Join the walk and show support: 16 Days of Activism

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November 21, 2023

A community walk against gender-based violence will underpin the Mitchell 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Steps Towards Change will take place in Seymour on Wednesday, November 29, starting at the GoTAFE campus at Loco Street at 10am, where victim survivor of family violence and an advocate for gender equality and respectful relationships Angela Barker will be the guest speaker.

A one-kilometre walk will conclude at Goulburn Park, Seymour, with a community event, including support service stalls and a barbecue.

Everyone is welcome, and attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family, and pets while donning orange attire.

The 16 Days of Activism begins on Saturday, November 25, the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on Sunday, December 10, Human Rights Day.

Safe and Equal, the peak body representing specialised family violence services providing support to victim survivors in Victoria, reports that one woman is killed nearly every week in Australia due to family violence.

On average, police attend a family violence incident every six minutes in Victoria.

Children are present in 30 per cent of family violence incidents attended by police and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.

Current data shows there are significantly higher rates of family violence in the Mitchell Shire than neighbouring local government areas.

Mitchell Shire Council, alongside its partners including health agencies, support services and media partners, is making it clear that family violence is not tolerated or accepted within the community.

Mitchell and Murrindindi shire councils have collaborated with several organisations and victim survivors to develop the Community Resource Guide to family violence.

The guide provides information about local support services, understanding and identifying the signs and respectfully responding to family violence.

It is a tool for community members who may be experiencing or helping someone experiencing family violence.

The guide also offers information to help understand and identify family violence and what happens if reported.

It will be available on the Mitchell and Murrindindi websites, at Customer and Library Service Centres and at community centres and support services.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said the current family violence statistics were alarming.

“They are not just numbers; they represent lives affected. It’s a call to action for us all,” she said.

“This campaign is not just about raising awareness but a commitment to action against gender-based violence.”

Cr Bannister said everyone had a right to feel safe, have equal access to support and live a life free from violence.

“We’re very proud to have launched the Community Resource Guide. It’s not just a guide; it’s a tool to empower,” she said.

“It provides crucial information about family violence and support services available in our region.

“Knowledge is power, and we want our community to be informed and resilient.”

For the smooth flow of the walk, temporary road closures and detours will be in place, with the following sections of roads to be closed, and gradually reopening as the walk progresses:

Loco Street, between 30 Loco Street and Railway Street
Railway Street, between Loco Street and Guild Street
Guild Street, between the intersection of Railway Street and Progress Street

Attendees are advised to plan for additional travel time and anticipate potential delays.

People can visit council’s website for more information about local events and visit the Respect Victoria website for information about the campaign.

Check out our 16 Days of Activism wrap on our print edition this week!

NCR (2023-11-21)

North Central Review

The North Central Review

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November 21, 2023

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WR (2023-11-21)

Whittlesea Review

The North Central Review

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November 21, 2023

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Fresh faces to lead Mitchell Shire Council

Jordyn Grubisic

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November 21, 2023

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Mitchell Shire Council is under new leadership following councillor Louise Bannister’s election as mayor and councillor Nathan Clark to deputy mayor.

Cr David Lowe was the only other candidate nominated for both positions however, lost in a councillor vote.

Cr Fiona Stevens did not seek re-election after serving one term as mayor.

Both Crs Bannister and Clark are elected representatives in the central ward.

After growing up on a farm near Seymour, Cr Bannister graduated from the University of Melbourne, majoring in Media and Communications and has a Master of Applied Linguistics.

She has lived in Mitchell Shire for almost 10 years with her partner Patrick and son Hamish.

Cr Bannister said she valued research and evidence-based approaches and was keen to work with the community to advocate for much-needed infrastructure and services in Mitchell Shire.

“I would like to congratulate Cr Fiona Stevens on her term as Mitchell Shire mayor in 2022-2023,” she said.

“I want to thank my fellow councillors for their support. I look forward to supporting them in advocating and being a voice for their communities.

“It is our last year of this council term and I hope we can embrace innovative thinking and work together as a team to lead Mitchell Shire to a better place than it was when we started.”

Cr Bannister said she hoped to encourage more people to consider standing for election in local government.

“I want to take this opportunity to show people that you can be an advocate and a voice for your community along with the other important aspects of your life,” she said.

“Our council needs to reflect the diverse nature of our communities. More ideas mean better outcomes for Mitchell Shire.”

Cr Clark said he was particularly concerned with the liveability of communities as they transformed through growth, wanting to ensure existing lifestyles were preserved as best as possible, new communities thrived, and wealth generated from rezoning benefits existing and future residents.

He said he was also passionate about Kilmore’s history and dealing with the impact of heavy vehicles on the main street, understanding it took the coordinated and committed efforts of many tiers of government to effect change.

“In the final year of the council term, I hope to encourage a greater appetite for risk in the organisation,” he said.

“There are many opportunities to be explored and I look forward to speaking to and hearing from the community about them.

“I will also spend the year ahead encouraging high quality candidates to come forward and represent Mitchell at the next election.

“High quality councillors should come from a range of backgrounds and passionately contribute to and oversee the successful implementation of the council plan.”

Cr Clark lives in Kilmore with his wife and two daughters. He has a background in computer science and telecommunications, and holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration and Master of Commerce.

Cr Stevens congratulated Cr Bannister and Cr Clark and thanked fellow councillors for their support during her mayoral term.

“Thank you for allowing me to serve as mayor and be a part of Mitchell Shire’s remarkable journey toward a brighter tomorrow,” she said.

“I must acknowledge the dedication of my fellow councillors and council staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the year.

“Together we’ve shaped strategic documents, engaged the community, and improved our emergency preparedness.

“Your commitment has been the driving force behind our accomplishments.”

Mitchell Shire projects remain funded

Jordyn Grubisic

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November 21, 2023

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The Federal Government’s Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program was favourable for Mitchell Shire with projects – including the Watson Street interchange – remaining funded.

The Federal Government will contribute $50 million for the O’Herns Road interchange upgrade, $50 million for the Watson Street, Wallan diamond interchange, $11 million for Macedon and Mitchell Shire roads, and $250,000 for Wollert rail feasibility study.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell welcomed the review.

“The [review] found the Infrastructure Investment Program inherited from the former Coalition Government was undeliverable,” he said.

“Under the Liberals and Nationals, the number of projects in the Infrastructure Investment Program blew out nationally from nearly 150 to 800.

“Many projects lacked proper planning, didn’t have informed costings and weren’t ready for Commonwealth investment. The review found an estimated $33 billion in known cost pressure across all projects in the program and there is a high risk that figure could increase.”

Liberal Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland said the Watson Street interchange was ‘finally saved from savage cuts to infrastructure projects across Victoria’.

“Mr Mitchell has consistently claimed that the diamond was not funded under the Liberals. But the terms of reference of the review show this was not the case, as it was to assess projects that had been funded,” he said.

“I’m pleased the Federal Government have been dragged kicking and screaming after a strong campaign to get on with this project.

“The Wallan diamond was committed to by the former Liberal Government while Labor simply used it as a political football. We found out in the Victorian budget in May the Victorian Labor Government hadn’t even begun planning works on Watson Street, which puts a lie to claims that the hold-up was the former Federal Liberal Government’s fault.

“It’s good to see that Labor are finally getting on with it after being dragged by the Liberals to stand up for Wallan.”

But Mr Mitchell said there was no actual funding released for the Watson Street interchange in 2021 under the former government.

“That’s why it sat there and there was never anything done because there was no money released,” he said.

“The former government were really good with delivering press releases but not actually delivering anything. You just have to look at projects across McEwen – they didn’t deliver a thing.

“People can clearly see that we’re doing things and getting on with the job. The review has gone through and it’s reconfirmed everything we said. It’s also shown there were many promises made by the former government that were underfunded and just unachievable.”

The Cameron’s Lane interchange will receive $150 million for construction, however Mr Mulholland said the project was scaled back from the Liberals’ $280 million commitment.

Mr Mitchell disputed Mr Mulholland’s claim and said the Liberals never had any funding for it.

“It was an announcement made after the current Prime Minister had made the announcement of the $150 million,” he said.

“The $280 million is just a fictitious figure made up during the election campaign by the Liberals and the community saw straight through it.”

One source of confusion following the review was whether funding for the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, BIP, had been affected by the review.

Mr Mulholland said the Federal Government had taken $61.8 million from the project in a ‘devastating blow’ to a business case for terminals at Beveridge and Truganina.

The business case for Melbourne Inland Rail Intermodal Terminal did not receive funding but Mr Mitchell said there were no cuts to the Beveridge project.

National Intermodal stated on its website the Federal Government remained committed to providing $3.4 billion for the Beveridge and Truganina connections with the $1.6 billion for Beveridge not impacted by the review.

“It’s been locked in. It’s supported and everything’s going ahead,” Mr Mitchell said.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said she was pleased with the review’s outcome.

“Council’s pleased the Federal Government’s review of the infrastructure pipeline has confirmed the government’s commitment to vitally important projects of the Cameron’s Lane interchange and the future Beveridge Intermodal Precinct,” she said.

“These projects will be transformational for our community, bringing local jobs and unlocking thousands of homes.”

Wallan friends launch heart-warming children’s book

Pam Kiriakidis

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November 21, 2023

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A children’s book that helps understand the power of affirmation was launched on October 1.

Authors Benjamin Gregory, founder of entertainment company BGGROUPAU, and musical artist Amber Sindoni, also known as Ambraya, launched the book ‘Safe, Happy and Healthy’ at Tambo Farm in Darraweit Guim.

They were joined by family and friends who supported and invested in the book through its GoFundMe page.

At the launch, the two friends read the book that tells the story of Billy – a boy who developed an anxiety disorder, following the passing of his mother, and uncovers the power of affirmation to begin his healing journey.

The book was written in memory of Mr Gregory’s mother who died in 2020.

Mr Gregory said the book was originally written as a thank-you to his mother for everything she had taught him.

But the authors then decided to share her legacy and teachings by releasing it to the general public.

“Writing a book, it changes as you change and as you grow as a person, that was the beauty about this – the fact that as we progressed and as we grew and I understood what grief was, so did the people around me and Amber and then the story changed,” he said.

Three and a half years in the making, Mr Gregory said working with his friend Ms Sindoni, who dedicated the book to her late grandfather and performed her debut single at the launch, was ‘really special.’

“She was a really beautiful support for me when I lost my mum and being an incredible friend, we both balance each other out from all sides – the creative, professional and corporate,” he said.

Inside the 33-page book is colourful and empowering illustrations by Mitchell Shire resident Cassie Fleming, who Mr Gregory said ‘well exceeded’ their expectations.

“She was incredible. We gave her a brief on what Billy needed to look like … she took the story on, she became part of the family and we’re really grateful for the work that she’s done,” he said.

After launching the book in time for Mr Gregory’s late mother’s birthday last month, the authors signed copies in front of Wallan Giftware, at Wellington Square Shopping Centre, on November 12.

Aiming to roll out the book at bookstores and retailers, Mr Gregory said stocking the book at Wallan Giftware, owned by his friend Lauren Fanelli, was a ‘nice step’ for the book’s direction.

Benny Gregs Amber Sindoni and Lauren Fanelli e1700448168821 — Safe, Happy and Healthy authors Benjamin Gregory, left, and Amber Sindoni with Lauren Fanelli, owner of Wallan Giftware where the book will be stocked.

Mr Gregory said people could expect to find him and Ms Sindoni at different events, markets, stores, and schools across the Mitchell Shire and metropolitan Melbourne over the next 12 months.

To purchase and find more information on the book, visit www.safehappyandhealthybook.com.

The gift of giving at Big Group Hug

The North Central Review

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November 21, 2023

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City of Whittlesea-based charity organisation Big Group Hug is asking the community to donate essential items for a clean, safe and comfortable festive season for children.

Every year, Big Group Hug extends a helping hand to more than 3000 families across Victoria by supplying essential material aid for children aged newborn to 16 years.

This year’s campaign ‘A Clean and Comfy Christmas’ is making sure that no child goes without’ is gearing up ahead of the Christmas period.

Big Group Hug is seeking high-demand essentials such as toiletries – that must be brand new – and single, cot and bassinet bed linen.

As always, the organisation needs new and preloved prams, cots and car seats.

This year alone, Big Group Hug supported more than 6000 children from more than 3000 families distributing 120,000 essential material aid items – a 41 per cent increase in requests for aid in the previous financial year.

Marketing coordinator Emina Mesinovic said with families currently doing it tough, ensuring children had access to basic hygiene and safe bedding was ‘incredibly important’.

“We want to bring confidence, comfort, and dignity to children and families facing disadvantage or financial hardship,” she said.

“Our most needed items right now are single bed sheets, wipes and toiletries for both children and adults.

“We understand that running a goods drive may not be everyone’s cup of tea, so there are a number of other ways people can get involved. All of the different methods are listed on the website.”

Between now and December 1, individuals and businesses can sign-up and collect donations to be dropped off at the Airport West warehouse by December 6 or the Thomastown warehouse by December 8.

Another option is to fundraise – creating a fundraising page on the Big Group Hug festive appeal website or raise funds offline – and will need to let Big Group know of the fundraising efforts.

Ms Mesinovic said people who are time poor, or prefer to shop online, can always place an online order and request delivery to their Thomastown HQ.

“Your generous contributions can make a substantial difference in the lives of children and their families during this festive season,” she said.

To get involved, people can find more details on the different donating methods and how to sign up at festiveappeal.biggrouphug.org.

Kilmore Cup to shine

Max Davies

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November 21, 2023

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The highlight of the Mitchell Shire racing calendar – the Kilmore Cup – promises to be a fun-filled day of entertainment and activities for people of all ages on Sunday.

Kilmore Racing Club will be decked out with marquees and food trucks, among other attractions to complement the day’s nine-race card.

The Kilmore Cup is a listed 1600-metre race, boasting a total prize pool of $200,000. There also will be eight other races on the day.

Another feature of cup day will be the fashions on the field competition, which will this year include the following categories: best dressed lady; best dressed local lady; best dressed gent; best millinery; best dressed teenage racegoer, 14 to 17 years; and best dressed junior racegoer, five to 13 years.

Prizes include cash, vouchers to Georgina and Co Hair and Beauty Day Spa, and beauty and hair care packs.

People attending cup day can access various ticket packages via the Country Racing website, including the punters’ view and cocktail marquee.

Kilmore Racing Club marketing and partnerships manager Lindsey Melis said activities on the day would cater for all patrons and families.

“We have kids activities so it’s great for the kids to come down as well,” she said.

“I would suggest that people bringing kids would want to hang out in the mini marquee village area, where all the activities will be located so it’s nice and close for them.”

Packages on offer for the cup are designed to provide options that suit everyone, with a more relaxed, fun and connected atmosphere at the racecourse.

Ms Melis said the club was expecting the Kilmore Cup to be a busy day as one of the last remaining country racing cups on the Victorian calendar.

More than 2000 people are estimated to attend.

“We always anticipate that it’s going to be a fairly busy day,” she said.

“We’ve tried to keep our ticket prices really competitive and affordable this year. I wouldn’t say it’s going to be quiet by any means – there’s going to be a tonne of people there.”

Gates are set to open at 11am with races kicking off in the early afternoon.

Kilmore Racing Club will also operate two free courtesy buses for pick-up and drop-off within a 10-kilometre radius, including set times for pick-up from Kilmore East Station.

For more information and to book a pick-up, email info@kilmore.countryracing.com.au.

To book tickets and packages, visit .

Wallan students engage in cultural exchange

The North Central Review

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November 21, 2023

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Wallan Secondary College, WSC, students exchanged information about their cultures earlier this month, with 16 students from Hong Kong and their teachers visiting the college.

As part of the school’s cross-border study, students from San Wui Commercial Society Chan Pak Sha School in Wong Chuk Hang joined a year 10 English class that focused on Australian slang and expressions.

The Wallan students taught the pronunciation and the meaning of Australian phrases to the students and in return were taught Cantonese.

At the end of the class, WSC students presented the Chan Pak Sha students each with a card featuring a personal message inside.

The students then experienced a Food Tech lesson, making yo-yo biscuits with the help of the college captains and leaders – a first for the guests.

Executive principal assistant and international student co-ordinator Lauren Mozina said it was sweet seeing the Chan Pak Sha students share their baked goodies with WSC students and staff.

Providing the true Australian experience, the school’s college captains, student leaders, assistant principals and invited guests shared a feast of Aussie fare with their new friends before bidding them farewell – but not before swapping social media handles and WeChat addresses.

Ms Mozina said both the Chan Pak Sha and WSC students thoroughly enjoyed their time together and hoped to continue to grow the cultural exchange.

“It always amazes me how students from all backgrounds, nationalities, even with a language barrier, can still find common ground,” she said.

“The day was full of laughter and noise, it was brilliant and provided an amazing opportunity for our students to gain an insight into another culture, form new friendships and hopefully it encourages them to go out and explore the world.”

Trifecta of wins in GDCA cricket

Max Davies

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November 21, 2023

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The first two-day round of the 2023 Gisborne and District Cricket Association, GDCA, has drawn to a close, with all three Mitchell Shire teams in the Johnstone Shield competition coming out on top.

Wallan hosted Eynesbury across the past two weekends – its total of 323 runs amassed on the first day proving too much for the visitors to overcome, leaving the final scores at 3/323 to 7/213 in favour of the home side.

Backing up the impressive batting performance of captain Bryan Vance and Spencer Whittingham on day one, Campbell Fowler took two wickets to lead the way ahead of a smattering of wickets from Chris Vecchie, Bailey Fowler and young gun Kavindu Ratnayake.

In fact, 10 of Wallan’s 11 players picked up the ball for a bowl on Saturday.

Opening batsman Jason Davis top scored for Eynesbury, making 40, before Vance took his wicket via a successful leg before wicket appeal.

Meanwhile, Broadford secured its best result of the season to date as it comfortably kept East Sunbury at bay to win 8/223 to 10/68.

After making a run total of 223 on day one, Broadford ripped through East Sunbury’s batting order to have them all out for 60 runs in 48 overs.

James Jones was the star for his side, taking five wickets for seven runs.

His 16-over bowling spell included 10 maidens, as he took key wickets early and then cleaned up the tail end.

Others to claim wickets were captain Jack Connell, Riley Nolan and Jeremy Bradshaw.

Kilmore also put in a strong showing on both weekends against Riddell, coming out on top 9/190 to 10/120.

After dismissing the entire Riddell team for 120 in 54 overs on day one, Kilmore was up to the task on Saturday, easily surpassing the hosts’ total with strong performances from Marcus Davern, 58, and Elliot Frendo, 57 not out.

Riddell’s Nathan Brien did his best to quell the Kilmore charge, taking 5/17 but Kilmore proved too good, going on to make 190 runs from 56 overs.

In the seconds competition, Wallan, Broadford and Kilmore were able to mirror the results of their firsts counterparts to take hard-fought victories.

Highlights from the weekend include Jack Mifsud’s unbeaten century for Wallan, as well as 64 and 68 not out for Kilmore’s Darcy McNicholas and captain Callum Partridge, respectively.

Two-day action will continue this weekend, as Kilmore prepares to host Wallan, and Broadford welcome Aintree to Harley Hammond Reserve.

Wallan is still the only club undefeated in the Johnstone Shield, while Kilmore sits fourth on the ladder but is yet to win a match at home this season.

Broadford is in second place, however third-placed Aintree is likely one of its closest-matched rivals and should be a good challenge at the weekend.

McIntyre Cup

Romsey is still in impeccable form with a victory over Macedon at the weekend, however its toughest challenge is set to come this Saturday.

The win at home over Macedon never looked in doubt, as Romsey racked up 302 runs on day one, before dismissing the visitors for 162 from 57 overs on day two.

Romsey’s second innings ended on 4/104, with the highlight an unbeaten 57 by Matthew Milne, before play was finished on day two.

Jamie Taylor impressed with his bowling, taking 4/27 to stand out from the consistent wickets taken by each Romsey bowler.

Meanwhile Gisborne – Romsey’s closest rival so far this season – dominated Rupertswood after making a massive total of 461, and then bowling out the opposition for 147.

Both Romsey and Gisborne undefeated this season, setting the scene for an enthralling match this weekend.