A new healthcare hub

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March 31, 2026

EPPING is fast becoming a genuine health venue in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with ground broken for the New Epping Health Hub, located near the Northern Hospital, on Thursday morning.

The sod turn is the start of construction for the $100 million New Epping medical service, which will deliver key healthcare service in the northern corridor.

Attended by State Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne, City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox and Deputy Mayor Blair Colwell and representatives from VIDA Health, Riverlee, Kane Constructions, Northern Health and other healthcare services, the new project brings together private and public healthcare.

Riverlee director Kevin Lee said this was an important breakthrough for healthcare in the northern suburbs.

“This marks an important milestone, not just for the project, but the future of healthcare in Melbourne’s north,” he said.

“New Epping, this precinct, has always been about transformation, and what was once a dormant quarry and tip site has become one of Australia’s most ambitious urban renewal projects.

“It will truly be a city within the suburbs, connecting nature, people and wellbeing.

“At the heart of this vision is the New Epping Health Hub, which is a seven-hectare, $1 billion healthcare ecosystem which is already establishing itself as the premier destination for healthcare, practitioners and innovation in the region.”

Mr Lee said this was part of a major push to bring new infrastructure into the town.

“Over the past few years, we have delivered our first wave of projects, which include the Northern Private Hospital, our three residential communities along Greengate Way, as well as our Punthill Hotel which we will complete in May, with an opening in June,” he said.

“This milestone represents the second wave of projects at New Epping, which includes the expansion of the New Epping Health Hub, premium office suites as well as our childcare centre, just south of the Punthill Hotel.

“We’re excited to break ground on what will be the next critical piece of that series of projects, the New Epping Medical building. This building has been designed with a simple idea in mind, that better environments lead to better outcomes, natural light, integrated wellness spaces.

“Constructed by Kane, this six-level state-of-the-art medical building will bring together leading practitioners and services directly connected to the Northern Private Hospital and the Northern Public Hospital.

“That will place our tenant partners and their patients at the centre of Melbourne’s most integrated public health network.”

Ms Horne said she was excited to continue partnering with Northern Health and the wider precinct to bring the healthcare hub to Epping and New Epping.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to see what is happening. We know that this part of the world is one of the fastest growing places in Australia,” she said.

“In terms of being able to see what is happening and how we can partner as a state is particularly of interest to me. I’ve been out a number of times to what we have done with the Northern Hospital, where we have a new ambulatory care centre that’s going in, plus stage two with the expanded emergency department, and seeing how that will work seamlessly with what Riverlee and its associates is doing is pretty exciting.

“I think, together, those investments in major hospitals and community-based medical facilities are creating that really connected healthcare network, and these sort of facilities can make sure we have that integrated approach that is vital for growing communities.”

Football ready to go for 2026

Michael Thompson

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March 31, 2026

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FINAL plans are being put together by football clubs around the area as the countdown begins to the Northern Football Netball League season start.

Just four days remain until the season starts with two Good Friday blockbusters, with division 1 seeing Eltham and Greensborough play one another, while Reservoir and Lalor meet in a division 3 standalone clash.

However, many Northern Football Netball League teams played its last practice matches before the season proper starts for all other clubs on April 11 and 12.

Whittlesea had three big practice matches over the last three weeks, taking on Taylors Lakes, Mitcham and Old Carey, with a much-changed team from last season including the recruitment of reigning division 3 best and fairest Bailey Robinson from Kinglake.

The Eagles narrowly went down to Old Carey by 20 points, while the women’s team took care of Hillside by five goals as preparations continued for the Eagles to play South Morang and Thomastown respectively in round one.

Meantime, Laurimar have had a productive practice match period, defeating Doncaster in an under 23 practice match, before shocking division 2 team Lower Plenty to win by five points. On the weekend, the Power played its final game before their season starts against Watsonia in round one, easily accounting for Kew Bears at RMIT.

South Morang was determined to show it was ready to reclaim its division 1 status after getting relegated last season, holding off a third-quarter charge from West Preston-Lakeside and winning by 22 points at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.

The Lions had previously played Surrey Park the week before.

LOOKING FORWARD: Josh Mazzarella looked for options in Mernda’s win over Panton Hill.

Mernda’s final matches before the season start saw it play Panton Hill, with the Demons sweeping aside the Redbacks to emerge as impressive winners.

It was the second time in two weeks that the Demons had accounted for an opponent in a high division, with the Demons coming from behind to defeat EDFL division 1 team St Albans the week before.

The Demons travel to Epping in round one to play in the Patrick Chow Cup.

All jiggy with Celtic Cross Irish Dance Academy

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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All jiggy with Celtic Cross Irish Dance Academy

IRISH dancing is making a comeback to northern metropolitan Melbourne suburbs with two open days on Saturday, April 11, and Saturday, April 18.

Proprietor Chloe Wheeler and her mother Julie Wheeler are proud to reintroduce the vibrant dance form that stops a nation since Irish dancing was introduced by some of Victoria’s earliest settlers in the 19^th century.

In the 20^th century, Irish dancing has evolved in leaps and bounds, (no pun intended) especially since Riverdance burst onto the stage in the 90s.

Chloe Wheeler began dancing at the age of five and continued for 22 years. During that time she competed at state, national and international level competitions.

“If you want it to, it can take you places,” she said.

“Irish dancing can increase fitness and confidence. Dancers can learn something new or rediscover a beloved past time and, most importantly, make new friends.

“All ages, all levels of fitness and all levels of ability are welcome to learn. A casual class is just $20 and it runs for the duration of one hour with warm-ups and cool-downs included,” Ms Wheeler said.

Ms Wheeler also said the dress code for casual classes is a T-shirt and leggings or shorts and a good pair of runners, although she prefers to dance in her socks if she doesn’t have her dance shoes.

“I prefer to dance in my socks as opposed to runners because I can see technique development better without shoes,” Ms Wheeler said.

Celtic Cross Irish Dance Academy has two locations and there is sure to be one near you, so why not visit its open days to see inside the studios?

Mrs Wheeler said: “It’s exciting to be introducing Irish dancing to our local people. Whilst Chloe is getting to know new students, I’ll be in charge of the Irish dance costume display, photos, videos, and registration packs. There will be something for everyone.”

The Craigieburn studio’s opening will be held on Saturday, April 11, at The Guide Hall, 33 Hamilton Street between 10am and 11am. The Reservoir studio opening will be on Saturday, April 18, at the BEAT dance studio, unit 37/2 Cobham Street, between 1pm and 2pm.

Thereafter casual classes will be held during typical school terms, commencing on Saturday, May 2. Credit card and EFTPOS facilities are available for weekly or term payments.

Celtic Cross Dance Academy is registered with AIDA Victoria, AIDA Australia and CLRG Dublin and these networks are referenced on its Facebook and Instagram socials, and also www.celticcrossirishdanceacademy.com.au

For inquires, call Julie on 0412 840 611 or email juliewheeler.aus@gmail.com

Rail Street closure concerns

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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CONCERNS from Wandong and Heathcote Junction residents over the imminent closure of Rail Street have been raised, with the road set to be closed for eight to 10 weeks from mid-April.

Emails seen by The North Central Review from secretary of the Wandong Heathcote Junction Community Group secretary Allen Hall claim that Rail Street was originally meant to be left open, but the closure now means that traffic concerns have been raised.

“The closure would be contrary to earlier advice and agreement that Rail Street would be kept open to traffic during the project,” he said.

“If closure was permitted the pressure on Heathcote Junction and the rail crossing would be unmanageable particularly at school times.

“The traffic queued on Epping-Kilmore Road would be dangerous and blocking through traffic at most times and could stretch for a kilometre when the booms are down for trains that can be slow and as long as two kilometres. There is no turning lane from the north and a very short turning lane from the south.

“The same applies on Rail Street where traffic could extend from the school (and new childcare) to the rail crossing and beyond. It will be impossible for emergency vehicles to negotiate this disaster.”

Inland Rail has confirmed that briefings were held with the Wandong CFA, Wandong Primary School, Wandong Kindergarten, with their feedback stating that the groups were comfortable with the proposed traffic detours, and that communications would be distributed to residents and community groups once finalised.

Other concerns that were raised were the potential of Inland Rail’s footprint creep and the potential Dry Creek riparian zone impacts.

Mr Hall stated he was disappointed with a lack of consultation.

“The whole frustrating thing is the impact it will have, especially around school times, we’re talking about 100 cars coming to the school and buses,” he said.

“There are buses that come along Rail Street to go to Whittlesea, to Assumption College, to Broadford and to Wallan. They’ll be queued up along Rail Street as well.”

An Inland Rail spokesperson said the works were the most efficient way the project could be completed.

“A temporary road closure is required on Rail Street while Inland Rail works are undertaken to construct a new roundabout on the Broadford-Wandong Road intersection,” the spokesperson said.

“Inland Rail understands the inconvenience this may cause some road users but assures the community this will be the most efficient, effective and safest way to complete these works.”

Mass class action in the region

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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VICTORIA’S claim to be the “Education State” has been thrown into sharp doubt, with tens of thousands of teachers walking off the job last week in the largest education strike in more than a decade.

Classrooms across the district were disrupted as local educators joined industrial action led by the Australian Education Union. Schools in Kilmore, Broadford, Wallan, Wandong, Seymour, Willowmavin and Whittlesea were all impacted, forcing families to scramble for alternative arrangements.

For the State Government, the strike marked a significant escalation in a dispute that shows no sign of easing.

At the heart of the standoff is a widening gulf between what teachers say they need and what the government is prepared to offer. The union is pushing for a 35 per cent pay increase over four years, arguing Victorian teachers have fallen behind interstate counterparts and are now among the lowest paid in the country. The government has countered with an offer of roughly 18 per cent, maintaining it is both fair and fiscally responsible.

But for many teachers, the dispute goes far beyond wages.

One Kilmore-based teacher, who asked not to be named, said the pressures inside classrooms are reaching breaking point.

“If Victoria is serious about its ‘Education State’ branding, it must confront the reality inside its classrooms, where teacher shortages, burnout and declining morale are becoming entrenched. Our schools here are feeling the strain, often struggling the most to attract and retain staff,” The teacher said.

What has become increasingly clear, however, is that teachers are not standing alone.

Across the region, parents and community members have rallied behind educators, voicing strong support for their demands and recognising the pressures facing schools. Many families, despite the inconvenience of disrupted learning, say the strike has highlighted deeper systemic issues that cannot be ignored.

Wendy (not her real name), is a parent of two children at Wallan Secondary College, said she supports the action despite the challenges it created for her family.

“It wasn’t easy organising care at short notice, but I completely understand why teachers are doing this. They’re stretched too thin, and that affects our kids. If we want quality education, we need to support the people delivering it,” she said.

This growing community backing is shifting the tone of the dispute. What might once have been seen as a pay fight is now being viewed more broadly as a stand for the future of public education, particularly in regional and outer suburban areas where staffing shortages are often most acute.

The strike has also intensified public scrutiny of the government’s long-standing “Education State” slogan. Critics argue that branding alone cannot mask the challenges facing schools on the ground.

One thing is clear, another parent told the Review, is that this dispute is no longer confined to negotiations behind closed doors. And until it is resolved, the title of “Education State” will continue to ring increasingly hollow.

SDCA celebrates 2025/26 season

Michael Thompson

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March 31, 2026

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THE Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has celebrated the achievements of its players at its 2025/26 Presentation Night on Friday night, recognising outstanding performances across senior and junior competitions.

The evening brought together players and clubs from across the competition to acknowledge individual excellence following a strong and competitive season.

Awards were presented across batting, bowling and all-rounder categories, as well as major association medals, reflecting the depth of talent and high standard of cricket across the SDCA.

Lachlan Watts was a deserving recipient of the Frank Zanelli Medal, with the Tallarook all-rounder claiming the best all-rounder award during the night with 870 points.

The bowling award went to Tallarook teammate Kalon Winnell, who took 21 wickets at a scarcely believable 6.52, while Yea’s Cameron Armstong claimed the batting with 294 runs at 98.

In B grade, Alexandra’s Levi Ronalds claimed the John Gadd Medal and the all-rounder award. Avenel’s Jared Smith claimed the batting award, scoring 354 runs at 70.8, while Puckapunyal’s Jacob Nipperess took 21 wickets at 7.14 to claim the bowling.

In the under 16s, Tallarook brotherly duo Hamish and Finn Melville dominated proceedings, with Hamish winning the batting, all-rounder and Ken Hall Medal, while Finn scored the bowling award.

Braxton Tucker dominated the under 13 competition, with the Seymour youngster winning the batting, all-rounder and Sam Watts Medal, with Blake Winnell taking the bowling award.

Junior country week awards saw Archie Armstrong and Brock Inness win in the under 13s, Tyler Caddie in the under 15s and Thomas White in the under 17s rewarded.

The SDCA team of the year was:

Charles Davies – 571 runs @ 51.91, Josh Rudge (wk) – 348 runs @ 34.8, Lachlan Watts – 620 runs @ 88.57, Travis Stefanos – 371 runs @ 41.22, Cameron Evans – 335 runs @ 47.86, Cameron Armstrong – 294 runs @ 98, Lachlan Drummond – 257 runs @ 23.26 & 21 wickets @ 11.67, Will Ashton – 24 wickets @ 11.25, Kal Winnell (c) – 21 wickets @ 6.52, Matt Archibald – 21 wickets @ 10.48 and Joshua Crane – 20 wickets @ 9.3.

SDCA President Mitch Itter said the night was an important opportunity to recognise the performances that defined the season.

“The Presentation Night is a great opportunity to acknowledge the performances of players across all grades,” Itter said.

“We’ve seen a really strong standard of cricket this season, and the award winners should be proud of their efforts and consistency.”

“It’s particularly pleasing to see the performances coming through our junior ranks, which highlights the strength and future of cricket within the SDCA.”

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of Life Membership to Jason Tarran, recognising both his outstanding playing career and long-standing service to the association.

Tarran’s on-field achievements place him among the most accomplished players in SDCA history, having claimed the A Grade bowling average on nine occasions, the A Grade batting average once, and being named A Grade Champion Player.

Off the field, Tarran has also made a significant contribution to the SDCA, serving as Treasurer for more than a decade.

Itter said Tarran’s Life Membership was a fitting recognition of his impact on the competition.

“Jason’s record speaks for itself — his achievements as a player are exceptional and place him among the very best to have played in the SDCA,” Itter said.

“To win the A Grade bowling average nine times is remarkable, and to add a batting average and Champion Player award highlights just how complete a cricketer he has been.”

“Beyond his playing career, Jason has given more than ten years of service as Treasurer, playing a key role in supporting the administration and stability of the association.”

“Life Membership is the highest honour we can bestow, and Jason is an incredibly deserving recipient.”

Baseball club looking for Majors

Michael Thompson

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March 31, 2026

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MITCHELL Majors Baseball Club are launching its recruiting campaign, looking to bring cricketers who are looking to keep their touch, army postings and new residents to play baseball across winter season after a stunning summer campaign.

The Majors play at the Mollison Street diamond, boasting some of the best facilities in Victorian baseball.

The club recently won its third summer premiership in a row, outlasting North West Titans at McPherson’s Park in Harkness 9-8 in a high-scoring game, one where the fourth innings was crucial, yielding six runs.

The team currently plies its trade in C grade of the Melbourne Winter Baseball League, where its senior team finished in fourth position last year, establishing itself as an exciting, high-scoring team, scoring the third-most runs in the competition.

Its C reserve team fell desperately short of a premiership, losing 7-6 in the final to Northcote, while the E grade team finished in fifth position.

The Majors are now looking for a fourth team to complement its three competitive teams, with coach Steve Bertucci saying everyone is welcome.

“We have gone out and done a big recruiting drive over the last month and a half, so we have gone to a bunch of cricket clubs in the local area to see if we can secure some new players,” he said.

“We had three teams play for us last winter, and we are hoping for four this year, so we do need a few extra players, so that’s why we went on that recruiting drive.

“We’re hoping to see some new faces over the next couple of weeks.”

Bertucci said there was a level for everyone to play baseball, ranging from beginners to serious talents.

“The ones and twos are really serious. We both made the finals last year and we hope to go one better again this year, our threes and fours have young kids that get to play, some older guys that get to fall back down there and have a bit of fun, muck around; so, we have something for everyone,” he said.

“In Australia, baseball is a small sport in comparison to footy and cricket, but it’s a lot of fun, you don’t need to be super fit, there’s a level for everyone, it’s a lot of fun, it’s a fast game and a lot of tactics involved. We have one of the best diamonds in the competition, the lights are a great addition, and the facilities are really good here.”

Dumping epidemic

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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RESIDENTS’ anger is growing after two major illegal dumping incidents, both believed to involve truckloads of waste, were discovered within days of each other at a Wallan freeway exit ramp and at Lightwood Crossing in Wandong.

The latest incidents have again highlighted the Mitchell Shire’s growing battle with large-scale dumping, with locals describing the scenes as “disgraceful” and “completely brazen”.

The first dumping was discovered at the freeway exit ramp in Wallan, where a substantial pile of rubbish, believed to have been offloaded from a truck, was left dangerously close to traffic.

Residents say the location is particularly concerning given the high-speed environment, with debris posing a potential hazard for drivers entering and exiting the freeway.

The incident comes as major road works continue in the area, including upgrades to the Watson Street interchange, which are already creating changed traffic conditions and increased congestion.

Dump31pic1 1068w WebRdy — WANDONG WASTE: The Lightwood Crossing site was again the scene of an illegal dumping.

A second, similar incident was uncovered at Lightwood Crossing in Wandong, where another large load of waste was dumped in a semi-rural setting.

The scale of the dumping has led residents to believe it was carried out by a commercial operator rather than an individual, with materials reportedly including mixed household and construction waste.

The incidents have reignited frustration across the community, with many residents questioning how offenders continue to operate without being caught.

Illegal dumping is not new to the area. In February, residents and council were left to clean up another significant dump on Wallan Heights Road, with authorities warning that ratepayers ultimately foot the bill.

Council leaders have repeatedly stressed that dumping is unlawful and costly, with clean-ups often requiring significant resources and specialist disposal.

Residents are now calling for stronger penalties and more visible enforcement, arguing that repeat incidents show current deterrents are not working.

“There’s no way this is just someone with a trailer. This is organised dumping, and it keeps happening,” one local said.

With two major incidents in quick succession, the message from the community is clear: enough is enough.

Both sites are expected to require significant clean-up efforts, with costs likely to fall to council unless those responsible can be identified.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who witnessed suspicious activity in either location to come forward.

Regions’ health woes

Ashok Verma

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March 31, 2026

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REGIONAL health services battling financial constraints are grappling with challenges to meet demand and deliver services.

Seymour Health, which had a deficit of $1.34 million for the year ended June 30, 2025, is again looking at a bleak picture, with another deficit on the cards.

Chief Executive Officer Ward Steet said the reality is that the healthcare budget across Victoria is tight.

He said most small rural health services had fiscal management improvement plans in place to create saving initiatives, and Seymour Health is no different to any of those small rural health services.

“We have put in place savings initiatives to try and come in as best we can towards a balanced budget. We are currently in a deficit position and are forecasting a deficit.”

Asked how much the expected deficit would be, Mr Steet said: “I am not at liberty to speculate on what that figure may be and as you would understand there are many factors at play currently that would make such a forecast quite unreliable, not least of all the current cost escalations as a result of the Middle East conflict.”

Mr Steet said though the service faces funding challenges, there is no bed shortages.

“We have not cut any service. If anything, we have expanded services … There is no waiting lists for admissions to the hospital, and our outpatient services and urgent care waiting periods remain similar to what they have always been. We are responsive to the community need.

“We have had funding growth. Each year we have moved forward.”

Asked whether the finding from the Department of Health has kept up with the times to meet the challenges after population rise, he would not directly answer that, but added certainly, it’s challenging.

“We are meeting community demand within our allocated funding resources, but we are currently experiencing a deficit position. We have sufficient remaining reserves to cover the deficit position. So there is no risk to our services or that we need to cut any services. In fact, we have expanded services. So, we are meeting those challenges head on.”

In recent months, there were reports the Department of Health had instructed Seymour Health to draw from unallocated funds, including money set aside for staff leave entitlements in a bid to reduce its operating deficit.

Seymour Health recently added 10 residential aged care beds at Barrabill House.

Northern Health, which reported a deficit of $74 million operating deficit for the 2023-24 financial year, did not respond to repeated inquiries about its current financial position.

Seymour, Lancefield win big at regional final

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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Seymour, Lancefield win big at regional final

MORE than 100 people from agricultural societies that form the Central and Upper Goulburn Group attended the group finals in Kyneton on Sunday.

The Lancefield and Seymour societies were joined by groups from Whittlesea, Mansfield, Yea, Alexandra, Kyneton, Sunbury and Lilydale with members vying for a spot in the Victorian Agricultural Societies (VAS) state finals to be held later this year.

The event, hosted at the Kyneton Showgrounds, offered a display of the best craft in the region, showcasing skills in woodwork, baking and knitting.

Sunday’s finalists consisted of talented creators who had taken home the top prize at their local shows. One of those was Seymour Agricultural Society’s Pam Beerens, who took home two first place prizes at the Group finals.

She beat other entrants in the Hand Knitted Headwear and VAS knitting categories, the latter granting her entry into the VAS state finals for the third time.

Pam notched up a 10th year of first prizes at last year’s Seymour Show, and will be looking to make it 11 when this year’s show rolls around at the start of October.

Other winners for Seymour included Robyn Tooley in the Crocheted Baby’s Garment category and Jenny MacKintosh in Crochet Toy. Helga Bhades finished second for her carrot cake.

Not to be outdone, Lancefield Agricultural Society members brought home four sashes of their own, with Judy Francis in Handmade Card – Open, and Anna Newnham in Four Plain Scones. Each won the top prize.

Jade Waters finished second in the Pair of Hand Knitted Socks category, as did Harriet Lumsden in the Pet Rock competition for children under 14.

The winners of the VAS categories now advance to the state final which will be held at the Royal Melbourne Show starting on September 24.