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Calling all artists in City of Whittlesea

September 17, 2024

It’s time for residents to show off their artistic talent at the City of Whittlesea’s annual art exhibition.

With this year’s theme, Hope: A Spectrum of Possibility, artists are invited to reflect on hope in all forms, whether it be feeling low to positive, or from wishes to collective goals.

The show is an opportunity to show and respond to this year’s theme in any form of art, including paintings, sculptures, digital pieces, or something completely unique.

Winner of the 2023 Youth Award, 9-year-old Renita, shared her thoughts on participating in the exhibition.

“Winning the Youth Award last year was amazing! I felt really happy, and it encouraged me to keep making art,” she said.

“This exhibition is so cool because people get to display their work, even if they don’t win an award. It was amazing to see different perspectives and art, some of which weren’t even pictures.”

The exhibition has been running for over 15 years and allows residents to connect, share, and inspire each other through creativity. All local artists are welcome to enter, regardless of experience level.

Artworks are to be submitted by 5pm on November 17.

Selected artworks will be displayed at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, located at 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, from January 17, 2025 until February 7, 2025.

For more details and to apply, visit IT’S time for residents to show off their artistic talent at the City of Whittlesea’s annual art exhibition.

With this year’s theme, Hope: A Spectrum of Possibility, artists are invited to reflect on hope in all forms, whether it be feeling low to positive, or from wishes to collective goals.

The show is an opportunity to show and respond to this year’s theme in any form of art, including paintings, sculptures, digital pieces, or something completely unique.

Winner of the 2023 Youth Award, 9-year-old Renita, shared her thoughts on participating in the exhibition.

“Winning the Youth Award last year was amazing! I felt really happy, and it encouraged me to keep making art,” she said.

Artworks are to be submitted by 5pm on November 17.

Selected artworks will be displayed at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, located at 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, from January 17, 2025 until February 7, 2025.

For more details and to apply, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/artexhibition.

Beloved centre upgraded in South Morang

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

The much-loved Riverside Community Activity Centre and Reserve in South Morang has seen a $1 million upgrade, designed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Craig Lloyd was joined by Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio this month to officially mark the redevelopment’s completion.

The project, funded by a $500,000 contribution from council and a matching $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, was split into two stages.

The first stage saw the refurbishment of the Community Activity Centre, which included the addition of a meeting room, expansion of the centre’s foyer, installation of a kitchenette, and improved acoustics in the community hall to assist people with hearing difficulties.

Access to the external accessible toilet was also enhanced and the centre’s cladding, heating, ventilation, and cooling systems were upgraded.

The installation of electric cooktops, ovens, and hot water systems throughout the building continued council’s shift away from gas appliances as it moves towards net zero emissions.

In the project’s second stage, a new barbecue, public seating, drinking fountain, and bike racks were installed.

Locals can also now access the playground more easily after improvements were made to the timber ramp, including the refurbishment of shelters.

Other works included installation of a concrete path, new precinct maps, and signage and landscaping.

Mr Lloyd said the project was a valuable investment in the community’s health and wellbeing and expressed gratitude to the State Government for its support.

“Community Activity Centres play such an important role in providing vital services to our diverse communities,” he said.

“Ensuring this centre is accessible to people of all ages and abilities means more residents can benefit from those services.

“The Riverside Reserve works build on the major redevelopment undertaken in 2022, which transformed the park into a wonderful place for families to gather.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said the centre was ‘good as new,’ with the help of strong partnerships across levels of government.

“People who live in this community will understand that even though the centre was really well used, it was very tired, and it needed a massive uplift,” she said.

“It’s a well-loved facility, and the community has got so much out of it over the years that’s it’s been here. It was absolutely time for a big refurbishment, and I can’t believe how it’s been transformed, it’s fantastic.”

Conserving local history

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

The Victorian Community History Awards are once again open, with the Local History Grants Program soon to follow, and all historical societies are encouraged to prepare an application.

In the past, the grants have proven to be popular. In 2021–2022, the Broadford and District Historical Society Inc. were awarded $14,000 to digitise copies of the Broadford Courier printed between 1951–1965.

Broadford Historical Society former secretary John Brissett said the grant made it possible to complete their range of online editions, and it would ‘fill in the gap’ for people who wanted to read about Broadford issues from the past.

“What [we did] was extend the time and range currently covered on the site. The earlier editions [didn’t] have people in them who are alive in Broadford right now, so I think having editions between 1951 and 1965 available will appeal more to people in Broadford right now,” he said.

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland successfully advocated for the continuation of the grants program in 2023, and praised the work of historical societies.

“Historical societies are an essential part of our regional communities. The volunteer-led organisations keep detailed archives of their region, maintaining extensive collections of local artefacts and information, showcasing our local history,” she said.

Ms Cleeland has generously offered to write a letter of support for anybody looking to apply, and invites applicants to call her office on 5762 1600.

Applications for the Victorian Community History Awards close October 2.

Free seminar for R U OK? Day in Broadford

Emily Waite

September 17, 2024

Free seminar for R U OK? Day in Broadford

In light of R U OK? Day, held annually on the second Thursday of September, the Broadford Adventist Church is running a special one-day only seminar on emotional intelligence later this month.

Pastor Vikram Panchal shared the importance of the event and extended a warm invitation to all.

“[The event will highlight the] value of checking in on your relative, neighbour, and work colleague with a simple ‘Are you okay?’ question,” he said.

“[It will] teach people how to enhance their emotional intelligence so they can better handle stress, unexpected setbacks in life, and worry.”

The free event will be held on September 28, with two one-hour sessions to be run. The first will begin at 11am, and the second at 1.30pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided in between.

In other church news, the Broadford Adventist Church recently graduated 10 attendees after partaking in a six-week seminar that focused on the healing power of forgiveness.

Pr Panchal said the seminar taught attendees the ‘importance of forgiveness to heal from past hurts, the true meaning of forgiveness, and the process to forgive and make it become a reality.’

“Each session involved watching a video on forgiveness followed by a lively discussion hosted by [myself] and Lani Matautia,” he said.

The church hopes to run the seminar again in 2025.

Broadford Adventist Church is located at 156-158 High Street, Broadford. For more information, email broadford.sda@gmail.com.

Recruits line up for Seymour Performers Workshop show

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

Recruits line up for Seymour Performers Workshop show

Dogfight is the next production for the Seymour Performers Workshop (SPW) and it’s a musical stage show you do not want to miss.

A play about romance and heartbreak, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the musical tells the story of three young marines.

When they hear of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, they set out for one final boy’s night of debauchery, partying, and maybe a little bit of trouble.

But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

Dogfight will be performed at the Seymour College Arts Centre on November 9, 10, 16 and 17.

For more information, visit www.spworkshop.org.auor call 0492 860 331.

Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre’s 25m pool closed for maintenance

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre’s 25m pool closed for maintenance

The Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre’s 25m pool will be closed from Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4, during the upcoming school holiday period for essential maintenance.

The primary focus of this closure is to install new filtration systems in the pool. The new filters will ensure the ongoing safety and efficiency of aquatic operations, providing a clean and safe swimming environment for all users.

Gym and group fitness classes will continue as usual, with the exception of aqua aerobics, and memberships will be temporarily suspended.

Kilmore Leisure Centre will offer additional capacity for aqua aerobics and will operate as normal throughout the closure, and members wishing to reinstate access can do so by emailing the Mitchell Shire Council Leisure Team at leisure@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.

Lifestyle memberships will remain active, allowing continued access to gym facilities.

Aquatic term memberships will be extended by five days to account for the closure.

For more information, call 5734 6200.

Natural treasures in spring

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

Mitchell Shire has many wonderful nature reserves—some small, some large, but all with a rich diversity of plants and animals on full display during spring.

Earlier this year, Mitchell Shire Council collaborated with community groups and organisations to create a brochure with detailed maps and information about the nature reserves that are open for everyone to enjoy and explore.

The Natural Treasures project was led by local ecologist and BEAM volunteer Dr Peter Mitchell.

The Natural Treasures booklet was recently updated, and now lists 36 public reserves in the Mitchell Shire. A reserve in Kilmore, Wallan, and Seymour have been chosen for school holiday events, including nature walks and family activities to introduce all ages to the wonderful diversity of nature in the region.

The activities will be run by local volunteers with lots of knowledge and experience of the natural world, and with support from the environmental staff at Mitchell Shire Council.

Mr Mitchell said that each of these ‘natural treasures,’ have different environments—from wet forests to dry woodlands—and have different but lovely arrays of plants.

“Mid-spring is the best time to see them all,” he said.

On Sunday, September 29, BEAM will hold a nature walk and activities for children at Monument Hill in Kilmore.

On Sunday, October 6, Wallan Environment Group and BEAM will lead an exploration of Hidden Valley Rail Reserve at Lucca Way, Wallan.

On Sunday, October 13, the Management Committee of Seymour Bushland Park and BEAM will organise nature walks and kids’ games in the park.

The events will run from 10am–2.30pm, and morning tea will be provided. Lunch will also be available at the Seymour Bushland Park event.

Copies of the Natural Treasures brochure are available from council’s customer service centres, libraries, and regional visitor centres. For a digital version of the brochure, visit www.beam.org.au/natural-treasures.

To register for the events, visit www.beam.org.au/events or call Peter Mitchell on 0468 795 954.

Easing into intuitive art at Kilmore Art Society

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

Easing into intuitive art at Kilmore Art Society

Recently, the Kilmore Art Society (KAS) hosted a series of workshops designed to help participants explore their inner selves, and find peace and mindfulness through art.

Kilmore artist Ian Hibbert taught the class, and he encouraged the participants to connect with their inner selves around loneliness, stress, grief, and a host of problems they might be stuck in through drawing and painting.

“People get hung up on the word ‘therapy,’ so the next workshop will be called ‘Intuitive Art,’ because it’s a voyage of self-discovery,” he said.

“The drawings we have been doing reflect what we think about ourselves on the inside.”

The workshops attracted around five participants, and along the way they made new friends.

Angela Dodkins has recently moved to the Mitchell Shire, and said she enjoys art.

“It’s helping me get to know the community in the area. I’ve only lived here for a month and art is one of my favourite things,” she said.

Avenel resident Veronica Osborne said her art helps keep things simple.

“My art helps take me back to a place where I would like to be, where things are simple,” she said.

KAS President Jeannette Jain said the workshops made her happy.

“We hope that [Ian] will come and do another one in the future as they are so valuable,” she said.

KAS are opening their studio to help support mature and budding artists to work on their art in a community setting. Participants can bring their own materials or choose from the KAS range. It’s free to join, and open to all ages every Wednesday, at 15 Anvil Avenue, Kilmore, from 10am.

For enquiries, call Jeannette Jain 0410 561 630.

Grants: What you can apply this week

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

Everyone loves a little moolah to spend on their dreams, businesses, careers, and organisations. Here’s what you can apply for this week:

Engage! 2025–2027

Who: Organisations looking to support and deliver events for those aged 12–25

How much: $20,000–$180,000

Date: Open now until Sept 23, 2024

More information: www.vic.gov.au/engage-2025-2027

VicTrack’s Community Grants Program

Who: Not-for-profit groups that lease rail land, buildings, and other assets from VicTrack that plan on delivering community projects

How much: A share of $500,000

Date: Open now until Sept 23, 2024

More information:www.victrack.com.au/communitygrants

Australia Day Grants

Who: Community groups holding free, respectful events for Australia Day

How much: Up to $1000

Date: Open now until Sept 29, 2024

More information: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Find-A-Grant/Australia-Day-Grants

FReeZA 2025–2027

Who: Victorians aged 12–25 leading and delivering youth events such as battle of the bands, concerts, visual art festivals, etc.

How much: $45,000–$120,000

Date: Open now until Sept 30, 2024

More information:www.vic.gov.au/freeza-2025-27

What’s on?: Mitchell Shire events

The North Central Review

September 17, 2024

Wondering what’s on around the town? We’ve got you covered.

Seymour Youth Room Relaunch

When: Tuesday, September 17, 3.30pm–5pm

Where: Seymour Youth Room

Cost: Free

Diamond Neil Diamond Tribute

When: Wednesday, September 18, 10am–2pm

Where: Kilmore Racing Club

Cost: Morning tea and show $15, and morning tea, show, and lunch $28

Ladies Car Maintenance Workshop

When: Thursday, September 19, 1pm–3pm

Where: Seymour Customer and Library Service Centre

Cost: Free, bookings required

Get Started Disability & Beyond Workshop Series

When: Friday, September 20, 10am–12pm

Where: Chittick Community Place

Cost: Free

Seasonal Concepts: Open House

When: Saturday, September 24, 9.30am–4.30pm

Where: Seasonal Concepts

Cost: Free

Trackside Market

When: Saturday, September 24, 10am–2pm

Where: Kilmore Racing Club

Cost: Free

For more information on the above events, visit www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/discovermitchell/awards-ceremonies-and-events/events

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