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Swift start at Tallarook cricket

January 14, 2025

Returning to the crease, Tallarook made an impactful start to the new year in the Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) competition against Yea on Saturday.

The season is already shaping to be an exciting one for Tallarook, who finished 2024 at the top of the ladder.

With strong momentum carrying the side, the senior team is poised for another successful run in the ongoing Senior Mixed A Grade season.

In round 10, the Tigers were first to bat at Tallarook Recreation Reserve, with Blake Munari-O’Dwyer opening the match by bowling a wide. He made an immediate impact in the first over as he bowled out Yea’s Thomas White.

That wicket was the first of many for Yea’s innings, with Tallarook’s Matthew Archibald eliminating Andrew Butterworth in the sixth over.

Archibald also showcased his impressive fielding skills in the 12^th over, taking a catch to dismiss Josh Cunningham.

Although Tallarook dismissed most of Yea’s batters, it was impossible to take out Will Dalton, who made 10 runs, and Dylan Thompson, who made three. The standout batter for Yea was Cameron Armstrong, who scored 41 runs.

When it was time to switch, Tallarook made a head start in their batting, with Joshua Rudge making a quick four runs off a no-ball in the opening delivery.

Rudge was then dismissed leg-before-wicket in the second over, followed by Mitch Itter in the 10^th over, but those two wickets were the only losses for the side.

With fewer batters, Tallarook’s best batsman was captain Lachlan Watts, who remained undefeated throughout the match, scoring 54 runs, and among them, seven 4s.

Watts made most of his progress in over 14, adding 12 runs to the scoreboard, before his team wrapped up proceedings in over 19—one over fewer than Yea’s innings.

Tallarook ultimately proved to be the better team, scoring a total of 95 runs for the loss of two wickets, from 18.1 overs, 2/95, to Yea’s 9/94 from 20 overs.

Elsewhere, Seymour triumphed over Alexandra with a score of 2/77, while Pyalong claimed 2/103, defeating Puckapunyal, who finished with 6/100.

In round 11 this Saturday, all three teams will play at home. Tallarook will host Puckapunyal, Pyalong will face Alexandra, and Seymour will take on Yea.

GDCA

The Gisborne and District Cricket Association (GDCA) also made a comeback at the weekend, with teams across the region taking to the field once again in round nine.

In hot conditions, Broadford’s McIntyre Cup Firsts side won the toss against Gisborne and opted to bowl, but it was an uncertain start for its first match of 2025.

Gisborne finished its innings at 9/219 from 45 overs to take the victory, while Broadford finished with 10/184 from 43.3 overs.

Elsewhere, Romsey stormed its first match back, finishing with 2/121 from 24.1 overs to take down Rupertswood who were bowled out for 10/120 from 36.4 overs.

This Saturday, Romsey’s McIntyre Cup Firsts side will face Woodend, while Broadford will take on Sunbury.

In the Johnstone Shield Firsts competition, Wallan took the early advantage over Kilmore to finish the match with 10/107 to 10/80.

Eastern Hill also had the upper hand over Eynesbury, claiming a 10/116 to 10/84 victory.

Wallan’s Johnstone Shield Firsts team will have a bye in round 10, while Kilmore will take on East Sunbury, and Eastern Hill will go head-to-head with Aintree.

Epping strikes first in two-day cricket match

Pam Kiriakidis

January 14, 2025

Epping strikes first in two-day cricket match

Epping returned to the new year in a two-day match against Bundoora in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association (DVCA) Barclay Shield season at the weekend.

It was the team’s first match of 2025, marking the resumption of the DVCA Senior Competition in round 10 at Epping Recreation Reserve.

Batting first, Epping’s captain Tom Emmins wasted no time in setting the tone for the match.

He began with a confident start, accumulating five runs in the opening over, and followed it up with two more in the second over.

Emmins was one of the key contributors for Epping on the batting line, scoring 32 runs, including three 4s, and remained unbeaten until over 36 when Bundoora’s Glen Turner finally dismissed him—one of several wickets from Bundoora’s impressive fielding.

Epping had all batters on the field until over 28 when Akash Cheema, who had chalked up 18 runs, including one 4, was the first to be dismissed, giving Bundoora its first wicket.

Bundoora displayed exceptional fielding prowess on the opening day of the match, showcasing sharp reflexes that led to the dismissal of several key batters.

Few Epping batters had been eliminated by wickets at the inning’s midway point, but Liam Henkel and Robert Tinsley proved impossible to dismiss throughout the match, remaining at the crease as the last two batters of the day.

Henkel was Epping’s top scorer, amassing 35 runs, including one 4, and the only batter to hit a 6, while Tinsley managed 11 runs.

Epping finished with 161 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 80 overs, 9/161.

The final outcome will be determined on the second day of the match this Saturday, when Bundoora will kick off proceedings with the bat once again at the Epping Recreation Reserve.

Sulky snippets: Mixed results for trots

Len Baker

January 14, 2025

Kilmore held an interesting nine race card on Thursday, January 9, with mixed results throughout the night.

Riddell co-trainers Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar were successful with 4YO Majestic Son-Gloriadon’s gelding Heza Gun in the 2180m Buds & Branches Florist 0-1 LTW Trotters Mobile.

Raced by a big syndicate headed by Sonia, Heza Gun, driven by Chris, was first up since May and starting from gate two, led throughout to comfortably score by 5.9m in a rate of 2-01.5 from Coconut Mickey (gate six) which stuck on well after racing exposed for the last lap. Watts Up Raptor (gate four) was third 2.1m back from three pegs.

Parwan trainer Jodi Quinlan snared the quinella in the TAB Pace over 1690m when 6YO Betting Line-Parfait Amour’s gelding Eye See Amour defeated stablemate Lady In Line by a nose in a tricky finish.

Driven by Taylor Ford, Eye See Amour, a winner at the previous Kilmore meeting in December, settled four back in the moving line from the extreme draw with Lady In Line trailing the poleline leader, and Wallan hope Aberdene from gate two on the second line.

Using the sprint lane, Lady In Line with Jodi in the sulky dashed clear as the post came up, looking all over a winner with Eye See Amour angling wide and flashing late to prevail. Aberdeen held down third 3.7m back. The mile rate 1-55.6.

The 1690m MC Security Pace saw Ross Creek trainer Stephen Clarke and daughter Reagan gain the prize after tough-staying 8YO Art Major-Askmenow’s gelding Foregone Conclusion greeted the judge in a 1-59.7 mile rate.

Despite racing uncovered from gate three, Foregone Conclusion was much too strong at the finish, scoring by 1.8m over Hand Writer (one/one) and John Vincent which led finishing 2m away. It was Foregone Conclusion’s 15^th victory at start number 132.

Ultra consistent 9YO Bettors Delight-Eastern Lookout’s gelding Tex Goes Bang did exactly that in the 1690m C&M Build Group Pace.

Driven by James Herbertson, Tex Goes Bang at start 101 (7 wins) enjoyed a cosy trip three back in the moving line from the extreme draw, and after easing three wide on the final bend, ran home to record a 3.7m victory over Shezabluechip (one/one) and Favourite Highlight (one/four) three wide last lap who was third 2.6m back. The mile rate 1-57.9.

The large Strathfieldsaye stable of Julie Anderson is always hard to hold out in any race they contest, and 5YO Always B Miki-Sonnie Mahoney’s gelding Miki Mahoney snared the Jet Roofing NMW Pace over 2180m.

Driven by Ellen Tormey, Miki Mahoney (one/one) from gate two was shuffled back a spot mid-race as David Miles vacated a one/two position mid-race to go forward three wide and join the pacemaker Illustrious (gate four) prior to the bell.

Although three wide in the last lap, Miki Mahoney outstayed his rivals and scored by a half head in a rate of 1-58.8 from Most Triumphant after a head-to-head battle all the way up the running.

Cotchenellie (one/three) from gate six was third 1.8m back after following the winner home.

The 2180m O’Brien Electrical Pace went the way of Parwan owner/trainer Paul Parsons’ 7YO For A Reason-Esthers Light’s mare our Bella Lucia, giving Herbie a double.

Given every opportunity one/one from gate two as I’m Wesley inside her led, Bella Lucia, angling three wide and appearing to be under pressure on the home turn, rallied in the straight to register a head margin over Edwarde Grange along the sprint lane after trailing from a solo second line draw which looked likely to score as the post loomed. Im Wesley held third 1.3m away. The mile rate 1-59.5.

It would be unthinkable for Bolinda’s Chris Alford to go home from a Kilmore meeting without a winner, and the ice broke when Brent Lilley’s Frosty Girl, a 5YO daughter of Royal Aspirations and Makarewa Jill landed the Momentum Gaming Trotters Mobile over 2180m.

Settling four back in the moving line from a solo second line draw, Frosty Girl bided her time as Mont Sally flew out from gate six to lead.

Set alight in the last lap to join the leader, Frosty Girl raced clear on the final bend with Dossier after following in pursuit, but couldn’t make up the leeway to go down by 6.7m. Gil Favor (one/two) was third for local Aussie Mifsud 14.8m away. The mile rate 2-02.4.

Long Forest trainer Andy Gath’s Art Major-Blissful Night’s colt Imperial Night was the easiest winner of the night when victorious in the 1690m Beraldo Coffee 3YO Maiden Pace, leading throughout from the pole with wife Kate in the sulky.

Given an easy time, Imperial Night, raced by long time stable client Norm Jenkin, cruised to the wire 3.6m in advance of Miss Joplin (gate four) which trailed for Lancefield’s Rod Petroff. Loubell (gate five), after a rough beginning, made up plenty of ground from last for Wallan duo Ruth and Chris Shinn to finish third 7.3m away. The mile rate 1-58.8.

The Carlton & United Breweries 4YO & Older Maiden Pace over 2180m saw Bunbartha trainer John Newberry combine with son Matt to land the cash with Alta Christiano-Enerjetic 4YO’s mare Altatude in 1-59.9.

Enjoying a lovely trail from the pole following the long odds-on favourite Watching Over Us which led from gate two, Altatude, bred and raced by John and wife Maree, used the sprint lane to perfection, winning by 2.8m from Obsydian (four pegs–three wide home straight) and La Betty one/one last lap from the rear who was 2.7m back.

Kilmore will race again on Thursday, January 23.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: January 14, 2025

Ray Carroll

January 14, 2025

The Aussies celebrate the victory

Apart from the record crowds at the famous venue, millions tuned in across the nation via TV, radio, etc., and an estimated 300 million watched across the globe. Cricket is second in the world behind soccer, for participants and followers. The game has long been in the DNA of huge numbers of Australian fans, and its rich history pays tribute to the tens of thousands of cricketers from the cities, towns, and tiny outposts who paid the supreme sacrifice in the two world wars. The output of cricket literature and poetry exceeds all sports.

***

This picture of a young lad scoring while watching a test at the Sydney Cricket Ground is of Tom Garrett from Wollongong, who, a few summers later, debuted as a teenager in a Melbourne test. Looking down from Valhalla, he would have been thrilled to see Sam Konstas debut, only the fifth teenager to do so in nearly 150 years at the hallowed field.

Pictured is Stan McCabe, the Marist Brothers boy who played three of the greatest innings of all time in the 1930s.

***

Cricket is a truly great game. It requires skill, courage, tenacity, and mental
strength to prosper at any level, and it teaches valuable life lessons along the way. A
century today, out first ball tomorrow, or five wickets today and none for plenty next game
illustrate the ups and downs of life.

***

On a nostalgic note, my father and his great mate and boxing legend Jack
Haines were at the MCG all those years ago, watching Don Bradman make a double
century and be part of the record crowd.

***

Vale Tom Hoban

Thomas Peter Hoban, a well known and highly respected Darraweit Guim farmer was
farewelled from this life by a very large congregation of family and friends at St Patrick’s Kilmore just prior to Christmas. In his 82nd year, Tom succumbed to a short
illness. A true man of the land and a product of real Australia. Tom was a devoted husband to Marie who welcomed the crowd at St Patrick’s. Son William delivered a fine eulogy outlining a life well lived of a great family man, husband, father, grandfather, and
a stoic friend to many. The name Hoban has been a highly regarded one in this region
across the generations.

***

A number of Tom and Marie’s 10 children were involved in readings during the
impressive requiem mass.

Romance of the willow

The picture is of spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 1936. It was way before TV and Don Bradman was in his prime. The total crowd for that far distant game was 351,000—a record that stood for 88 years until it was smashed at the recent Boxing Day test when a massive audience of 374,000 turned out to watch Australia V India. MCG Chief Executive Stuart Fox, who has presided over many AFL grand finals and cricket tests, said it was a joyous occasion. Spectators came from New York, Hong Kong, and London, along with Melbourne’s cricket mad Indian followers who made up around 20 per cent of the total crowd. Aussie fans turned out in huge numbers too, with tens of thousands of youngsters and young males and females. The huge roars from a packed stadium on the opening day when teenager Sam Konstas made his debut with a thrilling 60 were akin to an AFL grand final. Across the five days, the great crowds were in fine humour and well behaved. A fair contingent of fans were from this area, especially Kilmore, Wallan, and Broadford. I met up with many former ACK students and spoke briefly with AFL greats such as Francis Bourke and Lions premiership coach Chris Fagan who admits to being a cricket ‘tragic’

Farm set to thrive in Wollert

The North Central Review

January 14, 2025

The Wollert Community Farm will benefit from a $1 million Commonwealth Government grant to further boost the outcomes of the award-winning project.

An innovative project led by Whittlesea Community Connections and Yarra Valley Water, the farm creates opportunities for community connections, conservation, and enterprise development to benefit locals and the environment.

The farm, which has been in planning for six years, is located on land owned by Yarra Valley Water, in the buffer between the Aurora Recycled Water Treatment Plant and the communities of Wollert, Roxburgh Park, North Epping, and Craigieburn.

Yarra Valley Water is contributing land, access to recycled water and renewable energy, and expert support in planning, assets, and project management to drive the innovative project forward.

Whittlesea Community Connections and Yarra Valley Water are working to complete the project by the second half of 2026.

Funding for Stage Two of Wollert Community Farm was secured through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts’ Thriving Suburbs Program Grant of $1,028,619.

The farm includes infrastructure for native horticulture, including seed production, nurseries, and greenhouses, as well as meeting, education, and community spaces, toilets, utilities, access roads, and car parking.

The funding announcement marks a successful year for the community partnership, which was recognised with a Gold Award at the International Water Association’s 2024 Project Innovation Awards. The award recognised its groundbreaking approach to reimagining the use of land for community benefit and environmental sustainability.

Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty said the farm was a great example of how collaborative efforts can lead to sustainable and impactful community outcomes.

“Wollert Community Farm is being recognised as an innovative local partnership that makes good use of otherwise unused buffer land at our treatment plant. It will include environmental education, a local food system that utilises recycled water, and conservation and land management,” he said.

Whittlesea Community Connections Chief Executive Alex Haynes said the grant would significantly boost the farm’s capacity to deliver on its mission.

“This additional funding means Wollert Community Farm is well on its way to creating more volunteer, training, and employment opportunities for local people, as well as implementing positive land management practices,” she said.

To learn about the farm, visit www.yvw.com.au/faults-works/planned-works/works-my-area/works-cockatoo-and-gembrook/wollert-community-farm.

City of Whittlesea council calls for consultation

The North Central Review

January 14, 2025

The newly elected City of Whittlesea Council will request the Minister for Planning seek significant consultation both with council and the community on the State Government’s key housing reforms.

Councillors at the last meeting in December were informed on a range of State Government initiatives designed to increase housing supply and improve affordability.

The reforms, contained in the Victoria’s Housing Statement: The Decade Ahead 2024-2034 policy, sets a target of building 800,000 new homes across the state in the next decade.

The statement also emphasises the government’s plan to reform the planning system through the new Plan for Victoria, alongside its efforts to enhance housing choice via the Activity Centre Program.

Victoria’s Housing Statement has identified Epping as one of 10 activity centres where an additional 60,000 homes will be developed over the next decade.

Council’s submission on Plan for Victoria contained 45 recommendations, ranging from improved transport links such as delivering the Wollert Rail, more bus services, and the E6 freeway, to having better sustainability outcomes in new developments, such as more tree planting and integrated water management.

Council also recommended setting social housing targets tailored to the specific needs of each municipality, and advocated for larger developments to include a minimum of 15 percent of affordable housing.

In its submission on the Activity Centre Program, council requested that the Epping Central Structure Plan, developed through collaboration with the community and stakeholders, serves as the foundation for the new city centre.

Council requested further time to allow for community consultation and council to understand, test, and make a submission on the proposed planning controls.

In October, the government made additional announcements on proposed housing and planning reforms through its More Homes, More Opportunity plan, including a potentially significant change to the development contributions system.

Councillors resolved to write to the Minister for Planning to seek assurance they could provide expert input into the development of the proposed reform.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Aidan McLindon said it was important that growing areas were supported with the necessary infrastructure.

“The State Government has announced a number of major planning reforms and we need to be confident these changes are carefully considered, thoroughly tested, and will not have unintended consequences,” he said.

“It is critical that growing communities are supported with the infrastructure they need such as public transport, parks, and community facilities.

“We want to ensure the government is consulting not only with councils but also the community as we work together to meet the current and future housing needs in our communities.”

City of Whittlesea council seeks heritage protection

The North Central Review

January 14, 2025

City of Whittlesea has requested heritage protection of a local home.

At the last council meeting, on December 17, 2024, councillors voted to seek ministerial approval to place a heritage overlay on a Victorian villa from circa 1891 at 1470 Plenty Road, Mernda.

The house was one of the first substantial homes built in Mernda following the opening of the Whittlesea railway in 1889, with notable features including the ornate rendered chimneys, decorated eaves, and small arched niches on the facade.

An independent heritage assessment concluded the house, which was home to Mernda’s first resident doctor, had ‘particular aesthetic significant as a late Victoria villa.’

Council has applied for interim heritage protection to make sure the house is protected while the process to apply permanent heritage controls is undertaken.

Council will also request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to commence a process to apply a permanent heritage overlay on the house and part of the property.

If granted authorisation by the Minister, the landholder, residents, and other interested parties will have the opportunity to review the heritage overlay proposal and make submissions to council.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Aidan McLindon said it was important that council acknowledged its built heritage.

“It is important council celebrates its built heritage and integrates these significant places into future neighbourhoods,” he said.

“Over the years, this house has been home to Mernda’s earliest medical figures, and later served as the Mernda Methodist Church’s first parsonage from about 1918 until 1977.

“To protect that significant piece of cultural history is important for our future communities, and that is why council voted to pursue a heritage overlay over this significant house.”

A successful delivery at Northern Health

Emily Waite

January 14, 2025

A successful delivery at Northern Health

Northern Health Public Fertility Service has officially delivered its first baby thanks to nurse-led ovulation induction.

Local couple Sarah and Matt Rowe welcomed their firstborn Lola late last year after partaking in the healthcare provider’s free public fertility care program, and visited the centre shortly after to thank all those involved in the process.

“We really had no idea about the fertility process and we assumed we would go straight to IVF,” Ms Rowe said.

“Instead, we went through ovulation induction which was a different experience to what we thought we would have, but a successful one.

“Having access to the service and being able to access it so close to home is huge for people and families in our situation.”

Since its introduction in 2022, free public fertility care has resulted in 50 successful pregnancies, which Northern Fertility Service Registered Nurse Jacque Dulson said allowed childless families to access the services they need to fall pregnant at little to no cost.

“Patients who never thought having a family would be possible are now overjoyed that they are able to access this free fertility service,” she said.

“It means that the ability to pay is no longer a determining factor in whether or not you have a family.”

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated the Rowe’s on their successful delivery, praising the free service.

“Welcoming a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, but for some Victorians this journey isn’t always straight forward,” she said.

“The arrival of beautiful baby Lola is proof that this service is game changing for many people who may not have been able to start or grow their families otherwise.

“Our landmark service is already making a difference to many Victorians, but we can help more prospective parents and encourage locals near our Northern Hospital satellite service to talk to their GP or specialist about a referral.”

Branching out: New ambulance station in Epping

Emily Waite

January 14, 2025

Branching out: New ambulance station in Epping

Epping has gained a new state-of-the-art emergency station.

Situated at the site of Epping’s former ambulance branch, which has since been demolished and rebuilt, the new branch will offer local paramedics access to safe and modern facilities.

The two-storey, 24-hour building features a five-bay ambulance garage, six rest and recline areas, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, and improved security and car parking.

Set to serve the local and surrounding communities such as Donnybrook, Wollert, and Epping North, the branch is one of more than 40 stations completed or upgraded in Victoria in the last nine years, supported by the State Government’s $279 million investment into the industry.

Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas applauded the station’s completion, praising its quality-assured facilities.

“Our dedicated paramedics are on the front line of emergency care, so it is crucial we provide them with the modern, safe facilities they need to do their lifesaving work,” she said.

“This new station reflects our commitment to the health and wellbeing of all Victorians as we continue to strengthen emergency services across the state.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure Delivery Josh Bull echoed Ms Thomas’ sentiments, stating the branch was a vital piece of infrastructure for the community.

“As our communities in Melbourne’s north continue to grow, it is vital that our emergency services grow with them,” he said.

“This world-class ambulance branch means our paramedics will be able to respond swiftly to all emergencies and give local residents the confidence that help is always nearby.”

Permits to be abolished to serve alcohol

Emily Waite

January 14, 2025

Permits to be abolished to serve alcohol

Planning permits will soon no longer be required to serve alcohol.

Following extensive consultation with several councils, last month the State Government announced that Clause 52.27 (Licenses Premises) will be abolished by July 1, 2025.

Currently, regional businesses are required to apply for both a Victorian Liquor Commission licence and a planning permit from their local council in order to serve alcohol.

But the process, in what the State Government has dubbed an ‘unnecessary duplication’, is both timely and costly, and a headache for many business owners.

The removal of the clause will therefore enable businesses to serve alcohol up to six months earlier than current processes allow, and save up to $7000 in fees.

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney welcomed the reforms, and was excited to see it benefit small town economies.

“These proposals will support rural and regional Victoria to continue delivering some of the best tourism and hospitality experiences in the country,” she said.

“By removing unnecessary and duplicative red tape, we’re supporting regional pubs, cafes, and restaurants to open sooner and welcome more visitors—meaning more local jobs and a boost to the local economy.”

Protections around amenities, noise, and operating hours will remain in place, and zoning and planning permits will continue to determine where businesses can operate—but now without the duplication.

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