Region marks Remembrance Day

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November 14, 2023

As ceremonies took place across the region in acknowledgment of Remembrance Day, there was a key message to be shared about the servicemen and women honoured on November 11 every year.

“We believe in our freedom, and we respect those people who died to keep that freedom for us,” Kilmore-Wallan RSL sub-branch president Rod Dally said.

The ceremony at Kilmore’s cenotaph on Saturday was attended by a large crowd of representatives from a range of different groups and organisations, including the Returned and Services League, RSL, schools of the area and sporting clubs among others.

Students from Assumption College, St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore Primary School and Willowmavin Primary School were on hand to lay wreaths, along with the community who were invited to present their own.

“This has been the biggest Remembrance Day service I can remember … I’m really pleased to see the kids getting involved,” Mr Dally said.

Mr Dally said it was important to teach the younger generations about the courage and commitment demonstrated by those who fought for their country, as they contributed greatly to the way Australians lived today.

“We have a society that is free at the moment, but you can always lose that freedom if you’re not prepared to defend it,” he said.

“The men of our defence forces today are exactly that category – they’re still there, they’re prepared and know that they may be asked to put themselves in harm’s way. That’s what we’ve got to remember.”

Services were well attended across the region, including Broadford, Doreen, Lancefield, Seymour, Wallan and Whittlesea.

Community walk against gender-based violence returns

The North Central Review

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November 14, 2023

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A Mitchell Community Walk against gender-based violence on November 29 will be this year be staged in Seymour, as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

The 16 Days of Activism, from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.

Council partners with organisations across Mitchell and Murrindindi shires each year through the Lower Hume Collaborative Group to support the campaign.

The inaugural Mitchell Community Walk to End Violence took place in Kilmore in 2019, however it has not been staged since due to the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s floods.

The Kilmore walk was attended by 200 people and started important conversations about family violence across the shire.

This year’s walk begins at 10am from the Loco Street GoTAFE Campus in Seymour, with victim survivor of family violence and advocate for gender equality and respectful relationships Anj Barker the guest speaker.

The one-kilometre walk will then conclude at Goulburn Park, Seymour, where there will be a community event, including local support services and a barbecue.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens welcomed everyone to attend and encouraged people to bring friends, family and pets. Participants are encouraged to wear orange.

“The 16 Days of Activism serves as a powerful reminder that violence against women and girls is all too prevalent in our communities, which is just not acceptable,” she said.

“Promoting gender equality is simply promoting the fact we are all equal, and should give everyone exactly the same fairness, respect and opportunities.

“The goal is to educate and gather support for attitudes and poor behaviour to change.

“This is a vital step in preventing family violence and other forms of harm against women and girls.

“Our first walk in Kilmore was well attended and I hope to see even more wearing orange and supporting this important campaign in Seymour.”

There will be several temporary road closures and detours in place in Seymour to cater for the walk and community event.

The following sections of roads will be closed from 10am, and will re-open progressively as the walk passes through: Loco Street, between 30 Loco Street and Railway Street, Railway Street, between Loco Street and Guild Street, and Guild Street, between the intersection of Railway Street and Progress Street.

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and expect delays.

16 Days of Activism events open to the public

The 16 Days of Activism campaign will feature several activities across the Mitchell and Murrindindi shires, including the chance to have a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ and to be involved in the Clothesline Project.

Coffee with a Cop is a chance to have a coffee, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations with police officers in an informal and safe setting.

There are three sessions planned for towns in the Mitchell Shire:

9am to 11am, Monday, November 27, at Open House Cafe, Wallan

9am to 11am, Thursday, November 30, at Country Soul Cafe, Broadford

9am to 11am, Friday, December 1, at Little Stones Cafe, Seymour

The Clothesline Project is a global initiative that uses visual displays of t-shirts to raise awareness of family violence.

Shirts will be displayed in front of the Greater Beveridge Community Centre during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

People will have a chance to share messages of what respect means to them at workshops at the Greater Beveridge Community Centre.

The workshops will be from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22.

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

New Mernda centre supporting elderly residents

The North Central Review

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November 14, 2023

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Older residents and their carers now have easier access to health and wellbeing services thanks to the completion of the $2.69 million Mernda Social Support Centre.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage joined community members and local representatives on Thursday for a tour of the completed facility located at 70 Mernda Village Drive.

The centre was made possible through more than $1.24 million from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and $1.45 million from the City of Whittlesea.

With Mernda home to a booming and ageing population, the centre will play a crucial role in supporting older residents to maintain their independence and stay connected to the community.

Access to facilities and programs will ensure that elderly residents and people living with a disability, memory loss or limited mobility will have the chance to try new activities and forge important social connections.

The centre offers three social support services activity rooms, a quiet room, consulting room, kitchen, staff office, accessible toilets, and an outdoor courtyard with a quiet area.

The City of Whittlesea is offering dementia and memory and social connection sessions at the centre.

Among the accredited allied healthcare providers using the facility, St Vincent’s Health is delivering its Healthy Ageing service supporting the mental health and wellbeing of older adults.

Merri Health is also using the centre to deliver Commonwealth Home Support Program physiotherapy and occupational therapy services and has plans to expand its presence in 2024.

The facility is also available to community groups, with Whittlesea U3A hosting a range of sessions, including digital literacy and ‘cooking for one’ classes.

Ms Kathage said the Growing Suburbs Fund had provided the Whittlesea council with more than $42 million in funding towards 46 projects in its area since 2015.

“As communities like Mernda continue to grow, it’s important that we have high-quality, purpose-built facilities that can support the wellbeing of our older residents,” she said.

“Thanks to the Mernda Social Support Centre, older residents and their carers can rest assured that they have access to the programs and community connections they need to enjoy their golden years.

“Investing in projects like the Mernda Social Support Centre is about helping to create more liveable neighbourhoods and more connected and equitable communities.”

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the centre had quickly become an invaluable place for many older residents in the municipality’s northern suburbs.

“Meeting the needs of an ageing population is a challenge for all levels of government and the Mernda Social Support Centre is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by working together,” she said.

“The City of Whittlesea is very proud to have a safe, accessible and purpose-built facility where residents and their carers can come and participate in programs that will help to ward off the social isolation that so often comes with ageing.”

For more information about the Mernda Social Support Centre and its services, contact council on 9217 2170.

Wallan East students take on athletics

The North Central Review

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November 14, 2023

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Students at Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School at Wallan East embraced the school’s house colours on Friday afternoon at the school’s twilight sports carnival.

In warm conditions, students from foundation to grade six, with the support of their parents and school staff, participated in several sporting activities, including sprints, long jump, shot put, modified javelin and novelty events for younger grades.

Sport teacher Cristian Stella said the decision for a twilight event was so everyone could be involved at this year’s sport carnival, which focused on athletics.

“We decided to have a twilight event, something that parents could show up after work, something that students were able to hopefully go into the cool part of the day, although it’s really quite hot still – it’s also just a nice sort of vibe around the school,” he said.

“We’ve really focused on the athletic side of it, so the fields and track events, whereas past years, we brought in some sporting activities like soccer, basketball or football.”

As four house colours – green, purple, blue and orange – competed to win the athletics cup, fellow students cheered on their classmates, even towards the end when students ran in the relays.

Mr Stella the students were ‘pumped’ to have a go at the sporting activities.

“Overall, we would just want the kids to have a positive attitude to sport – that’s why we do these things,” he said.

“I think having a fair go is super important, the world we live in today – inclusivity is at an all-time high as it should be – it’s something that we can promote in a school setting more than anywhere else, as well as building resilience, teamwork.

“It’s been really good to see the younger ones cheer the older ones, older ones cheer the younger ones and everything in between, it’s been really awesome.”

Fire danger periods commence

Grace Frost

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November 14, 2023

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FIRE restrictions have been announced for parts of Victoria as authorities prepare for a hotter and drier summer than in recent years.

From 1am on Monday, November 27, the declared fire danger period, FDP, will commence for the Macedon Ranges.

In the City of Whittlesea, the FDP will commence at 1am on December 4.

No burning-off is permitted during the FDP without a permit to burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.

Country Fire Authority, CFA, District 14 assistant chief fire officer Tim Holland said residents in the municipalities who have had their FDPs announced, should take the opportunity ahead of restrictions to reduce the fuel loads around their homes.

“Following some of the driest months on record in August and September, the widespread rain that we had at the start of October provided some welcome relief and slowed the grasslands drying cycle,” he said.

“However, the grass in local paddocks and parklands within our suburbs is starting to dry out and will continue to do so as summer approaches.”

People are urged to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website or by calling 1800 668 511.

“There is still plenty of time to ensure your property is as safe as possible, and we suggest starting with cutting your grass and cleaning up around your households and sheds,” Mr Holland said.

There are strict conditions attached to the permits and the liability sits with the permit-holder to ensure they always act safely.

Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.

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Stage one of Donnybrook’s sporting precinct completed

Pam Kiriakidis

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November 14, 2023

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Property developer Mirvac has delivered stage one of Donnybrook’s first sporting precinct, to be known as Olivine Recreation Reserve.

Delivered in collaboration with the City of Whittlesea, who will manage the facility, the first stage was revealed in October.

Under stage one, residents can make use of the $4.5 million Sports and Community Pavilion, including other amenities such as netball and futsal courts, cricket nets, dog park, barbeque areas and a playground.

Mirvac is partnering with the City of Whittlesea to deliver stage two of the sporting precinct, which will feature two ovals, expected to begin construction in the coming months.

The Sports and Community Pavilion, designed by Canvas, features two wings connected by an archway – providing a viewing area, shade, shelter and seating for the two future ovals and neighbouring amenities.

The northern wing will include a multi-purpose community area and the southern wing will feature changerooms and amenities for the cricket nets, netball courts and future AFL ovals.

An internal shared path network joins the pavilion with other facilities, including fitness stations, respite areas and a fenced, off leash dog park.

Indigenous and native tree species have been planted throughout the precinct, which will join a grove of 200-year-old red river gum trees through the centre of the precinct, which inspired the completed landscape by landscape architects MDGLA.

Mirvac’s general manager of residential Victoria Elysa Anderson said the facilities were part of Mirvac’s devotion to delivering sustainable communities.

“Mirvac is passionate about reimagining urban life in Melbourne’s north and we are proud to deliver the first stage of Olivine’s Sporting Precinct, in partnership with the City of Whittlesea, for the 1600 residents now living at Olivine, as well as the wider community,” she said.

“The new sports precinct is an important part of community building for Olivine’s growing neighbourhood and the surrounding areas, and we hope it provides a new destination and home for local sports teams and community groups, allowing residents to connect with family and friends and enjoy an active lifestyle.”

Mirvac has submitted a planning permit application for the future Local Town Centre with the City of Whittlesea, following consultation with residents.

Mirvac aspires to provide a mixed retail offering to the new town centre, including two supermarkets, dine in and takeaway restaurants, and personal care and medical services.

Olivine will comprise in excess of 4000 lots and will be home to about 11,000 residents with 120-hectares of land to open space and conservation upon completion.

A fascinating Probus meeting in Whittlesea

Grace Frost

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November 14, 2023

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A fascinating Probus meeting in Whittlesea

Members were encouraged to wear their finest fascinators to this month’s Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea meeting to get in the spirit of Melbourne Cup Day.

Six women were chosen as winners of the fascinator competition when judges had difficulties crowning just one fascinator as the best.

“The judges were unable to, or frightened to, select a winner so it was declared a sextuplet dead heat,” Probus publicity officer Michael Halley said.

Mr Halley said small break-outs such as the fascinator competition helped make the monthly meetings enjoyable for Probus members.

“Probus provides retirees with the opportunity to connect socially, which is so important in today’s world,” he said.

“Membership is open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired. In recent months at Whittlesea, the membership register has been increased several times.”

Tragedy recalled

Bruce Cumming, the driving force behind the Southern Aurora Memorial group, SAM, was the guest speaker at the November meeting.

Mr Cumming shared his account of the Southern Aurora train crash of February 7, 1969.

The overnight express passenger train collided head-on with an Albury-bound goods train at 7am, 174 kilometres north of Melbourne in Violet Town.

The Southern Aurora entered a crossing loop when it was meant to have waited, resulting in nine deaths and 117 people injured.

Mr Cumming heard the crash 12 kilometres away while getting ready for school and recalled the ribbon of smoke he saw high in the morning sky and the ‘haunting effect’ the event had on him.

He established SAM and the memorial gardens nearby the railway station in remembrance of the event.

The gardens are designed as a meditation place with history lessons displayed to highlight the human side of the tragic event.

The garden theme ‘Helping Hands’ signifies how people stepped forward to help each other at the collision.

The memorial won the gold award for the Best Monument or Memorial at the 2022 Australian Street Art Award, and in October won the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award at the Resilience Australia Awards.

Grants to upgrade Broadford Scout hall

The North Central Review

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November 14, 2023

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Broadford Scout Group has upgraded its hall with stronger and more durable furniture, with the assistance of a grant from the Australia Rail Track Corporation, ARTC.

The group received $2074 to purchase foldaway chairs, tables and a storage cart, upgrading from its old worn-out furniture to make the Scout Hall more comfortable and easier to use.

Broadford Scouts secretary Tanya Maiwald said the group was thankful to have received the grant to support its activities.

“While $2000 doesn’t sound like much, to us it meant we could dispose of our rickety and falling-over benches and tables,” she said.

“Getting any amount of money as a community group is really, really hard, and even for such basic things as our tables and chairs, it’s just really difficult.

“The grant enabled us to update all of our furniture in one swoop, we acknowledge the support of Inland Rail for this grant.”

The grant not only supports the Scout Group, however, as the furniture has also been used at community events around Broadford due to its durability and ease of use.

“We had them for a camp at Mount Piper, we had them for the barbecue at the high school for the referendum, we use them for fundraising – it’s great and it just gives a new-look to the hall,”

“Two thousand dolllars is not a lot of money, but our main income is the sale of sausages and that’s a whole lot of sausages you need to sell to get that sort of money.

“We would not have been easily able to pay for new furniture for that amount, at least not all in one go without this grant, so we are really thankful and very happy.”

Broadford Scout Group also received $7031 for the refurbishment of its hall through round eight of the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities grants.

The program of nearly $150,000 in funding was announced in September this year, with Broadford Scouts joining 11 other community organisations across the Nicholls electorate in receiving a grant to enhance the social wellbeing of regional communities.

Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said some of the grants were provided for facility upgrades to bring the meeting places of community organisations up to scratch.

“Not-for-profit community organisations are at the heart of regional communities,” he said.

“Every community project which expressed interest in these grants were of great value and would have enhanced the mental and physical wellbeing of our regions.”

7-Eleven opens in Wallan

Jordyn Grubisic

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November 14, 2023

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Slurpees and Krispy Kreme donuts have arrived in Wallan with the opening of Wallan’s first 7-Eleven on Thursday.

The service station is located at 156 High St, Wallan with a team of 11 under the leadership of Eman Khamo.

The investment is part of 7-Eleven’s focus on providing people in growth areas access to career opportunities, and the same choice and convenience available in inner-metropolitan areas.

7-Eleven area lead south Nick Maddox said the team was excited to welcome the community to their store.

“People can grab their favourite products and fill up at any time 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he said.

“We have food and convenience options including 7-Eleven’s handmade sandwiches, wraps and Krispy Kreme donuts, as well as 7-Eleven’s freshly ground Fairtrade Certified coffee, Slurpees including no sugar options, and our frozen blended smoothies, frappes and shakes.

“Our store leader Eman and her team have been doing an amazing job working to get this store stocked and ready to welcome our customers on open day.”

Ms Khamo said the Wallan team was excited to welcome residents to the new 7-Eleven which has fuel, food and convenience ranges and deliveries of fresh food seven days a week.

“Our customers can download the My 7-Eleven app and use the fuel price lock feature to lock in a price on our fuel that might be lower,” Ms Khamo said.

“It means customers can choose to fill up using the price they have locked in anytime that suits them within the next seven days.

“As a bonus, the app also has loyalty rewards, offers, discounts and can be linked with your Velocity Frequent Flyer card to earn points.”

Motorists using the My 7-Eleven app saved an average of 16 cents per litre or an average of $6.23 per fill between October 1, 2022 and October 31, 2023.

Best local prices displayed in app are updated periodically and are not ‘live’ and may not be the same price displayed at the pump when visiting a 7-Eleven, and it does not compare prices offered by other retailers.

The My 7-Eleven app is available for download from the App Store or Google Play.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: November 14, 2023

News

Ray Carroll

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November 14, 2023

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The summer game

Cricket has been played at Assumption College Kilmore, ACK, for more than 125 years.

From modern beginnings when only house games were played, college teams were then able to play in the local cricket association.

This tenure extended until 1958, then the Assumption teams entered the prestigious Associated Grammar Schools Victoria, AGSV, competition.

In the local area cricket competition, ACK played against Kilmore, Broadford, Wallan, Darraweit, Wallan East, Wandong and CYMS. The latter was the St Patrick’s parish team.

ACK sides were coached by legendary Marist brothers who were themselves fine all-round sportsman.

Brothers Oswald, Romulus, and Celsus were among the list – all very fine cricketers. Assumption XI’s competed really well in the district competition winning some 25 premierships.

Some legendary area names were in opposing XI’s such as Kilmore’s Eric Wynd, Basil Coff, Jack Hiscock, Colin McNab, Arthur Harris, Len Bardella, etc. Names from other teams prominent included Stockdale, Davern, Cleve, Purdon, Smith, Stewart, Breen, Hammond, Carboon, Skehan, Coustley, etc.

Assumption’s last double-century maker was Nildo Munari who hit 201 versus Kilmore in a 1957 final.

Run machine

Assumption First XI defeated Ivanhoe at the weekend to continue its fine start to the season. ACK with 6/213 to Ivanhoe’s 8/212.

Cavigan scored 114 not out to follow his 180 in the opening game.

The Romsey lad has been a run machine for Assumption.

Watts made 36 to add to his tally for the season.

Assumption will host the 2023 Marist Cricket Carnival in early December. It won the shield in 2009 and 2010.

The trophy is named after legendary batsman Stan McCabe who attended St Josephs College in Sydney.

McCabe played three of the greatest innings ever for Australia with the standout his 187 in the ‘Bodyline series’ in 1932.

A six over long on.

Varia

Great to catch up a few days ago with Wallan’s Chelsea and Bailey Fowler.

Both ex-ACK – Chelsea was college captain – they completed two seasons at Camp America in the USA where they had leadership roles. Large numbers from many countries attend the camps, which teach comprehensive life skills.

Chelsea and Bailey visited iconic parts of the USA plus were able to attend college football, which is huge in America, and watch the Atlanta Braves in a world series baseball game.

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The 2024 incoming principal of Assumption Paul Finneran will see a vastly different establishment than the original one as pictured in 1913.

Built by the Sisters of Mercy in the late 1800s, the building once again forms the central administration of the college.

Today’s college is a fine panorama of modern facilities, splendid gardens and avenues and a fine vista of playing fields.

Modern era

ACK joined the AGSV college competition in 1959 and across the 65 years since, its cricketers have enjoyed success and has the best record of any school in that time – even though its last title was in 2009.

Many fine teams and players have represented the Dark Blues such as the one pictured – the 1980 XI captained by Simon O’Donnell who went on to play for Australia.

Assumption has produced players who have played at Test, state and premier level also in county and league cricket in the United Kingdom.

In the past three seasons there has been a return to the peak.

Coach Luke Hamilton has played a big part in the resurgence: the past two summers have seen ACK close to title success and the current season is shaping well with big wins in opening games.

Lucas Cavigan, a Romsey lad, has hit a record equaling 188, while Hanging Rock’s Ollie Watts has scored 140 and 70.

Oscar Terry, from Bendigo, took 5/20 versus PEGS.

Cavigan is as fine a prospect as seen in the college colours for many years.