SUMMER 2024 FLOODING: SES’ assessment

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January 16, 2024

Property destruction was minimal but the impact to roads had been greater – that was Seymour State Emergency Service, SES, unit controller Christine Welsh’s assessment of last week’s flood compared to 2022.

“I think we were a lot more imposed in where we could go and how we could help due to the fact that so many roads were closed this time,” she said.

Mitchell Shire Council estimated 20 houses and businesses suffered floor flooding, with the majority in Seymour.

Seymour SES Unit responded to 50 callouts on Monday, excluding calls for sandbags.

Ms Welsh said volunteers and community members were more equipped with information prior to last week’s flood than in 2022.

“October 2022 was a lot quicker – we didn’t have the build-up to it and the information that we had this time,” she said.

“I feel like we were supported a lot more with information this time and so could react to it and get that information out to the community, which I guess was the big thing.”

The preparedness of the community meant a reduction in affected properties so SES personnel could prepare their equipment for future callouts.

Ms Welsh said she felt ‘reassured’ after Premier Jacinta Allan visited Seymour and listened to SES personnel’s concerns.

“I guess I know they’ve got our backs. They’re there to help,” she said.

“Having that conversation, that one-on-one time with [the Premier] was really good, and just having that ear to listen. She’s aware of our needs and is going to push for that.”

As of Friday, Lions Park and Goulburn Park in Seymour were remained closed due to flooding. Tallarook Arboretum (Reserve) was also closed.

“At this stage it is unknown when the parks will re-open as there is considerable damage, including dangerous trees,” Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said.

The Seymour Maternal Child Health Centre reopened yesterday.

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For the latest information on VicRoads closures, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

Broadford bats need to lift in GDCA action

Max Davies

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January 16, 2024

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Broadford bats need to lift in GDCA action

While the clash between Wallan and Kilmore was cut short by poor weather at Greenhill Reserve, Broadford endured a difficult full day’s play on the road against Aintree.

The match was set to be one of the most important for the Gisborne District Cricket Association, GDCA, newcomers so far this season, as Aintree was eager to take second place on the Johnstone Shield Firsts’ ladder, and Broadford keen to hold it for as long as possible.

Electing to bat first, Broadford struggled to settle into a groove with any batting partnership, as none of the side’s initial eight batsmen managed to make more than 20 runs before being dismissed.

The innings began to stabilise as Kyle Hopkins and Joshua Nolan scored 17 and 18 runs respectively, however it was Taylor Shell, 22 not out, and Jack Connell, 20 not out, who showed the strongest form.

Coach Gareth Sharp said Broadford was unfortunate to not come away with the victory.

“It was just one of those games where everyone sort of got themselves in and faced their 15-20 balls, and then either threw away their wickets or got a good ball,” he said.

“We just really struggled to build any sort of momentum through our innings. It was just that our recognised batsmen couldn’t really get the job done on the weekend.”

Despite the shaky opening, Broadford’s bowlers were again performing well in an effort to keep the Aintree charge at bay.

Nathan Woods took four wickets and gave away 18 runs, while Jeremy Bradshaw chipped in for a solid 2/29 alongside strong efforts from Connell and James Jones.

By the end of the day, however, it was Aintree that took out bragging rights and second place on the ladder – the final scores 7/159 to 8/158.

“We bowled really well. We were probably 20 or 30 runs short of a par score for the ground at Ain-tree, so we were always on the back foot,” Sharp said.

“As a coach, it’s very frustrating because we have so much ability and so much talent through our side with the bat.

“We bat so deep, but we just haven’t had anyone make consistent scores and it makes it really hard for the side to have a consistent batting innings.

“It is something we’re working really hard on trying to fix, and I think when we get it and get it right, our batting will really become one of our strengths … our batting is definitely below par for what we know we can do at the moment.”

Two-day matches will return for round 11 this weekend, with Broadford set to host sixth-placed Eynesbury in what Sharp expected to be a solid return to form for his side.

“We’re really excited to get back into the two-day setup because I think the one-day side doesn’t really complement us and how we play our cricket,” he said.

“As soon as those one-days finished earlier in the season and we got into two-day cricket, we domi-nated. We beat East Sunbury by 160 and we bowled Aintree out last time in a two-day for 130.

“We’re able to give our more experienced bowlers 10 overs straight and they’ll do a really big job for us, and they have through the year so far.”

Elsewhere, Wallan’s poor weather meant play was stopped against Kilmore at the end of the visitor’s innings.

Kilmore racked up 160 before all batsmen were dismissed.

Ryan Knight and Ben Dawson led the way for the Blues, making 40 and 33 runs, respectively, sup-ported by similarly strong performances from Brent Proctor and captain/coach Jacob Walton.

Ryan Bonner was the standout of Wallan’s bowlers, taking 4/40.

In the Johnstone Shield’s Seconds, it was a similar story with Aintree defeating Broadford, however the Kilmore-Wallan match was played out in full, with Wallan emerging victorious 9/156 to 8/161.

McIntyre Cup

The top-of-the-ladder clash between Romsey and Gisborne was called off for the second time this season at the weekend, as play was halted after the opening innings.

Gisborne elected to bat first and amassed 232 runs for three wickets, headed by a whopping 118 for captain Jarryd Vernon.

Romsey captain and coach Ben Way took 2/35, while Chris Marienfeld 2/37.

The Seconds clash for the pair was also abandoned after Romsey had scored 5/216.

Romsey will be at home against Woodend for round 11 as two-day matches return.

Tooborac Primary non-operational for 2024

Grace Frost

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January 16, 2024

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Tooborac Primary non-operational for 2024

Tooborac Primary School will not operate this year due to a lack of student enrolment.

The announcement follows the primary school’s 150th birthday celebrations in October last year.

Eleven students were enrolled at the primary school last year, but with no enrollments for the coming year, the school was forced into a ‘reorganisation process’.

A Department of Education spokesperson confirmed the school was ‘not officially closed’, but rather non-operational for the coming year, otherwise known as ‘de-staffed’.

“School council requested a reorganisation process to determine the long-term future of Tooborac Primary School in December 2023 after it became apparent there were no students enrolled for 2024,” the spokesperson said.

“We will consult with the local community about the future of Tooborac Primary School in the first half of 2024 before any further action is taken.”

thumbnail image0 — Tooborac Primary School students smiling alongside classmate Duke, a Seeing Eye Dog in 2021.

Consultation with the Tooborac community will begin in coming months to determine whether there was enough enrollment interest to make the school operational again.

“Interested community members will be invited to attend a community drop-in session,” the department spokesperson said.

The school could be re-opened if new enrollments are made, but for now, staff have been deployed, and the premises are unmanned.

Member for Eurora Annabelle Cleeland said the school played an essential role in forming the fabric of Tooborac.

“Despite understanding the difficulties associated with declining enrolments at the school, any news of a school closing its doors is concerning for our regional communities,” she said.

“I recently attended the 150th-anniversary celebration of the Tooborac Primary School, and the stories of the school’s history and accomplishments demonstrated the important role the school has in the fabric of the town.”

With childcare shortages taking hold of the region, Ms Cleeland has turned her attention toward better uses for the school while it remains unoperational.

“I will be talking to the local community to better understand their hopes for the future of the school, something I have already received calls about,” she said.

“If closing the school is the only option, I am interested to see how the facilities at the campus can still be used for the betterment of the Tooborac community.

“Particularly, if these facilities can be repurposed into childcare or an early learning centre to address the growing concerns over the lack of these options in the town.”

The department is yet to decide on the use of the school building for the foreseeable future.

“The department will maintain the buildings and grounds at Tooborac Primary School until a decision is made on its future,” the spokesperson said.

Surrounding primary schools are at Pyalong, Heathcote, Lancefield, Puckapunyal and Kilmore Primary School.

Kilmore jockey’s frightening fall

Jordyn Grubisic

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January 16, 2024

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Kilmore harness driver Alannah Logie fell during a race in Melton on Friday night, leaving her concussed and severely bruised.

During the second race on the Melton card – the $10,000 Goodform on Thetrots.com.au Concession Driver’s Pace – Alannah’s horse As She Says broke gate and fell leading into the final turn.

A steward’s enquiry into the fall will occur at a later date.

Alannah suffered extensive bruising to the bone, bruising to the brain and is suffering concussion following the incident.

Alanah’s mother Gaye Logie said it was a relatively lucky outcome for her daughter.

“She’ll need to rest up and recover over the next few weeks,” she said.

“Alannah is a very lucky lady. It could have been so much worse.”

Fellow drivers Corey O’Donoghue and Nick Beale were also involved in the fall – Beale was cleared of any injuries while O’Donoghue underwent surgery on a broken right femur.

“As She Says was very badly cut and does have severe knee injuries,” Gaye said.

“She’s being treated by the vet and is well on the way to recovery.

“We don’t know how it’s all going to go to be honest.”

O’Donoghue’s horse Micton Mouse came through the incident with superficial abrasions to his knees and chest, and is expected to fully recover.

Gaye said Alannah was grateful for the support received following the fall.

“She wants thank to all the people that have messaged and phoned. The support has been overwhelming and the kindness is really appreciated,” she said.

“And all the help on the night when it happened – they offered to bring the horse home or take Alannah to the hospital. They were just amazing.”

Although Alannah’s return to the track remains unknown, her partner Corey – also a trainer-driver – will continue to race this week.

Shaping the future of transport in the City of Whittlesea

The North Central Review

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January 16, 2024

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Shaping the future of transport in the City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea is forming an Integrated Transport Plan to assist the community to have greater choices in how they travel.

A draft background and directions papers have been created to inform the plan and residents can now submit feedback.

The feedback will inform the development of a draft Integrated Transport Plan, which will be the guiding document for transport planning in the municipality for the next decade.

The plan will include walking and cycling, public transport, road transport, road safety and freight movements.

City of Whittlesea administrator Peita Duncan said by making the city’s transport network more efficient and accessible, there would be a difference for the community.

“The plan is not just about transport – it’s about making life smoother, connecting people to places and ensuring a better future for our community,” she said.

“The aim is to offer our community more choice in how they move around, making travelling simpler and more convenient.

“Delivering effective transport options is a shared responsibility between council and the Victorian Government so this plan will also help us to advocate for major road and public transport improvements for our community.”

There are many ways that people can share their thoughts about the future of transport in the City of Whittlesea.

. Consultation is open until February 15.

Tallarook takes easy win as SDCA returns

Jordyn Grubisic

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January 16, 2024

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Tallarook takes easy win as SDCA returns

With the Christmas break over, Seymour District Cricket Association, SDCA, cricketers returned to the field for the return of the 2023/24 competition.

The undefeated Eastern Hill continue to be the team to beat, scoring another win over Seymour 4/100 (17) to 6/97 (19).

At Avenel, Tallarook took an easy win over the home side.

Avenel won the toss, electing to bat, but a rough start left Avenel at 3/15.

The next partnership gave Avenel a boost, but Tallarook continued cutting through batsmen.

Chayse Thomson top scored with 20 runs but with no other batter able to make it to double digits – and four ducks – Avenel were all out for 57 off 19.1 overs.

Tallarook vice-captain Kalon Winnell took an impressive 4/3 while Leigh Irving 2/6.

With captain Lachlan Watts unavailable for the match, Joshua Rudge stepped into the leadership role.

“Getting some captaincy experience with Lach Watts away was great and the boys made the job very easy,” he said.

“Kal and Leigh ran through Avenel and the youngsters backed them up with some quality, tight bowling.”

Rudge and Andrew Dundon were an unstoppable opening partnership making 27 not out and 22 not out respectively as Tallarook took the win 0/59, off eight overs.

“It’s pleasing to get a win on the board straight away after Christmas with a few players to come back in the coming weeks,” Rudge said.

“You really don’t want to muck around with the small run chases. To chase down their total in eight overs is a big boost to our percentage, with a huge fixture at home against Seymour next week.

“We’ll be looking to pick up a win and push for a top-two spot heading into finals later this year.”

In a close match, Yea took its second win for the season over Pyalong, defeating the visitors 9/123 to 6/129.

Pyalong elected to bowl first, with Joseph Ryan leading the way with four wickets.

The Tigers put up an 80-run partnership to start the innings before Ryan broke the partnership.

Pyalong didn’t have the same early success, falling to 4/37.

The visitors’ Daniel Sowden made 38 and Dermott Clancy an unbeaten 23 to end the innings.

Pyalong captain Jamie Pryor said it was a disappointing result.

“Our top-order fell away a little too cheaply. We left the lower-order too much to do,” he said.

“We were missing some key players who bowl the bulk of our overs, but I still thought 130 was a reachable total.

“Credit to Yea who made sure it was enough.

“I was really impressed with Dan and Dermott – the game looked done, but they batted maturely to get us within reach in the final few overs. It just wasn’t to be.”

This Saturday, Pyalong play Avenel at home, Tallarook host Seymour and Eastern Hill play Alexandra at Kings Park, while Yea has a bye.

SUMMER 2024 FLOODING: Seymour Racing Club recovered

Grace Frost

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January 16, 2024

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SUMMER 2024 FLOODING: Seymour Racing Club recovered

Despite the deluge that hit areas of Seymour early last week, Seymour Racing Club avoided major damage to its tracks and facilities, reopening after a week of repairs.

With more than 100 millimetres of rain at Seymour by midday on January 8, the club’s tracks flooded including a significant amount of water on its main course.

Efforts from the club’s maintenance crew meant the two sand tracks and course proper were open by Wednesday morning, while the synthetic track also reopened before the end of the week.

Seymour Racing Club chief executive Chris Martin said the quick turnaround was a testament to the efforts of the track staff.

“Yes, we were inundated, and all the tracks were flooded, but when I arrived yesterday most of the water had disappeared,” he said.

“It was amazing, as soon as that heavy rain stopped, it did get an opportunity to run away but obviously the damage had been done in terms of the training tracks.

“Our two sand tracks and our course proper were actually opened this morning, so [staff have] worked tirelessly to get those up and running so our trainers have got somewhere to work their horses.”

Mr Martin said although the club experienced different circumstances in last week’s weather event, staff benefitted from knowledge gained following the October 2022 floods.

“In terms of the materials and so forth that we required, there was quick action in getting some crushed rock and some of the products that are required … so I think they had a little of that knowledge tucked away which they could act on quite quickly,” he said.

“The weather has also helped us too because yesterday was quite humid and warm, so it’s all drying.”

Mr Martin also said the event had come at a relatively good time, as planned renovations to the main track was set to begin in January had suspended racing at the club for several months.

The most recent meeting took place on January 3, with the next race meeting planned for April 19 following trials on March 13.

“There’s planned renovations that we’re actually prepping for now, they’re mowing the course proper down really low, and it will be scarified next week,” he said.

“That was all planned to happen already, so in terms of racing it’s not going to impact us at all.”

Recognising community champions at annual ceremony

The North Central Review

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January 16, 2024

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Recognising community champions at annual ceremony

Preparations are underway for the annual Mitchell Shire Community Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day on January 26.

Wallan Neighbourhood House, at 42 Bentinck Street, Wallan, will host the 2024 celebrations.

The day will begin at 9.30am with a Welcome to Country and flag raising by Wallan Scouts.

Mitchell Shire Council’s Community Awards will begin at 10am with seven categories awarded and special commendations presented, including Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year; Community Event of the Year; Community Group of the Year; Access and Inclusion Champion; Sports Person of the Year; and Arts and/or Culture Person of the Year.

The citizenship ceremony after the awards will feature people who have chosen to officially become Australians.

The day will end with a sausage sizzle lunch and performance by local band Tangent.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said the community awards were a chance to express gratitude to those who worked diligently for the betterment of the community.

“It’s a chance to give a heartfelt thank you to these tireless volunteers who make our community thrive,” she said.

“It’s also a chance to witness the excitement that comes with welcoming new Australian citizens.

“Officiating the citizenship ceremony is an honour that allows us to acknowledge the choices and achievements of those becoming new citizens.”

Towns across Mitchell Shire will also host their own Australia Day events. Visit www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/events for more details.

SDCA success at junior cricket week

Jordyn Grubisic

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January 16, 2024

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Seymour District Cricket Association, SDCA, competed in Junior Country Week, JCW – the premier representative competition for junior cricketers across the Northern Rivers region.

The competition ran from January 2 to 4 with rain washing out the second day of play.

The SDCA fielded under 13s and under 15s in JCW with the best players from across the competition going head-to-head with cricketers from the Shepparton, Bendigo, Murray Valley and Goulburn Murray leagues.

Players were selected following trials and training sessions before Christmas with representation coming from all junior clubs in the competition.

The under 13s side played four T20 games across the week, while the under 15s players two 45 over one-day games.

Highlights of the week included a huge win for the under 15s against Goulburn Murray.

Batting first, the SDCA put 130 on the board with 42 runs from captain Rory Kennedy.

The 15s then skittled Goulburn Murray for 34 inside 16 overs after an impressive spell of 6/9 from Avenel’s Christian Papi.

SDCA junior development officer Brad Waixel said it was pleasing to see the SDCA’s future stars playing representative cricket.

“Junior Country Week is always a fantastic opportunity for our kids to test themselves against some of the very best junior players in the state,” he said.

“Several players in the Victorian state side have come through this competition and it’s a great standard of cricket.

“We’re seeing some fantastic signs of revival in our junior cricket program and the next step in this process is seeing our young guns playing rep cricket.

“The growth we saw in players after this week is amazing and we always look forward to taking it up to some of the bigger leagues across the region.”

Mr Waixel thanked clubs for their support of JCW through a competitive selection process.

“It bodes well for the future having a really competitive process for places in these teams and even better to be able to get the squads together from across the region for some solid training sessions in the lead up,” he said.

“It’s a big task to get this week together and I’d like to pass on a massive thanks to clubs for nominating players and getting behind this comp as well as our sponsors Koala Cherries, Seymour and Kilmore Toyota, and uniform suppliers are SDC apparel.”

New Epping soccer pitch unveiled

The North Central Review

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January 16, 2024

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Soccer players in the region can look forward to playing on a better surface with a new $2.25 million synthetic pitch at the Harvest Home Road Recreation Reserve in Epping.

The City of Whittlesea contributed $1.75 million towards the project, while Sport and Recreation Victoria made $500,000 available from its World Game Facilities Fund.

The redevelopment delivered a new synthetic playing surface with improved drainage, fencing and the latest sports lighting technology.

The synthetic turf is made from 100 per cent Australian yarn manufactured in Victoria, while the pitch’s rubber underlay is made from end-of-life tyre granules.

The FIFA-accredited pitch replaces one installed in 2008 that no longer matched the needs of tenant Whittlesea Ranges Football Club or the wider community.

City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said although the municipality already had one of the highest soccer participation rates in the state, there was still room for growth.

“Council is proud to be investing in the health and wellbeing of its residents and we are grateful to the Victorian Government for its support in this important project,” he said.

“The investment in top-class facilities like this in Epping will help attract more people to the sport.

“Whether they’re people just looking to have a kick with friends, or dreaming of glittering representative careers, they will be catered for.”

Council’s Active Whittlesea Strategy 2019-2028 identified a lack of suitable facilities as a crucial barrier to female participation in organised sport.

“I know Whittlesea Ranges FC is committed to growing both its female and junior programs and this new pitch will definitely help with that,” Mr Lloyd said.