Skin checks available at Seymour Show

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October 3, 2023

For the first time, Southern Skin Cancer Clinic will visit the Seymour Show to assist residents with checking for skin cancer.

Southern Skin Cancer Clinic will be in the Exhibition Building at Kings Park on Friday, from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday, from 9am to 4pm.

Clinic administration manager Michelle Hoey said staff from the clinic would provide bulk-billed skin cancer checks to show attendees.

“Our team are extremely passionate about visiting regional areas who often lack these important medical services in their area,” she said.

“We understand it is hard to find the time to get a check-up, which is why we have brought our clinic to you – to make it as easy as possible to have a skin cancer check-up.”

Southern Skin Cancer Clinic has seen thousands of people in rural Victoria and New South Wales over the years – finding hundreds of skin cancers including melanomas.

“We continue to spread the word of the importance especially for farmers, who spend most of their time outdoors, to have at least one skin check every year – it just might save your life,” Ms Hoey said.

“Skin cancer does not discriminate and is not as some people might think an old person’s disease.

“Sun damage just keeps adding up and eventually is likely to become a skin cancer.

“Statistically two out of three people in Australia will develop some type of skin cancer before the age of 70 – highlighting the importance of being sun smart by protecting your skin and eyes from excessive sunlight and getting regular skin checks.”

Ms Hoey said if people had noticed a mole or freckle changing over a period of months, they should have it checked.

“Particularly if it has grown in size, shape, becomes mottled in colour or irregular in outline, get it checked,” she said.

“Or if they have a mole they persistently itch or a mole that is lumpy or bleeds easily when rubbed with a towel and turns into a sore that doesn’t heal. These are all common signs you may have a skin cancer.”

The clinic also recommends people who have never been checked before or if they are due for a yearly check-up to visit their stand at the show.

“Don’t put it off any longer – make sure you, your family and friends visit our friendly, caring and knowledgeable team in the Exhibition Building for a bulk-billed skin cancer check,” Ms Hoey said.

“The saying prevention is better than cure is particularly relevant to skin cancer and can be lifesaving with early detection so make sure you visit us at the Seymour Show.”

Seymour Show to shine this weekend

Grace Frost

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October 3, 2023

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THE Seymour Show returns once again this weekend for its first iteration since the town’s floods late last year.

Hosted over two days, the show will bring together a wide range of attractions including ferret racing, reptiles, live entertainment, sheep dog trials, crafts, chainsaw shows and gardening among a range of others to fill the grounds of Seymour’s Kings Park.

Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society secretary Pam Beerens said the show was currently the only agricultural show in the Mitchell Shire.

“It’s run totally by volunteers for the community. We try and support the community and so it’s nice when the community can support us,” she said.

“We’ve got more stall-holders, both food and vendors, and there’s a few different classes as far as competitions are concerned in some of the pavilions.”

On Friday, the show will open from 4pm to 9pm, featuring a wide range of stalls with all pavilions open, however no animals will be on show as a fireworks presentation is planned to begin after sunset.

Saturday’s event will begin at 9am and end at 4pm, with many attractions and activities to be on site including all animals, competitions, and shows, as well as a plane fly-off at 11am and the official opening ceremony at 12pm.

Ms Beerens said the society was heavily impacted by last year’s floods, with its property and many items damaged by floodwater, however its volunteers have worked tirelessly to prepare this year’s show.

“People are pretty tired at the moment and definitely looking forward to the show. The idea is the show will go ahead because we do it for the community and the community needs it,” she said.

“They need positivity. Hopefully from the outside, people won’t even notice everything we’ve been through over the last 12 months. We’re determined that it will go ahead successfully.”

A new addition this year is the ability to pre-purchase tickets, saving time at the gate and streamlining the entry process.

To purchase tickets, people can visit www.seymouragshow.org.au or its Facebook page at

For more information, including about volunteering at the show, contact Ms Beerens by emailing secretary@seymouragshow.org.au or calling 0422 058 213.

Featured image: Seymour Show via Facebook

Strategies help deliver for the future of City of Whittlesea

Grace Frost

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October 3, 2023

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Strategies help deliver for the future of City of Whittlesea

CITY of Whittlesea residents are invited to have their say on three key strategies that will progress the Whittlesea 2040 vision: A Place for All.

The draft Connected Community Strategy 2023-2033, draft Liveable Neighbourhoods Strategy 2023-2033 and the draft Long-Term Community Infrastructure Plan were endorsed for consultation at the September council meeting.

The Connected Community Strategy 2023-2033 sets out council’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, safe and welcoming place where all residents are celebrated and supported.

Informed by the analysis of trends and community engagement, the strategy outlines 24 priorities to build on the progress already made in these areas.

Advancing gender equality, improving physical and mental wellbeing, providing services for people at all life stages, and creating culturally safe and accessible spaces are a few areas council will look at over the next decade.

The Liveable Neighbourhoods Strategy 2023-2033 is council’s plan to create and occupy well-planned neighbourhoods with open spaces and town centres.

The 18 priorities outlined in the report include creating a regional sports centre in Mernda, building an Aboriginal Gathering Place, improving walking and cycling networks and increasing social and affordable housing options.

The Long-Term Community Infrastructure Plan is council’s blueprint for investing in buildings and spaces that helps residents access services supporting health, wellbeing and life-long learning.

Among the priorities highlighted in the strategy are those matching the infrastructure needs of the State Government’s early childhood education reforms, delivering new multi-purpose community centres and sporting facilities in the growing northern suburbs and increasing access to library services.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said each of the strategies were informed by extensive community engagement and a place-based approach delivering the needs of each community within the municipality.

“These three strategies will help us bring our community’s vision of A Place for All to life,” she said.

“I would now invite the community to view each of these draft strategies and to provide their feedback. We want to make sure these strategies capture what’s important to the people who live, work and visit the City of Whittlesea.”

People can view the plans and provide feedback at engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Ladies golfing tournament wraps up for another year

Grace Frost

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October 3, 2023

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Ladies golfing tournament wraps up for another year

PLAYERS from 10 golf clubs from across the region took to the course at Kilmore on September 21 for the annual Ladies Tournament.

Seymour’s Sue McCall recorded one of the best scores for the day with a nett 69 to take out the B Grade competition, and said ‘it’s great when everything works how you would like, remember these days, as they don’t happen often’.

Other grade winners were Sue Byrne, of Trentham, in A Grade, Elaine Scanlon, of Romsey, in C Grade, and Di Dixon, from Kilmore, who won the Veterans.

A highlight of the day was the Jan Reeves Memorial Trophy, awarded for best scratch score. The club was proud to welcome back Jacqui Baker for the competition, who started her golfing career as a junior at Kilmore.

KGC Ladies 2 e1696290217404 — B Grade winner Sue McCall, from Seymour Golf Club, pictured left with Kelly Scott.

On a low-scoring day, Baker made it into a playoff with Gail Leigh, of Marysville, where the two women headed off down the first fairway with spectators in tow.

After two shots, the pair could not be separated, however Baker had learned from a near identical long putt earlier in the day to leave herself with a 30-centimetre tap in.

Leigh was unable to get up and down from her shot through the green, meaning the Jan Reeves Memorial Trophy was awarded to Baker.

Kilmore business TJ Scott and Son sponsored the event, with general manager Kelly Scott presenting the awards to the winners on the day.

Kilmore Golf club thanked all volunteers for their assistance during the event and gave special thanks to Trish Grinter, who organised the tournament and ensured its success.

The club welcomes those who regularly play competitive golf, social golfers and junior players.

For more information, visit kilmoregolfclub.com.au or email info@kilmoregolfclub.com.au and leave contact details and a phone number.

Spring expo to showcase native plants in Wallan

Grace Frost

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October 3, 2023

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Spring expo to showcase native plants in Wallan

The Mitchell group of the Australian Plants Society, APS, annual native flower show and plant sale returns to Wallan after last year’s successful event.

The Native Plant Expo will be at Wallan Multi-Purpose Community Centre, Bentinck Street Wallan, on Saturday, October 14.

APS Mitchell aim to promote and maintain interest in the growing, propagating and conservation of Australian native plants for home gardens and public places.

The group hosts monthly meetings in Kilmore with guest speakers, plant sales, plant identification tables and supper.

The native flower display will feature hundreds of locally-grown flowers including rare plants to entice people to plant Australian natives in their garden.

APS Spring Expo 2 — The native plant expo and sale will be at Wallan Multi-Purpose Community Centre on October 14.

At last year’s spring expo and sale, the group presented more than 300 flower species including Grevillea, Hakea, Eremophila, Eucalyptus, and Acacia, as well as species indigenous to the Mitchell Shire and wider region.

In addition to flower displays, there will be lots of plants and a large variety of books about native plants for sale.

Sellers include La Trobe Indigenous Plant Nursery – indigenous tube stock, Goldfields Revegetation, Joan and Peter Broughton, and Ironstone Park – unusual native plants.

People will also have the opportunity to meet Eremophila expert Russell Wait, who will be selling his textbook and Eremophila plants, including some rare species.

Sellers specialise in a wide range of natives including local indigenous plants in tubes to suit garden cultivation.

The plant expo will be from 9.30am to 3pm, with entry $2 for adults, while children are free when accompanied by an adult.

Refreshments available will include homemade cakes, coffee and tea, along with door prizes and raffle prizes.

The expo is supported by Dr Bell, Bendigo Bank, Bunnings Craigieburn, Crimp Hair Lounge Wandong, Kilmore Auto Electrical, Kilmore Smash Repairs, Leah Mae Jeweller, Maureen Thomas Artist, and Wandong IGA.

For more information, visit www.apsmitchell.org.au or email aps.mitchell@gmail.com.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: October 3, 2023

Ray Carroll

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October 2, 2023

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Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: October 3, 2023

Front of house

Samantha Baird, pictured, is the receptionist at Modern Car Care in Kilmore.

Ever-smiling and friendly, she is polite and helpful to customers.

She has many counterpart ‘front of house’ receptionists in the town.

A long-time receptionist at Assumption College Kilmore, Pat Burgess is fondly recalled by countless students for her work as front lady for many years. Pat knows the importance of a friendly greeting.

I spoke recently to Samantha about her life and times.

Samantha was born in Moonee Ponds, and her schooldays were at Parkland, Werribee, then St Mary’s Seymour and Assumption College.

Her parents David and Sandra are directors of Modern Car Care in Kilmore.

There are two brothers – Liam is director of Radiators R Us in Kilmore, while Dylan is a carpenter currently travelling around Australia.

Samantha has fond memories of her schooldays, both primary and secondary, and of a number of dedicated teachers at ACK.

She loved special feast days, the year 12 retreat and the friendships made.

Interests and hobbies are varied including event planning, baby sitting her nieces and nephews, and tending to her vegetable garden.

Sam’s favourite holiday place is Phillip Island and she has nostalgic memories of happy times as a young girl in a holiday house there.

Her favourite sport has been netball, the sport embraced by hundreds of Aussies. Among her best friends she singles out Paige, Brittany and Jessica.

People who have influenced Sam’s life are definitely her parents foremost.

“Mum and Dad ensured myself and my brothers had a well-rounded life and a great balance between work and family growing up,” she said.

“A strong work ethic and family values were passed on to us. I am truly grateful to my folks.”

In short, Samantha is a lovely person and it was kind of her to do the interview.

A footy immortal

Ron Barassi is now in the history books as a true legend of the Australian game.

He joins the immortals such as Don Bradman and Victor Trumper – cricket – and Dally Messenger – rugby – and will live on forever in the hearts and minds of Australians.

His deeds as player and coach and indeed his whole life story will never be forgotten.

Barassi came to Melbourne young and eager. He had a special relationship with the club, as a legatee and because he lived with Norm Smith, and also had the eagerness for football and the cheery personality that stamped him as a future star.

Perhaps he tried too hard. His first years did not bear the fruit he or the club hoped for, but his determination was noted.

Norm Smith needed a strong, hard-working, mobile player around the packs – a ruck-rover, as he described him.

Barassi was tried and a champion footballer was born. He had purple passages of play in which he could do no wrong.

The whole team lifted around him and Melbourne became the complete fighting unit that was to go on and win seven premierships.

The statistics are known – 204 games, six premiership teams, one grand final missed through suspension, captain from 1960 to 1964, two club best and fairests.

But the statistics cannot capture the image of Barassi. With the slight limp and hands on hips, walking into the fray, Barassi bursting through the pack, Barassi outmarking bigger men or Barassi marauding into the forward line with the Demons supporters going wild.

Varia

I’ve been watching some cricket from South Africa in recent weeks.

What really stands out is to see the happy crowds and their total enjoyment. All races, young and old, in happy unison, singing and dancing celebrating a game they love.

It’s a far cry from the bad Apartheid times when the national XI was whites only while non-whites in attendance were herded into barbed wire enclosures.

The great Nelson Mandela loved cricket and was among those who were forced to watch from the restricted areas.

My father came from South Africa and I’ve always had an affinity with the nation.

A prized possession is a kitbag with the name A.D Nourse engraved on the side.

Dudley Nourse was a South African legend and one of the games finest bats of all time.

Among his legendary innings was at Trent Bridge versus England when he scored 231 batting with a broken hand for most of his epic knock.

He averaged 54 in Tests and followed in the footsteps of his father Dave Nourse who was also a great cricketer.

Speeding drivers caught in Melbourne’s north

Grace Frost

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October 2, 2023

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Speeding drivers caught in Melbourne’s north

Almost one in four drivers intercepted by police during a two-day traffic blitz last month were caught speeding.

The operation – targeting speeding and distracted drivers in Melbourne’s north – involved police intercepting about 200 vehicles from Northcote to Warrandyte.

Almost 50 of those intercepted were found to be speeding. Three drivers were caught more than 30km over the limit.

Six drivers also lost their licence due to alcohol or drugs.

Intelligence shows serious injury collisions in the Darebin area have increased by 18.4 per cent in the past year, with a large proportion attributed to speed and distraction.

Police on motorbikes patrolled high traffic thoroughfares including Bell and High streets with distracted drivers in sight.

They found 34 drivers on their mobile phones.

Officers also honed in on major arterial roads including the Metropolitan Ring Road, Hume Freeway and Greensborough Highway.

Plenty, Diamond Creek and St Georges roads were also a focus – with more than 26,000 vehicles scanned using Automatic Numberplate Recognition Technology throughout the two days.

Police warned the community could expect to see extra police on the roads in coming weeks with further road safety operations planned.

Funding for environmental groups announced

Grace Frost

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October 2, 2023

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Funding for environmental groups announced

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas earlier this month announced the local recipients of the $3.98 million 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants.

The grants aim to support Landcare and environmental volunteer groups and networks to protect and restore the state’s land and natural environment.

Two grants were available for application – project grants ranging up to $20,000 and support grants ranging up to $500.

More than 240 projects across Victoria were allocated project grants to safeguard the state’s biodiversity, while support grants were promised to 269 environmental volunteer groups to assist with administration and running costs.

Recipients of the support grants, each set to receive $500, include; Greening of Riddell, Riddells Creek; Riddells Creek Landcare, Riddells Creek; Nulla Vale Pyalong West Landcare Group, Lancefield; and Deep Creek Landcare, Romsey.

More than $470,000 was promised through the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.

The grants are expected to deliver hands-on projects and outdoor educational activities to give children across the state the opportunity to learn more about the environment and biodiversity.

Recipients of the junior landcare grants include Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool, receiving $2,260 toward its habitat restoration project.

“This funding is an important way that we’re supporting volunteers and their communities to secure our environment for future generations,” Ms Thomas said.

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Mitchell Shire Council’s Draft Climate Emergency Action Plan released

Jordyn Grubisic

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October 2, 2023

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Mitchell Shire Council’s Draft Climate Emergency Action Plan released

Mitchell Shire Council’s draft Climate Emergency Action Plan is now available for public consideration until October 24.

The plan provides a roadmap for council and the Mitchell Shire to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions and was developed from community engagement and consultation activities with 617 participants.

Cr Rob Eldridge said the community input was ‘just amazing’ and diverse.

“It’s worth noting this is just a vote to put it out to community consultation,” he said.

“This isn’t a vote for this action plan – it’s a vote to see how the community feels about this and to potentially come up with a whole lot of new ideas.

“This is the great thing about this – we get a whole other go at this.”

Cr Nathan Clarke said the plan was an example ‘of things done really well with community engagement’.

“We firstly had just really positive participation. A lot of community members came forward also with really good ideas,” he said.

“They were outside of what was prompted or put forward in front of them in the first place, which is really good to see.”

The estimated corporate actions implementation cost is about $4.5 million but, as reduction of emissions accumulates, an annual saving of about $3.1 million is estimated by 2034-2035 and is anticipated to increase into the future.

Lifetime savings from plan’s implementation are estimated to be about $15 million.

Council proposed actions include installing solar panels on council buildings, upgrading street and open space lighting to light-emitting diode, LED, and phased transition of fleet to electric.

It is estimated with the actions, council’s annual emissions can be reduced by 33 per cent by 2030.

Cr David Lowe proposed amending council climate emergency goal five to ‘to accelerate the transition to more sustainable transport solutions in Mitchell Shire excluding the use of electric vehicles while they carry a higher cost of either acquisition or usage’.

“I do have a problem not with the concept of using electric vehicles, I think that’s something that will be coming down the track, I just have a problem with the timing of the use of electric vehicles particularly council buying electric vehicles in the not-too-distant future,” he said.

“Given the fact the State Government is annually increasing the per kilometre tax on electric vehicles and that electric vehicles themselves are 20 to 30 per cent more expensive than petrol-driven ones, for council to be converting to electric vehicles now or in the near future is frankly just not tenable and I say that as a councillor and ratepayer.”

Councillor Bob Cornish seconded.

Crs Clarke, Elridge and Rhonda Sanderson, who noted the mayoral car was already an electric hybrid, and Cr Louise Bannister spoke against Cr Lowe’s amendment.

“We were also informed that this is a 10-year transition plan so it’s not a plan to go out and buy a whole fleet of vehicles. It’s looking to transition to electric vehicles,” Cr Bannister said.

“It’s important to note RACV have done studies and found savings can be $1000 to $2000 less per year for servicing and it comes back to the fact that electric vehicles have less moving parts so there’ll be savings there as well.

“The fact is the world is moving to electric vehicles no matter what anyway and as it stands, it’s looking like it will be cost effective.”

The amendment did not pass and the plan was released as written.

The council report advised that residents could contribute to net zero by buying an electric vehicle; walking, cycling or catching public transport where possible instead of driving for short trips; installing solar panels; and replacing gas hot water tanks, heaters, overs and stovetops with electric ones when possible.

Early voting for referendum opens

Grace Frost

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October 2, 2023

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Early voting for The Voice referendum begins this week, with voting centres open at Mill Park, Epping, Wandong and Seymour.

Voting day is on October 14, but there will be a two-week early voting period, with centres in Victoria having opened on Monday.

The question that will be put to voters is whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

People will need to write their answer of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the ballot paper whether they approve of the proposed alteration.

In the City of Whittlesea, there are centres at Macedon Orthodox Church St Petka, 281-285 Plenty Road, Mill Park; Melbourne Polytechnic Epping Campus, corner of Cooper Street and Dalton Road, Epping; and Craigieburn Central.

In the Mitchell Shire, there are centres at Wandong Public Hall, 19 Rail Street, Wandong; and Seymour Masonic Lodge, at 27 Anzac Avenue.

Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers is encouraging voters to plan their vote for Australia’s first referendum since 1999.

“Federal referendums are in-person events just like elections – this is the first time the country is coming together in nearly a quarter of a century to have their say on potential Constitutional change,” he said.

“If you can vote on October 14, then that’s what you should do. However, if your circumstances might prevent you from doing that then you need to think about the early voting options available and vote according to your circumstances.

“Remember, it is compulsory to vote for all enrolled Australians.”

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