Walking in unity ‘today, tomorrow and forever’: 16 Days of Activism

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December 5, 2023

#16DaysOfActivism

It was a sea of orange in Seymour on Wednesday as about 150 people participated in the second-ever Mitchell Community Walk Against Gender-based Violence.

The walk, hosted by Mitchell Shire Council, formed part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which on a local level is led by a collaborative group of health, community and education services.

From November 25 to December 10, the 16 Days campaign aims to highlight the disproportionate impact of violence on women and girls and calls on communities to take part in conversations and activities toward eradicating gender-based violence.

While the weather was dreary on Wednesday, spirits remained high as Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister addressed the crowd prior to the commencement of the walk from GOTAFE Loco Street campus to Goulburn Park.

“My heart is filled with a profound sense of purpose and commitment as we come together to confront an issue that demands not just our attention but our collective action,” Cr Bannister said.

“Today’s walk is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a resounding statement that, as a community, we categorically reject and will not tolerate violence in any form.

“This event is a call to action, an opportunity to elevate awareness and foster open conversations around family violence.”

Cr Bannister acknowledged the shire’s family violence statistics, calling them ‘concerning’.

The Crime Statistics Agency reported an increase in family incidents in 2022-23 compared to the previous financial year.

In the year ending in June, 1091 family incidents were reported in the Mitchell Shire, with females being the affected family member in 72 per cent of cases.

“Each step we take today propels us forward on the path toward universal respect and unwavering support for women and girls,” Cr Bannister said.

Cr Bannister praised survivor of gender-based violence Angela Barker for sharing her story at the event.

“Your bravery will be entirely remembered,” she said.

Umbrellas were up and rain jackets were on for the 20-minute walk to Goulburn Park, the second of its kind since the first instalment in Kilmore in 2019.

The walk ended with a barbecue and stalls hosted by partnering organisations.

Cr Bannister said the walk illustrated the shire’s ‘unwavering dedication to creating positive change’.

“To those currently trapped in situations of violence or abuse, please know that you are not alone. We as a community are here for you today, tomorrow and forever,” she said.

Council projects

Cr Bannister used the event to announce two council projects targeted at addressing family violence.

A Community Resource Guide to Family Violence, a collaboration between the Mitchell and Murrindindi Shire Councils, has been developed alongside numerous organisations and victim-survivors.

Now available, the guide provides information on local support services, understanding and identifying the signs of abuse and respectfully responding to family members.

The guide is also available on the Mitchell and Murrindindi councils’ websites, as well as at customer service centres, libraries and at community and support centres.

“It serves as a valuable tool for community members who may be experiencing or assisting someone in the throes of family violence,” Cr Bannister said.

The mayor also announced the launch of the final version of council’s Gender Impact Assessment app, which is yet to be released.

“The app is the first of its kind in local government and can be used on mobile phones, tablets and computers to provide an efficient way to collect and analyse gender-specific data,” Cr Bannister said.

The app’s data is to be used by organisations in their development of policies, programs and services.

She said 25 per cent of Victorian councils had requested to receive a copy of the app, along with the Royal Women’s Hospital, which was one of seven health organisations set to receive the app.

Community Christmas trees on display at Kilmore

Jordyn Grubisic

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December 5, 2023

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People heading into Kilmore will be greeted by community-decorated pallet Christmas trees bringing the festive spirit to residents and visitors.

Kilmore Community Centre and Kilmore District Men’s Shed teamed up to help foster community spirit by having community groups decorate a wooden pallet Christmas tree to be displayed at the two main entrances into Kilmore and the intersection of Conway Street and Lancefield-Kilmore Road.

The trees were placed around town on Sunday and will continue to be displayed until December 30.

Kilmore Community Garden, BlueCross Willowmeade Aged Care, Dianella Aged Care, Kilmore Art Society, Kilmore and District U3A, Kilmore Toy Library, Kilmore Bowls Club, Caladenia Nursing Home Kilmore District Health, Pretty Sally Garden Club, Kingsgate Village, The Elms, Anglican Op Shop, Kilmore Community Garden, Kilmore Primary School, Assumption College, St Patrick’s Primary School and Willowmavin Primary School participated in the event.

Kilmore Community Centre manager Rose Colombo said the event had a huge turnout.

“The response was better than we could have hoped for with many organisations getting on board,” she said.

“There is so much passion within the community and so many wonderful programs working towards supporting the young, adolescent, middle-aged, seniors and the vulnerable.

“This is an excellent way to come together and celebrate what we all do as a community.

“The project so far has given many a sense of belonging and community spirit. Some of the residents in the retirement facilities are already planning an outing to see their own work on display and the work of others.”

The hard work community groups have been putting into their trees can be seen on Kilmore Community Centre’s Facebook page alongside the other programs and services offered by the organisation.

“We are looking forward to doing it all again next Christmas,” Ms Colombo said.

Women’s footy buzz at Tigerland

The North Central Review

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December 5, 2023

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Lancefield Football Netball Club, LFNC, will field a women’s football side in 2024, securing former Collingwood AFLW assistant and midfield coach Chris Clifton to lead the inaugural side.

Clifton has more than 15 years coaching experience including three premierships and being a member of the team that took Collingwood to their first AFLW finals campaign, as well as being named ACT Women’s Team Coach of the Year in 2019 and NSW/Act senior coach of the year in 2018.

Being a part of the successful AFLW program and having experiences within talent pathways and AFL academies, Clifton has developed a good understanding of what is needed in a high-performance environment.

He is passionate about improving others and developing growth within the team and players.

LFNC president Joe Schembri said the move highlighted how seriously the club was approaching women’s football.

“We’re thrilled to put our hand up and start a women’s program,” he said.

“We have a number of junior girls’ sides but previously there hasn’t been a women’s side for them to advance to. Well, we decided to fix that.

“Having someone like Chris at the helm, with all the experience and success he brings, means we can build something to give players in this district the chance to be the best they can be.”

The announcement of the women’s team comes on the back of a resurgence at the club after a much-improved showing from the senior men’s team under coach Tim Bannan last season.

Meanwhile in netball, the club has attracted former Riddell District Football Netball League premiership winner and coach of the year recipient Ciara Stewart to coach A and B grade.

“We’ve got a great group of people surrounding our club. Five netball teams for the first time ever, three male football teams and now a women’s football side – it’s an incredible achievement for a club of our size,” Schembri said.

“The place is bursting at the seams and I know everyone is really excited about welcoming our new women’s footballers.

“Sure, we want to win as many games as possible and develop our players to be the best they can be, but make no mistake, we want everyone to have as much fun as possible too.

“We’re putting the call out for trainers, assistant coaches, plenty of general volunteers – indeed anyone who wants to get involved on the ground floor of women’s football in Lancefield.

“Get in touch, you don’t need any experience. We’ll train you, support you and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.”

People interested can email the club at lancefieldfnc@gmail.com or contact team manager Emma Condron on 0416 008 150.

Training for the women’s side begins tomorrow night and Wednesday, December 13 at 6.30pm before a Christmas break.

Broadford Primary School’s slogans for respect: 16 Days of Activism

Jordyn Grubisic

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December 5, 2023

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#16DaysOfActivism

Broadford Primary School year five students decorated t-shirts with slogans about respect on Thursday, as part of the school’s Respect Week.

Other activities during the week included students dressing in orange, respect trees, a schoolwide respect family breakfast and respect rocks.

Students discussed what respect meant to them, which led to creating ideas for t-shirts.

The school’s youth worker James Pateras coordinated Respect Week alongside assistant principal Christine Hyde.

Mr Pateras said the program began last year to address the extraordinarily high impact family violence had on the community and identifying the role respect played in those situations.

“Obviously it’s a community issue but as part of the community, we’re trying to do our part as well,” he said.

“I guess the thing that kind of kicked it off was working in wellbeing, the impact that family violence is having on the kids in our school which is really, really significant.

“So we’re just trying to do something that’s a little bit more broad and community-focused around it, rather than just kind of dealing with the fallout individual to individual.”

Mitchell Shire Council also supported Respect Week, suggesting the t-shirt activity and supplying the materials funded through Respect Victoria’s grassroot initiative.

In its second year, Mr Pateras said it was noticeable how the message of respect was being welcomed and understood by the students.

“I think that every year it’s become more normal – that message of ‘respect’ the first year we did it, it was really well received by our community but it’s kind of become an entrenched message now,” he said.

“That message of respect has become a core part of growing up as well. It also aligns with what they do in class. There’s a respectful relationships program that all schools do and this ties in really nicely.”

Gender equality officer for Mitchell Shire Council Abby Eager said the t-shirt initiative was a great activity for the students to participate in.

“It’s something we’ve always done and it’s mainly been a Beveridge Community Centre initiative,” she said.

“When James reached out, I thought it was a great way visually to show the kids as well as getting them to talk about respect.

“We’re just talking about respectful relationships and showing respect and starting those discussions from a young age because we know gender equality is mainly the reason why family violence occurs so it’s important to understand that respect.

“I don’t think you’re ever too young to learn about respect and I think that’s pretty simple.

“Bringing up kids respectfully and showing that equity and being inclusive is just simple. It should be a human right and it shouldn’t be something we have to beg for.

“Down the line, gender equality will stop our family violence rates, which is important because it is significantly high in Mitchell Shire.”

Adam Georgelin wins gold in bodybuilding

Grace Frost

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December 5, 2023

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Wallan’s Adam Georgelin returned from iCompete Natural’s international bodybuilding competition with a gold medal after securing the win in Bali last month.

The 42-year-old athlete is well-known for his achievements with Essendon in the Victorian Wheelchair Football League, VWFL, and was this year named among Victoria’s 20 best wheelchair footballers.

Georgelin recently took up bodybuilding as a secondary sport, which helped him build endurance for the Wheelchair AFL National Championships in November.

Having spina bifida, Georgelin competed in the physically-challenged category at the bodybuilding competition last month, open to competitors with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Georgelin said he trained as if he would be competing against 50 people, ready for an intense competition.

Not until he was called on stage did he realise the competition would vastly differ from others he had contested.

“I certainly went into it thinking that potentially there could have been other people from around the world coming to do the physically-challenged category,” he said.

“It wasn’t until I got called to the stage that I knew that I was the only competitor.

“Because it was an international show, even the guy that was compering didn’t know until it started.”

Though guaranteed the gold, Georgelin said the medal was a testament to the 18 months of hard work prior to the Bali competition, and that the possibility of contenders had kept him motivated during training.

Training for the competition required rigid commitment, particularly as Georgelin began preparations 10 weeks later than recommended in August.

An exercise physiologist, dietitian and personal trainer, and daily training sessions helped Georgelin lose 17 kilograms in 17 weeks.

In the final weeks before the competition, Georgelin dropped down to 1100 calories a day on a calorie deficit for his physique.

“[That amount of] calories works out to be an egg and a bowl of berries for breakfast, a 70-gram bowl of pasta for lunch and a 200-gram chicken breast with 50 grams of rice over the day – that’s all you’re allowed to eat,” he said.

“I did that for three weeks – I was ‘hangry’ for three weeks.”

The competition marked the first time Georgelin competed in a seated position, remaining in his wheelchair.

Georgelin had previously competed in three Victorian competitions standing.

“Because my balance is not great, I’m unable to hold the poses that they require, so I decided I’d have a go this time in the wheelchair,” he said.

“It’s definitely the best that I’ve performed because of the seated position. I felt more relaxed and I was able to hold the poses better.”

In front of a crowd of 100, Georgelin and fellow competitors in other categories took to the stage to perform a series of six to eight poses to a panel of judges over the course of about six minutes.

“When you get on the stage, you’re nervous to start with, obviously, but [then] it’s all adrenalin and it’s great fun,” Georgelin said.

Georgelin said undergoing three days of fake tanning – which helps to better define muscle for bodybuilding – was ‘an experience all of its own’.

“In Bali, I had to stay inside for four hours after every tan because the humidity would have just washed the tan off,” he said.

Georgelin took home the gold and recognition as an award-winner with the iCompete Natural organisation.

Mr Georgelin has yet to decide if he will continue competing in bodybuilding, but if he does, he has his eyes set on a state win.

“I’m preparing as if I will compete,” he said.

“Now that I know I can do it in the wheelchair, I’ll certainly be working hard to try and win the Victorian Championships – I’ve never won it.

“If I was to compete this year, I’d certainly be going in to try and take it out.”

Musical talent shines at St Patrick’s

Max Davies

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December 5, 2023

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A year of hard work in St Patrick’s Primary School’s music department last month culminated in its annual soiree, with students impressing in a range of instruments and musical styles.

This year in St Patrick’s basketball stadium, more than 110 students took to the stage to perform piano, guitar, drums and vocals and play along to a song of their choosing.

St Patrick’s principal Michael Bourne said he was proud to be able to host a musical soiree to show off the hard work of the school’s music department.

“It’s a great joy for me and the community to hold a night like this. I am amazed at the level of interest and the skillset of the students and the commitment of the families to the program – they highly value all things music in Kilmore,” he said.

St Patrick’s currently boasts one of the largest primary school music programs in the region, with more than 200 students enrolled in lessons with the school’s five private instrumental teachers.

Mr Bourne said for 2024, the school anticipated that more than one third of the school’s 550-odd students would be enrolled in instrumental lessons for guitar, drums, piano or vocals.

“The families have been extremely dedicated in supporting the music program and I’ve noticed that our attendance rate has been very high this year, and I’m sure part of that is because the children never want to miss a music lesson,” he said.

Music coordinator Corey Mills said this year had been the music program’s ‘biggest growth’ to date and thanked the families and staff involved in supporting music at the school.

“This is one of the best feelings ever, and being part of it and watching it grow is just incredible,” he said.

“I’ve seen some of these kids perform when they were in grade one and now they’re grade sixes, so as a private teacher, to stand there and watch them do what they do at that level is pretty rewarding.

“Credit to our St Patrick’s community, our Marist community in Kilmore and the families that get behind it and actually want to be a part of it and help out – their support is overwhelming.”

Grade one student Delilah Wood performs a cover of Vance Joy’s ‘Riptide’ on guitar.
Grade six student Evangeline Moro performs ‘Toccata Ritmico’ by Dennis Alexander on piano.
Grade four’s Kyus Bonacci plays a drum cover of ‘Scar Tissue’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Grade two students Kennedy Sullivan and Georgia Sekfy perform a vocal duet of Ariana Grande’s ‘Santa Tell Me’.

Eagles dominate at home in SDCA action

Jordyn Grubisic

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December 5, 2023

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It was a tough day for Tallarook Cricket Club in Seymour District Cricket Association, SDCA, A Grade one-day match on Saturday, going down to Eastern Hill at King’s Park Seymour.

Despite a five-wicket haul by Tallarook captain Lachlan Watts, the visitors were unable to mount a run chase to exceed Eastern Hill’s 9/116.

Winning the toss and electing to bat on their home turf, the Eagles lost an early wicket with Brayden Speechley out for nine.

Eastern Hill steadied the ship with the next batsmen putting on 68 runs as Dallas Bergowicz top scored with 35 and Ben Bryant made 24.

At 3/84, the Eagles then suffered a steady loss of wickets, as Watts claimed 5/20 off nine overs.

Tallarook stepped up to bat and with the opening partnership making 12 runs before Shane Topham was bowled.

Watts followed shortly after with some solid bowling by Eastern Hill’s Fraser Lewis, who ended the day with 4/13 for the match.

Tallarook could not increase its run rate enough, with Josh Rudge, 25, the only batsman to make signficant runs.

Watts said it was a good game to measure Tallarook’s skill.

“It’s always good to test ourselves against good sides. Eastern Hill has been the benchmark so far this year,” he said.

“I was pleased with our bowling performance after they got off to a great start.

“It’s personally pleasing to pick up some wickets but it would’ve been nice to keep them under 100.

“We couldn’t put together a partnership on a tough wicket to bat on. Josh Rudge tried hard and batted through a tough period but we just didn’t have anyone to go with him.

“To bat 45 overs is great but we lost too many early wickets to challenge their total.”

At Alexandra, Pyalong defeated the Redbacks 8/155 to 10/37.

Pyalong mounted a 46-run partnership between Sean Walsh and Daniel Sowden early in its innings, before Joseph Ryan top scored with 29.

In reply to Pyalong’s 8/155, Alexandra wickets fell early and quickly as Pyalong’s Matthew Pratt took a bag of five wickets.

Two more wickets to Anthony Pratt had Alexandra 7/14 from 13 overs.

Pyalong captain Jamie Pryor said despite difficult conditions the side did well.

“It was a good team performance, everyone contributed something,” he said.

“I thought our batting was mature. Conditions weren’t easy and Alexandra bowled well up front, keeping wickets in hand for later in the innings is always important so the partnership between Walsh and Sowden was the key.

“The bowling was impressive. Matty Pratt was the standout with five and his brother Anthony backed him up well at the other end. Both boys have been unlucky this season in the wicket column so was good to see some reward for effort.

“Jason Ryan and Mitch Wittig also bowled superb, conceding only six runs between them for 18 overs. The pressure they had on put the game away.

“It was a good result for us leading into a big challenge next week.”

In the round’s other match Seymour defeated Yea 9/76 to 10/74, while Avenal had a bye.

This Saturday, Pyalong host Tallarook, Eastern Hill travels to Yea, and Alexandra will play Avenel, while Seymour has a bye.

New parenting centre in South Morang

Pam Kiriakidis

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December 5, 2023

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Mercy Health celebrated its grand opening of the Woi-wurrung-yagila-wulumperi Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre on Wednesday – a service will help assist families navigate parenting.

Delivered in partnership with the Department of Health, Victorian Health Building Authority and Mercy Health, the centre is a public service that offers specialised support to children up to four-years-old, with day-stay and longer residential day programs.

The centre is one of three early parenting centres in Victoria, under the State Government’s $148 million investment to expand and upgrade the early parenting service network.

Located in South Morang, each week up to 10 families are admitted to a suite with a parent’s bedroom, child’s bedroom, ensuite and balcony under 24-hour care, while the day-stay program is a communal setting with shared bathrooms, dining and a play centre.

Families can access the programs through either referral from health professionals or themselves, and will be sent home with a discharge plan that will connect families with their community supports such as maternal and child health nurses or general practitioners for ongoing care.

Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre acting manager and director of nursing Anna Seaborn said it was phenomenal to watch the vision come to life, with four families using the day-stay program last week.

“There was an enormous build, lots of work has gone into getting the building to look like it is and to get the things in the building – beds, cots, baby monitors, organising our food licence – but the most exciting thing was the families coming in for the first day stay program,” she said.

“It was just the most spectacular feeling of this is what we’re here for, this is what we’re here to do, this is what all this work has been about to support parents on their parenting journey with whatever challenges they are facing.

“Those challenges can be around sleep and settling, they can be around managing more than one little person, they can be about toddler behaviour, they can also be about managing your own health and wellbeing and finding challenges in that space.”

Ms Seaborn said the staff were on board to accompany parents who might need strategies.

“The care we provide is not imposed on anyone – it’s in partnership so the family will tell us what they’ve come here today for and we’ll work with them using the tools that we know work,” she said.

“We use responsive parenting, responsive settling, response feeding – so it’s observing the little person’s cues, really tuning into what they’re trying to tell us through their verbal and body language and then guiding parents to read those cues.

“The staff here are genuinely dedicated health professionals who care deeply about making a difference in these families lives, they genuinely want the family to go home, feeling better, managing better and achieving the goal that they came here with.”

Complementing the service, Aboriginal artist Tommy Day III painted most of the centre’s interior and exterior, which will soon be finished.

Ms Seaborn said the paintings of the butterflies and possums throughout the centre symbolised the journey of parenting and harmony.

Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre is located at 34 Anchorage Drive at South Morang.

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Seymour Racing Club welcomes three new board members

The North Central Review

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December 5, 2023

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Seymour Racing Club welcomes three new board members

Seymour Racing Club, SRC, has elected three new and highly credentialed members to its board, following its recent annual general meeting.

Belinda Bourne, Chris Dow and Genevieve Pearce were all elected to fill three vacant positions in a closely-contested election, drawing strong interest from within SRC’s membership.

Belinda Bourne joins the board with a background in the public health sector, previous experience in the not-for-profit sector, and a strong connection to the Seymour racing community.

Chris Dow has an extensive resume that encompasses work on three continents, with voluntary board experience in this period including four years as Chairman of AFL Europe.

Mr Dow will bring his business and sporting acumen to the board, supporting the ongoing growth of the SRC.

Joining Ms Bourne and Mr Dow, Genevieve Pearce is a familiar face in the Seymour sporting landscape, volunteering across both junior and senior netball.

Her experience as a CPA tax accountant and local business owner will add further financial expertise to the board.

SRC chief executive Chris Martin said he was delighted with the appointments and looked forward to working closely with the board in its new composition.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole SRC membership in welcoming three incredibly well-qualified and community-focused individuals to our board,” he said.

“Belinda, Chris and Gen all bring fantastic attributes to the club and will play a pivotal role in our ongoing stability and growth.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved, with the successful return of the Seymour Cup under our belt and a full racing calendar booked for the year ahead.

“This is evidenced by a large group of quality people putting their hands up for election and we thank everyone who put their name forward for a position on the board.

“We’re entering a new phase for the club and it’s pleasing to see the calibre of people within our membership who are willing to step up and drive this growth.”

Mr Martin said the board’s focus had turned to the upcoming Christmas Party Raceday on December 21.

“Our Christmas Raceday is one not to be missed. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate 2023 with friends, family and colleagues, all while enjoying a bumper day of racing,” he said.

“We’ve got packages on offer to suit every need, from marquees to Bar Landy dining and everything in between.

“While you’re at it, get involved with the club and purchase a membership. For $55 it’s great value and supports us putting on fantastic race meets like this.

“I’d encourage everyone to come along, enjoy some great company and kick off the festive season in style.”

New Seymour Racing Club board members Belinda Bourne, Chris Dow and Genevieve Pearce. 

Pop-up park for Broadford festive season

The North Central Review

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December 5, 2023

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There was plenty of festive cheer in Broadford on Friday evening as a pop-up park was officially unveiled at the intersection of Powlett and High streets.

Conceived through the Broadford Structure Plan, the vision of a civic square has now materialised as a trial pop-up park, offering an engaging space for the local community.

The project was a collaborative effort involving various community stakeholders, and the official opening was a celebration of the talents and contributions that brought the space to life.

Broadford Men’s Shed played a pivotal role, showcasing their craftsmanship in creating a wooden Christmas tree and seating.

Adding a burst of colour and creativity to the space were contributions from local artists, Broadford Living and Learning Centre, Kellie’s Crochet Group, Broadford Playgroup, as well as kindergarten, primary, and secondary school students.

Supported by Mitchell Shire Council and the State Government, the project also welcomed the collaboration of three talented local artists who added vibrant asphalt art to the park, showcasing not only a transformation of public space but also providing an opportunity for community artists to engage in a collaborative project.

Local businesses played a crucial role in bringing the community space to life, offering resources for construction and committing to assist in its maintenance.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said Broadford Pop-Up Park would remain for up to six months as a trial space.

“The project is not just a physical transformation of public space; it is a testament to the unique spirit of Mitchell,” she said.

“Beyond the festive season, the Broadford Pop-Up Park stands as a shining example of what a community can achieve when united by a shared purpose and enthusiasm.

“I encourage the community to explore, enjoy, and utilise this space and appreciate the collective effort that has turned a vision into a vibrant reality.”

Community feedback is encouraged to understand future opportunities in realising a future civic square in the heart of Broadford.