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February 6, 2024

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is urging small communities across the region to apply for the Tiny Towns program that provides grants.

With grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000, the funds are primarily for infrastructure projects such as playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades, hiking trails and splash parks.

Community and not-profit groups and councils in towns with a population of up to 5000 people can apply for the program.

Ms Cleeland said the funding opportunities could make an impact for smaller regional towns across the electorate.

“Our smaller communities should apply for these grants as a way to help deliver local projects that benefit residents in our towns and help attract visitors,” she said.

“These projects will directly benefit the smaller towns in our region, strengthening community connections and allowing for exciting opportunities for development and improved facilities.

“It would be great to see as many communities as possible benefit from this funding to ensure our regional towns continue to get the support they deserve.”

Applications close at 5pm on February 25.

Youth charged after speed camera damaged

Grace Frost

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February 6, 2024

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Youth charged after speed camera damaged

Police have charged a teenager after a traffic camera car was allegedly damaged in South Morang last week.

It is believed the car was damaged on Findon Road at about 1.50pm on January 27.

The teenager allegedly ran up to the car and kicked the side mirror, before fleeing on foot.

The female camera operator inside the vehicle as not injured.

After executing a search warrant in Kalkallo on Wednesday, officers have charged a 15-year-old boy pending summons.

He will appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: February 6, 2024

Community Groups

Grace Frost

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February 6, 2024

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Young guns

There are exciting young cricketers around. The likes of Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly and Geelong’s Oliver Peake, pictured above, are talents to be brought forward very soon to inspire young kids to play the game.

But you can bet, under current policies, they’ll be allowed to stagnate while 30-35 year olds are recycled.

As a few cricket-lovers said to me just the other day – ‘our Test side is now more like a cozy old boys club’.

***

P. S. Since I penned this story the young West Indies side has won a sensational victor were the Aussies in Brisbane.
Inspired by young Shamar Joseph, the lad from a remote jungle village who destroyed our batting line-up, the West Indies played with discipline and courage.

Shameful

It trades on the name Cricket Australia, CA, but couldn’t acknowledge Australia Day.

Instead, it chose to align itself with the woke brigade.

Do cricket bosses – and Pat Cummins – not realise that thousands of Aussie cricketers from the elite levels to the remote bush clubs gave their lives or were maimed in both World Wars?

They paid the supreme sacrifice in defending their country and its way of life.

Not only players but countless fans of cricket paid a terrible price so that today’s woke minority can make lots of noise and shut down mainstream Australia.

The heroes of cricket’s glorious past, from Victor Trumper to Shane Warne, from wherever they are in Valhalla, will be shaking their heads in disbelief and sadness.

Pat Cummins wants Australia Day changed. Whatever day it may be changed to, will not appease the grievance mob, they will never be happy.

The Australian captain, his teammates and CA bosses should read Greg Growden’s fine book ‘Cricketers at War’.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea if elite sports organisations, including AFL, NRL, Tennis Australia, concentrated on their sport and highly-paid players kept their opinions within the boundary.

High fives

Plenty of ‘high fives’ as the Aussies demolished Pakistan and West Indies.

However it should be noted the former was rated the weakest Pakistan side ever to come to Australia. While the once mighty Windies was in reality their Second XI.

Their top players can’t afford to play for the Test side and seek the riches of the franchise leagues so, as one put it ‘we can feed our families’.

Australia’s top players like India and England are all millionaires, some multi. India comes here next summer for five Tests, England the summer after for the Ashes.

If George Bailey and his CA selectors don’t start building for the future, our cricket will be in a poor state in four or five years time.

India has beaten Australia in their most recent two series here while we were unable to win the Ashes series in the UK in 2019 or 2023.

The national XI is an ageing one – almost ‘Dad’s Army’ status and will not be getting better.

Yet we hear these veterans are vowing to go to England in 2027 on ‘unfinished business’, how disappointing for up and coming payers if this is allowed to happen.

George Bailey should be looking at Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis from Western Australia, Victorian Matt Short, Queenslanders Nathan McSweeney and Spencer Johnson, and a number of others.

A trick was missed by not introducing some youth into the team this summer, given the nature of the opposition.

Cooper Connolly, the thrilling young Western Australian is another who should be encouraged.

We were a bold cricket nation for most of our history but not now. Aussie fans could do with a bit of ‘Bazball’.

How on earth have the Poms overtaken us in the crowd-pleasing stakes?

With Warner gone, watching the Australian top four – Khawaja, Smith, Labuschagne and Green – is at times like watching paint dry.

Fans have to wait for Head to appear at number five to get some value for their hard-earned money.

Sadly, Steve Smith, once a great player, is in decline and has morphed into a different player than the star he has been for years.

Positive ageing programs promoted in Whittlesea

Community Groups

Grace Frost

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February 5, 2024

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Positive ageing programs promoted in Whittlesea

City of Whittlesea has a line-up of weekly and monthly programs for residents aged 50 and older looking to boost wellbeing and social connectivity.

The programs are part of the Let Everyone Actively Participate, LEAP, initiative – a council initiative that provides affordable events and activities for people aged 50 and over to stay active, healthy, engaged in the community, and independent for longer.

They form an integral part of the Social Connection and Centre Based Respite program for residents aged over 65 and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older who qualify for services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

Some of the programs include:

Gentle exercise, strength training, and balancing movements to music: Led by professionally trained staff and volunteers, designed to enhance physical health in a subtle way.

Dementia-friendly groups: A supportive space providing seniors experiencing dementia or early signs of dementia and memory loss a chance to connect socially and to stay active and engaged in the community. It also provides respite for carers.

Indoor carpet bowls: A variant of lawn bowls played indoors where no prior experience is necessary, making it a delightful way to have fun, stay active, and meet new people.

Social connection programs: Programs include music sessions, craft workshops, gardening and more.

Morning melodies: For residents to share their favourite songs and stay connected to the community, also featuring performances by singers, musicians, bands, and cultural entertainment.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said everyone aged over 50 was welcome to participate in the program.

“Tailored to elevate the health, independence, and social connectivity of older residents, the 2024 program of activities caters to a range of interests and activity levels,” she said.

“It’s a wonderful way to meet new people, build new friendships, stay active and learn new skills.”

LEAP membership is free, and members can be discounted membership to Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre and Mill Park Leisure Centre.

To become a LEAP member and to access programs, contact the Ageing Well team at ageingwell@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or phone 9217 2170 and select option four.

For more information and to view the full program, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/leap.

Making the most of free TAFE

The North Central Review

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February 5, 2024

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GOTAFE is encouraging school-leavers to take advantage of expanded eligibility for free Technical and Further Education, TAFE.

Thousands of Victorian secondary school graduates recently received second-round Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre, VTAC, offers for their preferred TAFE or university course, with four rounds to come for students who are waiting on results.

More students are applying to TAFE outside of the VTAC offers process.

Free TAFE eligibility expanded last year, allowing more community members to be eligible to study for a variety of courses, as they no longer needed to meet specific age, upskilling or reskilling requirements.

GOTAFE, with campuses in Seymour and Wallan, has expanded its list of free courses to include Certificate III in Hospitality and Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

There are several free courses relating to building and construction pre-apprenticeship, automotive vocational preparation, individual support, community services, and nursing across the Seymour campuses, including early childhood education and care at Wallan’s High Street campus.

New and ongoing students who identify on their enrolments as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander can now access free tuition.

GOTAFE’s acting executive director education Luke Surace said free TAFE provided students with skills for careers without worrying the cost of tuition fees.

“In 2023 increased eligibility for free TAFE saw some 1638 students studying a free TAFE course at GOTAFE,” he said.

“The eligibility changes made for 2023 have remained in 2024, with the addition of more courses and further opportunities for students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

“The Victorian Skills Plan predicts that one-third of jobs in 2026 will require skills aligned to VET qualifications.

“Free TAFE supports training in those areas of high demand and those facing shortages.”

To explore GOTAFE’s 2024 course offerings, visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.

New online engagement hub for Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Community Groups

The North Central Review

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February 5, 2024

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New online engagement hub for Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has launched a new online hub to enable a clearer, more engaging way of informing and obtaining valuable feedback from the community on key council policies or initiatives.

People will be able to view current public consultations and have their say in new ways through the new Your Say hub, which has the capacity to host surveys, interactive maps, question and answers, forums and more.

The launch of Your Say supports a strategic priority in the council plan 2021-2031 to ‘Enhance customer experience through the transformation of our services, to ensure they are easy to access and provide user-friendly experiences’.

It also supports a specific council plan action also set to be completed this financial year, with new community engagement guidelines under development to better guide council staff in undertaking effective, relevant, and transparent community consultation.

Chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said it was integral to hear from the community to help tailor the projects, policies and services council delivers.

“We have subject matter experts here at council who work hard to develop initiatives relevant to their field, but two-way conversation is essential to make sure we’re hitting the mark,” he said.

“Council is committed to genuine consultation and closing the loop with the community. This new online engagement hub – together with the new staff guidelines – will support that commitment.

“I encourage residents to continue taking the time to review public consultations and provide feedback.”

A number of draft policies or initiatives endorsed by council for public consultation late last year are inviting feedback including:

Romsey Skatepark designs – proposed designs for a new skatepark that would feature a large bowl, a quarter pipe, pump track and a series of hips and corners. Funding of $550,000 has already been committed by the State Government towards construction, while council allocating $20,000 towards initial planning works in the 2023-24 Budget.

Draft Complaint and Unreasonable Behaviour Policy – this policy outlines how council will manage complaints and unreasonable behaviour and provides clear guidance for both the complainant and Council.

Draft Special Charge Scheme Policy – this policy applies to Special Charge Scheme infrastructure projects such as resident-funded upgrading of roads and drainage.

Draft Fair Access Policy – this policy supports council in the identification and removal of systemic factors contributing to gender inequality relating to the availability of quality community sports infrastructure at times that are suitable.

Visit yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au to view current consultations, provide feedback and sign up to receive tailored alerts about future consultations.

WR (2024-01-30)

Whittlesea Review

The North Central Review

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January 30, 2024

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NCR (2024-01-30)

North Central Review

The North Central Review

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January 30, 2024

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Beating the odds: Nicaraguan doctor named Citizen of the Year

Jordyn Grubisic

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January 30, 2024

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Beating the odds: Nicaraguan doctor named Citizen of the Year

The Mitchell Shire Citizen of the Year was awarded to Seymour’s Sergio Prado-Arnuero for his dedication as a drug and alcohol counsellor and prevention work with youths.

Born in Nicaragua in central America, Dr Prado-Arnuero worked in his home country creating and directing a preventative medical program and providing medication to the ill.

He was active in fighting the Somaza dictatorship regime, which eventually forced Dr Prado-Arnuero and his family into exile.

Unable to speak English, Dr Prado-Arnuero arrived in Villawood, New South Wales, in 1990 as a political refugee.

Despite being told the contrary, his medical qualifications were not recognised in Australia leading him to complete a Diploma of Counselling, and in 2002 he was employed by Mitchell Community Health Services as a drug and alcohol counsellor.

Dismayed by the number of clients relapsing after a hospital detox, Dr Prado-Arnuero became convinced prevention was better than cure and decided to target the youth population.

“The reality is that as I was working as a drug and alcohol counsellor, I was feeling that we were stealing the money of the taxpayer,” Dr Prado-Arnuero said.

“My CEO asked me why I felt that way and it is because I feel that it doesn’t [work] what we do with detoxification, rehabilitation, counselling or whatever. The first thing they do is go to the pub or start using again.

“I believe there has to be something different. I believe that we need early intervention. It is not a question of curing people who are addicted, it is a question of preventing them from getting addiction.”

In 2002, Dr Prado-Arnuero started a boxing gym, believing most substance abuse problems occur in financially-disadvantaged homes. He believes people who survive disadvantaged environments are survivors and survivors are fighters.

“Most of the time the addicted person is coming from a social status that is very poor with a lot of financial problems. Sometimes a dysfunctional family,” he said.

Approaching Seymour police, Dr Prado-Arnuero found they had a diversion program for young offenders, resulting in 18 young men completing six sessions of training with him to avoid going to jail.

All participants completed the course, finding it so beneficial they wanted to continue and by the end of 2003, 150 young men had been through the program.

When Mitchell Community Health Services was unable to continuing funding the project, a money jar was set up with participants paying whatever they could afford – after three months the gym had savings in the bank.

After the original gym was demolished in 2005, Dr Prado-Arnuero continued his program at Seymour’s Chittick Park and in the backyard of his home, before former Member for McEwen Fran Bailey provided two portables from Puckapunyal to house the gym in 2007.

Citizen of Year Dr Sergio Prado Arnuero — Mayor Louise Bannister with Citizen of the Year Sergio Prado-Arnuero.

Dr Prado-Arnuero did not believe he deserved his award.

“Thank you so much Australia and thank you very much to the people who organised this event,” he said.

“I feel really honoured to receive this certificate. I am not sure if I deserve it.”

After an operation to treat a ruptured aorta – and technically dying twice – Dr Prado-Arnuero said he was more emotional than ever.

“I feel emotional. Very emotional … my wife was telling me my family from Nicaragua is trying to communicate and I said don’t put them on the telephone because even listening to the voice would make me cry,” he said.

“I am still emotional. I don’t think I deserve this but thank you to everyone.”

GALLERY: Broadford shines on Australia Day

Jordyn Grubisic

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January 30, 2024

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GALLERY: Broadford shines on Australia Day

The Broadford Australia Day Festival had something for everyone with a barbecue breakfast, live music, a petting zoo, classic cars, and a historical display.

Broadford Lions Club, Broadford Fire Brigade and other food trucks kept attendees from going hungry, while Den-Yt played live music.

A competitive tug-o-war challenge ran alongside community displays while some cuddled goats, rabbits, Guinea pigs and alpacas at the petting zoo and others held a crocodile and snake at the reptile display.

A classic car display was also set up behind the Island Reserve at Broadford Bowls club.

The Broadford and District Historical Society was open with its annual display, this year titled ‘What Broadford’s Lost’.

Society member Margrette Inness – who also received commendation at the Mitchell Shire Council community awards – said the display included places and events no longer existing like the Broadford Tannery, Wool Scours, Stray’s Blacksmith, and the March Hare Fair.

“It’s brilliant. Everybody’s commenting on it,” she said.

“In the Courier, we’ve got the press that’s working, which is amazing and the old Broadford police cell has a new display with lots of pictures.”

Member Rod Mackenzie said it was a terrific day.

“All our regular volunteers have put a lot of time in getting the different buildings ready and getting the displays ready. Russell’s got the platinum press working again for probably the first time in 50 years, which is terrific,” he said.

“It’s been a lovely collection from people around the community displaying things that have been lost from Broadford.

“One of the things that struck me in heritage month in October was in the 1963 copy of the Courier there were three places in Broadford you could buy a new car, and now there were none.

“It’s interesting to see in the display like that the things that have disappeared for all sorts of reasons.

“It’s interesting for the people to go through and look at what they had in their lives or what they haven’t had because they’re too young to remember those various things.”

Broadford and District Historical Society also received a certificate of appreciation from Mitchell Shire Council acknowledging the work of the organisation.

Country Fire Authority, CFA, and Country Women’s Association, CWA, member Sally Wearmouth received the Broadford Australia Day Committee award for outstanding citizen.

A resident of Broadford for 35 years, Ms Wearmouth has been a long-time volunteer in the community, including 33 years with the CFA and about 25 years with CWA.

“Anything my girls were involved in I was on the committee, whether at the parent club at the primary school,” she said.

“I’ve held treasury and secretary positions in both the CFA and CWA. I’m currently treasurer of both groups.

“The more you put into a community, the more you get out of it and I just encourage as many people as possible to find something to volunteer.

“It feels great to be recognised. You don’t put in to get awards but it feels amazing when you get one.”