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Alleged extortionists charged after Craigieburn incident

Jordyn Grubisic
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Alleged extortionists charged after Craigieburn incident

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar charged two men on Wednesday, February 14, following the alleged extortion of a Craigieburn tobacco store on Tuesday, February 13.

With assistance from the Special Operations Group, the Armed Crime Squad and the VIPER Taskforce, the men were taken into custody.

A 21-year-old Mickleham man was arrested by the Special Operations Group on Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD shortly before 6pm.

He was charged with extortion with threats to destroy/endanger property, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and unlicensed driving.

The silver Mercedes Benz he was driving was seized during his arrest and will be forensically examined.

A 21-year-old Greenvale man was arrested by police just after 10pm.

He has since been charged with threats to destroy/endanger property.

The duo appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 15, and are scheduled for a committal mention in May.

Commander Paul O’Halloran, Crime Command said these were ‘key arrests’ and a ‘testament to the work’ by Taskforce Lunar to target organised crime syndicates.

“This was an offence with direct links to those at the top of the syndicate and one that was also designed to create significant fear through the intimidation of the victims,” he said.

“The police and the community expect these offenders to be held to account for their violence and intimidation.

“However, we know that this fight is far from over – while we will continue to do everything we can to disrupt the serious and violent offending linked to these groups, we still have those willing to target stores through arson attacks and more.”

The incident occurred late Tuesday evening when a member of staff and the owner of a convenience store on Fairways Boulevard in Craigieburn were threatened by several men allegedly trying to extort the business.

Police have been told two men entered the store shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday evening.

It is believed they initially spoke to a member of staff, before demanding to see the owner as there was someone on the phone who needed to speak to him.

The male voice on the phone allegedly threatened the owner of the store, suggesting that if they did not pay up, their store would be firebombed.

The victim refused and there was a verbal confrontation between the parties before the two men fled in a silver Mercedes Benz.

Nobody was physically injured during the incident and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

“The assistance we received from the community is crucial in bringing a stop to this and again, I want to appeal to those who work in the industry or have business near tobacco stores to come forward and provide police with any information they have,” Cdr O’Halloran said.

“To be blunt, we know there are people out there with information that could assist us.

“If there are shop owners out there who have been approached to pay sums of money or who have been threatened in any way, then we urge you to contact police.

“The arson attacks in particular put not only people’s livelihoods at stake but also people’s lives.

“We are doing everything we can to bring this dispute and the criminality linked to it to an end, however we need your support and assistance.”

Mitchell Shire Council seeks $4.1 million in project funding

Jordyn Grubisic
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Mitchell Shire Council seeks $4.1 million in project funding

Mitchell Shire Council will submit three applications totalling $4.1 million to Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, RCSIF, 2024.

Council will submit applications for $1 million towards the $1.716 million Seymour Tennis Centre Complex Courts and Lighting Upgrade project, $1 million towards the $1.250 million Kilmore Leisure Centre Access Upgrade project, and $2.1 million towards the $2.8 million Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre Upgrade project.

The Seymour Tennis Complex Court and Lighting project relates to the four courts within enclosure one no longer compliant with current standards and guidelines, requiring complete renewal and upgrade.

Eight other courts no longer required at the site will also be removed.

The Kilmore Leisure Centre Access Upgrade project is based on an audit which identified a significant number of access issues at the site, including to the building itself, changes in levels within, changeroom and pool access deficiencies.

The Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre Upgrade project includes changeroom and storage works to improve operations for emergency relief centre and indoor stadium users, provision of multipurpose community meeting spaces to replace the Chittick Community Place demountable, and improved dry programming and administration including an expanded gymnasium with 24-hour access, improvements to group fitness spaces, changerooms, reception and administration areas.

Applications for round one funding close March 27, 2024 with successful applications expected to be announced from July.

Projects must be completed with 24 months of the singing of fund agreements and council will be responsible for meeting any project over-run costs.

Councillor Bill Chisholm said the applications were really important for the community.

“Overall we’re after state contributions of $4.1 million and council contributions of $1.6 million which, considering council’s budget, is a very big ask,” he said.

“So I’d like to thank everybody taking part in these respective projects and thank you for all your work.”

Councillor Annie Goble thanked RCSIF for previous support.

“We’ve had some fantastic projects where we’ve been given funding and we hope that they will support us in this advocacy project that we’ve got,” she said.

“They’re very, very worthwhile projects benefitting our community so hopefully [they] will be supportive of these projects financially.”

Milan Radojevic wanted

The North Central Review
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Milan Radojevic wanted

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Milan Radojevic.

The 29-year-old is wanted on warrants in relation to breaching a court order.

He is described as about 185cm tall, of medium build with short brown hair and is known to frequent the Ivanhoe, Thomastown and Craigieburn areas.

Investigators have released an image of Radojevic in the hope someone may be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.

Anyone with other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Northern Health launches WellAhead cancer initiative

The North Central Review
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Northern Health launches WellAhead cancer initiative

Northern Health has launched a wellness initiative that will support and empower those living with and beyond cancer.

WellAhead, co-designed with consumers, aims to foster the physical and social wellbeing of people facing challenges living with, and beyond, cancer, through an inclusive range of activities.

These include an Old Blokes Shed, knitting and craft support groups, Northern Health Community Choir, yoga, meditation, and classes for seniors from Whittlesea University of the Third Age, U3A.

Medical Oncology director Dr Frances Barnett said the program marked the beginning of the focus to improve the long-term benefit of Northern Health patients.

“At Northern Health, we have been aware for a long time that our lack of promotion of well-being has been a gap in the services we provide to our cancer patients,” Dr Frances Barnett said.

Other groups part of the program, including Whittlesea U3A, were pleased to support the program helping others.

“Whittlesea U3A has observed over time the benefits seniors enjoy from participation in our classes and activities on their health and wellbeing,” Whittlesea U3A president Glen Wall said.

“We are pleased to support the Northern Health WellAhead program, to enable participants to enjoy the more than 130 classes, we offer at a reduced rate.”

Project Manager transformation unit and choir director Alison Davies  said Northern Health Community Choir was delighted to provide support through program participation.

“The choir is an inclusive forum, that welcomes membership not only from our staff but also members of the local community,” she said.

WellAhead aligns with Northern Health’s commitment to ‘Staying Well’, providing services outside the hospital setting, with a focus on health and wellbeing in the community.

Victorian pharmacy pilot begins next stage

The North Central Review
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Victorian pharmacy pilot begins next stage

Victorians seeking treatment for mild and common skin conditions will soon be able to access the care needed at a community pharmacy at no cost.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced 729 pharmacies can treat Victorians with mild psoriasis or shingles from early March through the Community Pharmacy Pilot’s next phase.

New data revealed more than 3700 Victorians – overwhelmingly women – have already accessed care at a pharmacy since the start of the pilot.

Victorian women are reaping the benefits of the pilot, with around 2000 women seeking care and antibiotics to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections, UTIs.

The pilot also makes it easier for women to get a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill, with around 1300 women avoiding trips to their GP for a simple script refill.

Ms Allan said the pilot was an efficient program.

“It just makes sense to be able to pop down to your local pharmacy to get treatment for everyday conditions and basic health care needs, and our pilot program is helping thousands of women do just that,” she said.

Ms Thomas said the pilot made it easier for women to access needed healthcare.

“Running out of a pill prescription or needing to get treatment quickly for a UTI can be inconvenient and expensive,” she said.

‘That’s why we’re making it cheaper and easier for Victorian women to get the care they need.”

The pilot also eases overseas trip preparation with 400 Victorians accessing the in-pharmacy travel health and vaccination consultations.

There is no charge for patients to see a participating pharmacist to receive care under the pilot, and if medications are required, the cost would be no more than if they had received a prescription from a GP.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said being able to visit a pharmacy for some conditions was more efficient.

“Being able to duck down the road to the local pharmacy saves time and money and makes life just that little bit easier for the women in our community,” she said.

“This is a great initiative and one that I am proud our government is delivering.”

The $20 million investment increases the number of primary care options for Victorians, freeing up GPs for people with more complex conditions and reducing non-urgent emergency department presentations.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: February 27, 2024

The North Central Review
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Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: February 27, 2024

ACK set for finals

ROVER 2024 02 27 ACK at the G

Assumption First XI won a thriller against reigning premier Camberwell to guarantee a place in the finals which commence on Saturday.

ACK, all out for 202, held off a strong Camberwell challenge to win by seven runs. Leading bats Lucas Cavigan and Ollie Watts were among the wins again for the dark and light blues.

With the footy season fast approaching students are in training for the college’s 66th AGSV season.

Assumption’s 1ST XVIII record across those years is unrivalled in Australian college sport. The scoreboard is as follows –

  • AGSV – 39 titles.
  • Herald Sun Shield- 12 titles.
  • Phoenix Cup – 3 titles.

The shield campaign was only for the period 1980-2009. ACK’s win at the MCG in the final year was versus St Pat’s, Ballarat.

The photo shows the side holding the trophy at the ‘G’ a quarter of a century ago.

True family club

ROVER 2024 02 27 Mr Cricket

Kilmore Cricket Club further enhanced its reputation as a fine family club with its Silver Circle Sunday.

More than 200 people of all ages had a great day out. There were fun activities for the many children and a 20/20 game between Kilmore cricketers and footballers.

A glorious sunny day enhanced the scene at the picturesque tree-lined oval precinct.

Kilmore’s ‘Mr Cricket’ Lawrie Boyd would have been delighted as he surveyed the scene and realised the historic club, founded well over a century and a half ago, is thriving in this modern era.

It has some fine workers behind the scenes- headed by tireless secretary Cath Mogridge who does a fantastic job, plus the Buttler family-Brett, Debbie and son Josh who are KCC through and through.

***

Many former players were present on the day, none more welcome than Merv Hanson.

Merv, a really good guy, was a vital member of a wonderfully talented cricket family responsible for the town club’s dominance for many years. Six brothers, all fine players, constructed one of the all-time great Aussie country cricket families.

Greg may have shaded his siblings slightly in ability-he was an all-rounder good enough to hold his own in the elite levels of the game.

Their dad, Keith(dec) had been a good player. He helped greatly driving a period of over twenty years, when as First XI coach, I had to prepare the turf wickets. Keith lost his wife when the children were very young.

The greatest

Jane visited Kilmore a decade ago and enjoyed the hospitality of a number of area families. Her son Ross and daughter Janna stayed for a time at Assumption in the early 2000s and gave me a hand with sport.

Varia

Thanks to Melanie of Kilmore for a lovely letter the other day. An ex-student of ACK, her daughter Sarah has just started at the college, and I hope she progresses well. Glad to note Melanie’s best friend is Danielle Stoddart.

The latter’s family is a highly respected one. Her dad David, a pharmacist in Broadford, passed away from this life all too early after a tough health battle. He was a very good man.

GALLERY: Bendigo Bank Community Bank picnic day

Max Davies
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GALLERY: Bendigo Bank Community Bank picnic day

The Community Bank earlier this month hosted a picnic day and invited the community out for lunch and free lolly bags.

Bank mascot Piggy was on hand for photo opportunities, while Kilmore SES and the Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell were also in attendance throughout the day.

  • Members of Kilmore SES were in attendance to talk about their work and showcase their safety equipment.
  • The Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell helped out on the day with a sausage sizzle for visiting families.
  • Amiity-Jade and Zophiee were among many to greet Piggy during the picnic.
  • Grace, Alice and Emily got a chance to meet Piggy.
  • Hudson and Lainey were keen to jump in for a quick photo opportunity with Piggy.

NCR (2024-02-20)

The North Central Review
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NCR (2024-02-20)

WR (2024-02-20)

The North Central Review
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WR (2024-02-20)

Left in the dark: State-wide storms cause widespread outages

The North Central Review
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Left in the dark: State-wide storms cause widespread outages

Mitchell Shire residents, last week, were among the 380,000 Victorian homes that had their power switched off as a result of load shedding when all four units at the Loy Yang A power station shut down and wild storms brought down power lines.

The Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO, in somewhat of an understatement, described the outage as ‘a significant power system event’.

An AEMO spokesperson said the cause of the Loy Yang generators shutting down was due to multiple tripping of generation and transmission lines in the state, best described as similar to a faulty toaster tripping a home’s fuse box.

Many people were critical of the level of information and updates from energy supplier Ausnet Servies, saying that it was well below the standard and level of previous outages, and asked if anything was being done to ensure that in any future incident, the same would not occur. Adding to the frustration, the company’s outage tracker app was, at most times, unresponsive.

Local businesses were also impacted with many closing over Tuesday and Wednesday.

Perhaps the resilience of local businesses and the community is best summed up in a Facebook post by local florist, Buds and Branches.

“As a florist, I don’t think I’ve ever been challenged as I was over the past 24 hours. We had the storm, we lost power, the internet and phones. We lost the ability to work and had to down tools and go home. After a stressful night, we were back at daybreak and I’m still unsure to this minute how we did it. But we did. To you, our customers, I am so grateful for your ongoing support. You are superstars,” the post read.

Kilmore’s Caffeine Bar summed up the hospitality industry’s situation in its post; “In the face of adversity Kilmore has shown incredible resilience and support.”

Following the outage, Mitchell Shire Council offered free drop off for spoiled food waste at its Resource Recovery Centres last week for residents and businesses impacted by the extended power outages.

When questioned on the outage, Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio claimed that Victoria was leading the way in energy supply resilience.

“We are ensuring that communities are better prepared for future events,” she said.

State Opposition Leader John Pessutto said that the blackouts highlighted the vulnerability of the state’s energy supplies.

“The situation was not unforeseeable or unavoidable. Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has been repeatedly warned about the vulnerability of the transmission network during weather events by industry experts,” he said.

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