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Disputes continue delaying V/Line commuters

March 5, 2024

An ongoing dispute between the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, RBTU, and V/Line has seen rolling morning strikes take place throughout February, disrupting services across several train lines.

The industrial action has taken place four times already in February, shutting down the network from 3am to 7am each time, causing extensive delays and resulting in coach replacements on local lines.

Strikes also occurred in December and January.

Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the strikes were yet another concerning situation for commuters in the region.

“The strikes and expected delays are just one of many issues members of my community have to deal with when it comes to commuting on our regional train network,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Since fares were reduced, we are seeing significantly increased traffic across our regional network – resulting in crowded and uncomfortable services on our trains and coaches.

“I have countless stories of people missing medical appointments due to unreliable trains, and elderly having to stand for hours on the train because of the overcrowding and poor frequency of trains.

“With strikes set to impact the morning services, issues with this train line will become more apparent.”

Ms Cleeland said it was up to the Premier and State Government to intervene and sort out the ongoing dispute.

“The State Government has direct responsibility over V/Line, yet we are now months into the dispute with no intervention,” she said.

“The Premier must sit down with the RBTU to reach a reasonable agreement that suits all parties and gets our regional train network running effectively.

“Labor can’t manage Victoria’s public transport network, and Victorians are paying the price with unreliable services and ongoing delays across the network.”

Updates to Mitchell Shire Emergency Relief Centres

Jordyn Grubisic

March 5, 2024

Updates to Mitchell Shire Emergency Relief Centres

A report providing updated information relating to the operation of the Emergency Relief Centre in Seymour following the October 2022 floods has been accepted by Mitchell Shire councillors.

Currently there are four ERC setups – Broadford Hall, Kilmore Memorial Hall, Wallan Multi-Purpose Centre, and Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Council opened an Emergency Relief Centre, ERC, at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre in response to the October 13, 2022 flood event in Seymour and its surrounds where more than 150 homes were evacuated.

The centre supported over 150 residents and visitors impacted by the flooding, remaining open 24 hours a day for seven days.

On January 7 and 8, 2024, Mitchell Shire experiences a widespread rain event resulting in the need to reopen the ERC.

Following the October 2022 floods council led a comprehensive debrief into the operational response and early recovery for this event with the debrief presented September 4, 2023 with 24 actions identified.

Of those 24, seven relate to ERCs with four completed – the ERC briefing/debriefing process, assessing training requirements, identifying system improvements for registering impacted people, and regularly exercising established ERC arrangements.

A separate Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee action plan is currently being developed to ensure all relevant agencies implement learning and systemic improvements identified.

Councillor Bill Chisholm said the report was very important.

“It shows the lessons we’ve learnt out of the October 2022 floods. It’s really important after any event you can gain and learn something,” he said.

“It outlines what we’ve learnt and how we’ll implement it into the future.

“I think we did cater well at the relief centre for the people who were affected and there’s always elements we can improve on.”

Major infrastructure works identified for the ERCs are a $200,000 generator installation at Seymour, Wallan and Kilmore; heating upgrades at Seymour; fire alarm systems at Seymour and Kilmore; and toilet/shower upgrades at Seymour.

These works are currently unfunded.

Kilmore Art Expo submissions closing

The North Central Review

March 5, 2024

Kilmore Art Expo submissions close this Sunday, March 10.

The expo opens Friday, April 12 until Sunday, April 14.

There will also be a Youth Division for those under 18s with its own awards and recognition.

Any enquiries contact Denise on 0400 685 144 or visit kilmoreartexpo.com.au.

Generous Lions donation to Kilmore Primary School

Pam Kiriakidis

March 5, 2024

Generous Lions donation to Kilmore Primary School

Wandong-Wallan Lions Club donated a conveyor belt toaster to Kilmore Primary School’s breakfast club supporting students to have a meal in the mornings.

Lions Club members donated the item to the school’s breakfast club last month, where the wellbeing team and students were excited to receive the toaster, allowing students to become more involved in breakfast preparation.

President Daniel Rossignoli said when the club discovered the school was looking to purchase a conveyor belt toaster, it was time for them to reach out.

“The needs of the breakfast club are increasing and increasing with people with work commitments, and obviously struggling in the current environment,” he said.

“I think it’s really fantastic for us to be able to do that in the community, not just for the school, but especially to help kids out that are there each morning.

“Most schools will run some form of breakfast club, but it is to provide those kids that need a little bit of help in the morning to get ready and those parents that can drop off and have a good meal with the teachers surrounding.”

It’s not the first time the club has helped primary schools throughout the shire, previously lending a hand with Christmas hampers for families and is expecting to contribute more donations to other primary schools.

Mr Rossignoli, a younger president who has been in the role since July, said the club has had good engagement with the community over the past 12 months.

“We’ve also got a $1000 donation that we’re doing to St Pat’s to support purchasing a piano for their music program and on top of that we’ll be running a hamper program to support the schools again for Easter,” he said.

“I think we’ve identified that the schools are probably the outlet for us to re-engage with the community and those in need without, people feeling the need to step forward and ask for help.

“We’ve got the schools to facilitate that help where they know people are in need, so the schools in Wandong, Wallan and Kilmore are probably where we’re going to channel a lot of our effort.”

The club is looking to grow its members and will be running a membership drive at some point this year with a golf day at Kilmore Golf Club.

The club has meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at Wallan Community House at 7.30pm, where members of the public are welcome as guests.

Celebrate International Women’s Day in the City of Whittlesea

The North Central Review

March 5, 2024

City of Whittlesea is hosting a few events this week ahead of International Women’s Day, IWD, on Friday.

IWD is a national day celebrated annually on March 8, acknowledging the achievements of women, with this year’s campaign theme ‘Inspire Conclusion’.

On Wednesday, starting from 6pm till 8.15pm, there will be a FREE screening of the film Equal the Contest – a film celebrating women, girls, and gender diverse people, demonstrating determining and community spirit.

A light meal will be included and anyone wanting to join in the special screening event will need to register via bit.ly/49mx9NT.

The event is at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre in South Morang

The following day at Five Vineyard in Mernda, a morning tea celebrating women in business both locally and across the world will be hosted.

Three local women in business – Catherine Cervasio, Tafy Seade and Kimberly Smythe – will share their unique business journey, explaining on how they initiated and navigated their business.

The morning tea ahead of IWD is an opportunity to relax and network, with council staff present to discuss business support opportunities.

Refreshments and a light morning team will be served at the event that is now sold out.

Registration on the day opens at 9.30am with an event start time of 10am, concluding at midday, located at 280 Bridge Inn Road, Mernda.

For more details on events, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Freedom Care continues food relief for Kilmore families

Jordyn Grubisic

March 5, 2024

Freedom Care continues food relief for Kilmore families

With cost-of-living pressures and other hardships making it difficult to put food on the table, Kilmore food relief centre Freedom Care wants to remind everyone they’re here to help.

Shoppers will be given units to spend on items allocated based on the situation with a family of four, for example, being given 40 units to go around the shop picking items they need.

The layout of the centre replicates that of a regular supermarket – with shelves stocked with donated and purchased items including tinned goods, soaps, baby formula, cereal, pet food and other goods.

The freezers contain frozen vegetables, meats and fish with an array of fresh fruit and vegetables and bread lining the entrance to the centre.

The centre received products from Food Bank, grocery stores, food suppliers and purchases made using financial donations.

Freedom Care Church pastor Frantz said the community could access food relief as often as needed.

“People come in and I’ll speak to them mainly because I want to find out how much I can help them. Unless I can have a conversation with someone, they just become a number that goes through and buys things,” he said.

“We want people to feel valued for who they are.

“Also I’m a pastor, so if you need something or want to speak to me I’m available for this too.”

Pastor Frantz said there had been an increase in people needing help.

“We find some people who come out of family violence see us and we give them food, clothes, shoes etc,” he said.

“They come out fed and clothed. So, we do what we can.”

Currently operating with a team of about 35 volunteers, the centre is always looking for more help with anybody holding a valid Working with Children’s Check able to volunteer.

“The volunteers that we have are terribly stretched,” Pastor Frantz said.

“We also need to know if our volunteers are in need because we want to be the first one to help you. We really want you here.”

The centre was established in 2009 in Wallan supporting victims of the Black Saturday bushfires.

When demand grew Freedom Care moved to its current location in Kilmore at 127C Northern Highway.

Pastor Frantz wants to remind the community the centre was there to help.

“Some people have been living here all their life and they never know we’re here,” he said.

Freedom Care is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9.30am to 2pm and Saturday 10am to 12pm.

IWD: Kalkallo Fire Brigade’s trailblazing female volunteers

Jordyn Grubisic

March 5, 2024

IWD: Kalkallo Fire Brigade’s trailblazing female volunteers

With seven active female members the Kalkallo Fire Brigade has the highest amount of female participation the brigade can recall having.

The female members participate in various ways – operationally in firefighting roles, community engagement activities and administrative roles.

A member of the brigade for six years, social media manager Ally Watson has seen members begin CFA journeys with Kalkallo and others transfer across.

“We’ve got quite a rich depth of background of experience with the CFA in our women members and it’s really exciting,” she said.

“When you ask all of them why they want to be involved it’s really around participating in the community, giving back to the community and being a part of the community.

“Everybody has their own individual reasons for joining the CFA but overall being a part of the community seems to be the collective reason why we do it.”

The CFA is taking steps to increase gender diversity and inclusion.

Ms Watson is a part of this progress, being appointed to the CFA Women’s Advisory Committee.

The committee represents women across Victoria, directly engaging with the chief executive, chief officers and other executives and seniors on opportunities to support diversity and inclusion.

“I’m really excited to see that there’s a lot of things happening in CFA to address that gender inclusion,” Ms Watson said.

“There has been things throughout my time – and I’m not going to sugar coat it – when it hasn’t been great and it hasn’t been a great experience.

“But there’s also been a lot of times when it has been a great experience and I think for myself, and not that I want to speak on behalf of everybody, but I think everybody would say there is opportunity there.

“It has traditionally been a very male dominated space but it doesn’t have to be and it shouldn’t be. It should be a space where anybody who wants to join the CFA can and help protect the community.”

Alongside her appointment to the committee, Ms Watson said attending her first big fire in Bunyip in 2019 after being qualified for a few months was a standout moment.

“I think for any firefighter that moment where you become qualified as a wildfire general firefighter and you go to your first fire particularly if it’s a big one,” she said.

“When I was doing a lot of my training, I was the only female that was doing training so there were some challenges around there around sometimes some of the comments thrown around and things like that.

“But in terms of highlights there hasn’t been one single thing.”

Ms Watson said the Kalkallo Fire Brigade provided a great opportunity to get to know people in the area and encouraged people to have view the volunteer roles through the CFA website.

“Not everybody wants to be on the back of a fire truck so making space for different kinds of contributions and now seeing that, now seeing people come in and do stuff it’s great,” she said.

“I would really encourage people to have a look at the website because not every role has to be firefighting.

“There’s lots of things that need to be done to run a brigade.”

to see volunteer roles and opportunities.

IWD events with Mitchell Shire Council

The North Central Review

March 5, 2024

Mitchell Shire Council is delivering a range of events for International Women’s Day.

Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8.

The day is a time to reflect on progress and to celebrate the courage and determination of the women who have changed history throughout, and those who will advance this issue into the future.

The theme for 2024 is ‘Count her in: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment’.

It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.

The theme also recognises that focusing on financial security for women is an important step towards addressing gender-based financial disparities and underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality in line with council’s Gender Equality Action Plan.

Mitchell Shire mayor Louise Bannister said International Women’s Day was a testament to the resilience and strength of women everywhere.

“Council is proud to partner with our community in delivering a diverse range of events to commemorate this important day,” she said.

“From empowering workshops to rejuvenating retreats, we are committed to fostering an environment where all women are valued and respected.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us not only reflect on the progress made, but also recognise the ongoing journey towards gender equality.

“Through inclusive practices and empowering initiatives, we can create a society where every woman feels valued and respected.”

Community members are encouraged to book a place at events happening on Thursday 7 and Friday 8, March.

On Thursday council is partnering with the SEED project EmpowerHER free workshops at Broadford Living and Learning Centre.

Workshops including introduction to resume writing, introduction to cover letter, financial wellbeing/empowerment taster, lunch, and professional headshots.

Friday is the EmpowerHER mini retreat at Greater Beveridge Community Centre featuring yoga and sound bowl healing, mindfulness, masseuse and reiki.

Limited spots are available so bookings are essential and can be made through council’s website.

IWD: Kilmore’s young radio presenters shine

Pam Kiriakidis

March 5, 2024

IWD: Kilmore’s young radio presenters shine

Every Wednesday after school, Matilda and Ruby set up to go live on OKR FM Mitchell Community Radio as part of their weekly schedules.

The young presenters have been operating their show – Matilda and Ruby – for around two years at the Kilmore Racing Complex, taking over the 4pm to 5pm slot under station committee member Mark Perrot who teaches the girls the necessary skills for broadcasting.

It all began when Matilda’s mother found the opportunity advertised online and the rest was history.

Ruby said it ‘seemed cool’ taking part in a show that meant she could talk as much as she wanted, while Matilda’s mindset was ‘because why not.’

Preparing for a weekly show, the girls chose topics, speaking on school, recycling and other topics for their weekly listeners to tune in.

On special occasions, the young presenters have interviewed remarkable people across the Mitchell Shire – some of whom are inspiring young women including Wallan singer Kaitlyn Thomas, Wandong’s taekwondo teen champion Mackenzie Macdonald and Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.

The girls met in foundation class at primary school, sticking together till graduation and are navigating year seven together at Broadford Secondary College.

The two friends agreed high school was fun at times, but also scary with the classes and different rooms.

“It might be scary but once you get used to it, it’s not that scary especially when you have your friends,” Ruby said.

“You have to go to different class, like rooms every single time … and then you also have to get your books for everything and not be late to class,” Matilda said.

Taking on broader subjects, Ruby said they almost had to dissect a squid in science, describing the high school experience so far as ‘weird’, but the pair were saved when the task got ‘lost in the mail’.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, IWD, on Friday, both said they felt they accomplished a few achievements so far – a few being the radio show and graduating primary school.

Matilda and Ruby said IWD was about celebrating women, particularly women receiving the right to vote, having children and work that interests them.

Looking towards the future, the girls were keen to get involved in their hobbies, with Ruby wanting to get involved in cooking, animals, or art, whereas Matilda’s love for animals would be her focus.

Radio is also a possibility in the future, with more shows expected to come this year.

Matilda and Ruby go live Wednesdays from 4pm to 5pm on OKR FM at 98.3FM in Kilmore and 97.1FM in Wallan and can be live streamed at www.okrfm.com.au.

IWD: Macedon Ranges celebrating women

The North Central Review

March 5, 2024

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will this Friday celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 with an event at Kyneton Town Hall, featuring inspirational guest speakers and the launch of a new exhibition.

International Women’s Day occurs globally each year to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness for women’s equality.

This year’s theme ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’ focuses on the need to invest more in women to achieve gender equality and greater economic inclusion.

During the event, a panel of guest speakers will explore the achievements, challenges and strengths of women’s economic empowerment through their unique experiences, with the panel to feature:

– Taungurung elder Aunty Joanne Honeysett

– Sisterworks chief commercial officer Shamila Gopalan

– ‘Growing Up Clueless’ podcast hosts Miranda Johnson-Jones and Laura Crozier

– Her Place Women’s Heritage and Museum Australia deputy director Mary Attard

Council director of community Maria Weiss said International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women in the local community and reinforced council’s commitment to gender equality and challenging bias.

“We are thrilled to have this group of amazing women join us to share their lived experiences and thoughts on gender equality and discuss what else can be done to reduce the gap and empower women,” she said.

Ms Attard will also officially open the ‘UNMASKED’ exhibition, celebrating more than 200 years of nursing and midwifery in Victoria through videos of contemporary nurses, historical biographies and other special items.

The exhibition, which also features theme boards and presentations on loan from the Her Place Women’s Heritage and Museum, will be on display at the town hall until the end of May 2024 – open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

“This exciting exhibition highlights the multiple and diverse roles of nurses and midwives over the years, and we’re thrilled to be able to host it in our shire – I encourage everyone to visit and learn more about this aspect of our history,” Ms Weiss said.

A range of pop-up stalls featuring ethically made products created by women from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds will also be on display throughout the evening.

The free event will commence at 6pm, with doors opening and light refreshments from 5.30pm.

All genders are welcome, with bookings essential. Register at https://bit.ly/3uNWuRS or call 5422 0333.

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