Cash back for containers at Tallarook Hotel

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September 19, 2023

Cash back for containers at Tallarook Hotel

Tallarook residents and visitors to the area can look forward to getting cash back for their recyclable containers, with Tallarook Hotel set to implement an over-the-counter refund point.

The State Government’s new container deposit scheme, CDS Vic, is set to roll out across the state from November 1, hoping to better the state’s waste system and support a cleaner environment.

The scheme will implement reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites, and pop-ups for people to return their eligible containers.

A 10-cent refund will be given for every uncrushed, intact container returned through the scheme.

CDS Network Operator Visy is required to implement a minimum of one collection point per 14,500 people in metropolitan areas, at least one per town of 750 people in regional areas, and at least one per town of 350 people in remote areas.

Tallarook Hotel is set to become one of the over-the-counter refund points.

Hotel owner Tim Sutherland explained that when the scheme becomes operational, he and staff would sort containers deposited into correct bins, which would then be collected to be recycled into new products.

Upon deposit, people can nominate if they would like to receive cash back for their containers or instead donate their refunds to not-for-profit groups, sporting clubs and community groups that have registered as donation partners.

Mr Sutherland was excited to support Avenel and Tallarook cricket clubs and Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club, who have already registered as donation partners.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes visited Tallarook Hotel earlier this month to talk with Mr Sutherland and Visy CDS representatives about the new scheme.

“This is a great opportunity to help clean up our environment while helping sporting clubs, community groups and schools across northern Victoria to raise valuable funds through collection drives and donations,” she said.

Visy CDS representative Jack Blyth said the scheme would take products out of landfill and eliminate the need for transport to sorting facilities.

“Over-the-counter refund points at existing businesses and charities will be a convenient way for the community to access the scheme,” he said.

Mr Blyth encouraged clubs in the area to collect containers from events and canteen sales as a new source of fundraising.

Tallarook Hotel will accept scheduled bulk deliveries on Mondays or Tuesdays when the venue is closed.

“Not-for-profit groups, local sporting clubs and community groups can fundraise through the scheme by registering as a donation partner, collecting their own containers or running donation drives in their communities. It’s a great fundraising opportunity for local community groups,” Mr Blyth said.

Acceptable containers include non-concentrated fruit or vegetable juice containers, flavoured milk bottles, beer cans, soft drink cans and mixed spirits.

An app for the scheme, which will house transactions and scheme IDs for donation partners, is in the late stages of development.

to find out more.

Featured image: Tallarook Hotel is set to open an over-the-counter refund point for recyclables through the Container Deposit Scheme, CDS, giving participants cash back for their containers.

Two Whittlesea Shows in one year

Grace Frost

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September 19, 2023

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Love a great weekend of spectacle, fun, food and excitement? Want to enjoy family-friendly events and activities that don’t break the budget and provide something different for all ages and interests? Then 2023 is your lucky year.

The Whittlesea Show returns to its regular November schedule, following the postponement of last year’s show to January this year – which means two shows in the one year.

The show’s theme this year is ‘Memories in the making’, and organisers invite the public to attend and make memories of their own.

The November show, across the weekend of November 4 and 5, will be at Whittlesea Showgrounds – already starting to look their spring best thanks to the dedicated volunteer crew and grounds teams.

The show schedule, offering information about entering an exhibit entry at in the show, will be available online mid-September.

Whittlesea Agriculture Society president Erica Hawke said the schedule also provided information about office hours, the online entry system, exhibit entry opening and closing dates and drop-off times.

“This year we have our usual favourite classes to enter as well as some new additions. You can even enter your Lego designs in the homecrafts section this year,” she said.

With family always the focus, the show provides something for the whole crew, and at a cost of only $5 a ticket, purchased online, for children, it offers great value for money with a wide range of free attractions and entertainment on offer.

“While the kids are well looked after, there is plenty for the rest of the family to enjoy,” Ms Hawke said.

“View amazing exhibits of needlework, art and cooking in the homecrafts pavilion, educational and photographic displays, the woodchop competition, showjumping, heritage precinct, Eroni’s Big Top Circus, roving musicians and stage performances and grab a show bag or two.

“Have a fling in the Bilby Boot Throw competition or enter the fun dog show, enjoy the carnival rides and the animal nursery, always popular with show-goers of all ages.”

The Young Person’s Competition will feauture again on Sunday, November 5 – a fun and inclusive event for children and teenagers, the competition aims to encourage positivity and confidence while developing public speaking skills in an encouraging and friendly environment.

Each entrant is judged by a panel on presentation, personality and general knowledge, with entries invited for tiny tots, Whittlesea junior, pre-teen, and teenager categories.

Each contestant will receive a participation ribbon and the first-place winner will also take part in the Whittlesea Show Grand Parade at 3pm on Sunday.

The show always attracts a large number of equestrian entries across a wide range of competition and disciplines, with a feature the Jack Eadon Memorial Show Jumping, named in honour of Mr Eadon who lived in Whittlesea and was a show jumping legend and a life member of Whittlesea Agricultural Society.

“The Whittlesea Agricultural Society, one of Victoria’s oldest agricultural societies, is a group of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who continue to work hard to provide for this much-loved and important event,” Ms Hawke said.

“We encourage enquiries from people who would like to become involved in the organisation of the show as a volunteer, or to support the event as a sponsor. You will be enthusiastically welcomed to our very committed team.”

Farewell to Kilmore centurion

Max Davies

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September 19, 2023

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Longtime Kilmore resident Fay Boyd Coff celebrated her 100th birthday in November last year at Caladenia with family, friends, and staff.

She passed from this life a fortnight ago and is remembered by daughter Marlene and son Andrew as a much-loved person who lived a full life of dedication to her husband Basil and her family.

At her mother’s ‘century’ celebration Marlene spoke of her mum’s life with great admiration.

Born October 4, 1922, she grew up on a farm in Oxley. Marlene described her as ‘a horse whisperer’ in her young age.

Ms Coff later moved to Melbourne where she worked for an American colonel at the Army barracks in St Kilda, and later at David Jones in accounting.

Ms Coff married and moved to Kilmore after living in Lilydale, when she and her husband purchased the green grocer and newsagency mixed business 70 years ago.

Marlene spoke in high regard of her parents, who worked hard to raise their children.

“Dad worked a permanent afternoon shift, he was an engineer at the Ford factory,” she said.

“Mum did the shop and paper round and all that sort of stuff until they sold it and they bought a house in … Powlett Street, Kilmore.

“[We] looked after dad at home. He was lucky enough to die at home in his own bed, and we were hoping that for mum, but the staff up here have been really wonderful so I’m very happy about that.”

Along her life’s journey Fay knew the sunshine and shadows of life but she was always resilient.

While family members attended Assumption College Kilmore, she always a keen and active participant in the life and times of the college.

Sympathy is extended to Marlene and Andrew and family members in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Supplied by Ray Carroll.

Community rallies for Plenty Valley Christian College art event

Grace Frost

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September 19, 2023

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Community rallies for Plenty Valley Christian College art event

Plenty Valley Christian College, PVCC, celebrated the artistic talents of students at its annual Heart of the Valley event last week, welcoming the biggest crowd in the event’s history.

Envisioned and organised by science learning leader Lucille Warwick, Heart of the Valley has become one of the college’s favourite events since its first instalment in 2017.

The event’s popularity stems from its interactive style, with attendees encouraged to roam the secondary school grounds to visit the multiple classrooms and stations hosting student artworks and performances.

Drama and music performances simultaneously operated at outdoor stations on Thursday night, while those off-stage showcased their artistic talents inside.

Music students had the chance to perform at one of the many stations set up across the PVCC campus on Thursday night.

Classrooms were filled with paintings, visual artworks, fashion designs, and woodwork constructions, allowing excited students to share their works with family and friends.

Students also made use of the college’s recent renovations – English enthusiasts shared their poetry at the new undercover area and food technology students handed out baked goods at the extended staff room.

The information technology exhibit was popular for younger students looking forward to taking robotics classes in later years of study, the student-built Lego city with moving train and miniature PAC-MAN machines for attendees to play proving to be main attractions.

Year 9 Nicholas G — Year nine student Nicholas showcases his Lego construction, complete with lights and a moving train.

The senior student band was a standout of the night, the musicians drawing a large crowd with the performance of ‘I Will Wait’ by Mumford and Sons.

Attendance at this year’s instalment set a new record, estimated to be well over 1000, with the warmer spring weather enticing people to the event.

Year 9 Molly B — Molly showcases her artwork at Heart of the Valley.

Amy W and Giselle D Year 8 — Molly showcases her artwork at Heart of the Valley.

Principal John Metcalfe said Heart of the Valley was a ‘fantastic community celebration of creativity’.

“Not only were the creative arts strongly represented but technology, science and the humanities were showing what creative children can do when given encouragement and the opportunity to explore the gifts and talents God has given them,” he said.

JM and Fady enjoy the cinema area at Heart of the Valley.

“I am so proud of the students and thankful for staff who are willing to give so much of their time to bring out the best in our students.

“Lucille Warwick, our science learning leader and her team, once again, did a brilliant job of allowing our creative and talented students to showcase their abilities.”

Ms Warwick said the fifth instalment of Heart of the Valley was ‘a beautiful evening’.

“There were so many grateful families and beaming students. I watched people perform, display, articulate and show off their ideas, thoughts and skills all around the school,” she said.

Donnybrook issues outlined at meeting

Grace Frost

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September 19, 2023

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Public transport improvements, enhancements to community facilities, and the role of developers and council were among key issues raised at a meeting between Donnybrook residents and state politicians last week.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage provided Donnybrook residents an opportunity to share their views with the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.

A roundtable discussion at Donnybrook Primary School a fortnight ago brought together school principal David Williams, community leaders and residents.

Ms Kathage and Ms Kilkenny detailed recent investments that would benefit Donnybrook residents once completed, including the installation of a mobile phone tower, the development of a new splash park in Kalkallo, the construction of a multipurpose community centre, the introduction of a new 501 Express bus service connecting Donnybrook to Craigieburn station, and an increase in Vlocity train services.

Ms Kathage said she would continue to advocate for the interests of Donnybrook and encouraged residents to contact her with any concerns or attend one of her mobile offices at Shared Cup cafe in Olivine Estate.

“It’s so important to me that government Ministers hear directly from local residents – making sure that our local concerns are factored into decision making,” she said.

“That’s what we have done here today. It was a productive meeting.”

Ms Kilkenny said more and more young families were calling Donnybrook home.

“It was great to meet some of them and to hear what they love about their local community and their aspirations for this fast-growing area,” she said.

The Donnybrook Road-Mitchell Street Improvement Project is currently underway with the slip lane scheduled to be open after two weeks of construction.

The project includes construction of a dedicated left-turn lane for southbound travel onto the Hume Freeway, as well as widening the Hume Freeway on-ramp and road resurfacing.

The intersection is temporarily closed in all directions, and people will have access to designated detour routes.

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Seymour Flood Hearing: Council highlight lack of resources made available during recovery

Jordyn Grubisic

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September 19, 2023

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Seymour Flood Hearing: Council highlight lack of resources made available during recovery

Seymour flood hearing reports by Jordyn Grubisic

Mitchell Shire Council submitted 35 recommendations to the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria, focusing on emergency services operations during the October floods and a lack of resources in the recovery.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens, chief executive Brett Luxford and flood recovery manager Kellie Massouras provided evidence to the inquiry committee on Thursday.

Cr Stevens said the floods were devastating for the community.

“The impacts are still being felt. The water has gone but challenges remain,” she said.

The council presented evidence that not establishing a Seymour-based Incident Control Centre during the floods made communications difficult and resulted in a failure to get timely information and responses causing additional confusion, delays and anxiety.

Although warnings were issued based on information available to relevant agencies, they were not conveyed in a timely manner and as the floods unfolded, it was obvious the information on which they were based was becoming unreliable.

The council submitted that improvements needed to be made to both the modelling and the warnings, and use of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal siren needed to be considered.

“There are many important lessons to be learnt to ensure good planning and effective responses for any future emergency events,” Cr Stevens said.

Evidence of underinvestment in volunteer services was also presented with the two State Emergency Service units within Mitchell Shire – based at Seymour and Kilmore – receiving more than 515 requests for assistance during the flood, far exceeding the capacity of local emergency services and placing additional pressure on volunteers.

Mitchell Shire, one of the first impacted in last year’s Victorian floods, was not included in the $16 million Housing Taskforce established just days after the flood despite more than 150 homes being inundated by floodwater with about 75 remaining vacant.

Council submitted that community members were forced to seek temporary accommodation away from their community and support networks placing additional stress on their recovery journey.

“An investment should also include a focus on housing – with many forced to leave Seymour when local housing could and should have been available, the system for ensuring a place-based response to housing demand should be implemented,” council’s submitted.

“The more immediate and short-term responses such as those at Rochester and announcements at Shepparton for the Homes at Home program were not offered to Mitchell Shire with the offering of the Homes at Home Program came almost 12 months later.”

Council presented a lack of local services – particularly mental health and other wellbeing services – to the inquiry committee.

Council said despite Seymour being one of the nation’s most disadvantaged townships there was a serious lack of locally-based services particularly for mental and other wellbeing needs with urgent funding required to help deliver infrastructure accommodating the challenge both during and after significant events.

“All levels of government must now work together to have the committee’s recommendations implemented in a timely manner to allow the improvements to become practice,” Cr Stevens said.

Featured image: The committee for the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria sat in Seymour on Thursday, hearing from several of the area’s councils, businesses, recovery committees and community groups.

Read more from the hearing:

Seymour Flood Hearing: Community forced to fill recovery gaps

Opportunity for junior cricketers in Tallarook

Grace Frost

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September 19, 2023

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Opportunity for junior cricketers in Tallarook

TALLAROOK Cricket Club is encouraging prospective junior cricketers to attend training and get active this summer.

Tallarook will this season host a Woolworths Blast Cricket Program for players aged between five and nine, as well as junior sides in the Seymour District Cricket Association in the under 11 and under 13 divisions.

Under 13 cricket will be played on Saturday morning and under 11 on a Friday night, with club training for juniors every Thursday effective immediately.

Tallarook Cricket Club president Leigh Irving encouraged anyone thinking of getting involved in cricket to give it a go.

“Tallarook is an incredibly welcoming environment and we have no doubt our juniors will have a great season both on and off the field,” he said.

“I’ve been involved at the club my whole life. Being involved in junior cricket here is a chance to make lifelong friends for both parents and kids.”

Mr Irving said the club was not concerned about ability but instead about having a good time with friends and enjoying the community atmosphere.

“If you’ve got kids a bit nervous or uncertain about getting involved in cricket, bring them along to a Thursday night session and they won’t look back,” he said.

While training has already commenced, the club is hosting a junior registration night on October 5 before the junior season commences the week starting October 18.

“Our registration night will be a great chance for kids to sign up and get a really good feel of the club and the people involved,” Mr Irving said.

“Our juniors really benefit from the skills of our senior cricketers who will be on hand across the season on Thursday nights to support their development.

“We’ve been incredibly successful on field for a long time and are really looking forward to watching our juniors become the future stars of the club.”

For more information and any enquiries, people can contact Tallarook Cricket Club secretary Mitch Itter at secretary.tallarookcc@gmail.com.

Featured image: Tallarook Cricket Club junior cricketers

Seymour’s First Fun Day kicks off

Grace Frost

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September 19, 2023

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THE first-ever Seymour Fun Day will take place on AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday, where young people and families are invited to a day out of fun and games.

If successful, the event could possibly turn into a permanent fixture for community members.

Starting at 10am, the amazing race/scavenger hunt will kick off at Chittick Park, with teams of up to eight people, including at least one person over the age of 18, able to enter.

A range of activities can be chosen from 11am until 2pm, such as AFL activities, laser tag, archery, giant snake ladders and much more that will keep visitors entertained while treating themselves to the sausage sizzle, coffee, and ice-cream vans.

The event is organised by a team of community members, working to start a community enterprise called Fun Centre in Seymour.

They are aiming to provide activities such as mini golf, rock climbing, multi-storey play space and a café and fund a space for young people to enjoy.

The Seymour Fun Day is also supported by a Christian volunteer movement, SU Victoria, working with children, young people, families and empowering communities through camps, holiday, and a school program.

Seymour Fun Day will be on Friday, September 29 at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre.

People interested in helping to make a permanent fun centre can email Michael Easton at dustyministry@gmail.com or call 0458 742 362.

Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve upgrades completed

Jordyn Grubisic

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September 18, 2023

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Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve upgrades completed

The Wallan community is celebrating upgrades at Greenhill Reserve with an improved playing surface on the oval plus a playground now operational.

The upgrades to the oval received more than $106,000 from the State Government’s Country Football and Netball Program, more than $150,000 from Mitchell Shire Council and $20,000 from Cricket Victoria.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens said the works to the oval were much needed.

“The works to the ground were absolutely needed and now they’re done the participation on the oval will be able to be increased and it’s looking absolutely brilliant so that’s a credit to all those involved,” she said.

“This is becoming a bit of a jewel in the crown for the south the way I see it and I’m sure the community will appreciate it and put it to good use.”

The funding enabled the reshaping of the main oval to remove low spots and installation of drainage in key sections of the sports fields to eliminate water ponding caused by heavy rainfall.

A new playground has opened at Greenhill Reserve in Wallan.

Greenhill Reserve committee of management president Neal Langborne said the ground was ruined following last year’s floods.

“I’d like to thank all the user clubs who made sacrifices while this development was going – the cricket club who had no use of the ground, the senior and junior football clubs who had delayed access onto the ground till midway through the season,” he said.

“Thank you to all users because your sacrifices and your patience has allowed this facility to be as fantastic as it is.

“I’d also like to thank all our committee who meet once a month who have been apart of this program to get better infrastructure and facilities.”

The playground features new equipment including two multi-purpose play units, climbing rocks, double swings, and logs for nature play.

More trees have been planted around the space providing a shaded canopy, while new seating and furniture allows parents and carers to keep a close eye on their children.

Minister for Suburban Development and Community Sport Ros Spence said the playground invited families to the ‘important community space’.

“We know Greenhill Reserve is a really important hub for sport, for gathering people and meeting up with friends,” she said

“That’s why it’s important to not just focus on the sporting communities but to also have other amenities here that encourage families to come along and enjoy this really important space.”

Cr Stevens said as a grandmother of five herself she could appreciate the quality of the new playground.

“This is a beauty. It is a really good one. The equipment, the landscaping and the spongey covering on the ground are what you look for when you go to play areas with young children,” she said.

The playground project received a $11,000 investment from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and Mitchell Shire Council contributed $75,000 to the project.

Sweet result for Romsey trainer at Kilmore trots

Grace Frost

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September 18, 2023

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Sweet result for Romsey trainer at Kilmore trots

By Len Baker

It was another interesting nine-race Kilmore trots meeting on Thursday night, with three of the winners on a program from across the region.

The Vicbred Super Series Silver and Bronze Trotting races were a highlight of the races.

Romsey trainer-driver Chris Svanosio was successful with handy four-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Lucky Ha Ha mare Lollipop in the Georgina and Co Pace, over 1690 metres, much to the delight of harness racing addict Emmy Mazzetti, who bred and races her.

Enjoying a cosy one-one passage from gate three after local hope Got The Odds, trained by Ben Yole and Taylor Youl, sped across from gate five to lead, leaving the favourite Pete Mitchell in the open.

Angling three wide on the final bend, Lollipop ran home best to prevail by 4.5 metres from La Toison Dor, which angled away from the inside on turning, with Got The Goods holding down third a neck back in a local district trifecta. The mile rate was 1-58.5.

Bolinda trainer Kari Males combined with Kate Gath to land the $20,000 Love You at Haras Des Trotteurs Vicbred Super Series 3Y0 Silver Trotters Mobile, over 2180 metres, with Majestic Son-Karaka Tooth filly Majestic Tooth in a 2-02 mile rate.

After trailing the leader Kyvalley Amanda from the pole, Majestic Tooth used the sprint lane to record a 1.9-metre victory over a death-seating Shaq The Anvil, with Kyvalley Amanda third 5.6 metres back.

The $20,000 Love You at Haras Des Trotteurs Bronze Trot went the way of Riddell Creek partnership of Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar’s Muscle Hill-Nitengale Stride filly Satin Stride.

With Langin the sulky, Satin Stride led all of the way from gate three to account for At The Distance by an easy 13.5 metre margin. Nuclear Attitude was third a head away. The mile rate was 2-02.1.

The $20,000 Bold Eagle at Haras Trotteurs Vicbred 2Y0 Trot saw Volstead-Tricia Powell filly Nordic Reign lead throughout from the pole for Bunbartha father and son John and Matt Newberry.

Rated a treat by Matt, Nordic Reign greeted the judge 1.8 metres clear of Centurian Dream along the sprint lane after trailing from gate two, with Manda Kyvalley third, a half head back after racing exposed from gate six. The mile rate 2-03.8.

The Timoko at Haras 4Y0 $20,000 Bronze Silver was taken out by trainer Kelvin Barker’s Majestic Son-Imitating gelding Mercenary, who was tough after racing exposed from the extreme draw to outstay his rivals.

He defeated the leader Hold That Gold by 2.3 metres in a mile rate of 2-00.4. Polemarker Itzfergietime was third 1.9 metres back.

Goornong trainer Peter Salathial combined with Mel Thackeray with four-year-old Western Terror-Ay Tee Em mare Seemeshinyheels to land the MC Security ‘The Thirties’ Pace Final over 2180 metres.

Third in her heat a week earlier behind Image Of Starzzz, Seemeshinyheels took a trail on Safe Jewels before using the sprint lane to score by 2.1 metres over the leader.

Icanmotor, off a three-wide trail last lap from midfield, was third 1.6 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.9.

Junortoun owner-trainer Gary Donaldson captured the Jet Roofing Trotters Mobile, over 2180 metres, with beautifully-bred Love You-Skye Rocket five-year-old entire Luvski when making his race debut.

Driven by Anthony Crossland, Luvski starting from the pole was buried four pegs at the bell before charging home along the sprint lane to gain the day by a head from rank outsider Blanco Canyon, paying $151, and Malhana Muscles, who was 3.5 metres away third. The mile rate 2-02.9.

Axedale trainer Mick Carbone combined with Greg Sugars to lead throughout aboard speedy seven-year-old Auckland Reactor-Eleventh Command mare Chooz Reactor in the 2180-metre Broadstead Kilmore Pace.

Chooz Reactor scored by 1.9 metres in a rate of two minutes from polemarker Our True Colours, which trailed using the sprint lane. Bizzness Class also used the sprint lane for third 5.2 metres away.

The Worlds Best Hoof Oil Pace over 2180 metres saw Cardigan duo owner/trainer Amy Cargill and driver Zac Chappenden victorious with seven-year-old Sportswriter-Tears To Maple gelding Hit The Track.

He led throughout from gate three to register an easy 15.7 metre margin from Tooby Gold, which made no impression after trailing from the pole. Maas Betting Again was third 2.1 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.2.

Kilmore’s next harness race meeting is on Thursday.