Lancefield Show set for family fun

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October 10, 2023

The Lancefield Show is returning after three years of cancellations, with a full program that promotes the town’s agriculture at Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve this weekend.

The Lancefield Agricultural Society is preparing for the show’s comeback after it was first postponed due to COVID, then cancelled when the park was impacted by flooding in October last year.

Set for Sunday, the show will have a plethora of exhibits and displays, including the return of crowd favourites such as the famous dog high jump and woodshop, and rides and food trucks that will be offered throughout the day.

Resembling the area’s agriculture, displays such as a tractor pull, cattle, and poultry will be on show, while family and friends can also head to the paddock-to-plate section to enjoy food and drinks the region has to offer.

The society has kept the show local with its winery and meat producers, and local entertainment, among its displays.

President Hugh Parks said the show aimed to help residents stay connected to Lancefield.

“We all want to see the show here and another 30, 50, 100 years and we really want to keep people connected with their community and particularly the agricultural side of our community,” he said.

“It’s easy to forget when you’re driving around amongst the housing estates … there’s still a lot of interest and a lot of agriculture that goes on in our part of the world still – it’s still a big industry within the area.”

In conjunction with this year’s show, the Megafauna Festival will take place over the weekend, with displays and information to promote Lancefield’s megafauna, as the swamp site at Lancefield Park is known for its rich deposits of megafauna fossils in Australia.

The festival will begin on Saturday with a panel discussion at the Lost Watering Hole’s brewery room, with several guest speakers discussing biodiversity and extinction.

At the Old Courthouse, a donated 26,000-year-old megafauna skeleton will be on display.

The following day, Melbourne Museum education outreach will coordinate loads of children activities and information in the swamp of Lancefield Park.

For more information about the Megafauna Festival and to secure tickets to the panel discussion, visit lancefield.org.au/megafauna-festival.

To secure tickets to the Lancefield Show, with children under 12 for free, visit lancefieldshow.org.au/product/tickets, which provides information on competition entries and displays at the show.

Lancefield Show will operate between 9am till 4pm, at 62 Chauncey Street, Lancefield.

Emergency services’ relief over rain dumping

Max Davies

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October 10, 2023

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Emergency services’ relief over rain dumping

Kilmore State Emergency Services, SES, workers have breathed a ‘sigh of relief’ as a typical early-October storm event last week caused minimal damage in the Mitchell Shire.

Wind and rain caused the Kilmore unit to receive 12 requests for assistance, most regarding fallen trees and minor house damage – the number down significantly from last year’s figure of more than 250 requests for the same period.

Kilmore SES unit controller John Koutras said the unit was ‘pretty happy’ that weather damage remained minimal but warned that the situation could have been worse.

“We were prepared and ready because the winds were quite high, the water and the rain that we had was somewhere between 80 to 100 millimetres,” he said.

“I think one of the reasons was that the surface had dried up and had actually taken in a fair bit of water, especially in the Kilmore, Broadford and Wallan area, we didn’t have much runoff because the water was soaked up.

“Whatever flows happened ended up in the creeks, so it wasn’t huge. If we were to get another event now, it might be different.”

While the weather remained tame for the southern Mitchell Shire, warnings were still issued for Seymour and the surroundings areas of the Goulburn River.

On October 3, residents were advised to stay alert and be prepared to shift livestock early as nearly 50mm of rain was expected on the day.

Almost 70mm fell over the region on Tuesday and Wednesday before easing on Thursday, however some areas were still impacted by excess water.

“It didn’t take us by surprise but what it just means now ahead of fire season is there’s that extra soaking,” Mr Koutras said.

“The sun comes out now and there’s extra growth so that just adds on to the firefighters’ season, but it’s quite a normal thing for this time of the year.”

A minor flood warning for the Goulburn River, downstream of Lake Eildon and Seymour remained in place yesterday.

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Kilmore Football Netball Club to move to new community pavilion

Jordyn Grubisic

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October 10, 2023

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Kilmore Football Netball Club to move to new community pavilion

Kilmore Football Netball Club, KFNC, will move to the new community pavilion at JJ Clancy Reserve with the old social rooms to be vacated by Sunday, October 15.

The club will be moving premises during the next two weeks hoping the new rooms will be fully operational by mid-late November.

KFNC president Ben Egan said the club was ‘beyond excited’ about the move.

“While there is great history in the old clubrooms, the move into the new facility brings us in line with where we want to be, striving to be the biggest and best sporting club in our region,” he said.

“We have outgrown the old space and the new pavilion is state-of-the-art.”

Former Blues Social Club president Peter Thomas said he was a bit disappointed the old social rooms couldn’t have been used by another community group.

“It wasn’t so much keeping the rooms it was if they had to be demolished, but I was more so unhappy with council’s approach to knocking down the building when it was quite possible another community group could use it,” he said.

“When the last president of the social rooms handed it over to the football club itself it was on the proviso they agreed to maintain it and keep it not only for the football club use but for general use for the community … it wasn’t just for the football club.

“That was in 1987 so that’s 36 years they’ve been using it so it’s been well and truly used, there’s no doubt about that. It’s just a bit disappointing that some other community groups couldn’t use it.”

Mr Thomas painted the original 1970s member board used in the social rooms and offered to create a new board at no cost to the club if they would be willing to find somewhere in the new rooms to hang it up.

The JJ Clancy Reserve Committee of Management agreed and now the history of the social rooms will be remembered on the walls of the new pavilion.

“The history won’t be lost completely and it’ll probably become a good talking point,” Mr Thomas said.

“A lot of the people at the club now weren’t even born when the social rooms were done.

“It’s all history and it’s a shame to see it go. Not so much go but that it couldn’t be used by someone these days.”

Due to the nature of the shared space, some items from the current social rooms will be unable to fit in the new space.

Those interested in memorabilia or other items from the old social rooms can contact the KFNC for further information.

“The club has accrued a large amount of history over 150 years and while we love to show off as much of it as we can, the nature of the shared space in the pavilion means we can’t display as much of it before,” Egan said.

“Rather than certain pieces of memorabilia sitting in boxes collecting dust, we would rather it go to our loyal members.

“In regards to equipment like the tables, chairs, even the bar – it all needs to go. Not much is coming across as the council and JJ Clancy committee have invested in some fantastic fittings.”

Blues Social Club founding members — The original Blues social rooms were built by the people of the town with about 100 people – recognised as the foundation members – donating to build the rooms. The original budget was $1200 with people donating $100 each to make a total of $10,000 to build the original building.

The club also has its 2023 Annual General Meeting, AGM, on October 24 where all committee positions will be declared vacant.

After being elected president last year, Egan said his time in the role has been ‘equal parts challenging and rewarding’.

“The highlight, no doubt, was the big night in fundraiser, raising over $100,000 and bringing the community together like we did,” he said.

“On-field we may have regressed on the ladder slightly, but the growth we have seen in our young players has been a pleasure to watch.

“We think we are really we set up for future success and will be back in the finals again in 2024.

“The current committee is fantastic and will continue to work hard to improve the club, but we need fresh faces coming through both to energise the club and take the load off those that work incredibly hard.”

Egan said those who want to get involved with the club should consider joining the committee.

“The club is in an extremely strong position. Our growth both on and off the field has been outstanding over the last five or so years and will continue to grow,” he said.

“There really isn’t a better time to jump on board with the club.”

KFNC AGM will be at 7pm on October 24 at Kilmore Trackside’s Golden Reign Room.

History month underway in Broadford

Max Davies

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October 10, 2023

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Broadford Historical Society is once again in the swing of October History Month with a series of events to celebrate the history of the area.

Three events are planned for the remainder of October, with daily Facebook posts featuring articles from the Broadford Courier; Devonshire tea served every Wednesday at 10.30am at the old Broadford schoolhouse; and an extravagant wedding display later in the month.

Society member Marg Inness said this year’s events would be supported by the Broadford community.

“At the first open day, we had lots of ladies come in, a couple of men came in. We had photos out, but we didn’t know who they were, and some of the older residents of Broadford were able to identify them, which was fantastic,” she said.

“That’s what we do when we have these open days – if we know there’s someone in the photo, we put it out and say ‘who’s this?’ because some of these ladies are [aged] in their 80s and 90s and they may well remember these people.”

A new addition to Broadford History Month is the wedding display on October 26-28, which has already garnered significant interest from the society’s strong following.

“[People] have been really interested in the wedding displays, we’ve had a couple of albums and they’ve been looking through those as well,” Ms Inness said.

“The wedding displays are mainly about getting the historical society out there.”

A wedding display, at the Gavan Hall, next to Broadford’s Anglican Church in High Street, will feature dresses and photographs dating back to the 1920s. The opening hours will be 10am until 3pm and entry will be by gold coin donation.

To complement October History Month, the society has partnered with the Broadford Men’s Shed and Broadford Secondary College to help prepare displays and restore historical items.

Students who are part of the Project Ready program through the college have been working to restore various vehicles such as a large wheat wagon and a spring wagon, with one of the next jobs to help clean, set up and decorate the rooms of the society.

Broadford Historical Society secretary John Brissett said the students’ assistance was appreciated in preparing the displays, with all involved in the collaboration having done a ‘great job’.

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Police investigate murder at Craigieburn shopping centre

Max Davies

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October 10, 2023

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Police investigate murder at Craigieburn shopping centre

Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a fatal shooting in a carpark at Craigieburn Central shopping centre on Saturday.

It’s believed two men were sitting in a vehicle in the carpark on Windrock Avenue just before 3pm when several unknown males approached on foot.

Multiple shots were fired, hitting both men inside the car.

A 27-year-old Craigieburn man died at the scene.

A 28-year-old Hadfield man was taken to hospital in a serious condition where he remains.

The offenders fled in a black Range Rover Sport which was later located burnt out on Broad Street in Westmeadows.

It’s believed four men fled from that vehicle and are yet to be located.

Police have cordoned off the area and a crime scene has been established.

Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, however police say at this early stage the incident appears to be targeted.

The Age is reporting the man who died was Robert Issa.

Police commander Paul O’Halloran said on Sunday the shooting was linked to organised crime syndicates involved in escalating violence over illicit tobacco profits.

He said information from the public would be crucial to identifying the gunmen’s movements after they abandoned their third vehicle.

“This is where we need your help,” he said.

“It was a busy location with cars and people in the vicinity of people on site.

“We’re appealing for any information from witnesses and dash cam will be vital to advance this investigation.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with dashcam vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Op shop ladling support for homelessness

Jordyn Grubisic

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October 10, 2023

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Op shop ladling support for homelessness

Walking past the Southern Mitchell Rotary Recycle Op Shop on a Thursday afternoon, the smell of soup may waft outside inviting people passing by to try the new shop’s soup kitchen initiative.

Every Thursday, from 1pm to 2.30pm, the op shop operates a free soup kitchen alongside its regular operations, providing cups of fresh hot soup and bread along with warm hospitality and conversation.

Op shop manager Lisa Walker suggested the soup kitchen initiative to help support the homeless and those struggling.

Southern Mitchell Rotary president Ian Dempsey said Rotary was looking for ways to build on the op shop’s initiative, established by the former Transition Village.

“Everyone is welcome down for a cup of soup, a bit of a chat and a bit of wellness and mental health benefits,” he said.

“It’s just to support anyone. It really is directed to the homeless but it is for anyone in general that is in need.

“If people are hard up or can’t afford a meal, come in and have a free one on us. We want to look after you.”

Mr Dempsey said the length of the soup kitchen’s operations would be based on need.

“We’ll keep it going. We didn’t get a lot of response last week … but as the word gets out, we hope we’ll get a lot more people turn up,” he said.

“If you want a free cup of soup come down and see us.”

As the weather gets warmer, the options available have the potential to change and could include a cold cup of cordial to accompany another meal.

The option to leave a donation at the soup kitchen station is also available.

The soup kitchen is located inside the Southern Mitchell Rotary Recycle Op Shop building, at 84-86 Sydney Street, Kilmore.

Kilmore double at Thursday trots

Max Davies

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October 10, 2023

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By Len Baker

Kilmore trainers Rita Burnett and Ben Yole scored wins at the Kilmore harness fixture on Thursday.

Burnett’s smart four-year-old Well Said-Mitzi M Hanover mare Mitzi Said landed the O’Brien Electrical Pace over 1690 metres and, in doing so, brought up two wins in succession.

Yole landed the Hip Pocket Workwear Pace over the same trip with seven-year-old Well Said-Ay Tee Em gelding Gottahaveahobbie.

Driven by daughter Monique Burnett, Mitzi Said was slowly away from gate three, settling four-back in the moving line as old-timer Sofala flew the start from gate four to lead.

Going forward with a rush three wide in the last lap, Mitzi Said raced to the front in the straight to record a head margin over Heathbern Bruce, which flashed late after weaving in-between runners, with Sofala holding third 1.9 metres away. The mile rate 1-55.6.

Gotahaveahobbie, with stable employee Taylor Youl in the sulky, came from three pegs after starting from inside the second line.

Rendezvous, first up since October 2021, led from gate three for Darby McQuigan.

Kicking clear on the final bend, Rendezvous appeared to have the race in his keeping, however after angling wide in the straight, Gottahaveahobbie sprouted wings to gain the day by a half neck.

Roll With Ron was third 2.4 metres away after moving to race exposed at the bell. The mile rate 1-58.1.

Romsey trainer/driver Chris Svanosio snared the 2180-metre Broadstead Kilmore Trotters Mobile with promising mare Aldebaran Demi, a four-year-old daughter of Aldebaran Eagle and Aldebaran Maori.

Not wasting any time, Aldebaran Demi was off and running from gate three on the second line to cross Lindy Grace in the back straight on the first occasion and rated to perfection, held too many guns for Lindy Grace, greeting the judge by 4.5 metres.

One Muscle Hill ran his usual honest race for third, 6.2 metres back.

Harkness trainer Joe Pace and son Adrian opened the program when Rock N Roll Heaven-Its Powder Blue filly Diamondsnblue cruised to an all the way victory from gate four in the TAB 3Y0 and Older Fillies and Mares Maiden Pace over 1690 metres.

She accounted for I See Iris along the sprint lane, which trailed from the pole, while Glemelly Beach was third after racing uncovered. The margins 1.5 by 2.3 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.5.

Longlea trainer Glenn Sharp loves the trotters and six-year-old Imperial Count-Aladen Star mare Bellmac Bambi chalked up her sixth success in 100 starts when successful in the 1690-metre MC Security Trotters Mobile.

Driven by local Josh Duggan, Bellmac Bambi used the sprint lane to register a 1.4-metre margin over a death-seating Crookwell Eyes, with Lisa Miles’ Rockford Peach coming from near last for third 10.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.3.

Four-year-old Bacardi Lindy-Always Treasure mare Dona Amalia made amends after looking a certainty at Geelong on September 27, taking the Jet Roofing Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

Trained by Charlton’s John Tormey, Dona Amalia raced uncovered outside the pacemaker Tara Tuff, with driver Jack Laugher rating her to suit. Striding clear on the final bend, Dona Amalia scored by 1.8 metres in a rate of 2-01.6 from Designs and Gunslinger.

The Buds and Branches Florist 2Y0 Trotters Mobile saw Beeac trainer/driver Courtney Slater’s Majestic Son-Idle Lea colt Emmwallen make it two from two at Kilmore.

In a two-horse war up the running, Emmwallen did best to record a strong 1.6 metre margin over Aldebaran Campbell, with Manda Kyvalley third 7.7 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.3.

Long Forest trainer Andy Gath and wife Kate combined to land the Momentum Gaming Pace over 2180 metres with Sanday, a six-year-old gelded son of Western Terror and Ezee Duzit Lombo.

The Georgina and Co Pace for young drivers over 2180 metres saw victory go to recently re-located Harkness trainer Connor Crook’s five-year-old Art Major-Classic Malibu gelding Montana Flash in 2-03.2.

With neighbour Blake Pace in the sulky, Montana Flash finished best to score by a neck from the pacemaker Direct Command and Heygoyougoodthing which raced uncovered finish a neck away third.

Kilmore’s next harness races are on again this Thursday.

Seven-wicket haul for Fowler: The weekend’s cricket recap

Jordyn Grubisic

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October 10, 2023

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Seven-wicket haul for Fowler: The weekend’s cricket recap

By Jordyn Grubisic

CRICKETERS stepped onto the pitch at the weekend for round one of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s, GDCA, Johnstone Shield.

Wallan scored a two-run win, making 1/157 off 30 overs to surpass Riddell’s 10/155, off 40 overs.

Wallan’s Chris Vecchie had sticky hands taking the first two catches, bowled by captain Steven Bell and Xavier Stute respectively, sending Riddell’s opening partnership out for 24 runs with Harry Fisher out for a duck.

Bell, Wallan’s captain and coach, said Riddell had patches of good batting partnerships.

“We got a wicket early on and then from there Riddell were able to build a bit of a partnership before we got another wicket about the 15th over,” he said.

“Then once again, Riddell were able to get another partnership going and then the 32nd over was when Campbell Fowler came on to bowl.”

Young Fowler was formidable on field, taking seven wickets including Riddell’s best batter of the day Sam Dempsey who was stumped by Spencer Whittingham.

“For a young kid to get seven wickets, it’s a great effort in any form of cricket but to get that in a one-dayer was an amazing effort,” Bell said.

“I love watching the kid bowl. He’s a great kid and I’m very proud of him for getting the seven wickets.”

In another highlight of the match, Wallan opener Kieran Atkin made an unbeaten 108 runs, off 78 balls.

A batting partnership with Matthew Clayton saw the pair pile on 147 runs before Clayton went out.

“Those two lasting as long as they did was pretty pleasing for us,” Bell said.

“To be part of a 147-run opening partnership was very pleasing and we were very happy with that.

“One thing we spoke about was batting in partnerships. It doesn’t matter who gets the runs as long as someone gets them.”

Although Wallan’s Firsts have a bye this weekend, their other three senior sides will play at home on Saturday.

In Sunbury, Kilmore had a 66-run loss to East Sunbury Thunder after not being able to chase down the home side’s 6/174.

Kilmore made 8/108, with batman Kevin Craddock the top-scorer for the visitors, making 30 runs off 70 balls before going out leg before wicket.

Coach and captain Jacob Walton said the game was played in good spirits.

“We were sort of thereabouts with where we wanted to be to restrict them but then they got a hold of us a little bit late,” he said.

“All of a sudden our chase went from looking maybe 140 to 150 [runs] to 170 or 180 which was just that little bit too much pressure on us to score.

“So our batsmen threw away a couple of wickets at key times trying to lift the run rate and credit to [East Sunbury] they bowled really well and had their patches.

Walton said the home side were just too good on the day.

“We had a couple of new players. Andrew Smith played pretty well for a guy that hasn’t played for 10 years,” he said.

“He put on a pretty decent partnership with Kevin Craddock, again who looks like he’s slotted back into his form from last year, making plenty of runs for us hopefully this year.

“Our side also bowled pretty well. We played a decent team game and were up and about the field and looking after each other but unfortunately we didn’t get the point.”

This Saturday, the Blues play Aintree at home.

With players’ availabilities shifting, Kilmore’s lineup has potential to change.

“There’ll be some other players that were unavailable this week that may come back in – it’s going to be tough for spots all year,” Walton said.

“The depth we’ve got at the club this season is incredible.”

Broadford will also have its debut Johnstone Shield game this weekend against Eynesbury on Saturday.

McIntyre Cup

Romsey kicked off its GDCA McIntyre Cup campaign with a four-run win over Sunbury.

Electing to bat first the Kangaroos made 9/150 off 45 overs.

Romsey’s Jamie Taylor took the opening wicket of the day and went on to snare two additional wickets – sending out three batsmen for a total of 13 runs.

Chris Marienfeld took a clutch wicket for the Redbacks’, sending opening batsman Jason King out for 67 runs, ending his day as the Kangaroo’s leading run-scorer.

Caught out — Sunbury cricketers celebrate as a Romsey batsman caught out.

Chris Burkett and Nathan Hoy opened the Redbacks’ batting for a 38-run partnership.

But captain and coach Ben Way said it was the duo of Aaron and Daniel Paterson who were vital.

“The Patersons sort of got us through at the end when it was looking a little dicey for a moment,” he said.

“But they had a good little partnership to not make us too nervous at the end.”

The Redbacks went on to take the win 6/154, off 38 overs.

“It was a good little hit out. We bowled okay, we fielded pretty ordinary and batted okay,” Way said.

“It’s always good to get a win early on. We haven’t done a big preseason so it was good to get a hit out in the middle and have a win.

“It really was a mixed performance – a few people got starts without anyone getting a really big score.”

This Saturday Romsey play at Woodend.

New Kangan mental health course to help youth

Max Davies

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October 10, 2023

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New Kangan mental health course to help youth

A new mental health course, designed for careers in providing care to individuals with mental illness and psychiatric disabilities, is now offered at Kangan Institute.

Launched in July, under Technical and Further Education, TAFE, Certificate IV in Mental Health is an 11-month course that prepares individuals with the skills and training to work in mental health support.

In light of World Mental Health Day today, October 10, Kangan Institute is celebrating the international day with a spotlight on students who are working towards a career in the field.

TAFE student Sinead O’Connell, of Heathcote Junction, said the program enabled her progress to work towards a career, with hope its training would make a positive difference among young people.

“I’m studying this course because I’ve suffered from mental health issues all my life. I’m in recovery, but I’m in a place now where I can help other people,” she said.

“I hope to empower people to choose a quality life. I hope to empower people to advocate for themselves and to see past their illness and see themselves as a human being.”

With the mental health sector facing skill and labour challenges under the 2022-23 Victorian Skills Plan, Kangan Institute acting chief executive Janelle Arena said the new course was to support individuals for a career in an in-demand sector.

“Kangan Institute is committed to working with the Victorian Government and industry to deliver skills and training that align to critical skill needs,” she said.

“Through our new mental health course, we are providing students like Sinead with a pathway into a sector experiencing strong demand and increasing job opportunities right across Australia.

“We are thrilled to be part of the learning journey of our new mental health students, and we look forward to the impact that they’ll make as part of the future mental health workforce.”

Mental health courses are being considered as part of the offering in the new Health and Community Centre of Excellence at Broadmeadows campus set to open in 2025.

A true musical dialogue at upcoming Broadford concert

Max Davies

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October 10, 2023

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A true musical dialogue at upcoming Broadford concert

Two musicians, well-known for their delightful concerts, Meredith Beardmore and Peter Hagen, will present a concert of music for flute and harpsichord just out of Broadford, on October 22.

In secluded bushland, Mr Hagen’s mini concert hall is the perfect setting for an afternoon of music specifically written for the line-up.

Following their performance in the Primrose Potter Salon at the Melbourne Recital Centre in February, the duo presents a similar program of intimate and challenging works that showcase a true musical dialogue between the flute and harpsichord.

Mr Hagen said many composers started to write musical works in the early 18th century, which included the keyboard on an equal footing with the instrumentalist.

“Rather than taking a secondary role to the instrumentalist, the harpsichordist’s right hand plays a melodic line on an equal footing with the instrumentalist adding a further independent bass line as well,” he said.

“The concert is therefore entitled ‘Equal Voices’ and includes music by Scheibe, Telemann, C.P.E. Bach and J.S. Bach.

“Exploring this repertoire has been a delight for these two musicians as they discover more of the rare gems of this period of musical history.”

Time travellers at heart, the musicians believe that using copies of original 18th century instruments and authentic performance practices provide exciting ways to discover fresh and interesting sonic possibilities.

Their historical approach is coupled with intelligent programming and a warm and inviting performance manner.

There is ample free parking at the venue, with details provided upon booking, and complimentary drinks afterwards.

The concert will start at 4pm on Sunday, October 22 at Mr Hagen’s venue – nine minutes from Broadford. .