Seymour Flood Hearing: Hidden impacts of the October floods revealed

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September 19, 2023

Seymour Flood Hearing: Hidden impacts of the October floods revealed

Seymour flood hearing reports by Jordyn Grubisic

Residents remaining homeless and the associated ongoing mental health ramifications were some of the post-flood issues submitted to the Seymour hearing of the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.

Wattle Motel owner Shelly Hamilton said her children remained affected by the floods, with her eldest daughter requiring ongoing counselling support.

Ms Hamilton returned home on the night of the flood after attempting to get sandbags – however, she was too late with her home beginning to flood.

“I could see my little six-year-old on the table and my 12-year-old was crying, saying ‘Mumma I tried to push the water out but the water kept coming back into the house’,” she said.

“Then from there we walked out without clothes and lived with our friend for a couple of weeks, then living with relatives in Euroa and Melbourne before coming back to Seymour when the kids started school.

“My 12-year-old was really struggling. She was crying saying ‘I can’t go back to school because I’ll be embarrassed, I lost all of my stuff and I lost my school uniform’.

“She loved swimming and would always compete – apparently, she was the best at the butterfly and won a medal – but now she refuses to go back into the pool. She hasn’t been in one ever since we got flooded.”

Ms Hamilton said the school provided a counsellor once a month for her daughter after she was unable to eat or sleep without dreaming of the flood, but her daughter no longer received that support.

Along with her own family’s struggles, Ms Hamilton provided accommodation at her motel for families in crises.

“Shepparton’s providing that support now and I guess for me, what’s important is support for the victims,” she said.

Community Recovery Committee co-chair Neil Beer said many Seymour residents remained unaccounted for.

“High Street, as well as residential homes, have a high proportion of apartments and units – a large portion of these are now unoccupied,” he said.

“In some cases, people are living in caravan parks, in other cases living with relatives, and … in some cases, we don’t know their whereabouts.

“This is a terrible situation, but we have to face facts.”

Mr Beer said there were several units that remained empty in Seymour, with 284 homes affected by the flood.

“Obviously, the financial strain on those that own the units have been renting them out – it’s probably prohibitive in some of those units being resurrected to their previous condition,” he said.

Read more from the hearing:

Seymour Flood Hearing: Council highlight lack of resources

A ‘crucial step’: Push toward a Wollert Rail Feasibility Study

Pam Kiriakidis

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September 19, 2023

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A ‘crucial step’: Push toward a Wollert Rail Feasibility Study

There are calls for the State Government to help fund a Wollert Rail Feasibility Study – a ‘crucial step’ in the delivery of the much-needed Wollert Rail line extension.

The study will provide an analysis of better transport options for the City of Whittlesea with exploration of the Epping line extending to Epping North and Wollert.

It is estimated there will initially be 15,000 daily trips on the Wollert rail, increasing to 40,000 daily trips by 2040.

The study was identified in the Victorian Infrastructure Plan in 2017, and is outlined in Victoria’s 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy, to address infrastructure demands but is still yet to be completed.

The Federal Government committed $250,000 in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget to fund a feasibility study for public transport in the area.

But the City of Whittlesea said the funding was ‘contingent’ on the State Government matching the $250,000.

City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said the feasibility study was a ‘crucial step’ in the delivery of the much-needed Wollert Rail line extension.

“Wollert Rail is an essential piece of infrastructure that will have an immense positive impact on the lives of residents in the Epping – Wollert Growth Corridor, including improving access to the Northern Hospital for key workers and patients,” he said.

Mr Lloyd said the rail was one of council’s key advocacy projects and it would continue to advocate the State Government to match the Federal Government’s investment in the 2023-24 financial year.

“Council regularly meets with state and federal member of parliaments both within and outside the municipality, as well as ministers to raise awareness and progress the City of Whittlesea’s advocacy priorities for our community,” he said.

Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad urged Transport Minister Jacinta Allan to explain when the feasibility study would be completed.

Ms Broad last month told Parliament the planned rail was a vital piece of infrastructure for thousands of residents in the growing suburbs.

“In November 2019, Jacinta Allan wrote to the City of Whittlesea to say the State Government would start the feasibility study into the new rail in 2022, but since then nothing has been done,” she said.

A State Government spokesperson said the government was continuing to work with the Federal Government on their commitment to deliver a feasibility study.

“We won’t be lectured by Gaelle Broad and the Victorian Liberal and Nationals who have made commitments to several rail projects all in the south and east of Melbourne, but nothing for the northern suburbs of Melbourne, including Wollert Rail,” the spokesperson said.

In the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election, then shadow minister for infrastructure, transport, cities and regional development Anthony Albanese announced a Shorten Labor government would contribute towards the study, if elected.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and Member for Scullin Andrew Giles announced the promised $500,000 towards the study.

Mr Mitchell said last week the study was expected to be completed by mid-2024, and it was expected the State Government would match the funding contribution.

“The project schedule will be determined as planning on the project progresses and in consultation with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning,” he said.

“The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts is awaiting submission of a detailed formal project proposal from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.”

Mr Giles echoed Mr Mitchell’s statement and was pleased the Labor Government’s first budget was able to deliver $250,000 to the study.

“Access to public transport in our growing communities is so important, and something I’ve been campaigning for since I was first elected,” he said.

“The Albanese Government understands the importance of delivering more accessible transport infrastructure, which is why we have committed to a feasibility study to address these challenges in the Epping North and Wollert areas.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council scraps Australia Day events

Max Davies

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September 19, 2023

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Macedon Ranges Shire Council scraps Australia Day events

By Max Davies

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced it will not host events for Australia Day next year, consistent with its ongoing collaboration with the shire’s Traditional Owner groups and First Nations residents.

The decision to axe events on January 26 was made in recognition and respect of the grief and sadness expressed around the date.

Annual community awards will instead be hosted on January 25 alongside a citizenship ceremony, consistent with the most recent advice from the Department of Home Affairs, which outlines that councils must hold a citizenship ceremony either on Australia Day or within three days before or after.

The decision was endorsed by council following a lengthy debate at its August meeting, the motion carried in a five to two vote.

Recommendations endorsed by council include moving the citizenship and awards ceremony to the evening prior to January 26, renaming the Australia Day Awards to the Community Awards, and increasing the funding cap for the Australia Day grants program from $500 to $1000 for each successful application.

Mayor Annette Death said the decision was an important step in strengthening connections within the community, but reminded the debate was not about changing the date.

“It’s important for council to build deeper connections with Traditional Owner groups and this is an important part of the process, reflecting on what our role is with Australia Day,” she said.

“Other local government areas are also reassessing their roles on Australia Day … this is a well-considered and well-balanced officer recommendation and motion because it still enables us to support the wonderful community groups that do host events on or around Australia Day.”

Speaking in opposition of the proposal, Cr Geoff Neil cited the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 – which was enacted on January 26, 1949 – and said it was the first time all Australians, including First Nations peoples, became Australian citizens.

While January 26 was not declared a public holiday until 1994, he described the motion as a move to ‘destroy our own history’.

“This is why we celebrate Australia Day on January 26 … the act, which gave freedom and protection to the First Australians, gives Australians, old and new, the right to live under the protection of Australian law, united as one nation,” he said.

“Yet today, as leaders in this municipality, we appear determined to deny the right to citizenship on January 26. I may not be woke, but I’ve woken up and I do not like what I see.”

Deputy Mayor Jennifer Anderson said she had increasingly heard from the community they did not want to participate in a citizenship ceremony on January 26, but instead move it to an alternative day.

“Change is always difficult, and sometimes it’s more difficult for some people than others,” she said.

“We don’t forget history; we don’t throw it out. History is history, we learn as we go and we learn to be inclusive.

“We’re still recognising important citizens, we are having a citizenship ceremony … I think this is an excellent resolution and progresses towards acknowledging our First Nations people and being an inclusive Macedon Ranges community.”

Voting in support of the motion were Cr Death, Cr Anderson, Cr Rob Guthrie, Cr Janet Pearce and Cr Mark Ridgeway, while Cr Neil and Cr Dominic Bonanno opposed.

Police aim to disrupt anti-social behaviour

Max Davies

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September 19, 2023

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Mitchell Shire police are set to be out and about over the school holidays, as authorities look to crack down on anti-social behaviour with a youth-focused operation.

Operation Disrupt, which began on Saturday and will run until October 1, will involve more police presence publicly and proactively engaging with the public to help address issues, provide reassurance and deter poor behaviour.

Police have this year noted an increase in offences that relate to willful and criminal damage to parks, playgrounds and public spaces relating to youth in Mitchell Shire, with some stores and shopping centres also complaining about youth causing trouble by harassing staff, customers and causing damage.

Through liaising with store owners, monitoring social media pages and talking with members of the public, youth officer Acting Sergeant Ryan Coleman decided to implement an operation for the school holidays to reduce possible offending and provide reassurance to the public.

Acting Serg Coleman said Operation Disrupt’s goal was to engage with youth in a positive way, helping to establish relationships with the youth community through assistance, guidance and support.

“The behaviours we have seen previously are sometimes due to issues with the individual, such as family violence in the home, mental health struggles and drug and alcohol abuse,” he said.

“Further consequences for those committing offences will result in penalty notices being issued, arrests and matters being directed to court if necessary.”

The operation is compiled at a local level and approved by the Local Area Commander – the Inspector of the Mitchell Police Service Area.

Police from Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour are all involved in the operation.

Public assistance sought over liquid meth bust

Max Davies

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September 19, 2023

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Public assistance sought over liquid meth bust

The Australian Federal Police, AFP, is seeking public assistance after 312 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine ended up at a Tooborac property.

Authorities were monitoring the illicit drug, concealed inside two black drums.

It was first documented in July when United States authorities at Los Angeles International Airport identified the drums labelled as ‘vegetable fluid oil’ bound for Australia.

Police in Australia and the United States worked in partnership to seize the drugs and monitor the consignment’s delivery to Australia.

After being in storage for two weeks upon arrival in Australia, the AFP monitored the delivery of the consignment to a property near Tooborac on September 5, where it was not picked up.

Investigators then executed several search warrants at locations in Melbourne and Brisbane, however, as the Tooborac property was not occupied, the AFP has no information to suggest whether the consignment would have been moved to another location.

AFP detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the seizure demonstrated the strength and importance of law enforcement partnerships, both domestically and internationally, in an effort to stop dangerous drugs reaching the community.

“Our common goal is to keep illicit drugs off our streets and prevent greedy and opportunistic criminals from benefiting from their illegal activities,” she said.

“We are certain there are people in Australia who know something about this importation, or may have seen suspicious activity in the vicinity of Tooborac during the past few weeks.”

“We are urging anyone who may have any knowledge or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppers.com.au.”

Tooborac drugs 2 — AFP monitored the consignment as it was delivered to a property near Tooborac where it was not picked up.

Need support and information about illicit drugs?

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at www.counsellingonline.org.au.

For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au.

Abandoned Angora goat Masha springs back to life

Grace Frost

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September 19, 2023

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Abandoned Angora goat Masha springs back to life

At just two days old, the situation was looking grim for Masha, an abandoned Angora goat.

But kindness found her in the form of some people who took the tiny waif to Lancefield animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission.

“Masha would have to be one the teeny, tiniest baby goats who has passed through our sanctuary gates,” Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern said.

Ms Ahern said Masha weighed in at just 1.86 kilograms.

“But don’t be fooled by her size,” she said.

“Her impact is anything but. Masha has two speeds – all systems go or sleep. And doing both, she is incredibly adorable.”

Images of Masha gambolling through a daffodil field at Woodend’s Glen Osmond no doubt support Ms Ahern’s words.

The partnership between Glen Osmond and Edgar’s Mission is the brainchild of Glen Osmond owner and Woodend identity Janet Hawkins.

With the larger part of the property already gifted to Very Special Kids, several rescued sheep from Edgar’s Mission roam the house property.

Occupants of two specially-designed houses are treated to the daily antics of the sheep and are given opportunities to feed and interact with them.

“Glen Osmond, daffodils, kids of all species, and kindness, it doesn’t get any better than that,” Ms Ahern said.

“It is time for bold and urgent action”: State schools feel the pressure

Max Davies

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September 19, 2023

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“It is time for bold and urgent action”: State schools feel the pressure

By Max Davies

THE Australian Education Union, AEU, has called on the State Government to fix the teacher shortage crisis being experienced in the state’s public schools.

In an open letter addressed to Premier Daniel Andrews, the AEU called for retention payments to be provided to existing staff, cost of living allowances to be paid to those undertaking teacher training, and an increase in funding to directly support new teachers.

The letter comes as teacher and staff vacancies advertised on the Department of Education’s vacancies website have reached a record high – peaking at more than 2350 available jobs last month.

There are several vacancies at various schools across the region.

AEU Victorian Branch president Meredith Peace said the State Government had chosen not to take significant steps to address the shortages despite early warnings.

“Public teachers, principals and education support staff can no longer be expected to continue to spread themselves so thinly,” she said.

“It is time for bold and urgent action from the State Government to ensure Victoria has a stable supply of teachers, principals and support in the public school system now and well into the future.”

The State Government has outlined three main initiatives to help encourage teachers back into public school classrooms: implementing the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan; following through with the Schools Enterprise Bargaining Agreement; and launching the Teacher Recruitment Initiative.

The National Teacher Workforce Action Plan was designed to increase the number of people choosing to become teachers and ensure existing teachers remain in the profession.

The plan identifies and focuses on five priority areas – improving teacher supply; strengthening initial teacher education; keeping the teachers we have; elevating the profession; and better understanding future teacher workforce needs.

The Schools Enterprise Bargaining Agreement reduces the maximum face-to-face teaching required of teachers while the Teacher Recruitment Initiative is designed to streamline recruitment processes and reduce the time it takes for schools to match and fill vacancies.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the initiative’s launch would help alleviate some workforce pressures currently faced by the state’s education system.

“Our schools in north central Victoria are experiencing some workforce pressures – but schools continue to provide their full services to their communities,” they said.

“The number of teachers in Victoria has grown at twice the national average and that’s no accident – we’re delivering a range of initiatives that have grown our workforce by 5000 extra teachers between 2020 and 2022.”

The Victorian Institute of Teaching has reported the number of registered teachers has increased over the past few years, from 136,470 at the end of 2020, 138,340 in 2021 and 141,454 last year.

More than 1000 teachers have signalled an intention to return to the government system and the Department of Education is working to assist teachers back into the classroom by now offering scholarships for the cost of teaching degrees.

The scholarships will be available to all students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025 and will match HELP fees – $18,000 for a four-year undergraduate program or $9000 for two years of postgraduate study.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins also announced on August 22 that all specialist visiting teachers would be retained and be brought into the Disability Inclusion program as Disability Inclusion Visiting Teachers.

Students who currently receive support from the visiting teachers program will continue to get the same extra assistance from the $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion reforms, in line with feedback received on the importance of visiting staff.

“We’ve listened to families, carers and teachers, and have heard about the value that our Visiting Teachers provide for children with disabilities across the state,” Ms Hutchins said.

“The Disability Inclusion Visiting Teachers will mean a more cohesive and consistent approach across the state, ensuring our schools have access to a wider range of targeted supports that build on the individual strengths of each student.”

Wallan Secondary College’s $1.235 million pavilion set to boost sport

Jordyn Grubisic

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September 19, 2023

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Wallan Secondary College’s $1.235 million pavilion set to boost sport

Wallan Secondary College’s $1.235 million pavilion is now complete, providing a major boost to the school’s sporting programs and local clubs.

Works installed a modular pavilion featuring two female-friendly changerooms, two female-friendly umpire rooms, accessible toilets with an ambulant shower and baby changing station, a kiosk with servery and a storage area.

Mitchell Shire Council contributed $786,667 to the project, while $533,333 came from the State Government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund, and $30,000 from Cricket Victoria.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said she valued the partnerships involved in the project.

“These things don’t just happen easily. They happen through partnerships and I want to just stress how much we do value the partnership with Mitchell Shire Council and bringing in Wallan Secondary College to this project was incredibly important,” she said.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens said sport was a big part of the shire and would only gain importance as the community grew.

“Wallan is rapidly growing as we know so we have to have community assets and make sure these assets are optimised,” she said.

“Our partnership with Wallan Secondary College is vital to help meet growing community needs. We’re grateful for the support of the school.

The new facilities give Wallan Magpies Junior Football and Netball Club and Wallan Kookaburras District Cricket Club an opportunity to increase participation, particularly women and girls, giving them potential to add to their 710 members.

“It’s not just going to benefit Wallan Secondary College, it’s also obviously going to be a huge benefit to the Magpies and the Kookaburras who are growing in number all the time,” Ms Spence said.

“We know that Wallan will keep growing rapidly and sport is so incredibly important to this community but we need to have the facilities to facilitate that growth so people can get the most out of participation and that’s why this facility is so important.

“Thank you and congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this project back from it being the advocacy of the hardworking volunteers at the club who have been calling for additional infrastructure through to those who have delivered it – everyone’s played a part and we’ve got this wonderful asset as a result.”

Wallan Secondary College principal Michael Ritchie said he was proud of the development.

“As principal it is a proud moment for me and the school community in being a valued part of the wider community, knowing a lot of our students participate in sporting groups. Also as a proud parent, we know our children and the next generation have the opportunity to enjoy such facilities,” he said.

“So we are excited and we’re looking forward to when it’s officially opened and having students and youth using our facilities as well.”

Greenhill Reserve committee of management president Neal Langborne said the committee were ‘really grateful’ for Ms Spence’s endorsement of the facility.

“As a committee of management, we’ve been trying to get an extra facility for the last five or six years, and last year when Ms Spence announced funding for Greenhill Reserve we asked to see whether she could help fund this and she did it,” he said.

“We’re really grateful all our user groups will be able to have the opportunity to use this as well.”

Featured image:

Wallan Secondary College captains Jayde Waddell, left, and Wil Rice, right, with Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence and Mitchell Mayor Fiona Stevens at the opening of the school’s new pavilion. 

GALLERY: Three Brushes art show in Wandong

Max Davies

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September 19, 2023

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GALLERY: Three Brushes art show in Wandong

By Max Davies

Wandong’s Three Brushes Studio earlier this month hosted its third annual art show, showcasing 170 works from 165 students in the studio’s biggest show yet.

This year’s show, at Wandong Hall, received the strongest interest of any show so far from the visiting public and students as the number of works on display represented the studio’s growth – up from 140 at last year’s exhibition.

Also new for the 2023 show were the fundraising efforts, as multiple sponsors had come on board to host raffles and awards while 37 pieces of artwork were available for purchase.

Three Brushes Studio owner Sharon Delaney said a goal of this year’s show was to raise money for a new premises for the studio.

“We’re hoping to raise a little bit of money to get that started, whether it’s building on the current premises or leasing a building we’re not sure, we’re just running out of room,” she said.

“We’re going to concentrate on a bigger premises, which will introduce things like clay and clay wheels, which are really good therapy. We’re growing and we need more room.”

2023 marks the first time sponsors came on board for the show, as raffles were held and art was for sale as the studio raised funds to upgrade its premises.

Sponsors who joined this year included Bendigo Bank, Kilmore Art Society, Wellington Square, Lions Club, Wandong-Heathcote Junction Community Group, Wandong History Group, as well as Officeworks and IGA in assisting with award printing and food.

Ms Delaney said it was also an exciting time for the studio, as it had welcomed more students in a range of categories and ages.

“It’s more exciting because there’s even more kids and our all abilities section is really good, all those kids can enter and have a chance to win [an award],” she said.

“We’ve got a few adult prizes, there’s lots of people here, we’re just growing every year.”

For more information, people can visit Three Brushes Studio on Instagram and Facebook or visit www.3brushesstudio.com.au.

Tess Williams, under 7-8 Most Creative winner, at Three Brushes Studio’s student art show.
Hunter Harrison, Young Budding Artist Award winner.
Bonnie Bassett, winner of the under 9-10 Best Wildlife/Animal encouragement award.
Rebecca Fletcher, adult Best Recreation encouragement award winner.
Under 7-8 Best Cartoon winner Elizabeth Delaney.
Three Brushes owner Sharon Delaney, left, with Certificate of Merit recipient Daniel Ampstead and his piece in the under 7-8 Best Animal category.
Isabelle King, under 7-8 Best Cartoon winner.

Season draws to a close for Wallan Magpies

Max Davies

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September 19, 2023

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Season draws to a close for Wallan Magpies

By Max Davies

AS the curtain closed on 2023 season of the Riddell District Football Netball League, it was Diggers Rest who took out bragging rights in the two senior football divisions, capping off an impressive year for the club.

It was a valiant effort from Woodend-Hesket in the senior football grand final on Sunday, but season-long premiership favourites Diggers Rest took control of the game from the first bounce and never looked back.

Holding a 43-point advantage at the final siren, Burras forward Marcus Calvaresi led the team’s goalscoring with four majors.

Diggers Rest’s remaining 12 goals were shared between eight players, while the Hawks struggled to contain the spirited attacking play.

The Burras had earlier secured the Reserves premiership before their seniors took to the field, successfully quelling Wallan for a 2023 premiership in a repeat of last year’s Reserves final.

Mirroring the form of the senior side the week before to remain in contention early in the match, Wallan’s Reserves put up a fight to go into the second quarter level on eight points with the Burras.

Kaiden Broomfield 1 — Kaiden Broomfield boots the footy toward the goal.

But in the second term, Diggers Rest found its way through Wallan’s defence, scoring three goals in the second quarter to storm into the lead by nearly 20 points at the long break.

As the match clock ticked on, it became increasingly difficult for Wallan to maintain possession, let alone attack the forward 50, especially as several attempts at goal resulted in behinds and leaving the team further on the back foot with only two goals for the second half.

Jamie Morris 1 — Jamie Morris battles his opponent for the footy.

Diggers Rest kept its composure and kicked five goals in the period, recording a 75 to 37 victory at full-time to make it two Reserves premierships in a row.

Joshua Anderson and Kaiden Broomfield — Emotions were high at the final siren when reality set in for the Magpies.

Alex Crawford kicked two goals for the Magpies and was supported in scoring by Blaide Dickson, Alex Crnko and Rhys Frost – ending the match with five goals to the Burras’ 11.

James Christall coach — Wallan’s Reserves coach James Christall.

Meanwhile, in the under 19.5 division, it was Macedon who delivered a 99-point thumping to the Gisborne Giants to conclude an admirable season for both clubs.

Gisborne, who finished 2022 on the bottom of the under 19.5 ladder with two wins, was able to turn its fortunes around for 2023 to head into finals as ladder leaders with only three losses.

However despite finishing the home and away season in third place, Macedon was the stronger side in the finals as it secured a direct ticket to the grand final by defeating the Giants in the semi-final.

The Cats kept Gisborne to just one goal for the grand final while scoring 17 for themselves, with best-on-field Bradley Cooke scoring four majors under the ever-consistent leadership of skipper Alec McGregor.

Netball

In a top-two shootout for the A Grade premiership, it was Woodend-Hesket taking home the cup over the threatening Riddell.

The Bombers, who had been on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season with just one defeat, went down against the Hawks, 46 to 37.

The result of the September 2 semi-final foreshadowed the grand final, as Riddell lost to Woodend-Hesket by four goals on that occasion.

In contrast, it was Riddell who took out the B Grade premiership, defeating Macedon in an unexpected result.

The Bombers came into finals fourth on the ladder while Macedon was first, however the former came out on top by seven goals despite taking the long route to the grand final.

Both C Grade and 19 and Under premierships were taken out by the Western Rams.

The C Grade result was the closest of all netball grand finals against Macedon, 25 to 20, with the Rams coming out on top in a hotly-contested match.

However, the 19 and Under grand final never looked in doubt for the Rams – the Rockbank team undefeated for the season and able to account for Riddell 36 to 25.