The Lancefield Gift delivers

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November 18, 2025

THE Lancefield Gift was run and won on Saturday, with a host of new names adding themselves to the winners’ list in the Victorian Athletic League.

The main races saw both men’s and women’s Gifts contested across 400 metres, a unique structure, given many Gifts around Victoria are run over 120 metres.

However, this gave athletes the chance to test their wares around the surrounds of Lancefield Park.

The men’s 400 metres saw Will Adams add his name to event folklore with a sensational run in the final.

After winning his opening heat with a time of 48.706, Adams completely blitzed the field running off 22 metres in the final, dropping 1.2 seconds off his heat time to score victory in a time of 47.590.

Lancefield Mens Gift Finish 1068w WebRdy

Mitchell Mullens was second, sitting five tenths back with a 48.021, while Sean Davison scored third by the barest of margins, his 48.303 just one thousandth ahead of Lachlan Shanks in fourth (48.304).

The women’s 400 metre race was the race of the day, with an exciting finish wowing the crowd.

Lancefield Womens Gift Podium 1068w WebRdy

Ashleigh Palmer had delivered a big run in the heats to score what was clearly the fastest time of the afternoon in the heats, with her 54.805 over a second ahead of anyone else in the heats.

However, Palmer had to dig deep in the final to deliver victory, having to hold off a charging Grace Carter.

Palmer did enough, her 54.746 just enough to win by eight tenths from Carter, who dropped 1.6 seconds from her heat time to run a 54.829, while Lucy Zotti was third with a time of 55.270 seconds.

Lancefield Womens Gift Finish 1068w WebRdy

Other events around the Gift saw an exciting conclusion to both men’s and women’s 120 metre finals.

Jack Wolff was the winner of the men’s final by running the fastest time of the day when it mattered most, scoring a big victory by running 12.341, taking victory by just under a tenth of a second.

Joshua Lotsu finished second in an impressive run from 3.25m, 12.427, while Daniel Sammut finished third in a time of 12.470.

It was a similar story in the women’s race, with Charlotte Nielsen putting in a thrilling run to blitz the field in the final.

Running off 8.75m, Nielsen passed a large majority of the field and blew the competition away in the final stages to win with a superb time of 13.642, with Clea Clifford finishing second with a time of 13.803 and Georgia Mills finishing on the podium with a time of 13.909.

The 70m open saw Cooper Smith take victory in a very close call in the final, with his time of 7.742 just enough to win from Marcus Schafer, who was a gallant runner-up with a time of 7.770, highlighting just how close the competition was, Hamish Hopkins finished third, running 7.781.

Another thrilling race was the 120m over 35 final, with Luke Robertson just holding out the competition running off 14.75m, winning with a time of 13.352.

Mohamad Zeed was just one hundredth behind, running 13.362, while Leigh Bennett was third with a time of 13.470.

Joshua Sait had a terrific run in the 1600m open final, scoring victory by 1.7 seconds with a time of 4.21.038. Glenn McMillan was second, running 4.22.715, while Stefan Catalano was third, running 4.23.191.

Similarly, Kyle Hilson was unchallenged in the 800m open final, running 1.54.472 to blitz the field by 1.2 seconds. Robbie Petrie was second, running 1.55.691, while Adrian Bender finished third with a time of 1.57.046.

The 300m over 35 final saw Neale Gunning put in a good run, scoring victory with a time of 37.420, holding off Emma Zalcman in second (37.589) and Robert Mayston in third (37.894).

Finn Polkinghorne was the first winner in the junior categories, saluting in the under 14 competition with a time of 14.785, winning from Mia Brown in second (14.962) and Frankie Mayhew-Sharp in third (15.001).

The under 18 120m boys and girls finals were also run and won.

Perry Watson took the boys’ final with a time of 12.785, winning comfortably from Christian Pasquali (13.051) and Leo McMeel (13.076).

Mikala Shannon was a comfortable winner of the girls’ final, scoring in a time of 13.883, with Mia Hetherington second with a time of 14.071, while Abby McTernan ran 14.233 for third.

While McMeel scored a podium in the 120 metres, there was no such problem in the 400-metre final as he saluted with a time of 49.862. Mayhew-Sharp continued his impressive day by running second with 50.223, while Hetherington ran third with 51.647.

Athletes will now have a week off before reconvening for the Warrnambool and Terang Gifts on the weekend of November 29 and 30.

Moving day for DVCA teams

Michael Thompson

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November 18, 2025

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THERE was plenty of action across the Diamond Valley Cricket Association in a wild one-day weekend.

Mernda are up to second in the Money Shield competition after recording a terrific 34-run victory away from home at Eltham.

Batting first, Gareth Sharp’s 70 set the tone for the Demons, before Max Russell added to the work with 66 to ensure the Demons made 6/219 off their 40 overs.

While Eltham made a good start with the bat, Lachie Taylor and James Baker would slow the run rate sufficiently with a steady stream of wickets, with Taylor finishing with 3/31 and Baker 3/34 as the Panthers could only muster 9/185 in response.

Laurimar stayed in the race for Mash Shield finals with a much-needed six-wicket victory over Mill Park at Laurimar Town Park.

Joel Regan was dominant with the ball for the Power, taking 4/22 as Mill Park was restricted to 8/136, before Jonathon McAleer scored 55 and Noah Key 39 to help the Power take a straightforward victory, scoring 4/137.

South Morang had a tense one-wicket win over Lower Eltham at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.

Batting first, three wickets each from Ricky Lee and Theiveekan Theivanesan helped roll Lower Eltham for 106, but in response, the Lions were 4/15.

Good batting from Lachlan Gatherer, who scored 21, and Seyon Uruththiran, who scored 22, helped get the Lions back on track, but a 24-run final wicket partnership between Benjamin Zychla, who scored 13, and Theivanesan, who was unbeaten on seven, helped get the Lions home in a tense finish.

Whittlesea’s first XI was no match for Banyule at Burkitt Oval.

Batting first, the Eagles were powerless to stop a constant stream of wickets, with Lathindu Kandage top scoring with 22 and Susipsara Dehigaspitiya scoring 21 as part of the Eagles’ 123.

While the Eagles got off to a dream start with the ball, taking two wickets before Banyule had even scored, the Bears soon settled and eventually chased down the target with five wickets to spare.

In the lower grades, Laurimar had a mixed weekend.

Its D grade team had a comfortable eight-wicket win against Mill Park, while the Power’s fourth XI also scored a strong 20-run win over Mernda, but there were close losses for their third XI, losing to Research Eltham by one run, while the fifth XI lost to Eltham by six wickets.

Mernda took two wins from its five over games, with B grade recording a very comfortable 10-wicket win over North Eltham, while the sixth XI scored an eight-wicket win over Greensborough. However, there were losses for Mernda’s third, fourth and fifth XI against Greensborough, Research Eltham Collegians and Laurimar respectively.

South Morang could only muster one victory from its five lower grade games, despite scoring well in many of its games, with the fifth XI saluting over Macleod by 34 runs.

Whittlesea’s second XI fell just 18 runs short of scoring a win over Panton Hill, its 129 not enough to overcome the Redbacks’ 5/147.

In the North Metro Women’s competitions, Laurimar Black and South Morang Blue fell short in the Lorraine Ireland competition.

Phoebe McKenna’s 35 and Kyra Rule’s 32 helped Laurimar set a competitive 4/116 from its 25 overs, but North Balwyn proved too strong in scoring 4/117 in response.

Bianca Addamo top-scored for South Morang with 24, but wickets fell around her as the Lions were rolled by Heidelberg for 96.

Despite Tahnee Pevitt putting in a good effort with the ball, taking 3/18, Heidelberg was too strong and took a four-wicket victory.

In the Heather Baillie competition, South Morang Maroon and Laurimar Teal took on one another in a blockbuster local meeting.

South Morang batted first, and thanks to 31 runs from Yashoda Jonnalagadda, was able to make 5/108 off its 30 overs.

Ann O’Gorman led the way with the ball for Laurimar, taking 2/3 off five overs.

The Power had a dip at chasing down the target, with Danielle Toull scoring 13 and O’Gorman making a late bid for victory with an unbeaten 15, but it was not quite enough as the Power fell four runs short, scoring 7/104.

Kylie Kreuzer-Pierce took 2/13 to lead the way for the Lions.

Roundabout construction begins

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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WORKS are beginning to build a roundabout on the Northern Highway and Epping-Kilmore Road in Kilmore to help meet the town’s growing population and the accommodation of heavy vehicles.

It’s a project that will be constructed over the next year, with a completion date slated for late 2026 depending on weather.

Motorists will be asked to respect the reduced speed limits and lane closures when required.

The new roundabout has been designed as a dual-lane roundabout, and will improve safety in four different ways, by improving the traffic flow, safer turning opportunities from Epping-Kilmore Road, drivers slowing down and improving visibility of the intersection with new lighting provided.

There will also be same native, non-native trees and vegetation removed, but landscaping will utilise local indigenous plant species during construction.

Mayor caught drink-driving

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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THE Macedon Ranges Shire Council is in damage control as they seek to appoint a new Mayor following Mayor Councillor Dom Bonanno’s revelation that he had been caught speeding and drink-driving in the Mayoral car in Gisborne.

Cr Bonanno has since said he will not seek reappointment to the mayoral position, taking personal leave for the next two weeks.

Cr Bonanno, in a media release, said he had a significant error in judgment.

“I need to tell the community that I have let myself, my family, the Council and my community down for a major lapse in judgement, which I take full responsibility for,” he said.

“On the evening of Friday 31 October 2025, I was caught speeding on McGeorge Road in Gisborne South, but worse, with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit, while driving the mayoral vehicle. I will be disqualified from driving for six months from the end of November.

“I appreciate that my family, fellow Councillors, Council staff and the community put their trust in me, which I have breached, of which I sincerely apologise.

“I can’t turn the clock back, but I will work each day to re-build this trust in me over the months and years ahead.

“I am very disappointed in myself, and I have given my all to be a good Councillor and Mayor and always listen and strongly represent our residents and broader community.

“I have returned the mayoral car, which was neither impounded or damaged during the incident.

“I have taken personal leave and will return on Tuesday, November 25 at 11am, which is the annual Council meeting to elect the Mayor. I will not be standing for re-election to this position.

“As I work through what is a difficult and challenging time for me and my family, I ask for your forgiveness and to please respect our privacy.”

Police Beat – November 18, 2025

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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Drink driving: Wandong

Kilmore Police intercepted a grey 2004 Holden Commadore Station Wagon that was travelling North on Wandong-Epping Road in Wandong.

Police observed the male; and believed he was intoxicated.

The driver was taken back to Kilmore Police Station, for an evidentiary breath test which produced a result of 0.193.

The driver was served with a Notice of Immediate Driving Ban for 12 months and had his vehicle impounded at a cost of $1445.

Burglary: Clonbinane

At approximately 6am on November 6 unknown offender/s accessed a shed at Doctors Creek Rd, Clonbinane, stealing dirt bikes and various tools.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: Wallan

Between 7pm November 3, and 9am November 4, unknown offender/s damaged tyres and stole a medicine bag from a Mazda 3 parked at Hogan’s Hotel in Wallan.

Fatal accident: Puckapunyal

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Puckapunyal on Friday, November 7 when a car crashed into a tree off Seymour-Tooborac Road.

The driver, a 45-year-old Junortoun woman, died at the scene. Two children who were passengers of the vehicle, were airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have identified the driver of a B-double truck in the area at the time of the crash and he is assisting with enquiries.

Racing news

North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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By Mary Hackshaw

NEWCOMER to the Don Dwyer stable, Oriental Dane got off to a flying start at her first run for the stable at the Yea picnic meeting on Saturday. Having only been in the stable a week, the 4 year old Sir Prancealot mare scored over 1300 metres lumping a 70kg impost.

Last start Healesville winner, Voriah had to be satisfied with a 2nd placing in the 0-55 rating contest, having only made the field on Friday afternoon after scratchings.

Dwyer’s evergreen galloper Pine Valley scored a narrow win over 2140 metres. The massive chestnut has had 21 starts for Dwyer for sux wins, eight seconds and three third placings. These Boots had to settle for a third placing, having won his first three starts for Dwyer.

Newcomer to the training ranks, Tim Eurell trained his first winner at Moe Racecourse on Sunday.

Having only held his trainers license since March, the son of leading trainer Greg Eurell has been based out of Seymour. Tim’s first win came with the promising gelding Taxing in a maiden 1600 metre event, winning by a comfortable 1.25 lengths with Thomas Stockdale aboard.

Pet of the week, Mow Mow.

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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OUR VIP Mow Mow, is 18 years old and her human sisters Mia 9 and Grace 5 love her so much!

Mow Mow loves cuddles, sleeping in the sun and going on holidays and seeing her friends at the caravan park.

Mow Mow is so incredibly loved!!

Thank you Jessica for sharing your delightful kitty kat with us.

An historic location: 69 Sydney Street, Kilmore

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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An historic location: 69 Sydney Street, Kilmore

THE next chapter of the Review’s history series features 69 Sydney Street, which has had a transformation over the last 40 years into the Kilmore Palace Chinese Restaurant.

For a large part of Kilmore’s history, this building, located just outside the intersection of Sydney Street and Union Street, was a blacksmith’s building. However, the building was then demolished and subsequently transformed.

Many blacksmiths have called the business home in the history of the building, which lasted 124 years from 1860 to 1984.

The history of the building was captured by the Kilmore Historical Society, with a plaque attached to the front of the building to help tourists and historians understand the history of the town’s buildings.

The plaque at 69 Sydney Street reads:

Former Blacksmith’s Shop c1860

The building was constructed c1860 with façade changes made c1925.

The site was originally owned by James Tanswell, who is believed to be a former convict.

No history is available between 1849-1872, after which it was successively occupied by a number of blacksmiths, including Edward Weaver, Thomas Phillips, and Charles Stray (c1931-38).

Patrick “Toc” Maher had his blacksmith’s shop here from c1938-1976.

The blacksmith’s shop was demolished in 1984 and rebuilt to house a restaurant, using bricks from the former building.”

Greens’ mission to heal Victoria

Tricia Mifsud

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November 18, 2025

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DOCTOR Cate Sinclair says she has seen firsthand how cost-of-living pressures, insecure housing and underfunded services have affected families across Victoria. Those experiences have motivated her to enter politics, standing as the Greens’ lead upper house candidate for Northern Victoria.

A former occupational therapist and researcher at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Sinclair worked with young people living with chronic illnesses and said she observed that many of their difficulties extended beyond medical issues.

“I was seeing kids in distress, but often it was the whole family that was struggling,” she said. “Many were dealing with housing insecurity, rising living costs or mental health concerns. While clinical care helped, it was clear the broader issues needed to be addressed at a policy level,” Dr Sinclair said.

Dr Sinclair said her decision to join the Greens stemmed from wanting to see greater attention given to housing affordability, community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

“Northern Victoria’s resilience and resourcefulness can lead the way,” she said.

Among her key priorities are improving access to affordable housing and strengthening local services. She said housing costs were increasingly pricing out regional families.

“Families in regional Victoria that historically could afford to live near their relatives suddenly can’t anymore,” she said. “People moving from the city see the benefits of country life, but locals are finding it harder to stay.”

Her background in children’s health research, she said, revealed how financial pressures can affect family wellbeing. “The number of kids with chronic pain, anxiety and mental health issues has grown,” she said. “Parents are under huge pressure coping with mortgages and everyday costs.”

Dr Sinclair also argues that health, the environment and the economy are interconnected, and that more investment in early intervention services, such as counselling and parental support programs, could prevent greater costs later.

On environmental issues, she supports renewable energy and climate adaptation projects, such as community batteries and local solar initiatives. “Energy security and climate resilience go hand-in-hand,” she said.

Dr Sinclair said she hopes to bring a practical and community-focused voice to state parliament if elected. “Our communities deserve to be heard,” she said.

16 Days of Activism dates set

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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MITCHELL Shire Council is once again standing united alongside its community and Lower Hume Collaborative Group for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign that begins on Monday, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on Tuesday, December 10, Human Rights Day.

Council, as part of the Lower Hume Collaborative Group, is partnering with Murrindindi Shire Council and more than 25 local organisations to make it clear that family violence is not tolerated or accepted within our communities.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said Council is proud to stand with community partners to raise awareness and promote action.

“Every person deserves to feel safe, respected and valued- at home, at work, and in our community,” Cr Dougall said.

“The 16 Days of Activism is a powerful reminder that change starts with us. By standing together, we can challenge harmful behaviours, support victim-survivors, and build a future where equality and safety are the norm.”

“Respect is shown in many forms, through healthy relationships, calling out harmful language, and making it clear that violence in any form is unacceptable.”

“We invite all members of our community to participate in events during the campaign. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward change and show that we stand united in our commitment to ending violence.”

Mitchell Shire continues to face high rates of family violence. In 2023–24, there were 1,327 reported incidents – an increase from the previous year – placing our community 13th highest in the state.

The numbers represent a call to action to the community from Mitchell Shire, setting up a number of workshops throughout the 16 days.

Council will set up a Community Bystander Action workshop.

In partnership with Women’s Health Goulburn Northeast, the Community Bystander Action Workshop is a free event designed to build knowledge and confidence to safely challenge disrespect and promote equality.

It’s open to all community members, including volunteers, sporting clubs and peer educators who want to know what they can do when they see something that doesn’t promote a just and safe world.

You’ll learn how to recognise harmful behaviour, explore how gender inequality impacts everyday experiences, and understand the role each of us plays in creating a respectful community.

There is a session taking place from 5pm to 7.30pm, Thursday, November 27 at the John Taylor Room, Kilmore Library. Light dinner provided.

The Steps Towards Change Walk is also a key event that will take place.

In collaboration with Goulburn River Trail Park Run and Seymour Rotary Club’s ‘Say No to Domestic and Family Violence’ campaign, the Steps Towards Change Walk invites the community to take part in a two km or five km walk/run to show support for respectful relationships and safer communities.

The event includes support service stalls, coffee van and more.

The walk will take place from 7.45 am to 10.30 am, Saturday, November 29 in Lions Park along the Goulburn River Trail in Seymour.

Council will also hold its traditional Coffee with a Cop through its continued partnership with Victoria Police.

Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee while engaging in informal and safe conversations with local police officers.

It’s a chance to ask questions and encourage meaningful conversations. There is a session taking place from 9.30am to 11am, Thursday December 4 at Kings Perk Café in Seymour. Free coffee provided.

In collaboration with Murrindindi Shire Council, Mitchell Shire has also created a Community Resource Guide to help provide access to local support services, as well as guidance on what to do when you identify and respond to family violence, while providing advice on what happens when it is reported.

These guides will be available on Council’s website, Customer and Library Service Centres, community centres and support services.