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Seymour Lions lose star but re-sign eight for 2024

The North Central Review
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Seymour Lions lose star but re-sign eight for 2024

Eight more senior footballers have put pen to paper and recommitted to Seymour Football Netball Club, SFNC, for the 2024 Goulburn Valley League, GVL, season.

But the major news of the past week is the loss of star Lions onballer and dual league best and fairest winner Jack O’Sullivan, who will join Wodonga in a co-coaching and playing role next season.

O’Sullivan won the Morrison Medal for the second time this season playing with the Lions.

Seymour Lions football manager Mitch Itter said everyone at the club wished O’Sullivan well at Wodonga.

“Winning two Morrisons in two seasons of footy is an incredible achievement and he leaves a lasting legacy at the club,” he said.

“He’s made lifelong friends at the Lions and has paid the club back in spades both on and off the field over his time here.

“While we’d love to have him at Seymour for the next decade, it’s not to be.

“Jacko will always be welcome at Seymour and we hope he continues his growth in a coaching and footballing capacity at Wodonga.”

In better news for the Lions, 2022 Morrison medallist Ben Rigoni has signed with Seymour and will again split his season between the Lions and Victorian Football League, VFL, club Coburg.

Other key re-signings include co-captain Lachlan Waite and 2023 recruits Nathan Fowler and Ricky Schraven who joined the Lions from Wallan last year.

The group of eight is rounded out by senior footballers Ben Cooney, James Wooster, Josh Alford and Alex Elliott.

Itter said the club was hard at work to build on this year’s top two home and away finish.  

“These re-signings are massive news for the club and show this group is ready to push deep in September next season,” he said.

“We’ve got a really close bunch of boys who enjoy one another’s company and are chomping at the bit to get stuck into pre-season.

“Last [season] didn’t finish the way we hoped but we’ve got great depth in our reserves, a strong senior core and plenty of room for improvement.

“You can’t stand still in the GVL. It’s such a quality competition so we’ll be looking to see some big steps forward from everyone heading into 2024.”

Itter said the club would commence pre-season training later this month and welcomed any prospective players to join them.

“There’s a great vibe around the club at the moment and I’d encourage anyone who’s keen to play to come down and get amongst it,” he said.

“Late November we’ll start pre-season and get some solid sessions in before the Christmas break.

“The whole club is raring to go again for 2024 so get on board for next season as we look to go deeper in September.

“We’ve also got more re-signings and new recruits on the way. We’re excited to share these in the coming weeks.”

Roads and health services a joint priority for council and MPs

The North Central Review
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Roads and health services a joint priority for council and MPs

Government-funded projects, road challenges including bottle necks along the Hume Freeway and enhancing access to health and community services were among topics at a meeting between council representatives and federal MPs.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell hosted a round table meeting with Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain, Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford and Mayor Fiona Stevens alongside Macedon Ranges Shire chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan and Mayor Annette Death.

Ms McBain was keen to gain insight into what issues both shires feel were the most pressing for their communities.

Mr Luxford said the councils appreciated the opportunity to meet with Ms McBain and Mr Mitchell.

He said projects such as the Cameron Lane interchange at Beveridge, Wallan’s Watson Street ramps and other road projects were discussed, as well as funding for Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve lower oval.

“In addition to discussing these projects, we engaged in fruitful conversations regarding Mitchell Shire’s other significant priorities, such as addressing a range of road challenges including the bottle necks along the Hume Freeway and enhancing access to local health and community services,” he said.

“The meeting was a success, with the minister demonstrating a clear understanding of the challenges out community faces.”

Mr Mitchell said it was a significant opportunity for the councils to address crucial issues and the unique needs of regional councils.

“I saw the minister’s visit as a great opportunity for our councils to discuss local issues directly with the minister. It is not often they have this chance to clarify what is unique to their local government area and the issues they face,” he said.

“The round table was a great opportunity for the local councils in McEwen to participate in open dialogue and work on collaborative partnership with the Federal Government to work towards common goals.

“I want to really thank Minister McBain’s proactive approach and commitment to addressing the needs of local government. As a former mayor herself she understands the importance of a strong relationship between all levels of government and how positive outcomes can flow from this.”

Representatives from the City of Whittlesea and Nillumbik Shire Council were invited to the roundtable but were unable to attend.

Roads and health services a joint priority

The North Central Review
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0
Roads and health services a joint priority

Government-funded projects, road challenges including bottle necks along the Hume Freeway and enhancing access to health and community services were among topics at a meeting between council representatives and federal MPs.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell hosted a round table meeting with Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain, Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford and Mayor Fiona Stevens alongside Macedon Ranges Shire chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan and Mayor Annette Death.

Ms McBain was keen to gain insight into what issues both shires feel were the most pressing for their communities.

Mr Luxford said the councils appreciated the opportunity to meet with Ms McBain and Mr Mitchell.

He said projects such as the Cameron Lane interchange at Beveridge, Wallan’s Watson Street ramps and other road projects were discussed, as well as funding for Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve lower oval.

“In addition to discussing these projects, we engaged in fruitful conversations regarding Mitchell Shire’s other significant priorities, such as addressing a range of road challenges including the bottle necks along the Hume Freeway and enhancing access to local health and community services,” he said.

“The meeting was a success, with the minister demonstrating a clear understanding of the challenges out community faces.”

Mr Mitchell said it was a significant opportunity for the councils to address crucial issues and the unique needs of regional councils.

“I saw the minister’s visit as a great opportunity for our councils to discuss local issues directly with the minister. It is not often they have this chance to clarify what is unique to their local government area and the issues they face,” he said.

“The round table was a great opportunity for the local councils in McEwen to participate in open dialogue and work on collaborative partnership with the Federal Government to work towards common goals.

“I want to really thank Minister McBain’s proactive approach and commitment to addressing the needs of local government. As a former mayor herself she understands the importance of a strong relationship between all levels of government and how positive outcomes can flow from this.”

Representatives from the City of Whittlesea and Nillumbik Shire Council were invited to the roundtable but were unable to attend.

Mitchell Shire Council calls on government to address road issues

Grace Frost
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Mitchell Shire Council calls on government to address road issues

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens says the council actively advocates to highlight road issues to the Department of Transport and Planning, DTP, but maintenance was becoming increasingly difficult.

“Our road network and maintenance teams face escalating demands due to our ever-increasing road network and the climatic and development impacts and are now required to do much more with the funding currently available,” she said.

“Increased financial support from state and federal governments is essential to get on top of these challenges because local government cannot fund or manage alone.”

Cr Stevens said council was focused on the delivery of major infrastructure projects to support the growing region, such as the Kilmore Bypass, Watson Street Interchange, and upgrading Old Sydney Road as a possible future north-south arterial.

“We consistently present the concerns and suggestions voiced by our community to the DTP for roads they hold responsibility for. It is imperative to continue urging the DTP to address their roads that are currently causing major issues within our community,” she said.

“Additionally, we are faced with a pressing reality: our current rate base is limited to those who currently live with us, however we are attempting to provide for both current needs and the demands for future infrastructure and roads.”

Epping Kilmore Road
Slippery conditions warning signs feature prominently on the Epping-Kilmore Road between Wandong and Wallan, as long stretches of the road are heavily worn to a smooth, glazed texture. ​

With 300 separate repairs in the Mitchell Shire from last year’s floods, the total repair bill was an estimated $4 million but only $2 million has been spent to date.

According to a report tabled in 2021 by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, ‘councils manage local roads, which comprise 87 per cent of the state’s road network’, while ‘local roads represent 10 per cent of council expenditure’.

Mitchell Shire Council and VicRoads are two different road authorities responsible for vastly different road networks – council’s more than 1400km network of local sealed and unsealed roads, and VicRoads’ statewide network of major arterials, highways, and freeways.

The DTP – according to its own Road Design Note published in April 2021 – must endeavor that the road and road environment supports ‘a vision of zero deaths and serious injury for all road users’ and ‘the wellbeing of the community is not adversely affected’.

Repairs, along with the maintenance and renewal of council roads, are carried out in line with council’s Road Management Plan, RMP, which outlines thresholds for inspections, defects and rectifications for all council-managed roads.

For potholes, the 2021 version of the RMP outlined an intervention level of greater than 300 milimetres in width and greater than 75 milimetres in depth, with a rectification period within two and six weeks depending on road type and use.

To view the full RMP, visit .

Hume Freeway at Arkells Lane bridge
The right-hand southbound lane on the Hume Freeway, near the Arkells Lane bridge, has a heavily worn and smoothed-out surface that causes slippery conditions in wet weather. ​

Cr Stevens said maintained local roads were largely in compliance with the RMP but understood the frustration damaged roads were causing residents.

“Pothole repairs were recently completed on William Street, Wallan and council is comfortable this road currently complies with its RMP,” he said.

“We hear and understand the community’s concerns and ask that people drive to conditions as we work to improve the condition of local roads.”

Council does offer monetary compensation for damage to vehicles if it is deemed negligent for its management of local roads.

However in all cases, the first $1580 of any claim is borne by the motorist – as specified by the Road Management Act 2004.

Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland said Mitchell Shire had been ‘left behind’ in road maintenance funding and called on Premier Jacinta Allan to step up and rectify the issue for regional roads.

“Every week, my office receives calls from residents across my region asking for assistance with claims against VicRoads. It’s a sad story to hear that our cars need to be roadworthy, but our roads aren’t car-worthy,” he said.

“The new premier needs to step up and fill the black hole on road funding that her predecessor left behind. Victoria deserves better.”

Residents are encouraged to report defects and incidents at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/reportit or by calling 5734 6200, as well as report issues to the DTP by calling 13 11 70 or visiting www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/traffic-and-road-use/report-a-road-issue.

To view an interactive map outlining the ownership of all Mitchell Shire Council and DTP roads, visit .

Alternatively, visit www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/services/roads/who-manages-roads-in-our-shire.

Youth plan for Lancefield’s future

The North Central Review
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Youth plan for Lancefield’s future

A youth brainstorming session ‘Under 25 and unstoppable’ at Lancefield Hall on November 15 will aim to gain feedback from young people about what they want in the town.

Event organiser Jasmine Scott said information gathered would feed into developing a new Youth Action Plan for Lancefield, replacing a 2009 version.

Lancefield Neighbourhood House coordinator Vivien Philpotts said the 2009 youth plan helped establish a skatepark in Lancefield and had given weight to several other projects over the years.

“If young people want activities, events or a dedicated space, it is a plan which will help make this happen,” she said.

The event will be facilitated by Roy Maddocks, who was part of creating the original plan as one of the young people.

The event welcomes people aged 12 to 25 for brainstorming and pizza, starting at 5pm.

Input from young people in neighbouring towns is also welcome.

Bookings and more information can be made through lancefield.org.au/news, by calling 5429 1214, or by emailing admin@lancefieldhouse.org.au.

Seymour Blasters break top team’s winning streak

Jordyn Grubisic
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Seymour Blasters break top team’s winning streak

The Seymour Blasters’ men’s team took down the undefeated Benalla Breakers in a triumphant end to a double-header weekend in round five of the Country Basketball League, CBL.

It was a disappointing start to the weekend for the Blasters, with a 15-point loss to the Myrtleford Saints at home on Saturday night.

The first quarter saw the Saints take an 11-point lead before Seymour pushed back in the second term, keeping the margin to 11 points at halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Blasters had a strong third quarter push outscoring Myrtleford, but the Saints hung on in the fourth to take the win 102 to 87.

It was a huge scoring game for Keenan Gorski with 20 points backed up by Seymour staple Robbie Sartori and Zac Donoghue, who had 15 and 14 points respectively.

On Sunday, Seymour stepped on court in Shepparton against top-of-the-ladder side and previously undefeated Benalla Breakers.

Teams were tied at 15 points a piece at the first break, before the Blasters pushed ahead in the second quarter to take a seven-point lead into halftime.

The rest of the game belonged to Seymour, as the visitors continued to outscore and control the game, taking the win 73 to 54.

The win is also a testament to the Blasters’ defensive efforts containing the Breakers to a score of 54 – the lowest for a side who hadn’t scored less than 83 points so far this season.

Seymour captain Jack Murphy said their defence was a huge focus for the undermanned Blasters.

“Being undermanned without Robbie Sartori and Liam Hockley, we knew we were in for the biggest challenge of our season,” he said

“Benalla were undefeated for a reason – they have one of the most potent offensive systems in the league.

“We made it a big focus to stick to our defensive schemes and try to limit their offensive output. Harry Stones led the way for us as he held the league’s leading scorer to only nine points.”

image 1
Harry Stones led the way for Seymour Blasters in their 19-point win over Benalla on Sunday. ​

With 20 points, Seymour’s Eden Hobbs led the scoring for both teams, supported by captain and second highest game scorer Jack Murphy with 14 of his own.

Donoghue, Tom O’Connor and Ethan Bates stepped up at crucial points in the game for Seymour, while Harry Stones was a huge presence in defence, setting up the win for the Blasters.

Wally Stewart and Jake Sapiano also played their roles helping create necessary turnovers at critical times in the topple of the top team.

“We entered the clash as severe underdogs, but I think this really gave us some motivation to test ourselves against the benchmark of the competition,” Murphy said.

“Eden Hobbs again looked threatening when out in the open court and has really come into his own over the past few weeks.

“We are beginning to see a changing of the guard as our younger brigade continue to develop and take on the challenges in front of them.”

The Seymour women had a bye at the weekend, as did both Wallan teams.

This Saturday, the Blasters will travel to Wallan to face the Panthers.

The women will hit the court at 6pm, followed by the men at 8pm in a repeat of the round two Mitchell Shire clash.

Updates to paid parental leave

The North Central Review
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Updates to paid parental leave

The Federal Government has introduced the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023 aiming to improve the lives of families.

The Bill finalises settings for the government’s significant expansion of paid parental leave announced in the October 2022-23 Budget, increasing the scheme to 26 weeks by July, 2026.

The government is committed to providing each parent four weeks of reserved leave from July, 2026 when the full scheme is implemented encouraging shared care.

The Bill also introduces concurrent leave, meaning from 2026 both parents can choose to take four weeks of leave at the same time.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said he was proud to be part of a government delivering on its promises to assist families.

“This is all about making sure that every family has more choice and better support,” he said.

“Roughly 180,000 families nationwide receive paid parental leave each year and these improvements to the scheme will support maternal health and wellbeing, encourage dads and partners to get more involved and give families flexibility to choose how they

share care.”

The Bill follows changes that commenced on July 1, 2023 making the scheme more accessible, flexible and gender equitable – structural changes that laid the foundation for expansion to 26 weeks.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said changes to the scheme better addressed the needs of working Australian families and provided greater security as they adjusted to life with a newborn or adopted child.

“Not only will this help families to better balance work and care, but it will also support participation and productivity over the longer term, providing a dividend for the Australian economy,” she said.

“These changes will provide better security and choice for families. They strike the right balance between supporting our working families, encouraging greater gender equality, and supporting greater workforce participation.”

Pending its passage through Parliament, two additional weeks of payment will be added each year from July 1, 2024 increasing the overall length of the paid parental leave scheme by six weeks by July, 2026.

The government’s changes will benefit over 180,000 families each year, at a cost of $1.2 billion from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

More information on the changes to the Paid Parental Leave scheme can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

Health providers finalists at state awards

The North Central Review
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Health providers finalists at state awards

DPV Health and Northern Health are finalists in multiple categories at this year’s Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, which recognises outstanding contributions to the healthcare system.

The awards celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of healthcare workers, public workers, public health services and health volunteers across the state.  

DPV Health is nominated in three categories – premier primary health care service of the year, partnering with consumers to improve patient experience and excellence in culturally diverse health.

The not-for-profit organisation in Melbourne’s north provides a range of community health and wellbeing services, with 20 sites spread across the Hume and Whittlesea municipalities.

Working towards its vision of a healthier and connected community with excellent care for all, DPV Health has worked closely with community members with lived mental health experiences to design and produce an inaugural mental health model. 

DPV health chief clinical governance and experience officer Sophie Gilmour said the nominations mirrored the health service’s commitment to excellent care for all.

“The awards provide DPV Health with an opportunity to celebrate the support provided to our communities, in partnership with our communities,” she said.

“All the nominations reflect DPV Health’s commitment to a healthier and connected community with excellent care for all.”

This year, of seven nominations, Northern Health at Epping was named finalists in three of the categories – celebrating innovation in healthcare, excellence in Aboriginal healthcare and wellbeing and health volunteer/team of the year.

Across its categories, Northern Health’s dedicated paediatric service, that is part of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, was also recognised for celebrating innovation in healthcare.

The statewide service staffed by paediatric doctors and nurses, arose from the growing number of children being seen via the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

Under the health volunteer/team of the year, Northern Health nominated Busy Fingers Auxiliary, who has been in operation for 50 years and is dedicated to raising funds for Northern Health’s Bundoora Centre.

The auxiliary was started by a group of women who attended morning tea at the home of the mayor of Preston, and were passionate about making a difference to the community.

A Northern Health spokesperson said the health service was thrilled to be among the finalists of this year’s Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

“The three finalists are a sample of the amazing programs we have at Northern Health,” they said. 

“Our teams work together collaboratively and are driven by the vision of providing accessible, high quality and culturally safe health care to the residents of the growing Northern Catchment, close to their home. 

“To have three of our programs recognised at this level is extremely rewarding for everyone at Northern Health.” 

Winners will be announced at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night on November 16.

Services expanded following health merger

Jordyn Grubisic
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Services expanded following health merger

Kilmore District Health, KDH, and Northern Health are now a united, amalgamated service as of Wednesday.

Plans are underway for more specialist services to be offered at Kilmore with services such as increased maternity and allied health services to start early next year.

Northern Health has also committed to introducing a paediatric outpatient service at KDH, which will run from the existing outpatient consulting rooms.

Patients will be referred to Northern Health in the first instance and then be allocated appointments at one of Northern Health’s campuses based on where the patient lives.

Residents of Kilmore and surrounding areas will be seen in Kilmore – with the overall aim is to provide services closer to home.

Alongside paediatric improvements, Northern Health aim to provide greater choice for parents about where their baby is born and existing maternity services at KDH – including GP obstetricians and consultant obstetricians – will continue operating and strengthening according to demand.

There will be no immediate change to Kilmore’s Urgent Care Centre, with Northern Health aiming to have medical staff available everyday from 10am to 10pm, however Northern Heath has acknowledged sometimes this is not possible.

For an emergency, the current practice of referring patients to a larger emergency department for assessment and treatment will continue.

For non-life threatening emergencies, Kilmore and surrounding residents can access the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department run by Northern Health.

Emergency doctors and nurses can assess cases via video link and provide appropriate health care advice or arrange referrals for follow-up care, from the person’s home.

KDH interim chief executive Jennifer Gilham said the amalgamation expanded services available for the Kilmore and surrounding communities.

“This amalgamation will strengthen the already successful partnership that exists between Kilmore District Health and Northern Health, and enable an expansion of the services and healthcare options available to our growing community,” she said.

“This will happen over time as well explore synergies and consolidate based on the strengths that are unique to each of the health services.

“Moreover, by providing our staff with greater flexibility and more options, including further education and greater career opportunities, the community overall will benefit from increased skillsets, experience and knowledge.”

Although KDH has become a campus of Northern Health, the board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the local name and identity for KDH, with the amalgamation focusing on providing greater access to the specialist services needed by residents of Kilmore and surrounding areas.

Northern Health has committed to no reduction in staffing levels because of the amalgamation with staff able to continue working where and when they currently work.

Mitchell and Murrindindi youth build leadership skills

The North Central Review
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Mitchell and Murrindindi youth build leadership skills

Primary school students across the Mitchell and Murrindindi shires connected with their older peers at Wallan Secondary College last month as part of the primary school young leaders program.

The Department of Education student support services team in the Southern Goulburn area have operated the program for several years, and this year engaged its largest group – up to 15 primary schools.

Over four terms, with four sessions at different schools, the program has helped students enhance their leadership and presentation skills, as well as build communication and teamwork skills among their peers.

Wallan Secondary College hosted the final day, with the school’s college captains and leaders presenting activities and games that aligned with the program.

Primary school students heard from several guest speakers, including Wallan’s college captains and leadership team and Mitchell Shire Youth Council on topics such as leadership.

Student support services team leader Sharon Blackwell, who provides services to schools across the shires, along with psychologist Alana Codling and social worker Kaylee Wellington, said it was heartening to find secondary students who were once in the program in leadership roles.

“The students that actually spoke and the students that are actually running the activities here for Wallan Secondary [College] have all been through this program when they were in primary school,” she said. 

“It’s really heartening to see that they continued their journey in taking on leadership roles.”

Ms Blackwell said schools jumped at the opportunity for students to adopt important life skills after a couple of years of the program being in hiatus due to COVID.

She said the students developed confidence in socialising and interacting with students from other schools, forming friendships and stepping outside their comfort zones.

Wallan Secondary College executive principal assistant and international student co-ordinator Lauren Mozina said the school was proud to host the 2023 young leaders day.

“College captains, Wil Rice, Alexis McGuane and Jayde Waddell revelled in the opportunity to speak with the primary school students about their leadership journey and their hopes and wishes for the future,” she said. 

“The experience gained by our leaders in facilitating activities and promoting leadership to the next generation of high school students is invaluable for all concerned.”

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