New councillor for Macedon Ranges

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November 21, 2023

The Victorian Electoral Commission, VEC, has declared Christine Walker as the successful candidate to fill a Macedon Ranges Shire Council south ward councillor vacancy.

A VEC-led online countback took place to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Anne Moore, with all formal south ward votes from the 2020 Macedon Ranges Shire Council election redistributed to candidates who were unsuccessful in 2020, but still eligible to be elected.

Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan welcomed Ms Walker’s appointment.

“I warmly welcome Ms Walker to council, and look forward to working closely with her to deliver positive outcomes for the south ward and the Macedon Ranges community,” he said.

Mayor Annette Death said she also welcomed Ms Walker to council on behalf of all councillors, and reaffirmed they would endeavour to support her as she transitioned to the role.

Ms Walker commenced her role as councillor after being officially sworn in on Wednesday.

Romsey Hotel pokies decision process awaits

Grace Frost

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November 21, 2023

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Romsey Hotel pokies decision process awaits

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has provided insight into when residents can expect to hear its formal position on a Romsey Football Netball Club, RFNC, application for 50 gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel.

The RFNC last month applied to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, VGCCC, for 50 electronic gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel, which it plans to lease and operate if the application is granted.

Council is yet to announce its formal position on the application.

Council unanimously agreed at its October 25 meeting that officers would prepare a Social and Economic Impact Assessment, SEIA, on the electronic gaming machine application.

An independent consultant will deliver the SEIA report, which will assist councillors to make a decision for or against the application.

“The information and work delivered to complete the SEIA over the coming two months will support councillors to make an informed decision,” council stated on its website.

As of November 15, council had yet to receive a formal notification regarding the application from the VGCCC.

A council spokesperson said the formal notification from VGCCC would ‘start the clock’ on a four-month countdown to the VGCCC hearing.

The notification would also instil a 60-day deadline for submissions, which would determine a date for when council needed to make its submission and when its position on the case would be revealed.

Council opposed gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel in a 2004-2005 legal battle when owner Jim Hogan first applied for 30 gaming machines at the venue.

Council appealed a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, VCAT, decision in the Supreme Court, resulting in the decision to approve the machines being overturned and the application denied.

The decision is still regularly referenced in legal cases as it precedents that community character and residents’ insight should be considered in hearings.

Council directed members of the public to make their own submissions to the VGCCC website at bit.ly/3tKguDW, where they can also request to attend and speak at the hearing.

“Members of the public who don’t have access to email/internet are welcome to provide feedback to council to inform council’s submission,” a council spokesperson said.

Submissions can be made in-person at council’s customer service centres or by sending a written submission to PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444,”

Council also provided information to residents about VGCCC’s decision-making process.

“The Commission cannot approve an application if the proposal would have a negative impact on the community,” council stated.

“The social and economic impacts associated with an application are considered by decision-makers.

“The relative importance of social and economic impacts within each assessment process is determined by the VGCCC, not by council.”

Council also confirmed that, as of November 9, no planning permit application had been made to council for alterations to the Romsey Hotel building.

“Use and installation of the gaming machines may require a planning permit, subject to the controls of Clause 52.28 of the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme,” council stated.

“A planning permit would be required for buildings and works.”

Council will be allowed to appear at the public hearing to present evidence in support of its submission, if it makes one.

For more information, visit the Romsey Hotel – Electronic Gaming Machine application page on council’s website at .

Romsey Redbacks slot application for pokies at Romsey Hotel

Wallan Panthers win in overtime

Jordyn Grubisic

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November 21, 2023

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Wallan Panthers men scored back-to-back wins at the weekend – the first against Wodonga Wolves on Saturday and then over Myrtleford Saints in overtime on Sunday.

In the opening quarter against Wodonga, the Panthers led 21 to 17 before heading into halftime up by 10.

Wallan continued its dominance 70 to 53 before a final fourth quarter push saw the Panthers win 105 to 82.

Wallan head coach Scott Baillie said they struggled find form in the first quarter.

“But then we started settling and got into that groove and have that mentality we’ve been working on at training to help turn the game around and take with the comfortable win,” he said.

“It’s the mentality side of things which has been promising for a long time. To turn around as a group – not just individuals – and come together to utilise the strengths of each other to change the game’s outcome was incredible.

“It shows the guys that not only is anything possible but at the end of the day the more we play together and utilise each other to our fullest potential, things can come a lot easier.”

Wallan’s Ryan Phillipe was leading scorer with 24 points backed up by Luke Liesegang and Jayden O’Brien with 19 and 16, respectively.

On Sunday, the undersized Panthers – missing Dion Stacey – headed to Myrtleford to face the Saints.

The opening quarter saw the game tied 20-apiece before Myrtleford pulled ahead by one point heading into halftime.

Phillipe was forced to sit out after getting three fouls in the first quarter, with the Panthers trying to preserve him for the rest of the game.

The Saints pulled ahead 71 to 62 at the end of the third term, before a fourth-quarter surge had the Panthers tie the game, 84-apiece, putting it into overtime.

Five fouls by Liesegang – who had 22 points – saw the undersized Panthers even shorter in the crucial final minutes but the remaining players stepped up.

Damon Anderson, Dylan Lombardo, Phillipe, O’Brien and Brody Thrum had played the final minutes of the fourth quarter and Baillie decided to keep them on during overtime.

The overtime game play was a testament to Wallan’s determination and team mindset as the side hit 13 points to Myrtleford’s four to take the win 97 to 88.

“Honestly Brody Thrum turned around and changed our mindset a little bit during the game,” Baillie said.

“There were a couple of loose balls and he put in that extra effort of diving on them and fighting for the scrappy stuff – the guys noticed the smallest guy on the team was doing it and I think that changed their mindset.

“Anderson and O’Brien usually played in the two or three man position but were able to step up and help with rebounds, while Dylan Lombardo played as a big in the overtime. His athleticism and rebounding definitely helped get us over the line.

“It was definitely a sigh of relief afterwards and I honestly couldn’t be any prouder of the guys for being able to step up in situations like that.

“For those guys to step up in that overtime period and do what they did again – hats off to them.”

In the final round of the CBL’s regular season, Wallan men have another double-header playing Shepparton away on Saturday and Wangaratta home on Sunday.

Women

Wallan’s women went down by 18 points to Albury on Saturday despite a strong comeback effort, before losing to Wodonga by 28 points on Sunday.

Melissa Buckley scored 24 points for the Panthers on Saturday night and backed up her efforts on Sunday with 25, while Olivia Woods and Chloe Mott shot 16 and 11 points respectively in the game against Wodonga.

Whittlesea Men’s Shed vision for future

The North Central Review

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November 21, 2023

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Whittlesea Men’s Shed, WMS, collaborated with three levels of government earlier this month to discuss the shed’s vision for expansion and improvement of men’s health.

Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage and City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd visited the shed, with WMS executive members presenting how the provision of an expanded facility would add value to the shed.

WMS secretary Brian Pratt said the shed was a fully functioning workshop with some members producing furniture for sale, while others were keen in the social aspects.

“The existing shed has no separate space unconnected to the noisy workshop environment where they can chat, play cards, or board games,” he said.

“The proposed next stage of development of the shed plans to create a separate room to facilitate this goal. Additionally, it will provide a space for use by other local community groups whenever the WMS is not operating.”

The concept of a Whittlesea Men’s Shed was first discussed in 2007 and was formally incorporated in 2010.

The WMS currently has more than 70 members from Whittlesea and neighbouring suburbs that meet to improve men’s overall mental and physical health.

With the support of the community and philanthropic bodies, WMS has expanded to include a machine shop extension, with several woodworking machines and a dust extraction system.

“The shed provides a place for men to ‘hang out’ and interact with other men. This is critical to address issues of social isolation felt by many men when they cease full-time work and/or lose a loved-one,” Mr Pratt said.

“Due to the hours of opening, week days, most of the men are seniors, but the shed has plans to try to engage younger men.”

Mr Pratt said Mr Mitchell, Ms Kathage and Mr Lloyd were impressed with the vision the shed members had and offered valuable advice regarding funding streams and how they could assist.

“The WMS committee and members are very grateful to all levels of government, and their ongoing support for the shed since its inception,” he said.

“In meeting with us, Rob, Lauren and Craig have demonstrated their commitment to the wider community, and more specifically, the improvement of men’s health through the provision of an effective men’s shed.”

Triple figures on the scoreboard for Seymour Blasters

Jordyn Grubisic

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November 21, 2023

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Seymour Blasters men’s team was successful in back-to-back home court matches at the weekend, defeating Shepparton Gators on Saturday and Mansfield Eagles on Sunday.

It seemed to be a close contest against Shepparton with the Blasters leading by only six at the end of the first quarter before blowing its lead out to 22 points by halftime.

The second half saw the Blasters continue to dominate the court with incredible intensity at both ends contributing to their win, 100 to 41.

Seymour’s Keenan Gorski was leading scorer for the game with 23 points, while Eden Hobbs scored 22.

Captain Jack Murphy said the team headed into the game knowing what it needed to do.

“We entered the clash knowing it was a must-win game for us to keep our season alive. We made it a big focus to apply pressure from the outset and run the lanes in transition,” he said.

“Our great defence then allowed our offence to flow. Keenan was hot and we really kept going back to the well as he made five three-pointers on the night.

“Keenan really opens us up offensively. He’s a threat and can score the ball from inside and out – he gives us great flexibility.

“We were rapt to hold such a good side to only 41 points. It shows we have the ability to grind games out if need be.”

The momentum from Saturday’s game carried through to Sunday’s 34-point win over Mansfield.

Much like Saturday, the Blasters controlled the game from the start leading 20 points to 11 at the first break before having a huge second quarter that saw them add 40 points to go into halftime with a 60-38 lead.

The Blasters showed their consistency, maintained the pressure and intensity in the second half to win 102 to 68.

The game showed the depth of the Seymour side with Cooper York, Jake Sapiano and William Stewart bringing intensity to the game.

It was another huge scoring game for Hobbs who had 30 points while York shot 20.

“Back-to-back clashes are always tough, particularly when we have two or three out with injuries. Cooper York, Jake Sapiano and Wally Stewart all rose to the occasion and took the workload while a few of our senior guys played reduced minutes,” Murphy said.

“Eden was fantastic again, while Cooper York really showed a break out performance.

“Coop is making his way through the state program and isn’t available every week. We are very happy to help facilitate his development and have him a part of our side whenever he is allowed to play.”

In the final round of the Country Basketball League’s regular season, Seymour will play Albury Cougars at home on Saturday.

Women

Seymour Blasters women defeated Shepparton on Saturday night 73 to 51, and Albury on Sunday 69 to 56.

Nicola Stewart was a key player in Saturday’s win scoring 18 points while Carley Cranston shot 19 points on Sunday.

In the final round of the Country Basketball League’s women’s season, Seymour play Wodonga on Saturday and Albury Cougars on Sunday.

Gratitude for the gift of organ and tissue donation

The North Central Review

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November 21, 2023

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Each year, many Australian lives are saved and transformed by organ and tissue donors and their families.

DonateLife Thank You Day, acknowledged annually on the third Sunday of November, pauses, remembers, thanks and recognises the difference organ donors and their families have made to Australian lives.

Since the DonateLife program began in 2009, more than 6000 people have become organ donors at the end of their life.

Thanks to the donors, more than 17,000 Australians have received a life-saving organ transplant and thousands more have benefited from the generosity of eye and tissue donors.

At Northern Health last year, three families said ‘yes’ to organ donation.

The three donations saved and transformed the lives of nine very grateful recipients.

Seven families said ‘yes’ to eye and tissue donation, restoring sight and changing the lives of 14 recipients.

Last week, alongside acknowledging the donors and their families, the donation specialist team also highlighted and thanked Northern Health staff for their invaluable contribution.

“Organ and tissue donation would not be possible without the commitment, teamwork and caring nature that is in place to support the donation team, patients and their families through organ and tissue donation,” medical donation specialist Dr David Crosbie said.

Nurse donation specialist Bridget Walters said the role of the donation specialist was a unique and privileged role.

“It is very humbling to sit with a family and learn about the patient, where they share intimate moments and stories with you, whilst feeling such grief and loss,” she said.

“The decisions of families saying ‘yes’ to donation, have literally saved the lives of others they have never met.”

The donation specialist team encouraged staff to log on to the DonateLife website, donatelife.gov.au, and read the family donor stories where Australians share what it has meant for their loved one to become an organ donor, as well as stories from recipients about being given that second chance at life.

DonateLife Victoria urges all Victorians to have a conversation with their loved ones about becoming an organ and tissue donor and to register at donatelife.gov.au.

Wandong junior boxer’s international success

Pam Kiriakidis

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November 21, 2023

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Australian junior boxing champion Santino Brigante can add another belt to his collection after winning the Gene Lewis Cup in the United States earlier this month.

Representing Australia in the largest and longest-running boxing tournament in the United States, Santino achieved his international dreams by taking on some of the world’s best boxers in the junior category in the under 48-kilogram division.

The Wandong 15-year-old reached the international competition by claiming the title of Australian Junior Boxing champion at the 2023 Australian Schools Championships at Adelaide in July.

Santino claimed his belt at the international competition after two fights, made up of three rounds each lasting two minutes each.

Prior to his fights, the Australian junior boxing champion had to gain two more kilograms to fight since there were no other competitors in his usual weight division, 46 kilograms.

Santino injured his finger when he threw an overhand against his first opponent from Hawaii.

“I didn’t notice until after the fight because of the adrenaline rush I had,” Santino said.

Taking the momentum from the first fight, Santino’s preparedness carried through to his second bout where he defeated a larger opponent from Alaska, which secured him the winning belt.

“My opponent was bigger than me and he looked stronger than me. My coach said ‘we’re going to take a gamble, you’re going to run around the ring, work on your back foot’ and it worked,” Santino said.

Santino said he was in ‘shock’ when he claimed the winning belt.

“[I was] so happy. I couldn’t wait to tell everyone – see everyone’s reactions,” he said.

Santino joined other successful Australian juniors to return with a team trophy for the best junior team.

He is considering his next fight in Fiji in December.

Santino said more international competitions would benefit his boxing career.

“I want to travel more for the experience and just the glory,” he said.

“It will give me more experience like intel on how other people from the countries fight and how they train.”

Six-wicket haul for Tallarook youngster in SDCA

Jordyn Grubisic

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November 21, 2023

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Six-wicket haul for Tallarook youngster in SDCA

It was an impressive day out for Tallarook bowlers against Alexandra in the Seymour District Cricket Association, SDCA, A Grade round five match.

Alexandra won the toss and elected to bat with Michael Mawson and Benjamin Geldart opening.

Tallarook bowlers made quick work of the batsmen with Blake Munari-O’Dwyer sending Mawson out for two runs before Xavier Arandt claimed the wickets of Levi Ronalds, also for two, and Geldart for a duck.

The pace was set, and the batting continued much the same way with not a single Redback batsman making double digit runs.

Munari-O’Dwyer impressed for Tallarook taking 6/24 – also the biggest A Grade wicket total this week – and contributed to have Alexandra all out for 52, off 27 overs.

Tallarook’s batting lineup made short work of the run chase, making 2/54 off just eight overs.

Dan Fisher and Shane Topham opened for the batting.

Fisher made eight runs before being bowled by Justin Leary, while Topham continued for 17 before Leary struck again.

Captain Lachlan Watts ended the day with 25 alongside Arandt who was on two not out when Tallarook won the match.

Watts said it was great for Tallarook to get the win.

“It’s great to be back on the winner’s lists after a disappointing result last week,” he said.

“Xav [Arandt] and Blake [Munari-O’Dwyer] set the tone early with a couple of wickets each.

“Blake finished up with four in his first spell and six all up, which is a massive achievement for someone so young and just beginning his A Grade career.

“We didn’t really let up at all in the field, which gave us a small total to chase. [I’m] really pleased with the way we got the job done with the bat.”

Tallarook has a bye this weekend.

“It’s nice to head into a bye only having dropped one game and we’ll be looking to really pick up from there heading into Christmas,” Watts said.

“We’ve also got the Kookaburra Cup T20 competition coming up this weekend in Bendigo so it’s nice to head into that with a bit of momentum.”

At Pyalong, Seymour defeated the home side 5/227 to 10/169.

Winning the toss, Seymour elected to bat with Jason Brown and Hayden Gawne putting on a partnership of 117.

Brown had 49 runs, including eight fours, before being caught by Mitchell Ryan, off the bowling of Jason Ryan.

Gawne remained at the crease to make 83 – with nine fours and one six – before being caught by Ryan, off the bowling of Pyalong captain Jamie Pryor.

Seymour finished 5/227 off 45 overs, with captain Brodey Pointon 26 not out and Jonty Mann three not out.

Pyalong lost opener Paul Dugard early in the chase but Mitchell Ryan and Sean Walsh got the side to 1/91 at drinks.

A small collapse after the break saw Pyalong lose 3/1 in the space of a couple of overs and although the middle and late order fought hard to get back into the game, they were all out for 169.

Pryor said it was a tough day out.

“Seymour batted well. Gawney played a nice knock up the top and they punished the bad balls – the problem was we bowled a fair few of them,” he said.

“Over 10 to 20 in the field wasn’t our best cricket. We dropped catches, leaked runs and lost a couple bowlers to injuries – I think [Seymour] made 80 to 90 in that period. [If we held] onto our catches … the game [would have]looked different.

“We did well to slow them down to an extent but we were probably playing catch up most of the day.

“Walshy and Mitch did a good job getting us to drinks only one down. We felt we were right in it with the wickets in hand but it wasn’t meant to be.”

In the other SDCA A Grade game, Avenel defeated Yea Tigers 9/81 (29.5) to 10/63 (24.4).

Pyalong play Eastern Hill at Seymour this Saturday, while Seymour plays at Avenel.

Romsey resident uncovers family history

Grace Frost

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November 21, 2023

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A Romsey and Lancefield Districts Historical Society member is releasing a book uncovering the mystery of her past relative.

Romsey resident Jacqueline Brooks set about solving the family mystery of one of her ancestors in her book ‘Creativity Released: Uncovering the Mystery of William Stanford’.

Ms Brooks’ great-great-uncle, a man known as William Walter Tyrrell Stanford, was believed to have been born in London, though his birth name and date of birth are unclear.

Such uncertainties led Ms Brooks to ask questions, curious as to whether he made up a name when he ran away to sea as many children did at the time.

He came to Australia as a ship’s boy on the Tory but abandoned the ship after arriving in Melbourne in December, 1851.

Ms Brooks thought it possible that Mr Standford tried his luck at Victoria’s Goldfields, a suggestion supported by a report that stated a local police magistrate was ‘bumped off his horse’ at the first Bendigo races, which pointed to the idea that Mr Standford could have lived in the area.

Mr Standford’s arrest was the first of a long list of encounters with the law – although his first encounter was found to be a case of circumstantial evidence.

He was jailed for 17 years and was eventually pardoned, released, married and became a respected citizen.

While in prison, Mr Stanford became a sculptor and created the fountain and water feature located in Spring Street, Melbourne.

The Melbourne Herald reported in 1907: ‘that fountain stands today as a monument of human endurance, the like of which in this state has remained almost unparalleled’.

With much more to the mystery, Creativity Released: Uncovering the Mystery of William Stanford investigates everything about him and the family stories that prove his life was eventful, though some of the facts remain unclear.

Ms Brooks will present a talk about Mr Standford on Sunday at Romsey and Lancefield Districts Historical Society following the society’s annual general meeting at 3pm.

The meeting will be at the old Lancefield Courthouse, 55 Main Road, Lancefield.

Country-style refreshments, coffee, tea and wine will be served.

For bookings and catering purposes, call Shirley Kishere on 0404 248 540.

Inclusivity fun on the way for Whittlesea

The North Central Review

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November 21, 2023

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Diamond Valley Specialist Development School in Whittlesea will showcase a range of fun activities and services next Saturday for International People with Disability Day.

International People with Disability Day is a United Nations Day observed intentionally that promotes community awareness and acceptance of people with disability.

Starting at 10am with the support of City of Whittlesea and Yarra Plenty Regional Library, the event will feature art and craft, pot plants, face paint, Auskick, and a book sale.

All donations will go to the specialist school.

The event, open to the public, is an opportunity for the community to learn more about services such as DPV Health and Merri Health, that support people with disabilities, including parents and carers.

People can also expect visits from the Country Fire Authority Brigade, a disability dance group, Whittlesea Men’s Shed and Lions Club who will provide a free sausage sizzle.

Diamond Valley Specialist Development lead teacher Caitlin Winther said the event was to help make people aware of available services.

“It’s to highlight the services that are available to the community, but also all the amazing activities there are that these students can get involved in – the dancing, Auskick, and all those activities that we’ve got going on,” she said.

“It’s to showcase how awesome and amazing these kids are.”

This year’s event was scheduled for a weekend in the hope of attracting more people.

“Hopefully we get more community members in and to showcase those services to the communities because often people don’t know that a lot of these things are around,” Ms Winther said.

Ms Winther thanked all the services that were offering their time to the event.

The event is at Whittlesea Community Activity Centre, 57-61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea on December 2, from 10am-1pm.

For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events.