Connectivity boost east of Seymour on the way

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January 30, 2024

Connectivity boost east of Seymour on the way

A new Telstra base station at Kobyboyn, east of Seymour, will improve mobile and broadband connectivity for the area.

Delivered through the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program, RCP, the 4G macro cell base station will support access to essential digital services including telehealth, education, skills and training and emergency communications, and enhance business and e-commerce opportunities.

The Federal Government contributed $346,500 to the project, which also received contributions from the State Government and Telstra.

State Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said the project would make a positive impact on the Kobyboyn community.

“The improved connectivity will not only mean more Victorians can stay connected with family and friends, but will also provide the region with easier access to health and education services, as well as business technologies,” she said.

Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart said ‘bridging the digital divide’ was key to improving liveability across regional Victoria and drove growth for local businesses and economies.

“This project will make a meaningful difference to the community of Kobyboyn and is a great example of Commonwealth-state collaboration, working alongside industry, to boost regional connectivity,” she said.

“I look forward to seeing the positive flow-on effects this has on the community and the entire region.”

The Kobyboyn project was delivered under round one of RCP funding which provided $115.8 million for 129 projects across Australia.

A further $200 million has been allocated for additional RCP rounds.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said every Australian deserved access to fast, reliable broadband ‘regardless of postcode or circumstance’.

The RCP is part of the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, providing $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural, regional and remote communities.

For more information on the Better Connectivity Plan, visit infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia.

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New facilities set for Doreen Primary School

The North Central Review

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January 30, 2024

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New facilities set for Doreen Primary School

Doreen Primary School with receive new facilities following a $5.387 million boost from the State Budget, with a new classroom and administration building expected to be complete next year.

The Victorian School Building Authority is in charge of the project, awarding the construction contract in November 2023, to Cobolt Constructions.

The principal and staff were consulted closely on the design of the new facilities, which is set to complement the school’s outdoor inclusive learning space built in 2023.

The project is expected to finish in term two of 2025.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said it was crucial for the school to have quality facilities that matched the school’s long and proud history.

“Families choose Doreen Primary School for its tight-knit community. Now we are making sure that this school can continue to thrive for years to come,” she said.

“Every student, in every school is important to me. As a mum, I know the peace of mind that comes when you’re confident that your child’s school is providing the best education possible.

“That is why we have prioritised upgrades, in not only this school, but also Whittlesea Secondary College, Wandong Primary School and Hazel Glen College and why we have announced that we are building a brand-new school at Wallan East.”

“We know that teachers need world class facilities to match their world class teaching.”

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: January 30, 2024

The North Central Review

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January 30, 2024

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Tribute to a legend

There are ordinary people, good people, and great people in this life. Peter Burns, of Lancefield, was among the great.

A very large assemblage gathered to celebrate Peter’s life, fittingly in the Peter Burns Pavilion at Lancefield oval.

He fought bravely a tough health battle to the very end supported by his loving family.

He and his wife of 33 years, Jackie, lived on a lovely hill property in the Mt William area and raised two fine children there – Justin and Melanie, both of whom attended Assumption College Kilmore with distinction.

Melanie was a fine college captain in 2012. They dearly loved their dad as he loved them.

The family enjoyed rural life, the rolling hills, superb views, and their dogs and animals. Jackie gave a moving and eloquent summary of her and Peter’s life and times, and in part she said:

‘Peter was big into everything within the community. He has been in the CFA for the past 30 years. He loved football umpiring, something that he fell into by mistake when they were short one day.

‘He also enjoyed his cricket umpiring. When he could no longer play cricket, he would mow the Lancefield oval and help out at any functions that needed extra hands.

‘Peter loved anything to do with sports, cricket, football, water skiing, snow skiing, horse racing, umpiring, motorbike riding, even horse riding – his horse Strike is still at home. It did not matter what it was, he loved it all.

‘Peter’s big love was his children, his family and the dogs. If the kids ever needed him, he would always be there. He will miss them and they will miss him so much. I now have big shoes to fill.’

Peter had countless friends who testified to his kindness, generosity of spirit and a willingness to help people in need.

Officials of the Lancefield Cricket Club paid wonderful tribute to Peter who they claimed resurrected the club from a period of five years in the early 2000s when the club virtually didn’t exist.

Peter, aided by a couple of great mates Denis Graham and Russell Patterson, worked relentlessly to revive the historic club and oversaw its rebirth until today, which sees it as a fine family club with senior, junior XIs and women’s sections.

Peter was a player, president, secretary, treasurer, groundsman, and mentor to juniors – he did it all.

Beyond his playing days he umpired cricket and football and did any job required to ensure the sports prospered.

For a number of years, he umpired junior footy at ACK, always voluntary.

It is true to say Peter impacted on countless lives and he will truly be long remembered.

From somewhere in Valhalla he will be smiling down upon family and friends, not only Jackie, Justin and Melanie but also to Matthew and Rachel from his earlier marriage.

From the jungle

Playing in his debut Test in Adelaide, West Indies youngster Shamar Joseph showed brilliant promise.

He claimed Steve Smith’s wicket with his first ball in Test cricket and finished with a five-wicket haul. He also showed some exciting batting talent.

Joseph hails from a tiny village in the jungles of Guyana on the South American mainland.

He was reminiscent of the truly great Caribbean express bowlers of the past.

He thrilled the large Adelaide crowds despite his team being heavily beaten.

But sadly, this is West indies Second XI – it’s top players can’t afford to feed their families on the very small wages the West Indies board can pay them so they opt for the big money on offer from the other franchises around the world.

Indian, English, and Australian Test stars are multi-millionaires, players from the nations like West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand and South Africa, etc, can only dream of this.

The gutless International Cricket Council, awash with billions, should step in and aid those nations so they can field their best XI’s in the Test arena in by far the finest form of cricket.

The Big Bash

The Big Bash League, BBL, in its 13th season, has bounced back after a slump during the COVID years.

Big crowds in the capital cities and 10,000 plus turn up in regional cities such as Albury, Coffs Harbour and Launceston. They have seen the season’s average top to 20,000.

It’s a pity the two Melbourne sides, Renegades and Stars, can’t get off the bottom of the ladder and give their fans something to get excited about again.

Varia

New Year

Another year is over,

A new one soon to come;

It often feels like life’s fast tracked

As days to years soon run.

For New Year brings reflection,

And celebration, too,

For all the blessings life has brought,

And good times we’ve been through.

So we face firmly forward now,

Most thankful for the past.

May all enjoy a happy year,

As special as the last!

Property of the week: Tranquil lifestyle and stunning views

The North Central Review

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January 30, 2024

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Property of the week: Tranquil lifestyle and stunning views

SPONSORED

300 Back Creek Road, High Camp

4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car-space

Land size: Approx. 40 acres

For sale: $1,220,000 to $1,280,000

With approximately 40 acres of rolling hills and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, this beautiful property offers tranquil country living just 10 minutes to Kilmore and about an hour to Melbourne’s CBD.

The four-bedroom home has an expansive front verandah on which to relax and enjoy amazing views.

A large country kitchen lies at the heart of the home and adjoins a spacious family room and lounge room with solid fuel heater, new reverse cycle split system and ceiling fan. The area flows to a huge enclosed and decked outdoor room with woodfire and spa.

Accommodation is provided by four robed bedrooms with the main bedroom including a walk-in robe, ensuite, reverse cycle split system and ceiling fan.

The home has been freshly painted throughout and includes a four-kilowatt solar system to keep the power bills low and a double carport.

The home is accompanied by impressive shedding including an 8 x 12, approximately, shed with concrete floor and power connected, a large, powered machinery shed, workshop and wood/storage shed.

Originally designed as a horse property, there is also a lockable feed/tackroom, undercover tie-up area, round yard and three paddocks with shelters.

Water is abundant with approximately 100 kilolitres of tank water storage and three dams, one with a jetty.

This well-appointed property provides a peaceful haven within easy commuting distance to Melbourne and with Kilmore’s eateries, shops, schools, medical and sporting facilities close by.

We invite your inspection by appointment.

Agent: Jeanette Laffan
Mobile: 0438 452 641
Email: jeanette.laffan@nutrien.com.au

116 Powlett Street, Kilmore 3764
T: 03 5782 0400
www.kilmore.nutrienharcourts.com.au

Milestone magic for Alford’s 8000th win

Max Davies

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January 29, 2024

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Photo caption: Chris Alford, pictured at Kilmore in May 2020, winning with the Brent Lilley-trained Storm Cloud. Both trainer and driver had four winners on the card. Credit: Claire Weston Photography.

Bolinda harness legend Chris Alford is in a league of his own as he nears closer to a historic 8000th win – a feat unlikely to be surpassed by anyone else.

At age 55, Alford is Australia’s most successful driver by a significant margin – well clear of second-placed Gavin Lang on 6303 and 68-year-old Chris Lewis, who passed 6000 in September last year.

He is now just two wins away, at the time of going to print yesterday.

Alford is as keen as ever to continue racing – even escaping unharmed from a bizarre incident at Maryborough last week where his sulky collapsed just 50 metres from what would have been another victory.

At this point in his career, Alford said the main source of motivation was ‘pretty much just winning races’.

“Whether it’s a group one race, or a race I did recently for a guy who’s been training for 20 years, it’s any winners,” he said.

“The money’s obviously different and all that, but the thrill you get out of winning just doesn’t compare to anything else I don’t think.”

alford 3 — After winning the 2017 Kilmore Pacing Cup with Lennytheshark, champion driver Chris Alford hands the cup to his son Sam.

Alford was first introduced to the racing industry by his father Barry, who was a trainer on a property near Monegeetta.

Dropping out of school at age 14, Alford has been involved in the industry ever since.

He drove his first winner in 1984 and has gone on to record career highlights such as the 1995 Christchurch Inter Dominion and at Perth’s Gloucester Park in 2015.

In total he has racked up almost 130 group one wins.

Alford said the racing had stayed largely the same over the course of his career and he was lucky to have had several special opportunities in the sulky.

“The horses are a lot faster now but the racing is pretty much still the same … there’s a lot more junior drivers that you have to race against now,” he said.

“I’ve been pretty lucky. I’ve driven some great horses and driven for nearly every great trainer that’s been around in the last 40 years, so I wouldn’t change anything.”

Alford’s wife Alison is also involved in harness racing as a trainer, making each win feel a bit more special.

“It’s always a big thrill when you drive one that gets trained here, it makes it a bit more special because you put all the extra work in,” Alford said.

“If you just drive them for someone else, you turn up and you’re only part of it for 10 minutes from the time you go onto the track to the time you come off.

“This way you’re working everyday and helping out getting them to the races, so when they win it’s a bit of an extra thrill.”

alford 2 — Bolinda harness racing legend Chris Alford after he won the 2023 Gordon Rothacker Medal.

Now racing five or six days a week, Alford said the milestone win could happen any day but remained humble in his celebration plans as he reflected on his career.

“I’m not really much into celebrating milestones, I’ll just sit back and go ‘oh yeah, finally got there’,” he said.

“I’m considered a pretty fair driver, I don’t just knock people over for fun like some of them and do anything to win a race.

“I go out there and be sure to be as fair and respectful to everyone else I race with as I can.

“Trots is a pretty amazing sport … you can keep going for a long time.

“I’ll just keep going while I think I can do it properly and if not, I’ll know when it’s time.”

WR (2024-01-23)

Whittlesea Review

The North Central Review

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January 23, 2024

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NCR (2024-01-23)

North Central Review

The North Central Review

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January 23, 2024

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Egg-cellent idea for Macedon Ranges entrepreneur

Max Davies

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January 23, 2024

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Egg-cellent idea for Macedon Ranges entrepreneur

A young Monegeetta egg entrepreneur has launched his latest charity campaign – packs of eggs expected to help provide 190,000 meals a year to Australian households in need.

Josh Murray, founder of Josh’s Rainbow Eggs, has partnered with Woolworths and Coles to sell specially-marked 18-packs of eggs that donate 20 cents to two food charities for every purchase.

Mr Murray’s 18 packs can be purchased from more than 200 stores across Australia, with the retailers also on board to contribute half of each 20-cent donation.

Woolworths will donate its portion to OzHarvest, while Coles has designated SecondBite.

Mr Murray said the idea for the 18-packs was first proposed by OzHarvest engagement manager Alana Roberts, who approached Josh’s Rainbow Eggs after having seen its ongoing Easter Egg campaign with Woolworths in support of the Good Friday Appeal.

“Our proceeds from every Easter Egg that is sold in Woolies stores go towards the Good Friday Appeal and we do that every year around Easter, so [Ms Roberts] thought about doing the same except with an egg line,” he said.

“For us, we’re always looking for ways to give back and it seemed like a really cool idea.”

According to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2023, 3.7 million Australian households experienced moderate to severe food insecurity last year.

The report found the increased cost of living was the most common reason for food insecurity in 2023.

The 18-pack campaign was designed with those statistics in mind with the hope that customers will purchase the special cartons to help provide additional meals for as many people as possible.

“We were originally going to do it with OzHarvest, but then with Coles and Woolies, we ended up going with different charities, which is awesome because we get to support two different, wonderful groups,” Mr Murray said.

“We got those into stores [late last year] and we’re really proud of how they’re going so far.”

Mr Murray said while there were not exact statistics on the packs’ sales to date, Josh’s Rainbow Eggs anticipated that enough money would be raised over the course of 2024 to provide 75,000 meals with OzHarvest and 115,000 with SecondBite to people in need.

“Giving back is really a pillar value for Josh’s Rainbow Eggs, so I’d expect this to actually be an ongoing thing,” he said.

The Macedon Ranges company is now gearing up for its Good Friday Appeal campaign, which has now been taking place around Easter for two years with 50c from each Easter Egg sold donated directly to the Appeal.

Josh’s Rainbow Eggs has a mission to provide ethical and sustainable food aiming to becoming Victoria’s most trusted and recognised free-range egg brand.

Since 2017, the business has donated almost two million eggs to charity thanks to mum Tamsyn, who is chief executive at Josh’s Rainbow Eggs, and ‘very passionate’ about charity and giving back where possible.

City of Whittlesea musicians’ Idol aspirations

Grace Frost

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January 23, 2024

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City of Whittlesea musicians’ Idol aspirations

Two budding City of Whittlesea musicians are counting down the days until they feature on the television series Australian Idol.

Mill Park’s Ivana Ilic and Mernda’s Jake Carlson, both 20, have set their sights on the Australian Idol title, which premieres on Channel Seven next Monday.

In the early 2000s, Australian Idol launched the careers of Australian hitmakers, including Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll, Jessica Mauboy, Ricki-Lee and Anthony Callea.

The show returned to television after a 14-year hiatus last year, and this year, it offers the winner $100,000 in prize money and a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment Australia.

Before they can claim Idol glory, Ms Ilic and Mr Carlson must impress the celebrity judging panel, which contains radio personality Kyle Sandilands, American-Australian singer Marcia Hines, and Australian singer Amy Shark.

For Mr Carlson, the long walk to centre stage to face the three celebrities was unlike anything he had ever done before.

“I’m not someone who generally gets nervous – I’ve done a whole host of gigs,” he said.

“[But] having to look three of my idols in the face and sing to them was pretty scary.

“The nerves were high – I was a bit shaky, but I was really excited and I knew it could be a fantastic opportunity for me. That was what was trumping it at the time.”

Plastered across advertisements as the face of the upcoming Idol season, Mr Carlson’s reason behind his passion for music is capturing hearts across the nation.

“My brother was diagnosed with autism at a really young age … we didn’t know how to help him,” Mr Carlson said.

“But one thing that remained very consistent was the power of music in his life … Whatever was happening in his life, music was a real powerful thing for that.”

Having seen the positive impact of music in his home life, Mr Carlson pursued musical therapy to share his music.

While studying, he has continued to deliver musical therapy and work closely alongside children with severe autism and other disabilities, as well as in aged care.

The Idol dream extends beyond the prize money for Mr Carlson who wants to share his passion of the transformative power of music.

“Of course the [prize money] is a beautiful bonus, but that’s not so much what I’m doing it for,” he said.

“[It’s about] seeing people enjoy what I’m doing and taking something from it – that’s what’s been really special for me.”

The countdown is on until his highly-anticipated audition airs, and Mr Carlson said he was ‘stoked’ to watch it back.

Ms Ilic is also excited to watch her audition when it airs, where she was supported by more than 12 people backstage, including her four protective brothers, parents, grandparents, and friends.

For Ms Ilic, the quest for the Idol win comes hand-in-hand with making her Serbian family proud and honouring her roots.

“It’s a hard industry to crack into and I feel like this is such a great opportunity,” she said.

“It’s a way to get yourself out there and be who I’ve always wanted to be and … become the artist that I know I can be.”

Centre stage was a big shift from her job at a burger shop, but Ms Ilic said she was ready to change it up and take a shot at a music career.

“It was probably one of the most nerve-racking things I’ve ever done – I won’t lie,” she said.

But after deep breaths and reminding herself that she was there for a reason, Ms Ilic was ready to tackle the audition head-on, confident off the back of her win on TikTok contest UNDSCVRD.

“I was like ‘you’re here for a reason, give it your all’,” she said.

People can follow the two singers on Instagram at @jakecarlsonmusic and @ivanailic3.

State Liberal leader visits Wallan

Max Davies

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January 23, 2024

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State Liberal leader John Pesutto stopped in Wallan earlier this month to talk with Mitchell Shire Council representatives and residents about key concerns in the area.

Organised by Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland, the Wallan visit was the last in a series of three stops on the day – with Mr Pesutto also visiting Yea and Seymour to discuss flooding issues with affected businesses and residents.

In Wallan, while issues relating to the January deluge of rain were raised, the focus was also placed on broader areas of concern that will affect the area’s growing population in coming years.

Mr Pesutto said hearing from the community was of the ‘utmost importance’ as the area continued to grow.

“[For] the future of our state, the way we accommodate a growing population in Victoria, we have to have a government that’s actually looking at the patterns of growth across our state and, particularly in the outer suburbs and growth corridors, where we’re seeing growth exploding but infrastructure spending contracting,” he said.

“Unless we invest here, we’re going to see communities abandoned. They’ll continue to grow, people will still come here, but there will be no infrastructure to support them.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister raised multiple points of concern to Mr Pesutto, including the Watson Street and Camerons Lane interchanges with the Hume Freeway, timing of secondary schools for towns like Kilmore, Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub, inflation, and the proposed Wallan South quarry.

Mr Pesutto’s visit came after similar events involving Premier Jacinta Allan, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Housing Richard Riordan, and Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland following the flooding in Seymour.

Cr Bannister said the visits to the shire had been valuable for both council and the community.

“The discussions during their visit highlighted the imperative for state consideration of betterment funding, given the extensive re-impacts to recently repaired infrastructure from the October 2022 floods, also that mitigation was not just a council issue but a state and federal matter,” she said.

Mr Pesutto said there were multiple factors the State Government could be considering and acting on in relation to flooding and issues in Melbourne’s growth areas.

“We’ll certainly be telling local communities that we are there to be a strong voice for you, we get the challenges you face and in government, we want to reorient the budget and our approach to infrastructure spending and community development,” he said.

“You’re [Mitchell Shire] among the fastest-growing municipalities in terms of population and you need to get the support that matches that. We’re going to be a strong voice for locals.”