Runs aplenty in GDCA competition

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November 18, 2025

A FASCINATING day in the Gisborne District Cricket Association saw plenty of big scoring, as well as terrific individual performances.

McIntyre Cup

Wallan will need a further 228 runs to defeat Gisborne on a day where the Magpies, for a large portion of the day, took it right up to one of the pacesetters of the competition at Gisborne’s home deck.

Steven Bell, Scott O’Donnell and Hamish Mullavey-Clark combined excellently with the ball, taking two wickets apiece in the opening stages to have Gisborne wobbling at 6/133 at one stage.

While an 86-run eighth-wicket stand helped Gisborne get to 9/249, the Magpies took enough confidence throughout the remainder of the day to go into the second day’s play with all 10 wickets remaining.

Bell took 4/28, while O’Donnell (3/75) and Mullavey-Clark (2/58) also got in among the wickets.

Matthew Clayton will start day two on 19, while Jack Mifsud is unbeaten on two.

Some late hitting in Broadford’s bottom order has allowed it to set a defendable total of 186 against Sunbury United away.

It looked as though Broadford was in great trouble when it fell to 6/71, but the tail wagged significantly, with Dilsher Pal Singh and Riley Nolan both contributing 24, Samraat Sharma 20, Jeremy Bradshaw 25 and Nathan Woods an unbeaten 22 to help get it to 186 by the close of play.

Other progressive scores around the league saw Romsey score first innings’ points against Rupertswood, with Romsey 6/83 after rolling Rupertswood for 65, while Woodend are 1/7 chasing Macedon’s 194.

Johnstone Shield

Dale Tassone’s excellent form continued at the Kilmore Cricket Ground, with Kilmore setting Lancefield 269 runs to chase next week.

Tassone was terrific again at the top of the order, making 74 before departing just before tea, maintaining an average of 119 in the early part of the season.

Ben Dawson’s late hitting saw him score 52 as Kilmore looked to keep pace with the competition frontrunners.

Billy Cox fell just short of 100 but gave Eastern Hill a great platform in its game against Sunbury.

Cox scored 88 runs, while Benjamin Bryant added 54, Ollie Bryant 39 and Michael Brown similarly scored 39 as the Eagles swept aside anything Sunbury threw at them throughout the day to set 8/309.

Elsewhere, Diggers Rest Bulla Village took first innings points against East Sunbury, 2/83 after bowling the Thunder out for 56, while Eynesbury are 3/52 chasing Harkness’ 138.

Lower grades

In the McIntyre Cup seconds’ competition, a late wicket gave Broadford good confidence ahead of the second day’s play.

Broadford set 210, largely thanks to some good hitting from Ashley Wood (44), Tyrell Dunne (32) and Taylor Shell (35), but it was James Hibbins trapping David Falzon in front in the last over of the day which gave Broadford great confidence, leaving Sunbury United 1/8 at the close of play.

Wallan need seven wickets to defend 131, with Gisborne 3/74 at the close.

Russell Whittingham’s 51 saved the Magpies, who were in dire straits at 5/35, but Whittingham and Adam Reginato Junior combined for a 67-run partnership to give the Magpies something to defend.

Andrew Barber has taken all three wickets in response and will start day two with figures of 3/22.

Kilmore’s Johnstone Shield seconds team has taken first innings points comfortably against Lancefield and will look for an outright victory on day two.

Harley Austin and Rhys Ferraro combined to take three wickets apiece, with Noah Fairweather taking two as Kilmore bowled Lancefield out for 76.

In response, Harrison Purcell’s 36 and Rohan Audehm’s 43 allowed Kilmore to pass the target with ease and will start day two on 4/134.

Peter Speechley’s 77 off just 65 balls has allowed Eastern Hill to set 8/323, with Harvey Hager’s 63 and Josh Speechley’s 60 also giving the Eagles a terrific platform.

Wallan’s Jensen Shield team was no match for Hanging Rock, rolled for 91 and losing by 10 wickets, while Romsey took a thrilling one-run victory over Malmsbury, 166 to 8/165.

Some late hitting almost got Kilmore over the line against Riddell after sitting 4/20, but it wasn’t quite enough as Kilmore got bowled out for 117 chasing 8/124.

In the club grade north competition, Kilmore had a comfortable eight-wicket win over Hanging Rock, scoring 2/110 after bowling Hanging Rock out for 108.

Broadford similarly had a good win over Lancefield, scoring 4/121 and chasing down the Tigers’ 7/117.

Wallan was no match for Gisborne, with the Magpies’ 8/118 chased down comfortably, with Gisborne scoring 3/119.

Exciting games light up SDCA competition

Michael Thompson

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November 18, 2025

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Exciting games light up SDCA competition

SOME good scoring lit up the Seymour District Cricket Association throughout the weekend.

Tallarook continued its dominance of the competition by putting Avenel to the sword, scoring a 142-run victory.

Lachlan Watts was the hero, scoring the competition’s second century of the season, with his 123 runs coming off just 103 balls, which included 11 fours and two sixes.

Watts’ heroics allowed Tallarook to recover from 5/74 to set 7/204, and it was Kalon Winnell who did the rest, taking 6/19 off 9.5 overs to overwhelm Avenel’s batting lineup. Along with Tarkyn Dundon’s 3/5 off six overs, Avenel was all out for 62.

Seymour took a tense game against Yea, doing just enough to defend 149.

After a slow start, Luke Woolan’s 48 and Jack Hesse’s 44 allowed Seymour to set something it could defend, eventually making 8/149 off its 45 overs.

In response, Yea started slowly, but good middle-order hitting from Andrew Butterworth allowed the Tigers to get back into the game.

However, Seymour was able to bowl well in the clutch, especially with Lachlan Drummond taking 3/16 off nine overs, holding Yea to 7/144 and, as a result, has scored a break over the competition in third.

Pyalong continue to emerge as one of the main contenders in the competition, but had to survive a thriller against Puckapunyal, winning by just one run.

Pyalong batted first, and thanks to Mitchell Ryan’s 39 and Jamie Pryor’s 50, managed to make 5/183 off its 45 overs.

Danny Fountain led the way with the ball for Pucka with 2/31 off nine overs.

Pucka, in response, looked to be well on the way to scoring victory, especially with Nicholas Bennetts scoring at will in making 59 runs.

However, Anthony Pratt and Alexander Ryan took three wickets apiece to help Pyalong hold Pucka when it needed to right at the end and stole victory by one run in a tense finish, with Pucka scoring 9/182.

In the B grade competition, Tallarook needed all of its reserves to eventually take victory over Avenel by two wickets in a low-scoring game.

Russell Downie took three wickets, and Finn Melville and Braeden Dundon two apiece in rolling Avenel for 79, but Tallarook had great difficulty getting to the target.

Kieran Minter’s 20 and Brendan O’Donnell’s 17 allowed Tallarook to hang on, scoring 8/81 to win.

Brett Gordon’s 55 allowed Seymour to make an impressive 8/186, the highest score of the round, before Janak Abeywardane and Damian Murphy took three wickets apiece to hold Yea to 9/98.

Puckapunyal and Pyalong had a game equally as its A grade counterparts.

Batting first, Pyalong looked to have a good footing with Matthew Wilkins scoring 47 and Daniel Sowden 28, but collapsed from 4/106 to be all out for 118.

Jacob Nipperess did the damage with 4/25.

In response, Pucka did just enough, with Nipperess scoring 35 and Vaughan Agnew adding 26, but needed all its reserves to get the job done, scoring 8/121.

Jaxon Hill took four wickets for Pyalong in a losing effort.

All in the family

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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CRICKET truly runs in the veins of the McNicholas family, and on Saturday it was on full display as father Tony and sons Kyle, Darcy and Joel took to the field together for Kilmore Club North. The rare four-member family line-up became the story of the day as Kilmore claimed a strong win over Hanging Rock.

For the McNicholas clan, cricket is more than a sport, it’s a shared lifelong passion. Kyle’s connection to the game began early, attending his first match at just six months old at the MCG. Years later, he and his brothers now stand beside their father in the same team, carrying forward a family tradition that grows stronger every season.

Saturday’s clash with Hanging Rock highlighted that bond, with both Kyle and Darcy making major contributions with the ball. Kyle struck early, dismissing Hanging Rock openers Peter Connor and Peter Walsh for ducks, putting Kilmore firmly in control.

Darcy followed with an equally decisive spell, taking three wickets, two more ducks plus a sharp caught-and-bowled that lifted team spirits. Hanging Rock eventually fell for 108, giving Kilmore a clear target.

When it was Kilmore’s turn to bat, Darcy again set the tone. His confident and composed 42 runs anchored the innings and ensured the run chase never wavered. Kilmore powered past the 108 target with ease, finishing at 2/110.

Such was the dominance of the top order that Tony and Joel didn’t need to pick up the bat — but their presence on the field completed a memorable family moment.

Kilmore walked away 2/110 to Hanging Rock’s 10/108, but for the McNicholas family, the score was only part of the story. Sharing the field together was the real victory, proving once again that for this family, cricket isn’t just a game, it’s who they are.

Seymour and Wallan in tense clashes

Michael Thompson

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November 18, 2025

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SEYMOUR has all-but locked in finals berths in both men’s and women’s Country Basketball League competitions with a strong showing on the weekend.

The Blasters hosted Wallan in a clash between the Mitchell Shire rivals on Saturday night, with the Blasters taking two close wins.

Wallan gave it everything in the women’s game as it sought its first win of the year, but Seymour had just enough in reserve to take a 68-52 win.

It was the last quarter where Seymour flexed its muscles, scoring 24 points to 16 to ensure it took the points.

Caitlyn Kennedy led all scorers with 17 points, as did Kasey Lennox, while Matilda Skora added 10 points.

Carley Cranston did everything to keep Wallan in the game, scoring 16 points, while Melissa Buckley added nine points.

In a low-scoring game on Sunday, Seymour was overrun by Myrtleford in the final three quarters, losing 43-57.

Lennox and Kennedy again led the scoring, with Lennox scoring 12 points and Kennedy providing 11.

Wallan pushed Albury for three quarters, but it was the second quarter that was the difference as the Cougars outscored the Panthers by 10 points to take a 72-60 win.

Cranston erupted for 21 points, while Buckley added 12.

Seymour’s men had a perfect weekend.

A tense game in front of a big crowd saw the Blasters overrun the Panthers in the final term on Saturday night.

Leading by four points at the final change, Wallan turned for home with confidence, but it was Seymour which landed the big blows in scoring 29 points to 10 in the final term to take home a 72-57 win.

Tyler Best was too strong for the Panthers, scoring 30 points in a winning effort, while for Wallan, Ryan Philippe had a good outing in scoring 17 points.

Seymour took its final quarter form into its Sunday game against Myrtleford, taking a 116-69 victory.

Six Blasters scored in double-figures, led by Rhylee Leighton with 26 points and William Stewart with 25.

Wallan rebounded admirably on Sunday to take a 13-point win over Albury at RB Robson Stadium.

The Panthers performed strongly in the final three quarters to overwhelm the Cougars, led by Philippe’s 26 points and Brody Thrum scoring 23 in the win.

EPA identifies dumping site

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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EPA VICTORIA says it could take legal action against companies allegedly using a Glenaroua property as a dumping site as the site does not have the necessary permissions to accept waste.

Notices prohibiting the site at 530 Kilmore-Glenaroua Road accepting waste and to those identified dumping waste have been issued, and those responsible could also face prosecution.

The site came to EPA’s attention from concerned community members. On inspection of the site, EPA officers found significant volumes of co-mingled waste.

The combustible waste is stockpiled under canopy cover in bushland with a bushfire overlay. The site is also lacking fire water access or fire controls and consists of combustible material mixed with native vegetation.

EPA has identified companies using the site to deposit waste and contacted them. A formal investigation is now under way with both the site owner and those using the site for allegedly unlawful purposes facing potential prosecution and significant fines under the Environmental Act 2017.

Waste must be disposed of only at a site authorised to accept it.

There are significantly increased fire and environmental risks created by unlawful disposal of waste and EPA has the power to act against anyone in the disposal chain; those that create it, transport it and accept it.

Support for small business

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving environment for local small businesses by re-signing the Small Business Friendly Councils Charter with Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith.

The re-signing ceremony took place on Friday October 31 at the Kyneton Town Hall, attended by Commissioner McAlary-Smith, Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan, Mayor Cr Dom Bonanno, Deputy Mayor Cr Kate Kendall, Councillors, and members of Council’s Business Friendly Councils Working Group. Representatives from the Victorian Government’s Business Friendly Councils (DJSIR) program were also in attendance.

The Charter, a formal partnership between local government and the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), outlines a shared commitment to making it easier for small businesses to operate, grow and thrive.

“Re-signing the Small Business Friendly Councils Charter demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the local business community,” said Mayor Dom Bonanno. “By working closely with the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, we’re making it easier for businesses to grow, innovate and thrive, creating more opportunities for jobs and economic growth across the Macedon Ranges.”

By re-signing the Charter, Council has renewed its pledge to collaborate with the VSBC to pay small businesses promptly for goods and services, streamline approval and permit processes, support and engage with local business networks and proactively manage disruptions caused by infrastructure and capital works projects

Following the ceremony, Commissioner McAlary-Smith joined local business operators and HR professionals for a Hybrid Working Workshop facilitated by Swinburne University and hosted by Council’s Economic Development team at Social Foundry, Kyneton.

The workshop explored the challenges and opportunities of the evolving world of work, featuring insights from Swinburne University’s latest research into hybrid work practices. Participants from sectors including retail, accommodation, hospitality, home-based enterprises and food services shared their own experiences and ideas.

Commissioner McAlary-Smith said the event highlighted the importance of collaboration between councils, researchers and business owners in shaping the future of work.

Remembrance Day in Kilmore

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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THE Wallan-Kilmore RSL Sub Branch and members of the community paused to pay tribute on Tuesday to soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in honour of Remembrance Day at Hudson Park.

Rain did not stop many community members from paying their respects, with the ceremony one of many held across the country in honour of our soldiers.

Members from local primary schools, kindergardens, businesses and sporting clubs laid wreaths at the cenotaph, while the crowd was also addressed by Wallan-Kilmore RSL Sub Branch president Graeme McSolvin.

Fire season date set

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced the start of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) for Mitchell and Macedon Ranges Shires, which commenced on Monday. The City of Whittlesea will follow on November 24, with restrictions in all three municipalities running through to May 1, 2026.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to ensure their properties and families are well
prepared ahead of the FDP. This includes cleaning up grass, leaves and other flammable
materials. Residents should also have a fire plan for high-risk fire weather days.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer for CFA District 12, Stephen Keating, said any private burn-offs must be fully extinguished prior to 17 November.

“We’ve already seen several burn-offs get away in recent weeks, so it’s really important
that people conduct their burns safely and make sure the fire is fully out before they walk
away,” he said.

“This year we will see fine fuels drying off at a faster rate due to drier soils. The heavier
fuels are also more likely to be involved in fire due to the prolonged rainfall deficit.

“If you have a large burn off pile or bigger stumps or logs, it is too late for you to burn
them off.

“All burn-offs are the responsibility of the landowner to ensure that they are out and can’t
flare up later.”

CFA District 02 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Archie Conroy said that while recent rainfall had provided short-term relief, conditions were drying out quickly across the region.

“Rainfall totals are down across the board compared to last year, and with temperatures forecast to climb, we’re heading into a period where fires can start and spread rapidly,” Mr Conroy said.

“We are also expecting some unsettled weather in the district, so beginning the Fire Danger Period allows us to better protect our communities.

“We’re asking residents to take the time now to clean up their homes and properties before restrictions begin. Simple steps like clearing dry grass, leaves and debris can make a real difference when conditions heat up.”

Lighting fires in the open without a permit can attract penalties of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Residents planning to conduct burn-offs before the FDP begins must register their burn-off with authorities, either online through the Fire Permits Victoria website or by calling 1800 668 511. Registering ensures emergency call takers can prioritise genuine emergency calls.

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions,
visit cfa.vic.gov.au.

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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WHITTLESEA Neighbourhood House will host a special community event to mark the International Day of People with Disability on Thursday, December 4, at the Community Activity Centre, 57 Laurel Street, Whittlesea.

Running from 9am to 11am, the event will bring community members together to recognise and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and inclusion of people with disability within the local area. Attendees can look forward to a welcoming morning that promotes connection, understanding, and awareness.

The International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations–sanctioned observance held annually on December 3. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their contributions to community life. Each year, the day highlights the importance of removing barriers and fostering inclusive communities where everyone can participate fully.

Whittlesea Neighbourhood House encourages residents to come along and take part in this important celebration. For more information or to get involved, contact the Neighbourhood House on 9716 3361.

Specialised sleep service at Northern Health

The North Central Review

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November 18, 2025

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Specialised sleep service at Northern Health

NORTHERN Health has launched its first dedicated public sleep service, marking a transformative step in addressing a long-standing gap in access to sleep medicine for communities across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Located at Northern Hospital Epping, the new Sleep Centre introduces a digitally enabled, person-centred model of care that is reshaping how sleep health is delivered. Until now, all sleep testing at Northern Health was outsourced to external providers, both public and private, leading to long wait times, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited access to clinical support. These barriers were particularly challenging for patients with time-critical conditions.

The Sleep Centre features a six-bed laboratory with capacity for both overnight and daytime testing, including assessments for hypersomnia. It offers a streamlined, multidisciplinary model of care designed to improve access, reduce delays, and deliver timely treatment for conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), insomnia, and parasomnias.

Dr Katharine See, Director of Respiratory and Chief Outcomes Officer at Northern Health, said the service was a powerful example of how innovation can drive equity.

“By prioritising those most at risk and supporting people through digital pathways, we are improving access and delivering the outcomes that matter most to our community,” she said.

What sets the Sleep Centre apart is its innovative, digitally enabled care pathway delivered through the My Health@Northern app. Before their first consultation, patients complete an evidence-based questionnaire via SMS, enabling clinicians to identify those at highest risk and prioritise them for care.

The pathway continues to support patients while they are on treatment, providing trusted education resources, tracking symptoms, treatment responses, and quality of life, and enhancing patients’ ability to stay engaged and adhere to their care plan.

This approach not only empowers patients to manage their health from home, it also improves long-term outcomes while freeing up clinician time for more individualised care.

The launch aligns with Northern Health’s values of Safe, Kind, Together and its strategic goal of delivering high-quality, sustainable, person-centred care. By integrating diagnostics, consultation, and treatment into a single, streamlined pathway, the Sleep Service not only improves outcomes – it restores dignity and control to people navigating complex health challenges.