Our Lady of the Way opens senior building

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October 31, 2023

Our Lady of the Way opens senior building

By Jordyn Grubisic

OUR Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School in Wallan East officially opened and blessed its new senior building on Thursday.

The school received $3 million in State Government funding for the project and Our Lady of the Way principal Terry Cooney thanked everyone involved in the development.

“A lot has been accomplished in five years with the next stage being our multipurpose hall so that’s well and truly in the process of planning,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone who made this project possible. It’s actually the first time in the five years that we’ve actually got spare rooms. Our specialists [classes] have rooms they can actually go to.

“It’ll be the first time we won’t have to move furniture in January, which is lovely so we’ll be like a proper school where people can just come back and everything will just be there for them, which is great so thank you very much.

“There’s been considerate growth in enrolments and that’s why we needed this building.

“Originally, we had plans for eight classrooms and we just realised it wasn’t going to be enough so we went up to the 12.”

Parish priest Father Prakash Cutinha led the ceremony and blessed the building accompanied by year five pianist George and a choir of year two students.

Year 2 class singing — Year two students sing the school song and national anthem at Thursday’s opening and blessing of the new senior building.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage attended the opening and said she was proud to see the developments.

“It’s so wonderful to officially celebrate an exciting new chapter for Our Lady of the Way Catholic primary school,” she said.

Ms Kathage said the building was a ‘wonderful new space’ for the school.

She said attending the opening allowed her to hear how the teachers and students were using the new space, and how it helped to ‘inspire students, foster their creativity and create a love of learning’.

“Of Victoria’s one million students, one-third go to a non-government school just like this one,” she said.

“That’s why we’ve committed nearly $1 billion since 2015 to upgrading Catholic and independent schools across the state to help new schools in growing areas where they’re needed and help existing schools like yours.”

Ms Kathage said the best way that students could thank those involved was through ensuring they made ‘the most of every new learning opportunity the building offers’.

New electric vehicle charger for Lancefield

The North Central Review

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October 31, 2023

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New electric vehicle charger for Lancefield

Three new electric vehicle, EV, charging stations are now operational in the Macedon Ranges Shire, including at Lancefield.

Delivered by Evie Networks and funded by the State Government‘s Destination Charging Across Victoria program, the new public charging stations in Kyneton, Lancefield and Macedon were strategically chosen to cater to demand or fill network gaps.

Complementing existing stations in Woodend and Kyneton, the newest trio brings Macedon Ranges Shire Council a step closer to the goal of having charging stations available for public use in all major townships throughout the shire.

Mayor Annette Death said an expansive, reliable network of EV charging stations across the shire was a priority project for council, consistent with the 2021 Environment Strategy and response to the climate emergency.

“We recognise a network of stations is critical to facilitating the transition to low-emissions vehicles for members of our community, and also helps to attract visitors to the region who drive electric vehicles and may plan their trips based on the availability of chargers,” she said.

“Our public charging station network now covers a significant portion of the shire, but we’ll continue to plan and advocate for funding of other locations including Gisborne, Malmsbury, Romsey and Riddells Creek.”

The installation of more public charging stations also complements the recent installation of new council-use charging stations at its Kyneton, Gisborne and Woodend office sites, supporting the organisation’s transition to an all-EV passenger fleet as part of its Counting down to Zero plan.

A nice day for a white wedding dress display in Broadford

Jordyn Grubisic

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October 31, 2023

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A nice day for a white wedding dress display in Broadford

Broadford and District Historical Society displayed wedding dresses dating back to the 1920s sourced from Broadford residents, past and present, in an exhibition last week.

Dresses, photographs and other wedding items – including shoes, invitations and confetti – were displayed from October 26 to 28 at Gavan Hall, with entry by gold coin donation.

Dresses were contributed to the display with some family members travelling from as far as Mornington Peninsula to participate in the exhibition.

Society member Marg Inness said the turnout to the display was great.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful and it’s been totally unexpected. We couldn’t have fitted in anymore,” she said.

“It was just to get the historical society a bit of promotion – it was only a gold coin donation to get in and I think the raffle and Devonshire tea brought in a lot of people.”

Wedding dresses — The Broadford and District Historical Society displayed wedding dresses dating back to the 1920s from Broadford residents past and present in an exhibition last week. Dresses, photographs and other wedding items, including shoes, invitations and confetti, were displayed at Gavan Hall.

Among the collection was a dress that was the last surviving piece of wedding memorabilia for a couple who had lost everything else in the Black Saturday bushfires.

Linda Smedley and Bryan Patullo married on September 4, 1971 in Broadford, with her dress made by her aunt Lorna Christensen.

“In the Black Saturday fires, they lost everything – all the wedding photos and everything went,” Ms Inness said.

“When they were clearing out the house, low and behold, there was her wedding dress so that was really special.

“There was some confetti stuck in the lace I removed and displayed it, so that’s very special.

“They obviously didn’t have any photos but members in the community actually found some, which was fantastic.”

Another piece from the display was a 1920s dress worn by Alison Berry, which was accompanied by a newspaper clipping titled ‘The bride wore pink’ describing her empire-line gown made of pale pink wool crepe topped with a white wool coat.

Ms Inness said she noticed that wedding dresses throughout the century had remained relatively similar.

“Not a lot has changed. A lot of these dresses today you could actually just slip into and wear again – they’re all just fantastic,” she said.

“But we did notice that most of them were very slim with tiny waists. Some of the dresses we couldn’t even get to zip up on the mannequin.”

The display also showed familial history in Broadford with Ms Inness’ mother and sister’s dresses on display alongside her bridesmaid dress.

Another display showed the Coulson family wedding history including Annie and Lily Coulson making a wedding dress for their niece Lily J Coulson.

Mother and Daughter next to dresses — Mother and daughter Narelle Nesbitt and Jessica Connelly also contributed their wedding dresses to the Broadford and District Historical Society display. Ms Nesbitt’s dress was from her wedding on March 5, 1994 and Ms Connelly’s was one of the most recent dresses from her wedding on April 27, 2019.

Mother Narelle Nesbitt, married in 1994, and daughter Jessica Connelly, married in 2019, also contributed their wedding dresses to the display.

Mitchell Shire businesses up for state awards

The North Central Review

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October 31, 2023

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Mitchell Shire businesses up for state awards

Two Mitchell Shire-based businesses have been named as finalists in this year’s Victorian Community Achievement Awards.

The Bush Bus and Rambling Wine Tours each have a shot at taking home a statewide award in the regional service, and tourism and hospitality categories, respectively.

The awards, in its 21st year, acknowledge and reward people, communities and businesses that are leaders in their field and contribute to making the state a better place.

The Bush Bus owner Georgina Dymock and Rambling Wine Tours owner Sarah D’Orria have known each other since high school and are both ‘thrilled’ to be finalists for awards.

Winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner on December 1 at the Sofitel in Melbourne.

The Bush Bus is Australia’s pioneering mobile nature playgroup and family program that invites families to participate in nature-inspired arts, water play, sensory imaginative fun, and educational nature walks.

The Bush Bus began in Mitchell Shire five years ago and has since welcomed more than 30,000 participants throughout Victoria and New South Wales.

The program is offered free of charge for participants due to the support of funding partners.

In the Mitchell Shire, The Bush Bus hosts programs in Broadford and Wallan.

The Bush Bus is nominated for the Nectre Regional Service Award, which recognises regional and rural achievers and community contributors who have shown ‘excellence in their endeavours’ and raised the profile of their community, initiative or career.

Ms Dymock said she was thrilled and honoured to be a finalists for the second consecutive year, after winning the People’s Choice Award for Victoria last year.

“The Bush Bus is instrumental in bringing together families and creating communities,” she said.

Community Noms Rambling Wine Tours 1 — Rambling Wine Tours is nominated for the Best’s Wines Tourism and Hospitality Award at this year’s Victorian Community Achievement Awards.

Rambling Wine Tours, established in 2021, is a family-owned business from Seymour that showcases boutique wineries across central Victoria to visitors from near and far.

The company offers tailored, private, luxury winery tours in the Goulburn Valley, Heathcote, Bendigo and Greater Shepparton, which include tastings of the region’s finest food, produce and award-winning wines.

Rambling Wine Tours is nominated for the Best’s Wines Tourism and Hospitality Award, which honours those who are leaders in showcasing Victoria as a tourist destination or providing exceptional guest experiences.

Ms D’Orria said her business’ success stems from the unique experiences on offer and a passion and commitment to support other local businesses.

“I want to help visitors discover and fall in love with not just the eclectic vineyards and decadent food culture that our region has to offer, but also the awe-inspiring landscapes in central Victoria,” Ms D’Orria said.

Category winners will each receive a prize package worth more than $1500 and will be featured in a ‘congratulations’ advertisement to be aired across regional Victoria on the Seven Network.

Ms Dymock encouraged readers to follow The Bush Bus’ and Rambling Wine Tours’ Facebook pages to receive an alert when People’s Choice Award voting opens.

Region acknowledges one year since major flood event

Grace Frost

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October 31, 2023

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Region acknowledges one year since major flood event

Mitchell Shire residents reflected on 12 months since the October 2022 floods at a community day event at Seymour Recovery Hub on October 14.

The event included a community champions ceremony, recognising the 138 individuals and organisations nominated by the community for providing support during last year’s flood event that saw more than 250 homes and businesses inundated throughout Seymour.

Community Recovery Committee co-chair Bridget Tehan said she was proud of the community.

“As the Community Recovery Committee, we were thrilled to acknowledge so many community members, businesses and organisations for their contributions to last year’s flood,” she said.

“We are so proud of our community that stands up, stands together and supports one another in times of crisis.”

Fellow Community Recovery Committee co-chair Neil Beer said it was important to thank those who assisted during the floods.

“We saw many in our community rally to assist friends, neighbours and strangers during the flood and recovery, highlighting the importance of volunteerism,” he said.

“This was an important opportunity to thank these champions whose support has a significant impact on our recovery.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens also attended the ceremony and thanked all those involved. She said it was a special day for Seymour.

“As we reflected on the October 2022 flood, we also had the chance to reflect on our community’s resilience over the last 12 months,” she said.

“In the face of adversity, we saw the true character of our community. The many community champions were there to lend a helping hand, and we will always be grateful for their support.

“The recipients exemplify community helping community and it was a great honour to recognise and thank these individuals.

“I would also like to thank the Community Recovery Committee for delivering this Community Champions Recognition Program.”

The Recovery Hub, located at Guild Street, Seymour, continues to offer assistance to flood-affected community members.

The dedicated space is open Monday to Friday providing mental health and wellbeing support, financial advice, building or planning information or just someone to talk to.

Whittlesea Fire Brigade opens its doors ahead of summer

The North Central Review

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October 31, 2023

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Whittlesea Fire Brigade opens its doors ahead of summer

Ahead of the fire season, Whittlesea Fire Brigade is preparing its trucks and volunteers for its official open day on November 12.

Volunteers will roll out their trucks bright and early for residents to attend the station and ask questions on fire preparedness and what being a volunteer involves.

Children can engage in activities with their families along the fire safety talks, firefighting displays and a coffee van that will be set up throughout the day.

Whittlesea Fire Brigade captain Richard Gardiner said the event was a chance to start a dialogue with community members about their home safety or bushfire plans.

“It’s just seen as an opportunity for brigades to formally open their doors to their local community to say, ‘come on down, meet the members of your brigade’ and then really, it’s to see what interactions might flow from there,” he said.

“We’d be very keen to talk to people who don’t have a plan and are keen to write one, or if people would like to talk about components of the plan they’ve already got, and general things they could do to improve fire safety around their property.

“Of course we’d love for them to bring their kids along well. It’s a great opportunity for kids to have that familiarity and trust with the fire brigade.”

The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed a combined El Nino and positive Indian Ocean Dipole Climate pattern – meaning an earlier arrival of high-risk bushfire weather compared to recent years.

Mr Gardiner said now was the time for people to start preparing for the fire season.

“We have had three below-average fire seasons – we do anticipate that to be higher this summer,” he said.

“We’re really imploring all residents in our local community to get prepared because responding to fires when they occur is a joint effort between the local community and the fire service.”

To prepare for the fire season, Mr Gardiner recommended people visit the Country Fire authority website for fire-preparing material or contact Whittlesea Fire Brigade on 9716 2133.

The brigade currently has a membership of 85 volunteers, with 50 operational, and is open to recruiting more volunteers.

“People can come down, make contact with the brigade anytime if they want to join but the open day’s a great opportunity for them,” Mr Gardiner said.

“We will definitely be there in force, and take the time to show through the equipment, talk to them about what’s involved and help get them sign up.”

Whittlesea Fire Brigade open day is from 10am to 2pm on November 12 at Whittlesea Fire Station, at 11 Laurel Street, Whittlesea.

Conversation convoy to visit Epping

The North Central Review

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October 31, 2023

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Free tips on how to help a loved one through difficult times will be handed out at the R U OK? Conversation Convoy Whittlesea community event on Friday.

Residents can attend to enjoy a cuppa and barbecue, all while having the chance to learn more about the important role in looking out for friends, family and colleagues.

The R U OK? Conversation Convoy travels to regional communities to help Australians understand their role in supporting others, and over the next month will connect with regional communities across the nation on R U OK? conversations.

In addition to the public event program, the R U OK? Conversation Convoy will provide a series of presentations and private events to key organisations and businesses, as well as community outreach along the way.

R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton said regular, genuine conversations had the power to change lives.

“By taking the R U OK? Conversation Convoy around Australia, we work to empower people with the confidence to have a meaningful conversation if they spot the signs that someone close to them might be struggling with life,” she said.

“It’s important to give people the opportunity to come to us. Some people prefer that face-to-face conversation, or they want to know about services or organisations like us.

“We know that locals know best, and the Conversation Convoy gives R U OK? the opportunity to hear directly from communities to better understand their current needs.

“This informs the development of future resources and campaigns to ensure they are practical and useful.”

The Whittlesea community event will be at Melbourne Polytechnic, corner of Dalton Road and Cooper Street, Epping – Building D, on Friday.

Community members are welcome to attend for an 11.30am start.

A full schedule of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy public events and resources to help support communities can be found at ruok.org.au.

Architect appointed for Whittlesea Secondary College upgrade

The North Central Review

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October 31, 2023

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Architect appointed for Whittlesea Secondary College upgrade

Whittlesea Secondary College will work with Tandem Design Studios to undertake master planning of the school’s upgrade.

The appointment marks a significant step towards the college’s multi-million dollar upgrade.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said the appointment of architects was a welcome and exciting development for Whittlesea and the surrounding community.

“I made it clear during the last election that upgrading this school was a top priority. We secured the planning funds, and now, with an architect appointed, the process is officially underway,” she said.

“Our commitment to Whittlesea Secondary College reflects our dedication to providing our students with the best possible education and learning environment.”

“This is an opportunity for the school to shape their school facilities to best suit their students and set them up for success.”

College principal Kathy Mourkakos said the college’s administration would work closely with Tandem Design Studios to ensure the upgrade aligned with the school’s vision.

“Through this building project we are looking forward to the future in providing our staff and students with the best resources, facilities, and environment for them to continue to learn and be successful in their educational pathway,” she said.

Whittlesea Show just around the corner

Max Davies

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October 31, 2023

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By Max Davies

THE Whittlesea Show is just days away, with a wide range of entertainment and activities set for one of Victoria’s premier agricultural shows.

The show is returning to its usual November date after years of difficulties due to poor weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, with organisers from Whittlesea Agricultural Society ready and excited for the weekend.

Society president Erica Hawke said the show was a staple for the Whittlesea township.

“We’re a true agricultural show, we still have the animals and a range of heritage vintage attractions,” she said.

“[Preparation] is going really well at the moment, we’ve got entries continually coming in, the grounds are all mown and looking beautiful, the sheds have been cleaned, everything’s coming together really well and the buzz is really starting.”

Returning this year is Eroni’s Circus with free entry once a show ticket has been purchased, as well as stagecoach rides, a Royal Flying Doctors Service flight simulator, mounted games, home crafts, hobby livestock, a photo booth, and the grand parade on both days of the show.

whittlesea show — Cattle competitions were among many livestock displays at the Whittlesea Show.

A new activity for children this year is the junior pedal tractor challenge, which upon successful completion will allow participants to receive their pedal tractor licence.

A range of artists will provide live music, and there will be multiple roving entertainers.

“We’ve got the stilt divas and a range of roving entertainment, we’ve got a jam-packed weekend on both the Oak Stage and the Village Green with performances from local artists, and we’re trying to support local as much as we can,” Ms Hawke said.

“It’s great to be back to our November date over the long weekend.

“It’s wonderful to give families an opportunity to come out and do something without spending a huge amount of money so it really is a family-friendly event, it doesn’t cost you the world and you can come and spend the whole day.”

The Whittlesea Show will be at the Whittlesea Showgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. Gates are open from 9am to 5pm with accessible parking readily available.

Online tickets cost $25 for adults and $5 for children, while purchasing at the gate is $28 for adults and $8 for children, with adult and student concession also available.

For more information, visit www.whittleseashow.org.au.

Whittlesea women’s club launches

Jordyn Grubisic

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October 31, 2023

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Whittlesea Voice Interests and Education of Women, VIEW, club had its official inauguration Thursday, with 31 members joining to raise money for and volunteering with The Smith Family.

Whittlesea club members gathered with other clubs including Bairnsdale and Plenty Valley at Whittlesea Bowls Club to launch the club – the second VIEW club to open in Victoria this year.

VIEW is a national women’s volunteer organisation with 3000 Victorian members who support 419 students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. They raised more than $445,000 last year.

Whittlesea VIEW president Ann Balharrie said she returned to Whittlesea and noticed a need for the VIEW club.

“It’s been quite a journey but a good one and an exciting one at Whittlesea, and I’m sure Whittlesea is going to be a really good club – I can already feel it,” she said.

“I feel so fortunate, I really do. I feel fortunate because I grew up in a farming family in Whittlesea that could afford my education and they really encouraged and supported me right through primary, secondary and then tertiary education.

“Because I grew up in Whittlesea, I was involved with locals and I thought ‘Whittlesea really needs a VIEW club – it would really benefit from a VIEW club’. The ladies seemed enthusiastic and that’s where we started.

“I’m so proud and excited to be the inaugural president here. I’m delighted to be reacquainted with old friends and I’m excited to meet all the new ladies who I’m sure will become my new friends. I can’t wait to get started – it’s going to be so much fun.

“I think by giving back we’re going to support more and more children in Learning for Life programs and see if we can make a difference. It’s time for us to give back.”

Whittlesea Voice Interests and Education of Women, VIEW, club had its official inauguration Thursday at Whittlesea Bowls Club.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage attended the event and commended the group for its formation.

“It’s absolutely amazing. I walked into this room and I just felt the love of industrious and passionate women,” she said.

“I’m so proud we have a new VIEW club in Whittlesea and that I get to represent this club in Parliament.

“We know how precious each dollar is – that somebody has given that dollar and the supreme responsibility to make sure the money is spent in the way that has the best impact on the people who we’re seeking to care for.

“I think of the women in this community, the people in this community who, whether rich or poor, will look into their hearts and write their cheque, bring a coin and bring their notes.

“They won’t do it for themselves, they’ll do it for the children and how fabulous that is, how precious that is, and that speaks to much about our community.”

Whittlesea VIEW club have begun their work organising monthly lunches, a jar for donations and trade tables.

The club now seeks to participate in the council bike count.

VIEW is open to women of all ages with members meeting regularly to provide a social outlet, help others and to establish lasting friends while supporting the education of disadvantaged children.

Whittlesea VIEW club’s next meeting is November 16 at Whittlesea Bowls Club.

For more information contact Lyn Geer on 0409 145 073 or via lyngeer@bigpond.com; or Jennie Wynd at 0400 988 119 or nj.wynd@bigpond.com.

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