Home Blog Page 567

Farewell to Assumption College principal 

After leading Assumption College Kilmore for nine years, principal Kate Fogarty will leave her position at the end of this year to become executive director of Catholic Education Sandhurst.

Catholic Education Sandhurst delivers professional support for 58 schools and early childhood communities throughout central and north-eastern Victoria.

Ms Fogarty said she was ‘certainly excited’ about the new position.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to undertake new professional challenges and also to influence the growth and development of young people,” she said.

“Being a product of country education myself, I strongly believe in the importance and value of a quality rural education and now I get to continue to support, advocate for, and to promote the generous and clever work of rural educators and schools at a state and national level.

“I won’t lie though, this opportunity comes at a cost and that cost will be moving away from the Assumption College community.”

Prior to Assumption College, Ms Fogarty was principal of St Joseph’s College Echuca from 2009 to 2014 and director of Catholic identity at Catherine McAuley College, formerly Catholic College Bendigo, from 2006 to 2008.

Ms Fogarty said there was ‘literally no school in the world like Assumption College’.

“The leadership team and I are constantly on the move to keep up with its busy agenda and to allow it to grow and expand to create program to continue to meeting the emerging needs of our students,” she said.

“We affectionately refer to the college either as a ‘juggernaut’ or ‘the village that never rests’. It’s a big, energetic, complex, fun-loving, caring community of people who love their school and feel privileged to be involved with it. That includes me.

“Leading Assumption College has been one of the biggest privileges of my life.

“The past nine years have thrown everything at our community – fire, flood, winds, pandemic, grief, exhaustion, enormous growth, excitement and joy, and I have been constantly awed and grateful for the spirit and sense of belonging that has been created at Assumption.”

Ms Fogarty said she was most proud helping introduce the MyMAP curriculum to the college.

“It’s unique to Assumption College and is beloved by our students, staff and parents. We saw a need and using the research and our professional expertise, developed something that responded to that need,” she said.

“We now have dozens of schools from around the world coming to visit or doing virtual sessions with our staff and students to try and mimic MyMAP in their own schools – our community can rightly feel proud that we have something world-class and revered, developed and utilised right here on their doorstep.”

Marist Schools Australia have begun the process of seeking a new principal for Assumption College, which will involve a three-step interview process with Australia-wide applicants expected.

“We had some time between my appointment and the announcement for them to get things ready and they have already undertaken a consultation process with the students, staff, council and families about the kind of principal they would like to see appointed,” Ms Fogarty said.

“We’re hopefully that they’ll appoint before the end of the year and it’s possible that a new person will start a little later into the 2024 school year.

“Nobody is too worried about that – there is a great team of leaders at the college and they’ll keep ticking along after I head to Bendigo in mid-January.”

Although the end of her time at Assumption College is approaching, Ms Fogarty said she would not take it easy in her final term.

“There’s still lots of water to go under the bridge before the end of the school year – term four is awlways a very fast paced time,” she said.

“I won’t be taking my foot off the pedal for a number of months yet, but I’m sure the end will come around before I’m really feeling ready.”

Smash a six for $500 at Tallarook Cricket Club

Cricketers who smash a ‘six’ and hit the Central Commissioning and Testing sign at Tallarook cricket ground during a Seymour District Cricket Association, SDCA, match will win $500.

Central Commissioning and Testing, a sponsor of the Tallarook Cricket Club, launched ‘Rook Roster’ – a new initiative with $500 on offer to any player that can hit their sign at Tallarook on the full with a six.

Tallarook Cricket Club vice-president and longtime player Damien Arandt leads Central Commissioning and Testing, which specialiseS in servicing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry.

With Twenty20 cricket being played for competition points across four rounds this season, including A and B Grade double-headers, Arandt is hopeful the Rook Roost will bring some extra excitement to games at Tallarook.

“We all want to see exciting local cricket and with T20 games in the fixture I’m hoping we see some players eying off the cash prize,” he said.

“It’d be awesome to see the sign hit or a few players meeting an early exit giving it a go. I’m sure it will make for some amazing scenes if it’s hit.”

Tallarook Cricket Club president Leigh Irving thanked Arandt for supporting the idea.

“Over the past few years, Tallarook has actively been pushing clubs across the SDCA to adapt and create more buzz around the competition,” Irving said.

“We’re pleased that our proposals to play T20 cricket for points and double-header matches have been adopted after a lot of hard work.

“We’ve still got a few ideas we’re hoping to bring other clubs on board with but we will continue to develop and bring forward ideas that will promote growth in the competition.”

In round two of the SDCA, Tallarook scored a win over Yea Tigers 6/112 to 10/70.

Tallarook won the toss and elected to bat, with captain Lachlan Watts making 55 runs before being caught.

In the other A Grade match, Seymour had a strong win over Alexandra in a low-scoring match, 3/47 (8) to 10/41 (15.3).

Seymour bowled first and captain Brodey Pointon was a formidable competitor, taking six wickets for the day.

On Saturday, Seymour, Tallarook and Pyalong play at home against Eastern Hill, Avenel and Yea respectively.

Tough pill to swallow for Broadford cricketers

By Max Davies

Broadford’s second-ever Gisborne District Cricket Association, GDCA, match was a ‘pretty rough day’ despite going down to the wire to be decided on the last ball.

Playing at home against longtime rivals Kilmore, Broadford elected to bat first and left the Blues chasing 127 despite strong fielding and eight wickets from the visitors.

Kilmore proved up to the challenge, ending the match with 8/131 from 40 overs, and surpassing Broadford’s 10/127 from 33 overs.

Kilmore’s Robert Hanson led the way for the bowlers with 4/18, while Brett Buttler and Josh Squire took two wickets each.

Andrew Smith’s 40 runs and an unbeaten 37 from Marcus Davern steered the ship for the visitors at Harley Hammond Reserve.

Marcus Davern 2
Kilmore’s Marcus Davern scored 37 not out against Broadford on Saturday. ​

Broadford captain and coach Gareth Sharp said while his team held their own against Kilmore’s batters, it was their batting innings that made the day difficult.

“It was a pretty rough day with the bat, no one was really able to dig in and make a sizeable contribution, except Braden Hickey who sort of carried our batting innings with a nice 44,” he said.

“We struggled to put our heads down and actually get ourselves out there, but Kilmore were bowling really well … they pretty much forced us to throw wickets.

“I think in terms of bowling we were very good with the ball, in fielding we struggled with a few dropped catches, which probably cost us the game in the end, losing on the last ball.”

Celebrate lbw by James Jones 1
Broadford celebrates James Jones’ leg before wicket bowl that eliminated Kilmore’s Cameron Bryant.

Standouts among Broadford’s ranks were Hickey’s 44 runs, as well as Jeremy Bradshaw’s tight bowling with 1/10 off eight overs, and James Jones’ 2/15 off eight, which Sharp said kept them in the game early in their bowling innings.

“A few individuals really played well, but the team as a whole didn’t perform how I think, as a coach, we should be performing for the level of players we have,” he said.

“Credit to Kilmore for how they went about it, it was a really good, competitive game and it’s not often a 40-over game comes down to the last ball. No matter how the sides are, we always have close games with Kilmore.”

Jack Connell
Jack Connell sends a ball back to the wicket.

Broadford will this weekend travel to play Riddell, where Sharp expects an ‘interesting game’ if the team can put together a strong batting innings to complement their bowling.

Sharp however said Broadford’s match against Wallan in round five would be telling of where the club sat in the GDCA competition.

“We can’t really afford to drop many more games before Christmas,” he said.

“We’ve tried to push to the side and look forward. I think we’ll be very competitive this year, but I think Wallan will be the real test to see how competitive we’ll be for the year going forward.”

Elsewhere in Johnstone Shield Firsts’ action, Wallan defeated East Sunbury 4/146 to 8/143 after strong batting efforts from Kieran Atkin, 47, and Bryan Vance, 52 not out.

Wallan’s Steven Bell led his team’s bowling, taking four wickets for eight runs, to knock out multiple East Sunbury batters with less than 10 runs.

Wallan currently sits atop the division ladder and is the only team in the Johnstone Shield Firsts that is yet to be defeated.

The weekend’s Seconds competition largely mirrored its Johnstone Shield counterpart, as Kilmore and Wallan both secured victories against their respective opponents.

Wallan Firsts will now gear up to host Aintree this weekend, while Kilmore will be looking to build momentum after its victory over Broadford in a home match against Eynesbury.

McIntyre Cup

Romsey has continued its winning ways in the top flight of GDCA cricket, defeating Rupertswood at home 8/166 to 10/162.

Taylor Stevenson led the way for the home side’s batting, making 51 runs – supported by 27 from Matthew Milne and 26 each from Chris Burkett and captain Ben Way.

Rupertswood won the toss and elected to bat, however strong bowling in the form of three wickets each from Stevenson and Jamie Taylor, and two for Nathan Hoy, put the visitors on the back foot early in the game.

Romsey now sits alongside Gisborne at the top of the McIntyre Cup ladder – both sides undefeated with three victories apiece.

Romsey’s Seconds, however, did not share in the same fortune, defeating 8/238 to 6/242 at Rupertswood’s home ground.

Consistent batting from the hosts led to a total that proved to be too much for Romsey to chase down, despite a near-century in the form of 98 runs from Jack Thorsen that was cut short by Rupertswood’s Ryley Davis.

Romsey will this weekend face third-placed Sunbury United, its seconds to host at Romsey Park.

Final preparations roll out for tank parade in Broadford

Puckapunyal’s School of Armour is making final preparations for the Freedom of Entry Parade in Broadford on Sunday.

The event, from 10am to 2pm, marks the 82nd anniversary of the School of Armour’s establishment in Mitchell Shire, and will feature up to 20 armoured vehicles and soldiers parading along High Street towards Memorial Park.

There will be an official service, followed by a tank display, a chance to meet the soldiers and a community day including a sausage sizzle cooked by Broadford RSL.

Businesses along High Street will also be open during normal trading hours.

Freedom of Entry is a tradition where military forces were granted permission to enter a township or precinct.

Freedom of Entry 2
Soldiers’ uniforms and School of Armour vehicles are being ‘meticulously prepared’ for Sunday’s event in Broadford. ​

Sunday’s parade will be the first time the event has been in Broadford since 1987.

School of Armour commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Shepherd said preparations were in full swing at Puckapunyal.

“Preparing for a Freedom of Entry parade is not just about marching through the heart of the town; it’s a solemn duty and a profound honour,” he said.

“As we meticulously prepare our uniforms and vehicles, we are reminded of the trust bestowed upon us by the community.

“We are not merely practicing drills, we are upholding a tradition of honour, respect, and camaraderie.

“The Freedom of Entry parade is a living embodiment of the trust and mutual respect between our military family and the community we call home.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens encouraged the community to attend the important event and take the opportunity to meet and get to know something about those who are taking part.

“The public support will demonstrate your interest, respect and appreciation and reinforces that Broadford’s relationship with the Armoured Corps is still relevant and greatly valued,” she said.

“Those on parade will be polishing brass and boots to present themselves to us, so please join in this special occasion and show your gratitude and share their pride.”

There will be a number of road closures and detours in Broadford on Sunday.

There will be no heavy vehicle access through High Street between Short Street and Hamilton Street from 9am to 2pm. Suggested detour is via Seymour, Tooborac, Kilmore and Wandong.

Roads will gradually open as the parade passes through and the ceremony ends.

There will be no parking along the procession route in High Street or the High Street service roads on the morning of the parade. Some accessible parking will be available outside Broadford Primary School on Gavan Street.

For more information including a map of the parade and detours, visit mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/parade or call 5734 6200.

Healthcare expansion in Melbourne’s north

Melbourne’s north can expect better access to healthcare from early 2024 with the reopening of La Trobe Private Hospital and redevelopment of Northpark Private.

The two hospitals are part of Healthscope’s national network of private hospitals situated on the La Trobe University Bundoora campus.

La Trobe Private will reopen with four integrated operating theatres, a robotic surgical assistant, ROSA, for specialised orthopaedic surgery, 30 inpatient beds and capacity to open a new four-bed high dependency unit.

Under its redevelopment, the hospital will support a range of clinical specialities, focusing on orthopaedics, general surgery, plastic surgery, and urology.

New additions also include a new cafe, onsite pathology and radiology services, and 22 specialist doctor consulting suites.

The Northpark redevelopment will see expanded mental health services with brand new facilities, including additional mental health beds, an older persons’ mental health unit, expanded Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation service and more.

Northpark patient room render 1

The hospital’s long-standing maternity service, and mother and baby unit, will continue operations, alongside five operating theatres and a 20-bed surgical ward focusing on women’s health, oral and maxillofacial, ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat and endoscopy procedures.

General manager of both hospitals, Simon Benedict, said two hospitals closeby to northern suburbs residents offering a variety of services would provide even better access to great healthcare.

Healthscope chief executive Greg Horan said Healthscope was devoted to investing in leading edge hospital facilities and clinical services.

“The redevelopment of La Trobe Private and its sister hospital Northpark Private is further evidence of that commitment and will deliver a substantial lift in health services and patient access to care in Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern corridor,” Mr Horan said.

“Thanks to this investment, our dedicated, skilled and passionate nurses, doctors and clinicians will be able to provide an even greater level of outstanding patient care and treatment for the local community.”

.

Legally Blonde: The Musical opens in Seymour

Experience Harvard Law School without the exams, more musical numbers and much more pink with Seymour Performers Workshop’s, SPW, new show Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Based on the novel and movie, Legally Blonde: The Musical follows the story of relentlessly perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntington III.

To prove to Warner she is ‘serious’ enough and not just a party girl, Elle follows him to Harvard Law where she struggles to fit in.

With the support of some new friends Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

SPW vice president Julie Blythe said the musical was chosen to mark a historic event.

“Legally Blonde is a great show for community theatre as it has a variety of roles and a large ensemble and also features some fabulous song and dance numbers,” she said.

“This year Seymour Performers Workshop is celebrating 20 years so we thought Legally Blonde would be a perfect choice to mark this occasion with a fun and upbeat story.”

Olivia King will direct the production alongside choreographer Kyle Broomfield and vocal director Peter Lejins.

“They have been involved with the company for many years in onstage productions and this year have taken on the leadership roles in the creative teams and are doing an amazing job,” Ms Blythe said.

After a large response to auditions, the cast includes almost 30 performers including some newcomers.

Stepping into the pink power suits and pumps is Charli Lewis, who is ‘thrilled to portray her dream role’ of Elle Woods in her third SPW show.

She previously played Grace in Annie and Ariel in Footloose with SPW – both earning her Georgy nominations.

Ms Lewis has also performed in The Addams Family, Annie Get Your Gun and Puffs! The Play with experience also in directing, choreographing and stage management.

Playing Emmett Forrest is seasoned performer Thomas Boyd whose first role was in the musical Godspell in 2005.

Since then he performed at the Comedy Theatre in Barnum in 2008, studied musical theatre at Showfit, performed in several amateur theatre productions and has been a dancer at several schools including Dallas Academy, Attitudes and Isolation Performing Arts Studio.

Warner Hunting III will be played Jack Maher who has performed in shows including Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, The Addams Family with Diamond Valley Singers.

With the SPW, he was in Annie, Footloose, and Grease receiving a Georgy nomination for best supporting actor in Footloose.

“Rehearsals have been going very well with the cast meeting twice a week over the last few months to learn all of the vocal and dance numbers,” Ms Blythe said.

“Alongside this, our production crew have been hard at work designing the sets, costumes and lighting.”

Legally Blonde: The Musical will be performed at Seymour College Arts Centre from November 11 to 19.

and there will also be a ticket giveaway in the Review’s November 7 edition.

Wallan Fire Brigade recognises key contributors

By Max Davies

WALLAN Fire Brigade’s longtime volunteers were awarded at a presentation night earlier this month, with members recognised for their dedicated service to community safety.

The brigade was formed in 1937 and many current members have been on hand over the years to tackle dangerous fires including Black Saturday and the 2019-2020 bushfires among a slew of other incidents.

Captain Tim Benetti said he was proud to see the brigade’s individual members recognised alongside the strength of its junior program.

“We’re quite a proud brigade, we don’t have a huge history behind us but we’ve got a number of members who have come up from our junior program,” he said.

“To be able to see the development from kids who come into the system through to young teenagers and then into potentially management or leadership roles within the brigade is really encouraging.”

Recognised for their service were Bailey Anderson, five years; Riley Chlopek and Adam Bain, 10 years; Allie Tuddin and John Tuddin, 15 years; Jenny Roylance and Travis Gray, 20 years; Edward Martin, 25 years; Nathan Anderson and Monica Jones, 30 years; Susan Bott, 35 years; and Michael Jones and Ken Caig, 40 years.

Colin Prentice was awarded the 45-year Country Fire Authority, CFA, life membership medal, while a National Emergency Medal for the 2019-2020 bushfires was awarded to Josh Vogel.

Terry Nunn and Shane Benetti also received life membership to Wallan Fire Brigade.

Mr Benetti, who along with ex-captain Nathan Anderson rose through the brigade’s ranks from the junior program, said Wallan Fire Brigade benefitted from strong long-term commitment.

“For some of them like Bailey, Nathan’s son, they were both recognised, so father and son recognition there,” he said.

“Then you’ve got people who have been there for 30 to 40 years and they make comments saying they look back at us and remember when we were kids and coming through the junior program to where we are today.

“It’s a proud moment to look back on – what I’ve seen over the years I’ve been here, the people and where they’ve come from, and what they’ve managed to achieve from the service.”

Wallan Fire Brigade is currently undertaking a recruitment drive for new senior members over 16 years of age, both for operational firefighters and non-operational members.

The brigade is also on the lookout for new members for its junior program to build on the current group of about 10 members.

“The number has tapered off over the past few years, whether it’s partly due to COVID and our members feeling like there’s more to life than CFA – because it is time-consuming,” Mr Benetti said.

“At the same time, it is rewarding to be able to give back to the community or do community information sessions, kids come up and want to look through the fire truck so it’s cool to be able to get the kids involved.”

Kilmore students take on book week fun

Students from Kilmore Primary School, KPS, made an effort to bring their favourite book characters to life on Friday at the school’s belated Book Week celebrations.

While Book Week often falls in term three for most schools, KPS celebrated in term four due to a busy schedule in term three.

Students were engaged with book activities all week, starting with a visit from award-winning writer and artist Zeno Sworder, who gave a sneak peek of his soon-to-be-published new book.

On Tuesday, each class revealed its decorated door that demonstrated a theme from a book, while students made flowers the next day in conjunction with this year’s Children Book Council of Australia book week theme ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’.

Families also had the opportunity to attend on Wednesday to take a look at their children’s writing.

Book week
Students and teachers show off their book characters at Kilmore Primary School’s belated Book Week. ​

The last day of book week, Friday, was well-spent with students, teachers and families gathered for a breakfast, followed by the school’s parade, where students and teachers showed off their costumes.

Library technician Elizabeth Simner said the level of excitement for this year’s book week was ‘really high’.

“They’re all buzzing, the smiles on their faces and as they see each other’s costumes as well, I think they really embraced it – teachers as well. There’s some incredible costumes out there from the teachers,” she said.

Ms Simner said Book Week aimed to engage students to read.

“Book Week is about getting excited about reading and about books, and not just about words, but pictures as well, and teaching kids that there is a door into their imagination,” she said.

“By opening a book, they can go anywhere they like, and adults alike, and adults need that time away, so we just want to build that from an early age and it to be a really exciting and a happy, joyful experience for them.”

Raising breast cancer awareness in October

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which helps raise awareness of the disease, educate about its symptoms and prevention, and fund research into causes, treatment, and cure.

Since the campaign’s inception in 1985, rates of diagnosis have increased, while mortality rates have continued to fall.

Northern Health breast care nurse consultant Cheryl Murray said early detection was key.

“The sooner the cancer is identified, the sooner treatment options can be explored,” she said.

Advancements in imaging and treatment mean patients receive a tailored care plan allowing them to live longer and fuller lives, with overall figures sitting at about 92 per cent life expectancy beyond five years post-diagnosis.

In 2022, the risk of a person being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime was one in seven for women and one in 555 for men. About 75 per cent of new cases were diagnosed in women aged 50 and over.

“BreastScreen Australia figures show that 60 per cent of cancers detected were less than 15 millimetres in size, while only 28 per cent of cancers of the same size were found using non-screen detection methods,” Ms Murray said.

“Regular breast screening is vital, but knowing ‘your normal’ is important too. Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes, so be breast aware.”

BreastScreen Victoria provides free mammograms to women and trans and gender-diverse people with no signs or symptoms of breast cancer between the ages of 50 and 74.

BreastScreen Australia has a free screening program available for people in the 40 to 49 age bracket.

. It is also available wherever people listen to their podcasts.

Children authors exhibit to feature at Romsey

DROMKEEN Gallery and Tearoom at Riddells Creek will host an exhibition featuring acclaimed children picture-book creators, from November 12 to April 28, 2024.

The opening of the exhibition Between the Pages on November 12, will include Windy Hollow Books senior editor Cristina Pase launching Mark Wilson’s new picture-book ‘Caroline’, based on humanitarian worker Caroline Chislom, known for her work for Australia’s family welfare and female immigrants in the 1800s.

Authors and illustrators Leigh Hobbs, Ann James, Gabrielle Wang and Mark Wilson, who have all contributed to Australia’s children literature, will be present to sign books and talk about their work.

Caroline by Mark Wilson
A sneak peak of Dromkeen Gallery and Tearoom exhibition ‘Between the Pages’ that will present Australian children authors and illustrators.

Dromkeen owner Bernadette Joiner said each picture-book creator would bring something individual to the exhibition.

“They’ve each got their own individual style and so it’ll be a presentation or a collaboration of people who have great audiences in terms of readership and following,” she said. 

At 2pm on November 12, Mark Wilson will host a drawing workshop for people of any age interested in drawing wild creatures. 

“That’ll be a lot of fun, he’s got such a rapport with children and with anyone really, any age group, so anyone who’s even interested in just sitting in on the drawing session is very welcome to do that,” Ms Joiner said.

Built in 1889, Dromkeen was once the country estate of judge Arthur Chomley and later became home to the renowned Dromkeen Picture Book Art Collection.

Ms Joiner and her family purchased the business 10 years ago after the gallery was closed for a couple of years.

When she opened its doors, a tearoom was added to allow visitors to have light tea and breakfast at the cafe, which is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

“Since we opened up the gallery, we’ve had a lot of different fantastic exhibitions here, mainly featuring the work of fabulous Australian children’s picture-book creators, so we’re just continuing with the history of that,” Ms Joiner said.

“Dromkeen is a really unique and very special place that we’re lucky enough to have in the Macedon Ranges, and the thing is, most of what we do here is about investing into people’s lives.

“One of the things I love, which I think is so important, is bringing that love of picture-storybooks to the next generation – but it doesn’t matter how young or old we are, we can all still have a passion and a love of children’s literature.”

The opening of the Between the Pages exhibition is on November 12, from 12.45pm to 2pm, followed by a Drawing Our Wild Creatures workshop with Mark Wilson. RSVP to bernadette@dromkeen.com.au for the opening and book launch and drawing workshop.

All books, original artwork, print and cards are available for sale on the day at the gallery, located 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek.