Round one of the 2024/25 Pennant Bowls Season at the weekend saw Kilmore’s division one host Lancefield at home in miserable conditions.
With the home team having not played finals last season, Kilmore were out to prove they were the ones to watch. Taking to the green with their two new skip recruits S. Fitzgerald and L. Spargo, who showed the way right from the start, Kilmore boasted defeats all throughout the game, claiming victory with 61 points over Lancefield’s 38. The team will play Trentham next week.
In division two, the rainy conditions washed the grounds out, forcing Romsey and Kilmore to share their points, while in division three, Kilmore hosted Gisborne to win easily with two rinks up and one down.
Senior Victorians will have access to eight days of free public transport this month, thanks to the State Government and their support of the month-long Seniors Festival.
The annual event will see over 2000 events held across the region, addressing this year’s theme of ‘Explore. Engage. Evolve.’
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt said the free travel would allow senior citizens the chance to reconnect and explore all that the state had to offer.
“These eight days of free travel are all about celebrating our older Victorians and helping them to fully embrace the fantastic Seniors Festival events across the state,” she said.
“Throughout the festival, seniors get free rides on public transport across the state— exploring new places and participating in engaging events during these eight days of free public travel.”
The free travel is available now until October 13, and will apply to all forms of public transport, including trams, trains, buses, and coach services in metro, regional, and rural areas.
Cardholders will need to carry their Seniors Card while travelling and touch on and off with their myki as usual—but myki cards won’t be charged.
To celebrate the Seniors Festival in the Mitchell Shire, two Morning Melodies events will be held in the region, with the first on Thursday, October 10 at Greater Beveridge Community Centre, and the second on Tuesday, October 22 at the Kilmore Senior Citizens Club.
Both events will run from 10.30am–12.30pm and are free to attend.
A Country Concert will also be held on Tuesday, October 15 from 10am–12pm at Broadford Hall. Bookings are essential, and close 9am Monday, October 14.
To book online, visit www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/discovermitchell/awards-ceremonies-and-events/events/country-concert-seniors-festival-2024.
Wandong’s Santino Brigante was in a state of euphoria when he claimed junior champion in his weight division at the International German Open for Juniors (U17) last month in Lindow, Germany.
Alongside nine juniors, the 16-year-old was selected to represent Australia on the international stage after receiving silver at the 2024 Australian Schools Boxing Championships in Perth earlier this year.
Before entering the ring in Germany, Santino was doing all he could to make weight—skipping, jumping, and participating in any activity necessary to drop to his weight division, 52kg, for the three fights.
Over three days, Santino faced the challenge of needing to knock out each opponent to advance, starting with a three-time champion from Germany, who Santino kept throwing his right hand each time they fought.
Progressing to the next round, it took speed and power to work out his next opponent from Ukraine, who had notably broad shoulders.
However, with quick footwork and precise strikes, Santino executed his game plan, ultimately securing a decisive victory and moving one step closer to his goal.
The last fight was against a familiar face, an Australian opponent from Queensland, but it was the first time Santino had fought him.
Santino felt the loss in the first round of the fight, but once his ring-side coach Ben Chua urged him to ‘step it up’, he outworked his opponent and kept attacking until he was titled the winner.
Santino said he shouted in exhilaration once he had won the fight, knowing he was returning home with another title up his sleeve.
“Each match tested my skills and determination, but the thrill of victory and the sense of accomplishment were unparalleled,” he said.
“It was a journey filled with intense training, teamwork, and the pride of representing my country. This tournament was not only about the wins but also about growing as a boxer and connecting with competitors from across the globe.”
Compared to his tournaments in Australia, Santino said the German competition was the busiest tournament he had experienced.
“It [was] different for me, the most I’ve had in a tournament, the most I’ve had to fight in a week,” he said.
“It taught me to be ready, and to know what it feels like now [competing everyday].”
Training five days a week in intense style, Santino made the move to his new club Lionsden Boxing Academy in Delahey under coach Christian Pocev, who he had trained with on several occasions in his younger years.
Growing with the sport, Santino will move to the next age division to youth where he will be competing against 17- and 18-year-olds.
Santino’s last tournament for the year will be at the Fiji Development Tournament in November, selected in the junior category for the 54kg division.
Santino, and his family who are incredibly proud, thanked his coach and sponsors who have supported him along the way.
Last month, Plenty Valley FM staff and volunteers celebrated 50 years of community broadcasting.
On September 23, 1974, the Whitlam Labor Government made a Cabinet decision to create a community broadcasting sector for those who represent organisations and those who are associated with marginalised communities.
This decision paved the way for the community broadcasting sector to flourish, alongside the already existing national and commercial broadcasting sector.
Then-Minister for Media, Senator the Hon Douglas McClelland, reported the decision to Parliament, heralding it a ‘new era’ for the nation.
Today, the community broadcasting sector delivers over 500 AM/FM/DAB+ services and two dedicated television services that reach over 5.19 million people across Australia each week—almost one quarter (24 per cent) of Australians.
Nine hundred and 41 employees, and 18,100 volunteers stand proudly behind the sector.
Plenty Valley FM was founded in 1987 and commenced full-time broadcasting in 1990.
The station primarily services the local government areas of Whittlesea, Nillumbik, and the northern section of Banyule bordered by the Yarra River in the south east.
The primary service area reaches an estimated residential population of approximately 400,000 people and can be heard further via www.pvfm.org.au.
Plenty Valley FM continues to put the interests of the community first with unique and diverse programming, such as music shows of all genres, lifestyle programs, sport, and multicultural shows.
LAST month, Epping Football Netball Club (EFNC) were named the happy winners of the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh grant, receiving an exciting $20,000 cheque.
Woolworths are a proud supporter of Netball Australia, and their grassroots grants program empowers local clubs and associations to provide young netballers with improved facilities and encourage healthy habits.
More than 310 netball clubs and associations across Australia have been funded by their grants program over the last six years, and the People’s Choice Award has become a popular avenue for communities in need of funding.
Voters in Epping were among 70,000 who participated in the 2024 People’s Choice Award, with their votes passionately supporting the EFNC, who received nearly 25 per cent of the total vote count.
On Thursday, September 26, former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh ambassador Cath Cox, along with Vixens goal shooter/attack Emily Andrews presented the cheque and the award to the EFNC.
The club intends to put the funds towards purchasing fresh fruit snacks for their Woolworths NetSetGo program, funding scholarships for Under 9’s, and to hire courts for weekly junior netball training.
The Kilmore Art Society warmly invites everyone to visit their latest exhibition in the sanctuary of the Kilmore Christ Church.
Buds of Creation will feature the work of local artists for one week only, and audiences can admire their artworks with the light shining through from many magnificent stained-glass panels.
Pastor David Kerr is a dedicated member of the Kilmore Art Society (KAS), and he is also welcoming the community to the exhibition at the historic Church, where the foundation stone was laid on November 19, 1857. The art is also for sale and the exhibition will run until Sunday October 12, at 11 Union Street Kilmore, from 10am to 3pm daily, and the cost is a gold coin donation.
Currently KAS have a small exhibition at the Kilmore Picture Framer’s at 44A Victoria Parade, Kilmore from 9am to 5pm, and there is no cost. The exhibition will run until Wednesday October 16.
KAS President Jeannette Jain hopes to see new and familiar faces at the next Intuitive Art Workshops with Ian Hibbert, the workshops are aimed at inducing feelings of well-being though creativity. Participants will need to bring their own pencils and an A4 drawing pad. The weekly classes commence Friday, October 18, from 2pm to 4pm, and they will be held at the KAS studio, at 15 Anvil Avenue, Kilmore.
Although letters by post are becoming a fading memory, it is still great to receive and send them—more personal than emails in many ways. Some letters to come my way have been very moving—perhaps none more so than the following one which evoked nostalgic memories from long ago. It came from Kalamunda in Western Australia.
It was a beautiful letter from Vince Hughes who recalled his family’s time in Kilmore half a century ago. At Assumption College, there were primary classes then and I vividly recall the Hughes boys Charles, Vincent, and Peter.
I was a class teacher for each of the lads who will be remembered, I’m sure, by day students of the time—the likes of Tony Zoch, Gerald Harding, Phil Skehan, Bob Flannery, and the Clancy boys among quite a few.
As Vince wrote to me, times were pretty tough then for many, not least the Hughes family.
There was also a sister, who I think may still reside somewhere in this area.
The boys, who lived for a time some distance from school, walked through paddocks, often muddy, and had to climb over or through barbed-wire fences to get to school. Material possessions were in short supply.
The letter recalled that I gave Vince a coat—the winters then were very severe —and that, with the help of the Brothers, it was arranged for some beds for the family.
I can’t remember the dad so much, but I do recall the mum, a stoic person who was proud of the children.
Well, the years have rolled along. Peter, the youngest boy, died early on in a traffic accident.
Vince, the letter-writer, became a meteorologist in the weather bureau, and Charles has his own successful business in the Melbourne suburb of Springvale.
I was really happy to hear from Vince. The family members were truly battlers in an era far different from today’s affluent times.
More often than not, it is the people from the ‘poor side of the tracks’ who are the really genuine people.
I guess both parents have gone from this life, along with their youngest boy, Peter.
But, from Valhalla, they can be proud their kids beat the odds stacked against them.
LULWORTH LINE
The Weld family of Lulworth Castle Estate in Dorset (UK) have a quite long Assumption connection. About a dozen ACK graduates have enjoyed their gap year working for the family and were brilliantly treated by the very gracious lord and lady of Lulworth, Wilfred and Sally Weld.
The girls from Kilmore and area benefited greatly from the experience. One such was Tara Brida of Whittlesea, and she is happy a daughter Mikayla is currently loving her time at the famous location.
Pictured with her boyfriend, Mikayla enjoys the stunning Dorset countryside and the people. Recently she worked at the castle concert, one of many each year at the castle. Her mum, Tara, and aunts Danielle and Natalie loved their college days and have fond memories of their time at ACK. The girl’s parents Jozef and Margaret are really fine people, still residents at Tatra Park near Whittlesea.
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I met the Weld family nearly five decades ago through cricket. A young ACK player was playing for Hampshire in county cricket and on long service leave in the UK, I went to Southampton to see him play. The Welds were closely tied to the famous club, and I got to know them well. Over the years since, I have enjoyed their great hospitality on several visits to the UK.
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VARIA
It was really good to see Chris Fagan, oldest coach in the AFL, enjoy the glory of Brisbane Lion’s emphatic title win. A very decent and humble person, he well deserved to be on the winner’s podium.
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Well-known Kilmore resident Kate Archer can be described as a legend of the St Patricks church community. The historic 175-years-old citadel of worship has quite possibly never known a more devoted servant.
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It was a big weekend recently for former ACK student Liam Durkin, who celebrated his 30th birthday and 150th senior game for Moe football club. An all-round sportsman, Liam is also editor of a major Gippsland newspaper and a brilliant award-winning journalist. He is a passionate advocate for regional newspapers. His younger brother James is also a keen sportsman—footy and cricket, and is president and player of Thropdale Cricket Club.
It was nice to meet up last week with former college staffers, each of whom made a significant contribution to ACK local area residents. Neil and Tina Gage spent quite a few years at Assumption. Tina was a highly regarded nurse and Neil was a dormitory supervisor. Son Nathan starred in the First XVIII and is now a school principal. Daughter Alex suffered a tragic loss when her young son, a beautiful boy, died when a pupil at Pyalong Primary School.
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In next week’s Review, there will be a review of an outstanding book, just published by Broadford’s Owen Douglas, father of Richard who played 246 games for Adelaide Crows, after starring in the 1st XVIII and 1st XI at Assumption. Also, there will be a story of Wallan’s Chris Vecchi and family. I caught up with Chris at Bailey Fowlers 21st celebration a week ago. A fine lad from a great family, Bailey has spent two USA summers doing valuable work at Camp America.
Students across the state have returned from school holidays and some will now be preparing for exams. Here are some handy study tips to prepare well for the upcoming exam season:
Use a diary to record important dates, times, and venues, and commit these to memory. Research shows moving short term information to long term memory frees up brain space to learn something new.
Credit; pixabay, pexels
Now is the time to find a quiet place to set up a desk or declutter yours if you already have one. Keep only the essentials nearby—pens, paper, laptop, textbooks, and water. Aim to focus for 40–45 minutes at a time.
Discover your creative side and make posters to present information you need to commit to memory, such as difficult words to spell, maths formulas, and even your timetable. Pin the posters close to your workspace for quick reference.
Affirmations are known to promote confidence, so write them on post-it notes or save a picture of them on your phone. Say them aloud and read them to yourself as a calming activity. Try this one: ‘Each study session is a building block for my future success’.
Pack up your desk after studying and tick off the activity in your diary as a feel-good and productive way to finish.
Revise what you have learnt the week before an exam to help bring the information back to the front of your brain.
Credit: Andrea Piacquadio, pexels
Reward yourself after a study session with an activity that takes you away from the books. Have a healthy snack, chat to a friend, take a walk, play with your pets—anything that gives your eyes a rest. Research has also found that having a routine helps create confidence, so where you can, keep seeing your friends, family, and enjoying hobbies.
Good luck to all the students, families, and teachers during this challenging time. You’ve got this!
At Saint Matthews Church in Broadford on Sunday Father David Kerr held a Blessings of the Animals Service with health, joy and peace bestowed upon the beloved pets. Father David said some of the pets are regulars at the congregation, and the service finished with everyone singing the Anglican hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful.”
Malnutrition is a costly and potentially fatal disease, but it doesn’t have to be.
Lancefield’s Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Nutritionist Prudence Williams shed some light on the issue recently, bringing to attention the many signs and symptoms to watch out for in loved ones.
Malnutrition is a silent epidemic, often called the ‘skeleton in the hospital closet’, because it tends to escape detection and treatment.
This is surprising given that up to four in 10 older adults in our community are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, one in three adult patients are malnourished in our hospitals, and nearly one in two aged care residents are malnourished. Worldwide, malnutrition costs $3.5 trillion annually compared to obesity related diseases, which costs $2 trillion.
Malnutrition, when unrecognised and untreated, results in longer hospital stays for patients, twice the need for rehab or long-term care, and a 2.3 times higher rate of hospital deaths. Longer hospital stays also mean less beds for other patients.
A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective when it comes to managing malnutrition. Rather, early identification and personalised nutrition therapy, which highlights the need to tailor nutritional care to each person’s unique needs, preferences, and goals, is crucial.
As we progress through life, our eating habits need to change. Older people have different nutritional priorities, and in the context of malnutrition, it doesn’t matter if they have sugar!
While older adults are particularly susceptible to malnutrition, others at risk include people with infections, those with long-term health conditions—including kidney disease, diabetes, and lung disease—and people with cancer, dementia, and other chronic conditions.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of malnutrition such as clothes and jewellery getting looser, the person eating less than usual or no longer enjoying their favourite foods, dentures or belts not fitting properly, and wounds taking a long time to heal.
If you have noticed any of the above or are concerned about a loved one, make an appointment with an Accredited Practicing Dietitian. Early detection and correction could just save their life.
