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

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May 5, 2026

WHITTLESEA continued its unbeaten start to the season in the women’s division 3 competition, while Laurimar is still seeking its first win for the year.

The Eagles controlled the airwaves throughout the afternoon at Epping Recreational Reserve, scoring a 75-point victory and holding the third-placed Pingers scoreless in the process.

Three goals to nil in the opening term ensured Whittlesea opened up a 21-point lead at the first change, before adding another two goals in the second term to move 35 points clear.

Two more goals in the third term meant the lead increased to 50 points by the final change, before the Eagles enjoyed their best quarter of the day in the last term, scoring four goals to eventually win 11.9 (75) to 0.0 (0).

Trinity Tebbutt had a great day in front of goal, scoring four majors, while Indiana Robinson, Natalie Struve and Olivia Hodgson kicked two goals apiece to make it a great day in vice-captain Tayla Wood’s 50th game.

Captain Audrey Steinke played well, as did Hodgson, Emma Hancy, Olivia Thomson, Tebbutt and Struve.

Laurimar was no match for Darebin 2, with a third-quarter burst proving costly for the Power.

Darebin kicked goals in each of the first two quarters to ensure it would lead by eight points at the first change, before extending its lead to 16 at the main break.

The Falcons then dominated the third quarter, kicking four goals to put away the contest, although Laurimar would be rewarded with a late goal to go into three-quarter-time trailing 42-6.

Darebin added one more goal in the final term to ensure it would win 7.6 (48) to 1.0 (6).

Emma Taylor, Lara Hecker, Sarah Campbell, Brittany Zahra, Savannah Brand and Lize-Carina Jankowitz were all named in the best for the Power.

The Power will look to get its first win of the season on Friday night against Diamond Creek Women’s, while Whittlesea will enjoy the bye.

A fighting win for Kilmore women’s

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May 5, 2026

KILMORE women’s had to work hard to defeat Reservoir at home on Sunday, showing plenty of heart to wear down the Mustangs’ two-goal advantage at the main break.

Reservoir led for a large proportion of the first half, kicking two goals to one in each of the first two quarters, leading 14-8 at the first change, before extending its lead to 27-15 at the main break.

Jade Ventura was providing a good target for the Blues up forward, kicking the only two goals for the Blues in the first half.

The Blues showed their fighting spirit, and it was Chiara Nardo who, as ever, provided the spark across midfield and in the forward line.

Nardo kicked two goals in four minutes to help the Blues hit the front, and Ventura continued her impressive day by adding a third goal to mark a good finish to the quarter, allowing Kilmore to lead 38-29 at the final change.

Reservoir was determined to hit back and make a real game of it, kicking a goal in the opening minutes to reduce the margin, but Kilmore, to its credit, made the game a contested affair, not letting the Mustangs’ midfielders get space, and was ultimately rewarded with a four-point victory, 5.9 (39) to 5.5 (35).

Nardo was best-on-ground with her two goals, while Shazi Cappello has continued her stellar start to the season. Jenaya Stewart, Kristy Nunn, Charmaine Matthews-Gunn and Ella Stewart were also named in the best.

The Blues make the trek to JE Moore Park next week as they look to continue to cement a spot in the division 2 top three when they play West Preston-Lakeside.

In division 3, Wallan had a chance to score a second win in succession but could not overcome a final quarter burst from Thomastown.

Scoring was hard to come by in the first half for both teams, with a late goal from Thomastown in the last 30 seconds giving the Bears a seven-point lead at the main break, 7-0.

Wallan fought hard to reduce the gap in the third quarter and was rewarded late in the term as a behind, followed by a goal from Kaylah Sanders, allowed the Magpies to draw level at the final change, 7-7.

But two late goals from the Bears meant Wallan lowered its colours by losing 1.1 (7) to 3.4 (22).

Phoebe White provided a good effort for the Magpies in defeat, while Isabel Stevens, Kelly Lennox, Gracie-Lee Plumbe-King, Kaitlyn Ter Haar and Bec Turnbull was also named in the best.

The Magpies will face a big game against Montmorency this week as they look to remain in the hunt for a spot in the top five.

Broadford take positives from Flat trip

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May 5, 2026

WHILE it was still a tough day at Dower Park on Saturday afternoon, Broadford showed signs of life in its most encouraging performance on the football field since joining the Bendigo Football Netball League.

The Kangaroos had the honour of playing in the marquee game for the Pat Cronin Foundation Round, its second marquee game since its return to the field.

Against the fellow winless Kangaroos, it was Kangaroo Flat who got off to a good start, kicking seven goals from 16 scoring shots to Broadford’s two goals in the first term to open up a 38-point lead.

Harry Behan and Jaiden Magor provided some ammunition for the Roos with their two goals.

The second quarter was a good one for Broadford as it looked like it would make a game of it with three of the first four goals of the quarter through Oliver Lubeck, Isaac Smithwick and Magor to reduce the margin to 26 points.

However, Kangaroo Flat would showcase its best form in red time, kicking four goals to extend the margin to 50 points at the main break, leading 82-32.

Again, Broadford fought hard in the third quarter, and kicked two goals to Kangaroo Flat’s three, with Riley Edwards and Ben Thompson hitting the scoreboard.

Broadford trailed 107-45 at the final change.

Kangaroo Flat seemed to get its best game back in order as it kicked six goals in the final term, but Broadford ensured the margin wouldn’t balloon beyond 100 points thanks to last quarter goals from Bryce Fleming and Smithwick, losing 9.4 (58) to 21.25 (151).

Magor provided a good performance with two goals, as did Smithwick with three, while Louis Thompson, Edwards, Charles Neilson and Brodie Stray were also named in the best.

Broadford’s reserves likewise fought hard in losing by 58 points to Kangaroo Flat, while the under 18s lost by 52 points in what was, overall, the Kangaroos’ most competitive performance on the football field so far.

Broadford’s A-grade match was due to be played tonight at Dower Park, with B-grade, B-reserve and 17-and-under playing on Saturday.

The B-grade lost 19-65, while B-reserve had a tough outing, losing 18-92. 17-and-under were bested by Kangaroo Flat, 17-65.

The Roos will now have a week off before returning on May 16 to take on Strathfieldsaye.

Lions roar in big victory

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May 5, 2026

SEYMOUR’S senior men are sitting pretty in third courtesy of a big win over Tatura in the fifth round of the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League.

The Lions were utterly dominant across the board, and showed they are very much a threat when they play their best football, scoring 24 goals in a Saturday afternoon stroll against the Bulldogs.

Seymour’s three-headed monster did all the damage throughout the opening half – Riley Mason, Jack Murphy and Jaron Murphy contributing seven of the first eight goals of the afternoon, while Lewis Lubeck also joined in the fun with two goals late in the second term as the Lions led 80-7 at the main break.

The Lions were simply ruthless. An eight-goal to two burst in the third quarter suggested that they were keen to build as much percentage as possible, and as a result, the lead was extended past 100 points at the final change, with Seymour leading 129-20.

The Lions had multiple chances to extend the lead in the final quarter but managed four goals from nine shots as the final margin would be 132 points, 24.14 (158) to 4.2 (26).

Jack and Jaron led the way, with both providing sensational performances. Jack kicked five goals, while Jaron added three, and Mason, for his troubles, sits atop the goalkicking charts with 24 after a bag of six.

Seymour’s reserves are starting to motor in their premiership defence, scoring a 124-point win over the Bulldogs, but the under 18s missed out on an opportunity to cement its spot in the top six, losing by 23 points.

On the netball court, Seymour survived a tense afternoon against Tatura to win by two goals, 49-47, having had to come from behind at half time to sit in fifth position on the A-grade ladder.

B-grade scored a comfortable 22-goal victory, as did B-reserve, winning by nine goals.

The 17-and-under team fell to defeat by six goals, while the 15-and-under lost by 23 goals.

Tiles, tea and tradition

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May 5, 2026

EACH week, laughter, conversation and the clatter of tiles fills the room at the Whittlesea Bowls Club as members of the Whittlesea VIEW Club gather for one of their most popular social activities, mahjong.

The weekly mahjong group has become a highlight for many local women, offering not only a chance to enjoy the centuries-old game of skill and strategy, but also the opportunity to catch up with friends and make new connections.

VIEW Club, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is a national women’s organisation supporting The Smith Family and helping disadvantaged Australian children through education programs. The Whittlesea branch was formed in 2023 and has quickly become an active part of the local community.

For members of the mahjong group, the weekly sessions are about far more than winning hands.

“It’s a wonderful excuse to get out of the house, enjoy some company and keep the mind active,” one member said.

Another described the group as a welcoming space where beginners are encouraged to learn and regular players are always happy to help.

The choice of venue at the Whittlesea Bowls Club provides a relaxed and friendly setting, adding to the social atmosphere that has made the gatherings so successful.

As communities continue to value connection and wellbeing, the ladies of the Whittlesea VIEW Club are proving that friendship can sometimes be found around a mahjong table, one tile at a time.

Lancefield woman charged

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May 5, 2026

POLICE have charged a 49-year-old woman from Lancefield for hindering police in their investigations of a blackmail incident that took place in January.

The woman is alleged to have provided the occupants of a Mill Park property with information about the impending police warrant, which resulted in the arrest of a 32-year-old man.

His arrest and subsequent charging made him the sixth person charged by detectives involved with Taskforce Hawk who are investigating the alleged blackmail incident which took place at a business in the western suburb of Brooklyn.

The woman will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court in November this year.

Police have also alleged that she was caught driving a vehicle while her licence was suspended, and is expected to be charged at a later date.

More feedback sought on toilet plan

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May 5, 2026

A NEW strategy to guide the future of public toilets across the City of Whittlesea was the subject of discussion and debate at the April council meeting, with councillors ultimately voting to open the draft plan for another round of community consultation.

During the meeting, councillors considered the updated Public Toilet Plan, which replaces the municipality’s 2019 strategy. The draft has been shaped by research, earlier community input and engagement with key user groups.

Following discussion, councillors voted to proceed with a further consultation phase to capture final feedback from residents, workers and visitors before the plan is finalised.

The council currently manages close to 50 public toilet facilities located in parks, playgrounds, reserves, community centres and other public spaces across the municipality.

Councillors noted during the meeting the importance of providing safe, clean and accessible amenities, highlighting their role in ensuring people of all ages, abilities and genders can confidently access public spaces.

The draft plan outlines a framework to guide future investment and decision-making, including how upgrades and new facilities are prioritised. It also proposes a service hierarchy to determine the level of provision at different locations, such as the number and type of cubicles based on expected use.

In addition, the plan incorporates a gender impact assessment aimed at ensuring facilities meet best practice standards and comply with legislative requirements.

The consultation period, endorsed by councillors at the April meeting, will run from April 24 to May 10. Feedback gathered during this time will inform the final version of the plan, which is expected to be presented to councillors for consideration at a June council meeting.

Parenting programs open for 2026

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May 5, 2026

FAMILIES across the City of Whittlesea are invited to learn, connect and have fun by getting involved in the Raising Children and Young People 2026 program, a vibrant calendar of free parenting programs, workshops and family-friendly events designed to support and inspire families throughout the year.

Whether you’re navigating life with a newborn, raising energetic toddlers, supporting growing children, or stepping into the role of grandparent or carer, this much-loved program offers something for everyone.

Packed with engaging sessions, expert advice and welcoming spaces to connect with other families, the program helps parents and carers build confidence, strengthen family relationships and support children to grow and thrive — all while having fun along the way.

Throughout May, families can look forward to an exciting mix of sessions including:

Read, play and connect — interactive sessions full of imagination and discovery

Managing screen time — find the best fit for screen and device usage in your home

Tuning in to kids — emotionally-tuned strategies to help with parenting teenage children.

All sessions are free, welcoming and designed to make parenting feel supported, connected and a little easier.

The program is proudly delivered in partnership with local organisations including Jindi Playgroups, ParentZone, Anglicare, Drummond Street Services, Yarra Plenty Regional Library, DPV Health and Thomastown Neighbourhood House.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said it was a program that could be delivered with trust for the community.

“For more than 20 years, the Raising Children and Young People program has been helping local families feel supported, informed and connected. These sessions give parents and carers practical tools, trusted advice and the opportunity to connect with others navigating similar experiences,” he said.

“Parenting can be both rewarding and challenging, and programs like this remind families that they’re not alone. By bringing people together, we’re helping to build a stronger, more supportive community where children and young people can grow, learn and thrive.”

MRSC asking for feedback

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May 5, 2026