Safety upgrades for major roads

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April 28, 2026

A $1.24 MILLION federal funding will kickstart much-needed safety upgrades at high-traffic Findon Road in Epping.

The project will deliver a roundabout to the intersection of Findon Road and North Haven Drive, along with a left-in/left-out/right-in intersection and other supporting treatments to the identified black spot to help mitigate issues that have caused 15 casualty crashes.

A speed limit reduction to 60 kilometres per hour will also be considered.

With a $505,000 Federal Government funding, safety improvements will also be carried out to the intersection of Wattle Street and Myrtle Street, Thomastown. There will be a roundabout and other supporting treatments to be installed to reduce crashes at the intersection.

This is part of the $48 million committed to Victorian roads under the 2026-27 Black Spot Program federal funding round.

Federal Member for Scullin Andrew Giles said the government is making a significant investment in improving road safety.

The government has increased annual Black Spot Program funding to $150 million to improve road safety across the country.

“It is a key part of our commitment to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Giles said.

Mr Giles said the Federal Government will continue to work with the Victorian Government and Whittlesea Council to deliver more critical road safety upgrades in the future.

For details on funded projects, to make a nomination, or for further information on the Australian Government Black Spot Program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local–initiatives/black–spot–program

Kilmore Toyota to sponsor new hockey team

The North Central Review

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April 28, 2026

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Kilmore Toyota to sponsor new hockey team

KILMORE TOYOTA has announced a new partnership with the Melbourne Cobras ahead of the 2026 Hockey One season, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to supporting local communities, families and grassroots sport.

The dealership said it is excited to align with an ambitious new hockey franchise that shares its values of community connection, participation and creating memorable local experiences. It also said the partnership represents a natural extension of Kilmore Toyota’s ongoing investment in initiatives that bring people together and inspire the next generation.

Through the partnership, Kilmore Toyota will deliver community activations designed to connect with families and supporters both at home games and across regional locations throughout the Cobras’ 2026 season.

A key focus of the collaboration will be supporting the growth of grassroots hockey through the Cobras’ expanding Hookin2Hockey program. Kilmore Toyota will play an active role in new and developing centres across Mitchell Shire and beyond, helping to make sport more accessible for young people and families throughout the region.

Kilmore Toyota Dealer Principal Adam Dove said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Melbourne Cobras as they prepare for their inaugural Hockey One season in 2026. Supporting local communities, families and grassroots sport is at the heart of everything we do at Kilmore Toyota, so this partnership is a natural fit for us.

“From creating engaging experiences for fans to supporting programs like Hookin2Hockey in our local towns, we’re excited to help inspire participation and bring people together through sport.”

Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern welcomed the partnership and its positive impact on the region.

“We are delighted to partner with Kilmore Toyota, an organisation that actively supports local communities and grassroots sport. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening connections across Melbourne’s north and creating more opportunities for participation in hockey.”

Free kindergarten in Mitchell Shire

The North Central Review

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April 28, 2026

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FREE kindergarten is now available for three- and four-year-old children across Mitchell Shire, giving families access to play-based learning that fosters friendships, routines and supports a strong start to education.

In line with the Best Start Best Life reform, three-year-old children now have access to 15 hours of play-based kindergarten each week, and four-year-old children have access to a 20-hour Pre Prep program.

These programs build confidence, independence and provide opportunities for lifelong learning in preparation for school.

Families are being encouraged to enrol now, with round 1 offers made in June.

Mitchell’s kindergarten open day is on Saturday, May 2, giving families the chance to tour centres, meet educators and learn more about the programs on offer.

Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said kindergarten played a key role in helping children build confidence early.

“Kindergarten is where children start to find their confidence – learning how to be part of a group, follow routines and build friendships,” Cr Dougall said.

Kindergarten starts sooner than many families think – and those early years play a vital role in shaping how children learn, connect and grow.

Mitchell Shire Council’s sessional kindergarten programs offer a structured, play-based learning environment delivered by bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and experienced educators, with a strong focus on child development and school readiness.

With consistent weekly hours, children have more opportunities to settle into routines, build relationships and develop independence before starting primary school.

“Our sessional kindergarten programs are designed to support that growth, with qualified teachers guiding children through structured, play-based learning that prepares them for school and beyond,” Cr Dougall said.

Children attending sessional kindergarten benefit from intentional learning experiences that build communication, problem-solving and social skills, while becoming familiar with routines similar to a school day.

Cr Dougall said the delivery of high-quality, free kindergarten was a significant advantage for Mitchell Shire families.

“Families can access high-quality early education close to home, in a program that focuses on learning, development and a smooth transition to school,” he said.

To learn more and apply, visit mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/kindergartens

Visit the kindergartens during the open day on May 2. Details: mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/2026-kindergarten-open-day

Pet of the Week

The North Central Review

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April 28, 2026

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OUR VIP is Crumpet. She has just turned one and is the youngest beloved member of
the Wood family.

She is super cheeky and a very vocal cat who often greets you with a “meow meow.”

Her favourite pastime is watching birds from a window and playing with her soft toy banana.

Thank you to Lana Wood from Broadford for sharing Crumpets photo.

Mini Crossword (28/04/2026)

Puzzles

The North Central Review

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April 28, 2026

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Mini Crossword puzzle of the week

How to play Mini Crossword

You can solve the clues in any order. Click or tap on either a clue or a box in the grid to start entering an answer. You can also use the arrow keys, enter/shift-enter or, tab/shift-tab to move around the grid. The clues for words that have been entirely filled in are marked gray, whether the answer is correct or not.

Play Mini Crossword together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this Mini Crossword puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)

Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

Sudoku – Easy (28/04/2026)

Puzzles

The North Central Review

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April 28, 2026

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Sudoku (Easy) puzzle of the day

How to play Sudoku

The objective of Sudoku is to fill each row, column and sub-grid with exactly one of the possible entries (usually, the numbers 1-9). A conflict arises if you repeat any entry in the same row, column or sub-grid.

Play Sudoku together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this sudoku puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)

Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

Sudoku – Medium (28/04/2026)

Puzzles

The North Central Review

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April 28, 2026

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Sudoku (Medium) puzzle of the day

How to play Sudoku

The objective of Sudoku is to fill each row, column and sub-grid with exactly one of the possible entries (usually, the numbers 1-9). A conflict arises if you repeat any entry in the same row, column or sub-grid.

Play Sudoku together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this sudoku puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)

Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

Crossword 11×11 (28/04/2026)

Puzzles

The North Central Review

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April 28, 2026

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11×11 Crossword puzzle of the day

How to play 11×11 Crossword

You can solve the clues in any order. Click or tap on either a clue or a box in the grid to start entering an answer. You can also use the arrow keys, enter/shift-enter or, tab/shift-tab to move around the grid. The clues for words that have been entirely filled in are marked gray, whether the answer is correct or not.

Play 11×11 Crossword together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this crossword puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)