Home Blog Page 321

Introducing the Goorbils: All-abilities basketball team

September 3, 2024

The Goorbils are the first ever all-abilities basketball team for Mitchell Shire, and they are training under Coach Simon Fox for a debut match against the Benalla ‘Breakers.’

The first game will take place on Monday, September 16, at the Benalla Basketball Stadium at 6.15pm.

Mitchell Shire Council, Nexus Primary Health, and Healthy Kids Mitchell have worked together to create a voice for the all-abilities community, including those diagnosed with a physical or intellectual disability.

Diversity and Inclusion Officer with Nexus Primary Health and Team Coordinator Wendy Kelly said the team has been founded on the principles of diversity and community spirit.

“By focusing on what athletes can achieve rather than limitations, all-abilities sports foster an empowering environment where participants gain confidence, improve their skills, and form meaningful connections with others,” she said.

“Everyone is welcome to join in as a player, spectator, volunteer, or to come on board as a supporter.”

Goulburn Valley Gangurru Parasports and Inclusion is led by Fox, who is supported by Grace Dean as Assistant Coach, and Judeline and Jasmin Flores to facilitate the development of the Goorbils.

“My team is an all-inclusive sporting and disability empowerment registered charity through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), and we’re disability led,” he said.

“Our concept is to further extend healthy minds and healthy bodies by supporting improved psychosocial connections, as well as personal development.”

Valley Sport is another regional non-for-profit organisation cheering for the Goorbils, and they supported them with a series of ‘come-and-try’ programs where participants played eight different sports, with basketball a clear favourite.

The Goorbil’s uniforms have been sponsored by Seymour Exercise Physiology.

Training is held every Monday at 4pm at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre.

For more information, call Wendy Kelly between Monday to Thursday on 1300 77 33 52.

City of Whittlesea’s Quarry Hills tender approved

Emily Waite

September 3, 2024

City of Whittlesea’s Quarry Hills tender approved

A contract for the installation of critical infrastructure at Quarry Hills Parkland was successfully awarded at City of Whittlesea’s August Council meeting.

Such critical infrastructure includes electricity, lighting, water, communication, and sewer services which will be delivered to the Granite Hills Major Community Park and Aboriginal Gathering Place.

The contract will also see approximately 1200 metres of sealed road, 149 car parks, and 1600 metres of services delivered to the spaces.

The Aboriginal Gathering Place will aim to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally safe space for Aboriginal Peoples, while the Granite Hills Major Community Park will be a local attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Attractions are set to include an adventure park and playground with nature play, open-air pavilion, barbecues, picnic settings, giant slides, lawn maze, water play, walking trails, public toilets, and more.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said awarding the tender was a significant milestone for both projects.

“The Aboriginal Gathering Place and Granite Hills Major Community Park are two projects that will bring tremendous benefits to our community,” she said.

“This tender will deliver road access and car parking to both sites so that people can enjoy the parkland precinct and all it has to offer.”

Works are expected to begin late 2024 and be completed mid-2025.

For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Upgrades flagged for Lalor Reserve

Emily Waite

September 3, 2024

A new master plan for VR Michael Reserve in Lalor was endorsed at City of Whittlesea’s August Council meeting.

The new plan comes after extensive community consultation highlighted the need for upgraded wayfinding signage, and additional and inclusive recreational features such as gathering spaces, fitness stations, table tennis tables, and a bouldering wall.

Additional recommendations were made for lighting upgrades, an extension to the car park, and a designated drop-off area.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said community insight had helped shape the plan which will guide future development at the Reserve.

“This plan will not only improve the functionality and accessibility of the Reserve, but also will help create a welcoming and enjoyable space for all,” she said.

“We are particularly excited about the recently upgraded car park, along with the proposed lighting, extension of the main car park, and a proposed drop-off area adjacent to the Bocce Social Club, which will make parking safer and more convenient for visitors.”

The recommendations within the master plan are subject to future funding.

To view the master plan for VR Michael Reserve visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/vrmichael.

Sulky Snippets

Len Baker

September 3, 2024

Vic bred Super Sires Series heats over 2180m were held at Kilmore’s eight race program on Thursday, August 29, featuring eight heats for 3YO colts, geldings, and fillies over 2180m and it came as no surprise that the dominant Cardigan-based Emma Stewart stable won the lot.

Art Major-Carolsideal’s gelding Sir Jimmy (Greg Sugars) landed the first heat for 3YO C & G in a mile rate of 1-57.5. Settling one/one from gate two on the second line, Sir Jimmy surged up three wide to cross the poleline leader Chart Topper shortly after the start and was never headed, defeating stablemate Some American (three pegs) who had angled off the markers in the first lap to race exposed. King Repellere (one/two – three wide home turn) was third. The margins 4.8 by 11.7m in 1-57.5.

Art Major-Lettucedance’s colt War Dan Buddy was successful in the Art Major second heat with James Herbertson doing the driving. Starting from the extreme draw, War Dan Buddy possied four back in the moving line as Dougs Flame led before handing over to Stormryder with Sergeant Lou going forward to race exposed. Commencing a forward move three wide in the last lap, War Dan Buddy claimed the pacemaker on turning to record a 1.2m margin in an identical 1-57.5 over Stormryder and Sergeant Lou who fought on gamely 6.7m away.

Heat three of the Art Major saw American Ideal-Starburst Girl’s colt Best Deal victorious in 1-56.9 with Mark Pitt in the sulky. Leading out from gate three, Best Deal led throughout to record a 1-56.9 mile rate 6m in advance of Kingman (three wide to outside the winner), with Nonotthebuttons (one/one) third 5.6m back.

Heat four of the Art Major was taken out by Always B Miki-Jo Louleonie’s colt Miki To Success with Jackie Barker driving. Despite racing exposed from gate four, Miki To Success was too strong for his rivals, greeting the judge 12.9m clear of Always Be Blakey who led in 1-55.8. A lot Like Louie (one/one) was third 11.6m away.

The first heat of the Vincent for Fillies went the way of Art Major-Somejoy’s filly Showsomejoy with Mark Pitt doing the driving. Not wasting any time from the extreme draw, Showsomejoy was off and running at the start to assume control from pole marker Sydneysider Luvareschs who offered no resistance before coasting to the wire 6.9m ahead of Zahra Lou, who finished hard from three pegs in the straight. Marlo Mareau (three pegs) was third 4.9m away. The mile rate 1-59.4.

The second Vincent heat saw Hes Watching-Illustrator’s filly Draw A Dream victorious with Kerryn Manning driving. Taken back at the start from outside the front line, Draw A Dream was sent forward mid-race to park outside the pacemaker Tough Shaz (gate three) who handed over to Draw A Dream with a circuit to travel. Kicking clear on the home turn, Draw A Dream scored by 6.5m from Looks Like Diamonds (three wide to outside the leader) in the last lap, with Vague Beauty (one/two – three wide home turn) third 8.7m away. The mile rate 1-57.3.

Bettors Delight-Our Star Dust’s filly Eureka Jo snared the third heat in 1-57.9. Driven by Kate Gath, Eureka Jo settled three pegs from gate six as polemarker Ever Art led. Flashing home along the sprint lane, Eureka Jo bloused Ever Art by 1.2m returning a 1-57.9 mile rate. Renewal (one/one – three wide home turn) was third 3.6m back.

Heat four was taken out by Kiwi bred Always B Miki-Weownthenight’s filly Kiss again for the Stewart camp. Driven by Cameron Hart, Kiss was slowly away from gate two with Eureka flying away from gate five for Connor Clarke. Once balanced, Kiss was set alight to park outside the leader, proving too tough at the business end for Stitched Up Dan who trailed by 2.2m in 1-58. Elusive held third 13.9m away.

KILMORE XTRA

Five-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven-Frisky Risky Rita’s mare Leave Your Hat On, trained at Doreen by John Yeomans, was successful at Shepparton on Thursday, August 27, taking the 2190m Alabar Pace. Driven by James Herbertson, Leave Your Hat On was sent forward from gate four to race exposed outside Jilliby Tidalwave (gate six) before gaining cover when the favourite Pet Kitty, who was quickly away from inside the second line, was set alight mid-race from four back in the moving line to race uncovered at the bell. When Pet Kitty, going for six wins in succession, put pay to the leader on the final bend, Leave Your Hat On was poised to pounce – and that she did on turning to strip Pet Kitty of another victory, racing away to score by 7.6m in rate of 1-59.1. Out Of Eden off a three wide trail from five back in the last lap was third 5.3m back.

Revitalised 9YO Rock N Roll Heaven-Awesomely’s mare Righteously, trained at Wallan by Ruth Shinn, registered her 12^th success in 180 outings when victorious in the Danny & Mel Thackeray Pace over 1690m. Given every opportunity by son Chris one/one from gate two, Righteously, despite making the final bend four wide, ran home best to score by a head from Mynameisruby (one/three – four wide trail home turn on the back of the winner) who would have given Herbie four for the night. Our Mystery Bet, after following the leader Marianna Bromac (gate four) from the pole and moving outside her, approaching the home turn was third 3m away. The mile rate 2-01.9.

Kilmore will race again on Thursday, September 12

Seymour Cup coming up

The North Central Review

September 3, 2024

A broad range of tickets and packages are now available for sale ahead of one of Country Racing Victoria’s marquee events, the bet365 Seymour Cup.

The Seymour Cup will be held on Sunday, October 13, with gates opening at 11am for one of the best annual days of entertainment Seymour has to offer.

The day will feature style spotting, a food court of local vendors, a trackside DJ, and free entry for kids alongside a fantastic range of packages to suit every need.

Seymour Racing Club (SRC) Chief Executive Chris Martin is encouraging everyone to purchase packages early with Bar Landy dining options having sold out in record time.

“There’s a real buzz around town ahead of the Seymour Cup every year and it’s the talk of the town at the moment,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone across the community to come together, enjoy top class country racing, and plenty of other activities trackside.

“We’ve got some amazing local businesses ready to wow racegoers in the food court, some great activities for the kids and packages for businesses, families, and individuals.”

Options range from general admission tickets on the day to the popular CUB Brookvale Union Party Marquee.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a racing diehard or a first-time racegoer. We’ll find a package to ensure you have a great day out,” Mr Martin said.

“There’s Mini Marquees, Picnic Table and Umbrella Packages, and Private Corporate Marquees which are perfect for group bookings.

“For those looking for a festive atmosphere, you can’t go past the CUB Brookvale Party Marquee that’ll be pumping with DJs through the afternoon.

“We’re so excited for cup day and can’t wait to welcome one and all to Kobyboyn Rd for a great day out.”

To purchase tickets and packages, visit https://country.racing.com/seymour/calendar/seymour-cup.

Finals for the Kilmore Reserves

Jo Kubeil

September 3, 2024

The Northern Football Netball League Preliminary Final drew the crowds to the Lalor Recreation Reserve on Saturday to see which sides will play in the Grand Final next week.

Kilmore Reserves Coach Leigh Irons is hoping the Reserves can return to their winning ways, after their last game resulted in a 32-point defeat to Mernda. He said losing that game was a reality check, and they play better when they play back-to back.

“We had the bye last week, [prior] and we’ve shown this year that our worst footy has been off a bye,” he said.

“We earned the crack at a second chance, and we’re going to use it. To be honest, it’s a reality check.”

After the bounce, the Blues immediately set up their wall of defenders and ball barriers, and they were ready to pounce on any loose balls before the Old Paradians could get to them. It was a low scoring quarter, with the Old Paradians kicking the only goal for the quarter near the eight-minute mark, while Kilmore kicked five behinds.

Into the second quarter, near the six-minute mark, Kilmore took the lead with a crowd-pleasing goal, and the crowd wanted more, and another goal came six minutes later. Shortly before the end of the first term, the Old Paradians kicked a goal, but Kilmore were still in front by four points, 2.6 (18) to 2.2 (14).

The second term was explosive and rewarding for Kilmore at least. It was goal after goal from Kilmore and the Old Paradians could not keep up, with three back-to-back goals from the Blues. The chance to play again this weekend looked more and more like a possibility. The Old Paradians snuck in a goal near the 16-minute mark, but it didn’t stop the familiar corridor Kilmore had set up from being used again, and they responded with four back-to-back goals to finish the third quarter in front, 10.8 (68) to 3.2 (20).

When the Old Paradians returned from their huddle and kicked the first goal, the crowd got even louder, and when they missed four back-to back shots, the cheers could be heard from miles away. It was near the 18-minute mark when Kilmore won possession again, and scored two nifty goals to extend their lead, and finish in front with a convincing victory 12.8 (80) to 4.7 (31).

Kilmore will go on to play Mernda in the Grand Final next week, and it will be a memorable game for the Blues, as Mernda came close to snuffing out the Reserves’ winning streak in Round 8, and then succeeded in beating Kilmore in Qualifying Final rounds by 32 points.

The best players for Kilmore were Thomas McMillan, Hayden Phillips, David Saunders, Ryan McDonald, Brian Lawrence, and Cole Isbister.

Goal kickers were Ryan McDonald with four, Brian Lawrence, Marcus Webb, and Ryan Hall with two each, and Cole Isbister, Marcus Webb, and Michael Fenech with one each.

In the Senior games, the Old Paradians defeated Mernda by 61 points. Although Mernda won the first quarter 2-5, the Old Paradians exploded and finished the first term in front, 68-11. When the siren sounded the score was 17.12 (114) to 7.11 (53).

This weekend, the Old Paradians will play Mernda in the Grand Final at 2.10pm, at the Lalor Recreation Reserve.

An eyesore for tradies

Emily Waite

September 3, 2024

Tradies are being reminded not to substitute sunglasses for safety glasses.

The warning comes after new data from Specsavers found that despite 68 per cent of tradies witnessing an eye injury or eye safety hazard and 42 per cent having suffered an eye injury, three in five tradies still wear sunglasses in place of safety glasses, placing their eyes and vision at risk.

Local Mill Park Specsavers Optometrist Jian Guo urged tradespeople to prioritise their vision, stating that many long term or irreversible damages could be prevented, if the correct safety equipment was worn.

“We are urging tradies to take their eye safety seriously and be sure to take preventative measures on the worksite to protect their eyesight,” she said.

“Sunglasses are not the right tool for protection against injuries. Safety glasses on the worksite are fit-for-purpose and provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes, significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.”

Adding further reason for concern, at least one in five tradies will opt for sunglasses when performing three of the riskiest tasks for dust and splinters entering the eye. Such tasks include drilling (42 per cent), sawing (35 per cent), and jackhammering (23 per cent).

While Ms Guo acknowledged the importance of UV safety, she noted that sunglasses did not meet minimum workplace safety requirements.

“While we encourage wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outside, they are not a substitute,” she said.

“Safety glasses adhere to strict safety standards, ensuring durability, comfort, and clear visibility, making them effective and reliable for various industrial tasks, unlike sunnies.

“As Optometrists, we are urging all tradies to take eye protection seriously by wearing specially designed safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris and dust. Even small particles entering the eye can lead to infection.

“This simple preventative measure can save you from experiencing vision loss from injury or subsequent infection.

“Health professionals want tradies to know that prevention is always better than cure, and getting regular eye tests is important to helping retain quality of vision, now and for years to come.”

Findon Primary School student leaders give back

The North Central Review

September 3, 2024

Findon Primary School student leaders give back

Findon Primary School educated its school community on homelessness last month, with its Wellbeing Ambassadors handing over non-perishable items to local shelters at an assembly.

Taking initiative on Homelessness Week, the school’s Wellbeing Ambassadors and its community participated in a food drive, where students went the extra mile to collect food items that would support the wider community and the Hope Centre in Bundoora.

The Hope Centre supports community projects to provide clothing and food to people who are underprivileged, partnering with charity organisation Big Group Hug who uses the Centre to connect with families through the northern catchment.

Hope Centre Community Pastor John Graham, who was the special guest at the assembly, said it was fantastic to find students thinking about others in the community.

Hope Centre 1 1 — The team at Hope Centre distributing the food from Findon Primary School.

“My role is to identify needs in the community that the church community can connect with, and can refer to our counselling centre as well at the Hope Centre. [We] also … provide free food and free lunches,” he said.

“[It’s] absolutely fantastic because it’s generational, and that way they get to actually see the world they’re part of, and as they’re growing and learning through school, what better way [than] through community outreach.”

Principal Anita Osavkovska praised the Wellbeing Ambassadors in helping those experiencing homelessness.

“We’re actually really proud of the Wellbeing Ambassadors in taking on that role, but also … the whole school coming together as a collective,” she said.

“As a principal, like I said at the assembly, our students are very caring, very compassionate … they are individuals moulding to be citizens as they grow up.

“We’re hoping that this little bit of help will go out to families within our community who are doing it tough at the moment, and just need that little bit of help.”

Footloose fever for Whittlesea Secondary College

Pam Kiriakidis

September 3, 2024

Footloose fever for Whittlesea Secondary College

Whittlesea Secondary College students will put on their best dancing shoes this Friday night for the opening of the school’s production of Footloose.

The largest set to hit the school’s stage with several location changes and set moves, this year’s production has around 23 students in the cast, with 10 behind the scenes and another 50 to 60 students involved in building sets and preparing for the show.

A crowd favourite packed with 80s nostalgia, Footloose is augmented with dynamic new songs from its bestselling Oscar-nominated score, celebrating the exhilaration of youth while exploring the power of forgiveness.

Whittlesea Secondary student Daniel Martin will step into the dancing shoes of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy who moves to the small town of Bomont and finds himself at odds with most of the town, after Reverend Bomont convinced the town to outlaw dancing.

But with the help of the Reverend’s daughter Ariel Moore and best friend Willard Hewitt, who will be played by students Ally Chesswas and Jem Johnson, Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in turn, helps the town to heal from a tragedy.

Other supporting characters include Ariel’s best friend and talkaholic Rusty Rodriguez, who will be played by student Jorji Allison.

Footloose will be the fourth show Shaun Geerlings-Parker has directed at the school, following last year’s production of Chicago: High School Edition, which received its first nominations in the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria last year.

Mr Geerlings-Parker said this year’s show was his ‘most challenging production’.

“This production has probably been my hardest one here due to the fact that there’s so many elements, we’ve got a massive set, it’s a huge technical production,” he said.

“There’s lots of elements in this production compared to Chicago last year.

“It’s a high energy show, it’s been fast for the students to learn. The students have done a great job of pulling it together really quickly.”

The production will have its opening night this Friday at 7pm at the school’s Performing Arts Centre, located at 55 Laurel Street, Whittlesea.

To find more dates and tickets, visit www.bit.ly/3yM2jkR.

1...320321322...1,088 Page 321 of 1,088