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Nominations open for 2023 Victorian Sport Awards

Grace Frost
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Nominations open for 2023 Victorian Sport Awards

Nominations are now open for the most prestigious night of the state’s sporting and active recreation community – the Victorian Sports Awards, VSAs. 

Presented by the State Government and Vicsport, the VSAs celebrate those who made a significant contribution to Victorian sport during 2023, acknowledging the full spectrum of Victorian sport across all levels – community level, high-performance athletes who shone at a national and/or international level and everyone in between.

Across 18 awards, individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and the initiatives that make sure Victorians remain active will all be recognised.

Vicsport chair Ritchie Hinton encouraged all Victorians to submit their nominations to ensure their sport is well represented on the night.

“Alongside the State Government of Victoria, Vicsport is delighted to once again recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of our state’s sport and recreation community at the Victorian Sport Awards,” he said.

“The premier event on the Victorian sporting calendar, it is a special night where we have the opportunity to honour the grassroots heroes who keep our sport and recreation sector thriving as well as the professional athletes who starred on the world stage in 2023 such as the Matildas, Diamonds and Australian men’s cricket team.”

Four finalists for each of the 18 awards will be determined by judging panels and announced in April before the winners are revealed on June 12 at the Victory Room, Marvel Stadium.

All finalists, family, friends, sporting organisations and clubs are invited to attend the VSAs and celebrate the successes of sport in Victoria.

Ticketing details will be announced soon.

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Tourism businesses better prepared for fire risk

The North Central Review
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Tourism businesses better prepared for fire risk

Victorian tourism business owners can better plan ahead of the fire seasons with Country Fire Authority’s, CFA new Bushfire Planning for Tourism Businesses free online module. 

The 30-minute interactive tool that went live in mid-January has been developed to support businesses better recognise their bushfire risk and guide them through creating their own Bushfire Survival Plan.

Businesses can learn how to best communicate the information to their visitors, especially surrounding fire ratings and warnings, and are urged to download marketing materials to present and share around their communities.

CFA deputy chief officer Alen Slijepcevic said tourism businesses and their staff were information sources for visitors to any region during summer and it was crucial they understood the potential fire risks.

“If you run a tourism business that relies on customers during summer, you should have a bushfire plan,” he said.

“While some tourists are aware of the fire risk in the area they visit, others are not, and they will look to you for information. It is important they are alert, but not alarmed.

“Talking to your customers about bushfire safety doesn’t always need to be about leaving your location entirely, it could be about suggesting alternative activities for the more dangerous days.”

Mr Slijepcevic said preparation was the key to protecting employees, customers and a business, and having a written plan could help someone stay focused and respond when under pressure in an emergency.

“Your bushfire plan should include what will happen on certain fire danger rating days and if a fire occurs near your location, which the module will guide you through,” he said.

“Having a bushfire plan also ensures everyone that works in your business is aware of their roles and responsibilities, especially on a hot and windy day.

“Staying up to date via the VicEmergency App is vital to your and your visitor’s safety.”

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Avenue Q auditions begin tonight at Seymour

Jordyn Grubisic
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Avenue Q auditions begin tonight at Seymour

Auditions for Seymour Performers Workshop’s mid-year production ‘Avenue Q The Musical’ begin tonight.

The musical won the Tony ‘Triple Crown’ for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book – it is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart.

The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q.

He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it’s clear this is not an ordinary neighbourhood.

Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Filled with gut-busting humour and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets, Avenue Q is a truly unique show quickly becoming a favourite for audiences everywhere.

Seymour Performers Workshop vice president Julie Blythe said the show was a favourite of the members.

“This is a multi-award winning show that has been a favourite musical of many of our members and was a show we were very keen to do,” she said.

“We hope our local audiences love it as much as we do.”

Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children’s show – a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned.

The musical is not the first time Seymour Performers Workshop has worked with felt-covered co-stars.

“We have actually worked with puppets during our production of Little Shop of Horrors in 2004,” Ms Blythe said.

“But this will be an extra challenge as our performers will be singing and dancing at the same time as operating the puppets.”

After appearing in last year’s production of Legally Blonde the Musical, Thomas Boyd is stepping into the role of director for Avenue Q.

“We are excited to be supporting Thomas in his first show as director with Seymour Performers Workshop,” Ms Blythe said.

“Thomas studied musical theatre at Showfit and has performed in several community theatre productions including ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’, ‘Rock of Ages’ as Stacee Jaxx and ‘The Greatest Showman’ as PT Barnum.”

Mr Boyd said he was keen to put on the director’s cap.

“I’m excited to be directing my first production with Seymour Performers Workshop,” he said.

“We’re looking for a super talented cast of singers and actors – if you’re handy with a puppet that won’t go astray either.”

Avenue Q will be performed at the Seymour Community Arts Centre on May 18, 19, 25, and 25, 2024.

Auditions are tonight, Friday, February 9, and Sunday, February 11.

To find out more download the audition pack and book our time at spworkshop.org.au.

NCR (2024-02-06)

The North Central Review
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NCR (2024-02-06)

WR (2024-02-06)

The North Central Review
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WR (2024-02-06)

Mill Road motel? – Grand plans in Kilmore’s south

Max Davies
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Mill Road motel? – Grand plans in Kilmore’s south

A $5 million development to build a motel and medical clinic in Kilmore’s south is in the works, with the proposal subject to Mitchell Shire Council approval.

The project, referred to as the Kilmore Motel and Medical Centre, has been submitted to council in a planning permit application for the use and development of a medical centre and motel at 10 Mill Road, Kilmore.

The proposed medical centre is a two-storey building that can accommodate up to six doctors and one nurse.

The motel is another two-storey building with a reception and lobby area, office and storeroom for staff, 36 guest bedrooms with ensuites and an associated ancillary restaurant.

Designed by Beveridge-based Codes Architects, the estimated construction cost for the project is $5 million.

Mitchell Shire chief executive Brett Luxford said the proposal was under consideration by council with nearby residents in mind.

“Impacts on nearby residents will be one of several factors considered as part of investigations into the planning permit application,” he said.

Codes Architects director Salman Arif said the buildings had been designed to blend classical and modern elements to reflect the history of Kilmore and surrounds as Victoria’s oldest inland town.

Featuring sculpted brick arches and white metal façade, the design not only pays ‘homage to the local architecture’ but also ‘creates an inviting atmosphere’.

The interior has been designed to incorporate the exterior features and is expected to be accessible to the public for events and dining.

Mr Arif said the project’s next stage involved preparing the working drawings and tender documentation for the selection of a builder.

“The architectural drawings have been submitted for council approval, and initial council requests for information have been promptly addressed,” he said.

“If all goes according to plan, we anticipate the commencement of construction in early 2025.

“We are excited about the prospect of bringing this project to life and contributing to the architectural landscape of Kilmore.”

Mr Arif said the project was a testament to the collaborative effort between themselves, the planning team, and the client – an individual listed in the project’s drawing sheet as Anurag Chawala.

The Review was told the operators of the future medical clinic and motel were not yet known.

For more information, visit www.codesarchitects.com.au.

Country music takes Whittlesea by storm

Max Davies
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Country music takes Whittlesea by storm

The Whittlesea Country Music Festival returned for its 24th iteration at the weekend with large crowds in attendance to enjoy favourite country classics and original music.

Despite the warm weather and harsh sun, the star-studded lineup of artists meant visitors were often up and dancing.

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Andrew Swift takes to the Whittlesea stage.

Festival organiser Tony Holding said the event was ‘extremely successful’.

“We had a very good crowd, great turn-out, artists were fantastic, sound crew were great, and there were plenty of families there with lots of young kids,” he said.

“It’s promoted as a family affair and that’s exactly what we get, and because it’s all finished by 10pm it allows them to go home and get to bed on time.”

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The lineup for the Saturday twilight concert was opened by The Voice superstar and Whittlesea resident Shanae Watson, followed by Cush Ryder, Golden Guitar finalist Hayley Jensen, Andrew Swift, and Australian music legend Ross Wilson.

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Whittlesea Scouts were on hand on Saturday to help clean up rubbish and keep the festival running smoothly. ​

Mr Wilson was the headline act on the evening and was making his second appearance at the festival – making a strong impression as he drew crowds and got people dancing.

“The crowd was rocking, Ross really gets them up and dancing because his songs are timeless,” Mr Holding said.

“When he was up and singing all those beautiful songs, the crowd really rocked and it was great. We had a good weekend and put Whittlesea back on the map.”

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Festivalgoers came out in large numbers to enjoy a star-studded line-up of well-known country music artists. ​

Mr Holding said the event was a chance for people to get out and enjoy live music for free.

“The cost-of-living is biting people, so free events are becoming more and more popular,” he said.

“We need to give back to the community, so we do that by providing a free music event.

“Ross Wilson has 19 gigs this month and the other events charge like a wounded bull, but we provide it for free.

“Because our event is free, we pull that crowd, so crowd numbers were up I’d say.”

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The festival was supported by a preliminary event on Friday night at Whittlesea Bowls Club, alongside a cruise night on the same evening that featured the ‘biggest turnout of cars ever’ according to Mr Holding.

Tobacco shop arson charges laid

Jordyn Grubisic
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Tobacco shop arson charges laid

A 25-year-old Epping man has been remanded following charges relating to four arson attacks across Melbourne last year.

Police seized four guns and a significant amount of illicit tobacco as part of an investigation into a series of suspicious fires connected to an illicit tobacco dispute.

Police from the Lunar and VIPER taskforces executed warrants at four properties on Tuesday – two at Epping, Campbellfield and Thomastown.

A Thomastown man, 48, was also arrested and charged with having possessed, carried or used an unregistered long-arm, having possessed a handgun without a licence, possession of traffickable quantity of firearms and having handled stolen goods.

The Epping man faces charges of arson and extortion, while a Campbellfield man was released pending further enquiries.

Both the Epping and Thomastown men appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The Epping man made no application for bail and was remanded to reappear on May 11.

The Thomastown man will face Heidelberg Magistrates Court on February 13.

Detectives allege the Epping man was responsible for commissioning a number of arson attacks on businesses last year, including:

A fire at a tobacco store in Glenroy in October;

Two fires at the same Docklands restaurant on November 18 and 20; and

A fire at a reception centre in Tullamarine in December.

He has also been charged in relation to a threat against a tobacco store owner in Glenroy in September.

From the Thomastown property, police seized four firearms including two rifles, a handgun and an imitation longarm, as well as ammunition.

Taskforce Lunar currently has 31 active arson investigations, which include tobacco stores, vehicles, gyms, restaurants and private addresses.

A significant investigation into the series is underway with Taskforce Lunar drawing on a range of specialised resources from the Gang Crime Squad, Arson and Explosives Squad, Echo Taskforce, VIPER Taskforce, Criminal Proceeds Squad and Financial Crime Squad.

The taskforce is also working closely with regional police, as well as a range of external agencies such as the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Federal Police and Australian Taxation Office.

Taskforce Lunar investigators allege the current situation is as a result of criminal syndicates in conflict due to competition for profit derived from the illicit tobacco market.

The current conflict includes both the physical placement of illicit tobacco into stores, as well as demands for stores to sell the syndicate’s illicit product and to pay a ‘tax’ per week to operate.

Police allege the syndicates comprise of personnel from Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs, who are then engaging networked youth, street gangs and other low-level criminals to carry out the offending.

Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about the incidents and those responsible to come forward.

Anyone with information about the incidents or with further information about illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Snake bite? Antivenom not in Mitchell Shire

Jordyn Grubisic
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Snake bite? Antivenom not in Mitchell Shire

WITH warmer weather comes snake season and with it the uncommon – but not impossible – chance of being bitten, but Mitchell Shire residents should be aware they will need to be transported to Epping’s Northern Hospital rather than being treated locally.

In Victoria there are three venomous snakes – brown, tiger and red-bellied black – however snake envenomation is rare in Australia with an average of two snake envenomation deaths recorded in Australia each year.

Under the state snake bite guidelines, all patients with a suspected snakebite should be managed in a facility with access to antivenom, critical care facilities and a 24-hour laboratory for blood tests.

If the criteria are not met, inter-hospital transfer is required – even for asymptomatic patients.

A Northern Health spokesperson said its decision not to stock antivenom at Kilmore District Hospital aligned with state guidelines.

“As per state guidelines, antivenom should be administered in a hospital with direct access to an intensive care unit,” the spokesperson said.

“Patients presenting at Kilmore Urgent Care Centre with a suspected snake bite would be stabilised and transferred by ambulance to Northern Hospital, Epping.”

Austin Health’s poisons information specialist Janet Browning said hospitals followed the guidelines when deciding to stock antivenoms.

“For safety reasons only hospitals or other emergency medical personnel administer antivenom,” she said.

“Like many highly specialised treatments, antivenom is complex and costly to make and has an expiry date.”

Ms Browning said antivenom treatment was lifesaving but should be given with consideration.

“It is important that antivenom is not given indiscriminately to all patients with a suspected snakebite as there is a risk of anaphylaxis associated with antivenom,” she said.

“If a patient is showing signs of envenomation, based on clinical symptoms or pathology results, then yes, administration of antivenom as early as possible is vital.

“Antivenom needs to be given with emergency medical personnel in attendance or providing remote advice.

“Unfortunately, there are many isolated areas in Australia, so logistical problems with medical emergencies like snakebite envenomations are managed on a daily basis by our excellent ambulance and health services.”

Medical advice recommends that all suspected snakebites should be treated as potentially dangerous with triple zero called immediately and first aid undertaken.

A constrictive bandage needs to be applied over clothing from below the bite site up the limb as far as possible.

The victim should minimise physical movement with transport brought to the victim and the bite site should not be washed, while the bandage should be only removed by medical staff after hospital arrival.

Do not attempt to catch the snake for identification – it is not necessary and dangerous to do so – brown and tiger antivenom will cover all Victorian snakes.

Council left to regret as George Street development permitted

Jordyn Grubisic
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Council left to regret as George Street development permitted

Mitchell Shire Council has learned hindsight is 20-20 with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, VCAT, granting a permit for 21-27 George Street, Kilmore development following planning scheme inconsistencies.

The permit allows construction of 12 dwellings in the General Residential Zone, GRZ, and the retention of two existing dwellings.

VCAT’s senior tribunal member Laurie Hewet said there were inconsistencies in planning schemes with the Kilmore Structure Plan, KPS, naming the site as being located in an equine precinct, while the framework plan did not replicate the designation.

“Relevantly the equine uses that operate from a number of properties surrounding the review site are prohibited uses in the GRZ,” he said.

“I am entitled to proceed in my assessment of this proposal on the basis that a decision has been made by those who have constructed this planning scheme to exclude the equine precinct from the framework plan for very good reasons … I am required to apply the planning scheme as I find it.

“In this context the framework plan … must assume greater weight in my assessment than those parts of the KSP that refer to the equine precinct but which council has chosen not to include in the framework plan.

“While the equine precinct designation in the KSP is relevant, its exclusion from the framework plan is an important consideration.”

Council designed a Kilmore Equine Lifestyle Precinct in the area through an overlay, which Mr Hewet said showed a lack of policy supporting the George Street site and surroundings as being part of an equine precinct.

In 2009, council also commissioned an issues paper titled Horse Stables in Residential Areas in Kilmore, exploring options available to council to manage the land for stables within the George Street residential area.

The paper explored, among others, rezoning the area to a special use zone to entrench existing equine uses and enable new equine uses to be established – it has not been implemented while other identified options have.

Mr Hewet decided the housing permit was acceptable under council’s planning schemes.

“I acknowledge that the introduction of the proposed dwellings on the review site may necessitate improved management regimes for each or some of the equine uses, and that additional expenses may be incurred as a consequence,” he said.

“That impact however falls well short of being unreasonable in the circumstances of this case.

“I was not presented with any information that would persuade me that existing operations would be unable to continue to operate as a consequence of the need to implement improvement management and maintenance regimes.

“The potential for conflict is a largely inevitable consequence of the historic uses in the precinct and the current zoning and policy framework that encourages residential development.”

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