Regional Victoria’s Commonwealth Games axed

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July 25, 2023

Regional Victoria’s Commonwealth Games axed

Premier Daniel Andrews announced last week he was pulling the plug on the Commonwealth Games being hosted in regional Victoria in 2026.

Mr Andrews said the decision was due to the expected financial cost of hosting the games had more than doubled the estimated economic benefit for the state.

“What’s become clear is that the cost of hosting these games in 2026 is not the $2.6 billion, which is budgeted and allocated and […] vast majority of which has not been spent,” Mr Andrews said.

“It’s not $2.6 billion, it is in fact at least $6 billion, and could be as high as $7 billion.

“$7 billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event. I will not take money out of hospitals and schools in order to fund an event that is three times the cost as estimated and budgeted for last year.”

The State Government advised the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia that Victoria would be terminating the host agreement.

Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said the cancellation was ‘a betrayal to all Victorians’.

“The Premier’s decision to scrap the Commonwealth Games is proof the government did not do their due diligence before agreeing to host the games,” she said.

“The decision is evidence the Andrews Labor Government cannot be trusted to properly cost or manage major projects and casts further doubt on Labor’s promise to deliver the infrastructure and tourism packages they announced.

“Not only must this infrastructure be delivered as promised, but it is also vital Labor invest some of the existing $2.6 billion in funding to fix regional roads once and for all, a legacy that will ensure the safety of all Victorians.”

The government announced a $2 billion package to ‘ensure regional Victoria still receives all the benefits that would have been facilitated by the games and more’.

Funding includes delivery of permanent new and upgraded sporting infrastructure projects and a $1 billion Regional Housing Fund, expected to deliver more than 1300 new homes across regional Victoria.

Women’s Big V: Double win in a double-header

Jordyn Grubisic

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July 25, 2023

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Women’s Big V: Double win in a double-header

Wallan Panthers women’s team secured back-to-back wins in their Big V division two double-header at the weekend.

Wallan defeated Gippsland United 83 to 75 on Saturday night, which was Gippsland’s first loss of the season.

Olivia Dalmau had a strong game for Wallan with 19 points and eight assists, while Kylah Collins had 17 points, five steals and a huge 18 rebounds.

Kaitlyn Bickerton, coming off the bench, contributed 17 points and five rebounds.

Melissa Buckley in the midst of a great game before hitting back-to-back three-pointers in the final minute to put Wallan ahead by two at three-quarter time.

Wallan took the lead early in the first quarter but a three-pointer from Gippsland with 32 seconds remaining put the visitors in front heading into the second quarter.

Even with eight turnovers, Wallan clawed its way back as captain Sarah Scott’s three free-throws with two seconds left tied the game 36-apiece at halftime.

Both sides went basket for basket in the third quarter until Wallan’s Melissa Buckley hit back-to-back three-pointers in the final minute to put Wallan ahead by two at three-quarter time.

American import Kylah Collins drives to the basket, securing the team a huge 33 points by the final siren.

Bickerton was hot in the fourth quarter, hitting 14 of Wallan’s 27 points and grabbing key offensive rebounds, as Wallan won by eight.

Sunday’s Surf Coast game saw Collins score 33 points and 11 rebounds in a 92 to 86 Panthers’ victory.

The Chargers took a seven-point lead in the first quarter before three-pointers by Wallan’s Collins and Melissa Buckley brought the game to within one point.

The game remained close and Abby Dalmau’s layup in the final second of the second quarter sent the Panthers into halftime with a seven-point lead.

Olivia Dalmau was a key player in the Panthers’ success at the weekend.

Wallan continued to lead in the third quarter, but it was in the fourth term where the match became really competitive.

Seven points by the Chargers in the opening minutes put them within two points of the Panthers, and another scoring run in the final two minutes brought the margin back to one point – forcing a Wallan timeout with 30 seconds remaining.

Buckley came out of the timeout hitting a layup, which she followed up with a steal and assist to Bickerton.

Bickerton had a three-point play in the games’ final seconds to secure a six-point win for the Panthers.

Wallan has another double header for the final round of the regular season, facing Collingwood on the road on Saturday and Blackburn at home on Sunday.

Lancefield preps celebrate 100 days of school

Lauren Duffy

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July 25, 2023

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Lancefield preps celebrate 100 days of school

PREP students at St Mary’s Primary School in Lancefield last week celebrated an important milestone in their education as they reached 100 days of school.

The day was marked by a range of 100-themed activities, including enjoying fairy bread topped with 100s and 1000s, playing the Race to 100 board game that reinforces addition and subtraction, and making necklaces out of 100 Froot Loops.

Students also decorated crowns to commemorate the day, with other grades at the school also involved – the prep’s grade five buddies joined them for lunch while the school’s grade one and two students wrote and shared letters with the prep students.

100 Days 1 1 — Prep Z with teacher Chris Zarb.

100 Days 2 1 — Prep Z with teacher Chris Zarb.

Prep teacher Nadia DeCarolis said her students had been counting down the days to 100 and were excited to celebrate.

“It’s been a very exciting week and they’re wondering what happens after 100 days, whether they go into grade one, but I said ‘we’ll go up to 101 and you’ve got to stay with me until Christmas, you’re not going to grade one yet’,” she said.

“I think they thought there was some sort of carnival happening today … they’ve just grown so much and it’s been amazing.”

Ms DeCarolis said it was rewarding to be involved with the students’ progression through school.

“It’ll be lots of fun, and I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of tired friends at the end of the day,” she said.

The school currently has two prep classes with a total of 35 students, which has grown since last year.

Lancefield Tigers scratched in catfight: Riddell District Football Netball League

Max Davies

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July 25, 2023

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Lancefield Tigers scratched in catfight: Riddell District Football Netball League

By Max Davies

WHILE Lancefield demonstrated an impressive fourth-quarter performance in round 14 action of the Riddell District Football Netball League senior football competition, the search is still on for that elusive full-game effort.

Despite kicking four goals to Macedon’s one in the final quarter, it was not enough to get the Tigers back into contention after trailing by 49 points at three-quarter time.

The Tigers were missing seven players from their ranks that could have made the difference against the Cats, however coach Tim Bannan said the circumstances provided a chance for more young players to have their chance in the senior side.

Bannan, who recently signed for another two years as Lancefield’s senior coach, said the turnaround in the final quarter helped the side get a ‘bit of respectability back on the scoreboard’.

“We gave them a head start pretty early on, our first three quarters weren’t great but I just had a chat to the boys at three quarter time and they got four goals to one goal in the last quarter,” he said.

“I don’t know what flipped but we got aggressive, our tackling was unbelievable, and our pressure and stoppages were really good. The boys know they can do it, they’ve just got to put it together for four quarters.”

Bannan named Riley O’Meara, Zach Webb and Michael Conlan as standout performers for the match, while young gun Benjamin Sankey again impressed, while the Tigers’ main ruck Thomas Waters returned following multiple weeks out of action.

Defender John Morgan suffered a slight hamstring strain, adding to the list of about 15 Tigers who have suffered long-term injuries this season.

“Hopefully next week we’ll get a few back into the side and then hopefully by the third-last round, we’ll be at full strength,” Bannan said.

Speaking on his re-appointment, Bannan said he was encouraged the club had stuck by him and shown faith in him as coach.

“I’ve just got to get cracking now and get these players firing and hopefully add two or three [players], and then we can start pushing for the final rounds,” he said.

Lancefield will this weekend travel to face the winless Western Rams, a match that Bannan said they ‘should win’ as he looked forward to potentially causing an upset against one of the top five sides in following rounds.

In other Riddell League action, Wallan went down in a tough match against undefeated Diggers Rest despite holding the lead at half time.

The Magpies got off to a strong start and led by 14 points at the end of the first quarter, however the Burras were able to quickly adapt to record a four-goal lead by the final siren.

The loss means Wallan slips to third on the ladder behind Woodend-Hesket, however this weekend’s bye will mean the Magpies have a chance to recover before travelling to Lancefield on August 5.

Elsewhere, the Western Rams’ grim season continued as hosts Romsey comfortably secured a 164-point thumping.

With 10 players scoring at least one goal for the Redbacks, it was Jack Jedwab who took out bragging rights with 10 goals to his name as the team continued to chase Riddell for fourth on the ladder.

Romsey will this weekend travel to face Woodend-Hesket as the season enters its final four rounds.

Netball

Lancefield’s A Grade netballers were unable to overcome hosts Macedon at the weekend, going down by almost 40 goals.

While Darcee Ellard, Amanda Bruce and Keeley Holter all played a part to record their team’s 32-goal total, the second-placed Cats easily accounted for the winless Tigers.

Wallan was back on the winner’s list after defeating Diggers Rest in a strong team performance. Headed by goalscoring efforts from Georgia Stevenson and Rebekah Konstantopoulos, the visiting side took home a 55-39 victory.

Romsey’s netballers also had a good run at the weekend, coming out on top against the visiting Rams by just four goals.

New Wallan kindergarten site

Lauren Duffy

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July 25, 2023

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A KINDERGARTEN site will be placed at Wallan Secondary College as part of the State Government’s $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reform.

The State Government will deliver 12 new or expanded kindergarten sites in early 2025, including at a yet-to-be-built Wollert Central Primary School.

Mitchell Shire Council will collaborate with the Victorian School Building Authority, VSBA, and the Department of Education, DET, on the new Wallan kinder.

Wallan and Wallan East has three kindergartens operating under Mitchell Shire Council, with eight more in surrounding towns up to Seymour.

Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford said the new build would accommodate the significant growth and increased demand for early education.

“This approach improves accessibility to kindergarten programs, streamlines drop-off procedures, and facilitates smoother transitions for children from kindergarten to school,” he said.

“It reduces commute times, support local businesses, and ensures regulatory compliance.”

Mr Luxford said building new early childhood education facilities was a ‘long-term’ investment in the community’s future.

“Children who receive a strong early education are more likely to perform better academically and have improved social and cognitive skills, leading to positive community outcomes,” he said.

“Having kindergarten facilities on school grounds enhances accessibility and ensures a convenient experience for children and their families.”

The design and development of the kindergarten, including selecting a name, will be a collaborative effort involving Wallan Secondary College, the VBSA and the DET.

Mr Luxford said the new kindergaten site would support better relationships between early and older peers in their education.

“The co-location of kindergarten with other grade levels fosters integration and collaboration, encouraging positive relationships between students of different ages and allowing older students to serve as mentors for their younger peers,” he said.

“It also eases the transition to higher grade levels by familiarising children with the school environment from an early age.”

Fog cuts short Kilmore harness meeting

News

Grace Frost

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July 25, 2023

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By Len Baker

What was scheduled to be another massive 10-event card was reduced to eight races when the Kilmore harness meeting on Thursday was cut short.

There was an abrupt cancellation of the meeting after race eight when heavy fog, a real ‘pea-souper’, rolled into the course making visibility impossible.

There were many local winners at the meeting, sponsored by Victorian Harness Racing Club.

Kilmore’s Aussie Mifsud trained and reined Little Tedey to land the 2180-metre VHRC/Aldebaran Park Our Members Trotters Mobile.

A five-year-old gelded son of Peak and Mother Nature, raced by Garry McCabe and partners, Little Tedey moved from one/two to one/one on the final bend to set out after Hi Ho Kyvalley.

Running home well, Little Tedey scored by 2.7 metres from Bee Bee Boroc to be three wide on straightening. Hi Ho Kyvalley held down third, 1.7 metres back. The mile rate 2-05.

Bolinda trainer Alison Alford was successful with Centurian-Tuppeny Bit filly Belleza in the VHRC/Aldebaran Park 3Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

Driven by Alison’s husband Chris, Belleza led throughout from gate two, accounting for Keayang Sadie whose effort was outstanding after giving her rivals a gigantic start and circling the field to race exposed at the bell to go down by 1.4 metres.

Polemarker Kaotic Flair was third 3.2 metres away after trailing the winner. The mile rate 2-06.9.

Alford brought up a double after winning the 2180-metre VHRC/Harness Racing Victoria Pace aboard Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley’s Hugo Maguire.

Heaving fog made it hard to see the ex-Kiwi three-year-old Sweet Lou-Zenola Starbuck gelding surge clear at the bell to run out a big 19.8 metre victor, in advance of Alexis Rocket and Bronski Royal. The mile rate was 1-59.4.

Romsey trainer Chris Svanosio and stable foreman Ross Payne combined to land the VHRC/Aldenaran Park Trotters Mobile, over 2180 metres, with smart four-year-old Used To Me-Cupid Seelster mare Queen Of Quebec, much to the delight of the large group who race her.

Restrained from gate three to settle a ‘mile’ off the leader Heir Apparent, Queen Of Quebec gradually made ground to be three back in the running line in the last lap.

Going forward three wide on the final bend, Queen Of Quebec was super in the straight, racing away to record a 10.4-metre margin over the pacemaker in a 2-00.3 mile rate. Sir Ed was third 8.8 metres away.

Monegeetta trainer David Miles, presently successfully campaigning in Queensland, snared the 2180-metre VHRC/Rich River Golf Club 3Y0 Vicbred Pace with Art Major-Iridrum Castle filly Matriart.

Driven by Michael Bellman, Matriart went forward with a three-wide trail from midfield on the back of Barney Bill in the final circuit and finished hard out wide on turning to prevail by a neck from stablemate Rockaway Beach, which followed the pair. The mile rate 2-01.9.

Trainer Glenn Bull, from Deminal near Heathcote, continued his great season when five-year-old Captaintreacherous-Vansumic gelding Treacheroustimes led throughout in the 1690-metre VHRC/Del-Re National Food Group Pace.

The race was for concessional reinspersons who have driven less than 25 winners and it was Heathcote’s Sean O’Sullivan victorious.

Treacheroustimes raced away on the home turn to greet the judge, 2.3 metres clear of General Lincoln, which raced outside him battling on gamely, with Jilliby Jacksparrow third. The mile rate 1-59.8.

Highly promising four-year-old Muscle Hill-Lotsalov gelding Hesallmuscle, raced by Danny and Joanne Zavitsanos along with Avenue Bloodstock Syndicate, chalked up his fifth success in 11 even outings after cruising to the wire in the VHRC/Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

Trained by Emma Stewart at Cardigan and driven by the stable’s number one reinsman Mark Pitt, Hesallmuscle crossed the leader Andover Sun shortly after the start to score over Andover Sun in a mile rate of 2-00.3.

The stable and Mark Pitt made it a double when unbackable three-year-old Art Major-Celebrity Ball colt Major Celebrity led all of the way from gate two in the VHRC/GBL Property Consultants Pace over 1690 metres, coasting to the wire 2.6 metres ahead of Wemadefreo in a mile rate of 1-55.9.

Kilmore harness races are on again on Thursday.

Mitchell Shire Weekly Police News: July 25, 2023

Lauren Duffy

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July 25, 2023

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Window smashed

POLICE are seeking information on an incident where a house near Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve had a window smashed on Wednesday.

At about 2pm on July 19 a group of teenagers on electric scooters threw rocks at the house, smashing a window.

A witness has reported that one of the perpetrators appeared to be about 15 years old.

Police urge anyone who can assist with details about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime.

Alternatively, people can contact Wallan Police Station on 5783 0400.

Trailer stolen

A grey 8×5-metre box trailer was stolen from a rural property in Saunders Road, Kilmore, some time between 7.30pm on July 10 and July 15.

If anyone has any information in regards to the trailer or saw suspicious activity in the area, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Shed security

Police advise that securing sheds and garages for residential, rural and commercial properties is essential in preventing thieves from making an easy profit from your valuable property.

For people to better secure their shed or garage, they should install security lighting/alarms and good quality CCTV cameras; invest in a heavy gauge padlocks and high, secure fences; lock gates; limit access passes/ account for all keys; get to know their neighbours and look out for each other; make a list of valuables by photographing and recording serial numbers, make, models, and value; and consider insurance.

People can report any suspicious activity to police by calling triple zero if the offenders are still present or otherwise call the police assistance line on 131 444.

Car graffitied in Broadford

Between 4pm on July 18 and 7am on July 19, unknown offenders attended a residential address in Piper Street, Broadford and spray painted the back of a black Toyota.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Live music returns to flood-affected areas

Lauren Duffy

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July 25, 2023

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Live music returns to flood-affected areas

The townships of Tallarook and Seymour are set to rock as live music returns for flood-affected communities across regional Victoria this spring.

Through Music Victoria’s Live Music for Flood Recovery program, supported by the State Government’s Creative Victoria, small towns in regional and rural Victoria will host 30 live music events for communities to revive and gather after 12 months of clean-up and rebuilding since floods affected the regions.

Tallarook and Seymour venues are set to host a series of concerts, along with others in Shepparton, Strathfieldsaye and Euroa among a wide range of events planned for other regional communities.

Music Victoria chief executive Simone Schinkel said being able to gather and enjoy live entertainment was important for recovering communities.

“We’re so excited to see an incredible array of community led events taking place all over the state,” she said.

“These events will provide a place for people to gather, reconnect and enjoy live music, which is such an important part of the recovery process for these communities.”

Seymour’s Blue Tongue Berries, at 445 Northwood Road, will host three events across July, August and September for a series of ‘Short Straw’ performances.

The July 30 event will feature Australian Sudanese artist Ajak Kwai, while the Matt Joe Gow Trio will perform on August 27 and Australian folk storyteller John Flanagan will take to the stage on September 28.

For more information on the Seymour events and to book tickets, visit bluetongueberries.au/event.

The Tallarook Mechanic’s Institute will host a series of performances including Liz Stringer on August 26, Kathleen Halloran and Minnie Marks on August 27, and Deadly in the TMI featuring Dan Sultan and Madi Colville-Walker on October 7.

Tickets and further information are available at tallarook.org.au/whatson.

The Live Music for Flood Recovery program has supported many events throughout 2023, including gigs in pubs featuring local musicians and large-scale festivals and community events.

For further information about the program and upcoming events, visit musicvictoria.com.au.

Broadford challenges Burras in Outer East action

Jordyn Grubisic

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July 25, 2023

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Broadford challenges Burras in Outer East action

By Jordyn Grubisic

A STRONG first half by Broadford couldn’t secure the win over Outer East Football Netball League top-of-the-ladder side Warburton-Millgrove on Saturday, going down 8.2 (50) to 17.21 (123).

Broadford forwards had a strong start in the first quarter, kicking four goals straight to give the side a three-point lead heading into the second term.

The Kangaroos maintained their accuracy in front of goals, kicking another four goals straight, but the Burras began to swoop in leading at halftime by nine points 8.9 (67) to 8.0 (48).

A scoreless third quarter for Broadford saw Warbuton-Millgrove jump to a comfortable 38-point lead.

Warburton-Millgrove piled on another five goals in the fourth quarter to secure a 73-point win.

Broadford coach Jayden Welch said his side started really well with strong inside kicks and overlap runs but couldn’t sustain it for four quarters.

“We really stuck to what we’re trying to implement and took the game on for three quarters,” he said.

“Obviously we were very accurate in front of goals as well which helps. A lot of the time it’s usually the other way around – we kick four behinds before getting a goal whereas the first quarter we had four goals straight and that helped a lot.

“I think we came ready to play and the first half we put everything together we’ve been trying to accomplish and play some really good footy.

“Unfortunately the second half fell away from us and I think fitness might’ve come into it for a bit. They got a bit of a run on so that hurt a lot.”

Broadford’s Angus Norris, Adam Miles and Brayden Hardstaff were among the best players for the match.

James Simpson also played well in his debut senior game being named in the best.

Kangaroos captain Liam Lucas did not play due to a broken arm and will be out for the remainder of the season.

“It just means we’ve got to obviously step up a bit and fill his role,” Welch said.

“He’s obviously a massive loss for us but it just means we’ve all got to step up and do a little bit extra.”

This Saturday Broadford play at Yarra Glen, who sit just above the Kangaroos on the ladder in fourth place.

Welch said the side would hopefully again bring four quarters of football together.

“Obviously we brought it to the top of the table. We had a few out but I think if we played four quarters the outcome could’ve been a lot different or the margin would’ve been a lot less, that’s for sure,” he said.

“We need to try and play our brand of footy for four quarters and not just a half.

“We’ll try to work on that over the week and try to pull it all together.”

Netball

Broadford A Grade netballers suffered a 34-goal loss to top-of-the-ladder Warburton-Millgrove on Saturday.

The Kangaroos were right behind the Burras in the first quarter, trailing by two goals before Warburton-Millgrove extended its lead out to six goals in the second.

After half time, the Burras shifted gears, leaving Broadford unable to catch up as the side trailed by 20 goals at the last change, before going down 37 to 71.

Best players for Broadford were captain Ally Black, Megan Berger and Kate Berger.

This Saturday, third-placed Broadford will play Yarra Glen, who are second on the ladder.

Following the away game, Broadford Football Netball Club is hosting ABBA tribute band BABBA at Broadford Shire Hall, with tickets available to the public by visiting www.trybooking.com/CHVSE.

Broadford Roos on the move to new league?

Northern Health Reverend awarded for ‘Best of Care’

Lauren Duffy

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July 25, 2023

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Northern Health Reverend awarded for ‘Best of Care’

REVEREND Melanie Moore, Anglican and palliative care chaplain at Northern Health, was awarded the Best of Care Award 2023 by Spiritual Care Australia, SCA, last month.

SCA is the professional association of practitioners in spiritual care, pastoral care and chaplaincy, with Ms Moore presented the award for her best practice and excellence within the spiritual care sector.

She has been delivering spiritual care at Northern Health since 2006, promoting spiritual wellbeing and continuity of care to a diverse range of patients, their support network and staff.

“I feel humbled and honoured. I am thankful for being nominated and for working with such wonderful people across many disciplines within Northern Health,” Ms Moore said.

Ms Moore spends most of her time in the Palliative Care Unit at the Epping hospital, supporting the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of her patients.

She also supports patients who request rituals in the Anglican faith tradition, and leads bereavement support service to care for the next-of-kin of the patient who has died on the ward.

“The role is varied, and I love it. I absolutely love the way that person-centred listening, compassion, and support can bring hope, peace and resilience for our patients and their support people,” Ms Moore said.

“A great reward is working with such dedicated staff who share my love in caring for and supporting others – it’s not just a job.”

Northern Health spiritual care coordinator Natalia Dewiyani congratulated Ms Moore on the achievement.

“She has dedicated herself to Northern Health for 17 years. Winning the national award is an outstanding achievement and a testament of her excellent care and dedication,” she said.

“Her knowledge, wisdom, skills and most importantly, her caring heart, is an invaluable asset for us and Northern Health.”