, were received during the exhibition period.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said as the community grows and changes, it’s important planning keeps pace with that.
“This revised precinct plan ensures the Aurora South Town Centre evolves to meet the needs of current and future residents, with a balanced mix of housing, jobs and community spaces,” Councillor Cox said.
THE push for the Doreen RSL to secure a permanent home at the Brookwood Community Centre has taken a significant step forward, with City of Whittlesea councillors endorsing a reduced-use proposal that rules out alcohol sales and preserves broader community access.
At last week’s scheduled council meeting councillors discussed a proposed preferred pathway for the Hazel Glen Drive facility.
The proposal follows a request from the Doreen RSL Committee, which has been seeking a dedicated base after years of operating weekly social nights from Laurimar Recreation Reserve under casual hire arrangements with local sporting clubs.
The RSL had originally sought exclusive use of the Brookwood Community Centre, excluding the café, under a peppercorn rent agreement, with plans for a bar and lounge-style venue featuring alcohol sales, food service, televisions, and veteran support services.
However, councillors instead supported a more limited arrangement that would see the Doreen RSL granted exclusive use of the Hazel Glen Room, community office and adjoining corridor only.
Under the adopted option alcohol sales will not be permitted and food sales will not be allowed during the adjoining café’s operating hours. Also no outdoor alfresco area, smoking area or gaming facilities will be allowed and television screens cannot be used to broadcast sporting or other content for gaming or wagering purposes.
The remainder of the centre will remain council-managed and available for community hire.
The suggested lease would run for an initial period of five years, with an optional five-year extension by mutual agreement.
Importantly, any upgrades or modifications to the facility must be delivered within the existing $1.6 million federal funding commitment, with no financial contribution from council.
The decision is not final, with councillors to consider the matter again after a formal consultation process. Community engagement will run from May 4 to June 1, inviting public feedback on council’s intention to enter into a lease arrangement with the Doreen RSL.
A Hearing of Submissions Committee meeting will then be held on June 11 at the Civic Centre in South Morang for residents wishing to speak directly to council.
Before any lease is signed, the Doreen RSL must also provide written evidence by June 1 demonstrating it has the operational and financial capacity to expand from one night a week to a proposed schedule of five evenings and two daytime sessions, meet lease obligations, secure required permits, and cover any costs beyond the federal funding package.
The outcome means the Doreen RSL’s long-held ambition for a permanent home remains alive, but under tighter conditions than first proposed.
KILMORE families have had a big update for schooling for 2027 and beyond, with the removal of education zoning, allowing parents to now have the option to send their children to either Wallan Secondary College and Broadford Secondary College, while advocacy remains for the campaign to build a secondary school in Kilmore.
The move was made by the state government, removing long-held education zoning.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said it was a move that needed to be made, but stressed that more needed to be done for students in Kilmore.
“This is a step in the right direction, and it belongs to the families who spoke up and shared their stories,” she said.
“For too long, an arbitrary boundary has been tearing apart friendship groups and making life harder for parents and carers trying to do the right thing for their kids.
“But let’s be clear, this does not solve the problem.
“Kilmore is one of the largest inland communities in Victoria without access to a public secondary school, and after more than a decade of Labor, there is still no plan to fix that.”
This followed a meeting recently held in Kilmore which was hosted by Ms Cleeland, and also attended by Mitchell Shire councillors Timothy Hanson, Bob Humm, Bob Cornish and Andrea Pace.
Ms Cleeland said the job was not done yet.
“When families are choosing where to live, access to a local school matters. Right now, Kilmore is being left behind,” she said.
“Our community should not have to settle for second best.
“We will keep the pressure on until Kilmore gets the public secondary school it deserves.”
A DUO of thrilling games headlined round four of the Riddell District Football Netball League season.
Wallan took a modicum of revenge for last year’s elimination final defeat to Kyneton, sitting in top spot on the ladder thanks to a hard-fought 18-point victory over the Tigers away from home in an impressive result.
After a relatively free-flowing opening quarter, scoring was much harder to come by in the final three quarters, with the Magpies goalless in the second term to trail by 10 points at the main break.
However, a goal in the opening minutes of the third term through Hayden Gill helped Wallan get the second half off to a good start, taking the momentum by kicking three goals to one for the term, hitting the front by three-quarter-time, before sealing the game with two goals in the final 10 minutes through Lachlan Smart and Nash King to win 9.12 (66) to 6.12 (48).
Steven Boyall continued his electric start to the season with a best-on-ground performance, while Jake Carlisle, Corey Viani, Owen Fowler, Sean Morris and Hayden Gill were also named in the best players. King and Smart kicked two goals apiece to lead the line for the Magpies, who now enjoy the week off.
Romsey survived a thriller against Woodend-Hesket to move up into fifth position.
Things were looking comfortable for the Redbacks when they kicked four goals to one in the second term to lead the Hawks by 21 points at the main change.
But the Hawks fought back hard in the third quarter, kicking four goals to two behinds to hit the front at the final change.
Jack Jedwab was the key for the Redbacks, however, kicking two goals in the opening four minutes of the final term, three overall for the quarter, and five for the afternoon, to help steady the ship, surviving a final thrust from the Hawks to win 10.13 (73) to 10.9 (69).
Playing-coach Nathan Blair and Jedwab were named as the best players for the Redbacks, along with Nathan Tessari, Nathan Hoy, Ash Millane and Oscar Kruss Alexander.
Lancefield had a tough afternoon at Riddell as the reigning premiers flexed its muscle.
Trailing by 20 points at the first change, the Bombers were ruthless in the second quarter, kicking 11 goals to one to extend their lead to 79 points by the main change.
Lancefield’s best quarter up forward was the final term as it added five goals but was also powerless to stop Riddell from adding another nine goals as the Bombers won 27.11 (173) to 8.10 (58).
Thomas Sayers and Max Taylor kicked two goals apiece for the Tigers, who were well served by Walter King, Thomas Ogden, Hunter Jenkins, Matthew Bowden, Riley O’Meara and Rhys Barber.
In the A-grade netball competition, it was a different story for Lancefield, however, coming from behind at half time to score a thrilling one-goal win over the Bombers.
The Tigers trailed by three goals at the first change and by two goals at the main break but hit the front thanks to a 12-goal to eight third quarter to lead 34-32 at the final change.
In a goal-for-goal last stanza, the Tigers did enough to win 45-44 and sit in second position on the ladder as one of two remaining unbeaten teams.
Wallan also remain unbeaten and on top thanks to a comfortable 17-goal win over Kyneton.
Much of the damage was done in the third quarter as the Magpies built on its six-goal half time lead, scoring 15 goals to four to essentially end the contest, before easing to a 54-37 victory.
Romsey was left to rue a second half which saw the Redbacks outscored by 15 goals in losing to Woodend-Hesket.
The Redbacks were well in the game at half time, trailing by just one goal, but the Hawks flexed its muscle in the second half, scoring 15 goals to eight in the third quarter, before finishing with a 19-goal to 11 flourish to win 52-36.
WANDONG’S own Jesse “Tip Rat” Bolt claimed the biggest win of his career last week after taking out the Victorian State Lightweight Title with a second-round knockout on Wednesday.
Coming into the matchup against Faavesi Isaako with a 3-0 record, the crowd at the Melbourne Pavilion was well-and-truly behind him, descending into “Tip Rat” chants midway through the first round.
Bolt threw a powerful combination of hooks and uppercuts in a dominant three-minute performance that left his 38-year-old opponent struggling when the bell sounded to end the first.
But it was his intent coming out from his corner to put down Isaako with a ruthless combination just 35 seconds into the second round that showed how far he could go as a fighter.
Trained by Bryce Poorter out of the House of Stoush Boxing Academy in Wallan, the 21-year-old is still relatively new to the boxing world with only five years of experience under his belt.
At the amateur level, Bolt won the under-19 Australian belt in the 63.5kg category, and has represented the country internationally before turning pro following the 2024 Victorian State Championships.
Celebrating alongside some of his closest supporters at Mac’s Irish Pub and Bistro in Kilmore on Thursday, Bolt’s dad Danny Bolts said he was proud of his son who is starting to make a lot of people take notice.
“Half the venue was there for him only. No one’s making that much noise in the whole of Australia. He’s had four fights, four wins, four knockouts. He’s got people like Barry Michael, who’s a world champion, Australia’s best, saying this kid can be anything.”
Talking with the Review at his post-fight celebrations, Bolt said he has “made some waves” and is now aiming for higher honours.
“We’re hopefully going for the Aus title next. Now it’s about keeping ready and keeping my body happy until then,” Bolt said.
THE Seymour Football Netball Club (SFNC) hosted its annual breast cancer awareness event, “Sarah’s Day,” on May 2, bringing the community together in a vibrant show of support.
Held in honour of those affected by breast cancer, the day is named after former player and valued club member Sarah Locke. Now in its seventh year, the event was originally founded by Sarah and a group of passionate women, and continues to hold deep significance for the club and wider community.
Attendees dressed in shades of pink, creating a unified and uplifting atmosphere. Guests enjoyed champagne, light refreshments and shared conversations.
On the field, Seymour faced Tatura across all football and netball grades, with the visiting club warmly embraced as part of the day. One player from each grade was recognised with a Player of the Match award.
Guest speaker Jess Pearce shared her personal journey with breast cancer, while a community raffle contributed to fundraising efforts.
The event raised around $15,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness Australia, an outstanding effort for the community. SFNC A-grade netballer Ruby Martin was a primary speaker at the event, and thanked attendees for their ongoing support.
“This cause will always be very dear to our heart and hope we can carry on as a tradition.”
“Thankyou to everyone who has continuously supported and donated to the cause.”
BEEN waiting to bring Around the Grounds back after a short period of leave. Let’s talk footy all across the Northern Football Netball League.
NORTH HOME AWAY FROM HOME
An enormously crucial win over Diamond Creek was just the recipe North Heidelberg needed over the weekend as it now embarks for a long period of time playing home games away from its home deck at Shelley Reserve.
The Bulldogs will make Ford Park in Ivanhoe its temporary home for the time being, ahead of redevelopments at its ground, and will have some big matches coming up no doubt, as the fifth-placed Bulldogs look to stay in the top five of division one.
Its win over Diamond Creek was noteworthy – the Demons have adapted to life in division 1 very well – and I had them as favourites to win on Saturday, but the Bulldogs played very well to score a second win in a row.
In round six, the Bulldogs will have a game at Yarrambat against Hurstbridge, which includes a twilight game for the under 19s.
It’s also worth noting Kinglake are going to play away from their home at the Memorial Oval throughout the rest of the season as well.
Unfortunately, the Lakers are struggling greatly after a finals appearance last year, losing many key players, including reigning division 3 best-and-fairest Bailey Robinson, but the Lakers are at least building through youth, including bringing in an under 19s team, which is a positive.
The Lakers are due to eventually play their home games at Donnybrook’s Olivine Recreation Reserve – a very nice ground, similar to Mernda’s.
All the best to the Dogs and the Lakers in what are no doubt tough times having to navigate ground redevelopments.
HEIDELBERG’S 150th YEAR
Avid followers will know I’m on The Northern Footy Show in a regular role as a columnist, writer and guest throughout the season, something I’m excited about throughout the whole year.
Last Wednesday night, we welcomed guests from the Heidelberg Football Netball Club as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.
From all reports, Saturday was a stunning night all round for the club, who are looking to make it five senior men’s premierships in a row, with all four teams taking to Warringal Park and creating a very special occasion.
The senior men’s team took a strong win over Greensborough to show they are still very much top dog in the northern suburbs.
NOTEWORTHY RESULTS
FRONTRUNNERS: South Morang and Northcote Park have done the early work, and are top two on the ladder.
What a competition division 2 is shaping up to be. I’m loving just how close the games are every week, and it seems every game is looking like an eight-pointer at this stage.
Fitzroy Stars’ win over Whittlesea is one to very much take notice of. The Stars have settled into division 2 very well and have a team that is good enough to play finals – they move the ball exceptionally well, with a lot of speed, and that allowed them to overwhelm Whittlesea at the Showgrounds – a very hard place to win in division 2.
South Morang had a nice win over Northcote Park. I’m a big fan of the way the Cougars play, and like the Stars, they move the ball fast. But the Lions have a lot of contested bulls in the middle, and given the contested game is still so important, it was a factor in the Lions taking charge after quarter time.
Lower Plenty also took a big win over St Mary’s, which was somewhat of a surprise, but Lower have been threatening a good result over a contender for the last three weeks. They probably should have beaten South Morang but missed six chances in the last term last week. So, to rectify that and knock off St Mary’s is a good effort on a day that means so much to the club, with the Pat Cronin round.
YOUNG GOALKICKING STARS IMPRESSING
On the division 2 goalkicking ladder, it’s really impressive to see two young guys making the most of their opportunities to lead the goalkicking tally after a month.
Lower Plenty’s Jack Chubb is making the most of his move from Montmorency, kicking five goals and earning the Pat Cronin Medal for his efforts, and has kicked 16 goals in four games.
Whittlesea’s Caden Allen is a guy who I’m a fan of, the way he plays football and his ability to play tall and small is a good thing for the Eagles. He’s kicked 15 goals to sit just behind Chubb on the goalkicking ladder, with both ahead of noted goalkicker Darcy Barden from Macleod.
LEARNING TO WIN AGAINST THE ODDS
Two clubs who are at different stages of their development are winning games from tricky positions, which I believe builds clubs up.
Take Epping for example. A young group going through a rebuild with youngsters, and badly missing Brent Macaffer on the weekend, goes out against a high-flying Heidelberg West and scores the last three goals of the game to overrun the Hawks. That’s a very valid result for Epping, who I’m sure will look to make the final spot in the five their own if they can.
Mernda’s expected to be probably the next best team in it after Ivanhoe and Laurimar, and its first two games showed as much – but this game against Watsonia showed they had to battle back big time.
Impressively, the Demons fought back from 29 points down against the Saints at Binnak Park to ensure they get the job done by a kick.
It may not have been pretty, but that’s a key result against a Saints team who have surprised this season with an impressive midfield full of taller kids who love to run and carry.
GEE, IVANHOE LOOK GOOD
IMPRESSIVE: Alex Federico leads a long cast of stars who have transformed Ivanhoe into the clear division 3 frontrunner.
IMPRESSIVE: Alex Federico leads a long cast of stars who have transformed Ivanhoe into the clear division 3 frontrunner.
Now that I’ve seen them firsthand, I’m struggling to see what gets a club across the line against Ivanhoe in division 3.
Its midfield is just so impressive. The way the Hoers move the ball, change angles and are prepared to attack the corridor is something you just do not see in division 3 football, and it’s a credit to the way they’ve been prepared to be ambitious with their recruiting, bringing some big-name recruits who played junior football with the club such as Alex Federico, Riley Loton and the Blackmore-Moore brothers.
They have a selection crunch they’ll have to navigate all year without question, but they already look a class above in both seniors and reserves.
A CENTENARY CLASS
All the best to Panton Hill this weekend, who will officially celebrate its 100th anniversary in its game against Whittlesea.
The Redbacks have been an excellent addition to the league in its 30 years of playing in the competition and will mark the occasion with a special half time event on its past players day.
On field, it’s been tougher for the Redbacks this year, the only winless team in division 2 so far, but there were signs of life, and almost took its first win, falling 10 points short of Old Paradians on the weekend.
BROADFORD Secondary College students have scored a win ahead of the 2027 school year, with additional classroom capacity announced through two new modular buildings.
The announcement was made by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, who said these new buildings add to more upgrades that have been made to the facilities over the last few years.
This announcement also comes in the wake of recently announced school zoning changes for Kilmore, with local families having a shared school zone now, allowing them to pick between Wallan Secondary College or Broadford.
There will also be an extra bus for Kilmore-based students.
In last year’s budget, Broadford Secondary College received $500,000 to commence planning for a new state-of-the-art double-storey shared learning facility with a dedicated STEM centre, repurposing and updating existing spaces and addressing outdated facilities.
Ms Symes said, as part of the release, that a future secondary school in Kilmore was recognised and respected, but projected numbers weren’t quite sufficient to support high schools in the catchment.
“We all want the best possible public education options and opportunities for local students, across Broadford, Kilmore, Wallan and surrounding areas, now and into the future,” she said.
“At this time, investing in Broadford Secondary College and Wallan Secondary College is the best way to deliver this. Current and projected enrolment numbers are not sufficient to support three thriving public high schools in the catchment.
“A future secondary school located in Kilmore is important to many in the community. The advocacy is recognised and appreciated. This will be respected with the commitment to ongoing reviews of population and community needs and we will work with the council to identify suitable locations, when the time is right.”
Ms Symes said, in the meantime, that Kilmore families finally scored a win with the option to pick secondary schools for their children.
“Kilmore families have spoken and we’ve listened – we’re getting rid of the line that dictates school choice and separates friendship groups, and we’re providing the freedom to choose a great public secondary school that suits them,” she said.
“By continuing to invest in Broadford Secondary College and Wallan Secondary College, we’re delivering world-class public education opportunities for local kids.
“I’m backing the great schools we have. I’m ensuring these schools are even better in the future – addressing enrolment pressures at Broadford with more modern facilities, plans for expansions and guaranteed seats on buses from Kilmore.”
