The North Central Review | Local community newspapers for North Central Victoria & surrounds

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September 12, 2023

GALLERY: Junior netball grand finals at Kilmore

Kilmore Broadford Netball Association hosted its grand finals at Kilmore Netball Club on Saturday.

Teams vied for premierships across three junior age groups – under 11s, under 13s and under 16s.

Wandong, Seymour and Kilmore netball clubs came away victorious.

Click through the gallery below!

Under 11 Best and Fairest winner Sofia Ramsey from St Pat’s Netball Club.
Under 11 runner-up Best and Fairest Natalie King from Wandong Netball Club.
The closely-contested grand final between Seymour and Pyalong ended 26 to 23 in Seymour’s favour.
Under 13 winners Seymour Black, who came emerged victorious over Pyalong Gold in a close contest.
Under 13 Best and Fairest winner Jacob Allen from Seymour Junior Netball Club.
Under 13 runner-up Best and Fairest Charlotte Bradley from Pyalong Junior Netball Club.
In a back-and-forth grand final it was Kilmore who emerged victorious over St Pats in a well-deserved victory.
The winning Kilmore team celebrates with coaching staff after a hard-fought grand final.
The under 16 grand final had St Patrick’s Blue play Kilmore Navy, the latter coming out on top 29 to 26.
Under 16 Best and Fairest winner Charlotte Milne from Kilmore Netball Club.
Under 16 runner-up Best and Fairest Lily Borg from St Pat’s Netball Club.

Jennings shares in Triple J limelight

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September 12, 2023

By Grace Frost

Assumption College Kilmore music coordinator Matthew Jennings made his second appearance on Triple J’s Like A Version last month, performing with Australian alternative rock singer-songwriter Alex Lahey.

Every Friday, Triple J welcomes a musician or band to play an original song and a cover in its segment Like A Version for distribution on the radio station’s platforms, including its YouTube Channel with more than 1.6 million subscribers.

Being played on Triple J and featuring on Like A Version is considered to be one of the most effective ways to gain recognition in the Australian music industry.

As a member of Ms Lahey’s touring band, Mr Jennings was invited to jam on guitar to Cass Elliot’s ‘Make Your Own Kind Of Music’ and Ms Lahey’s track ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’ for Like A Version’s August 25 segment.

“The energy was awesome in the room. The crew at Triple J are amazing and always have been, so its just good to do again,” Mr Jennings said.

“Obviously you wear a little bit of the pressure because you’re not just being heard, you’re being seen and it’s going to be there forever, so you want to make sure that you’re doing your part.”

At their last visit to Triple J studios in Sydney three years ago, the band covered My Chemical Romance’s ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’, which saw huge success on Spotify, raking in 2.5 million streams.

“I feel like there was a little bit of pressure on Alex to deliver again,” Mr Jennings said.

“We had a pretty great response from the first Like A Version that we did. Gerard Way from My Chemical Romance got in touch with us and said he loved it and shared it on his story.

“That was like a pinch-yourself moment for us.”

Matt Jenno 2 — Matthew Jennings, second from right in green, stands with Alex Lahey, centre, and her band at the Triple J studios in Sydney.

This time around, the band were also in the midst of their Australian tour, jumping ‘straight off the plane to hit the studio’.

Mr Jennings has toured with Alex Lahey as part of her band for nearly six years, this year visiting the United States and currently gearing up to tour the United Kingdom and Europe in October.

Also a former student at Assumption College, Mr Jennings now coordinates the music department at the school.

“Everything that I can do professionally, I can bring into the classroom for the students and try and give them authentic learning experiences naturally to show them what it’s like on the other side of the curtain after school,” he said.

“It’s super busy obviously … to be honest, every bubble that I’m in at the moment I completely love so much.”

Matt’s New Scream

As well as performing with Ms Lahey and working at the college, Mr Jennings has been busy creating his own solo project.

Hitting the music scene as New Scream, his debut self-titled EP is set to release on September 14, with multiple tracks painting a ‘straight up and down indie-rock’ experience.

‘The Getaway’ is the second release of the forthcoming recording, the music video also starring ACK alumni Beau Farrell.

“The project is really just like a personal self-fulfilment sort of thing,” Mr Jennings said.

“I sort of did the whole classic run away, lock yourself in a cabin and write a record.

“I’ve played in bands my entire life and I feel like I’ve always relied on somebody else to bring one piece of the puzzle.

“From the project, I’ve already gained everything that I wanted to gain quite naturally. One of them was just to hold my music in my hand … I’ve been wanting to do that for so many years.”

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GVFL: Curtains close on Seymour senior’s season

Jordyn Grubisic

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September 12, 2023

GVFL: Curtains close on Seymour senior’s season

A 22-point loss to Euroa at Tatura on Sunday has put an end to Seymour’s Goulburn Valley Football League finals campaign.

A tight start had the Lions trailing by one point at the end of the first quarter – a physical contest with some big clashes around the ground, including a big clash that left key Lion Nathan Beattie sore for the remainder of the game.

Seymour slotted another two goals in the second term but the Magpies extended their lead by a goal heading into the halftime break, leading 5.7 (37) to 4.7 (31).

Coming out of the break both sides kicked another two goals, but the Magpies’ behinds inched them ahead before a tough final quarter.

Euroa had a strong fourth term in front of goals and although the Lions kicked four of their own, they couldn’t hit the front on the scoreboard and went down 10.14 (74) to 13.18 (96).

Jack O’Sullivan was excellent in the midfield for Seymour alongside Ben Rigoni and Tom O’Sullivan.

Michael Hartley worked hard in the forward line all day, often fending off two or three players at a time, while in the backline James Wooster and Ben Cooney were strong performers.

Jack Murphy was also terrific with his on-field leadership for the young Seymour side, who have about 12 players who have played less than 50 senior games and only seven players who have played in a senior final.

Seymour head coach Ben Davey said the day was ‘a bit of a rollercoaster’.

“You get right into the game and the pre-game – it’s all exciting times because we’ve got such an exciting group of players,” he said.

“Then during the game they play so well in stages but there’s also times where things don’t go to plan, so it’s a real rollercoaster of emotions. Then when you finally lose it’s a big disappointment.

“I feel deeply for the players because they worked so hard. There was no one out there you couldn’t say wasn’t trying. Everyone was absolutely giving it their best shot.

“They worked so hard from November to get into finals. Every season there’s 12 teams and only one can be the winner and it’s a bitter pill to take.

“Even though you know those odds are there, to put yourself in a position to win in the finals and it doesn’t go the way you planned, it rips your heart out.”

Davey said the game was a great contest played in great spirit.

“It just gets to the stage where it’s so even and you’re into the last quarter. You’re playing to win so you’ve got to roll the dice at some stage, and unfortunately a few times it went the wrong way for us and then you’re playing catch up from that point on,” he said.

The senior teams had finished in second place at the end of the home and away season, winning 16 out of 18 games.

Davey said he could see a lot of ‘team success on the horizon starting to build’.

“I think that’s an outstanding year in the home and away season and we’re very proud of the way we played. It’s just unfortunate that finals is a different beast and we were inexperienced,” he said.

“They’re going to learn a lot from that and be stronger for it.”

Euroa will go on to play Kyabram in the preliminary final on Sunday with the winner to face Echuca in the grand final the following week.

Reserves

Seymour’s Reserves, who finished undefeated and on top of the ladder, secured a grand final appearance after a three-point win over Shepparton United.

At quarter time, Seymour had a two-goal lead before extending it out to 15 points at halftime.

The Lions displayed moments of control and dominance, asserting their authority on the field in sporadic bursts.

However despite Seymour’s efforts, Shepparton United did not give up, and were resolute in defence.

Halfway through the final term, the Lions dropped their lead but were able to claw back in front to take the win 6.10 (46) to 6.7 (43) and secure a ticket to the grand final on Sunday, September 24.

Tayte Lewis, Alexander Elliott, captain Max McLean, Nicholas Davey and Lucas Cannizzo were named best for the Lions.

The Lions will face the winner of the preliminary final between Shepparton United and Kyabram.

Netball

Seymour B Grade netballers will play in a preliminary final this Sunday following a two-goal loss to Echuca, going down 45-47 goals in the semi-final at Euroa on Saturday.

Ashlyn Webster was the lead goal-scorer for Seymour with 21, supported by Shona Gesler with 16 and Kathryn Dundon with eight.

Seymour will now face Shepparton Bears on Sunday in a preliminary final for a chance to secure a grand final place in what would be a rematch with Echuca.

Wallan youths’ plea for more services

Pam Kiriakidis

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September 12, 2023

By Grace Frost and Pam Kiriakidis

WALLAN Secondary College’s student leadership team has called for Mitchell Shire Council to allocate greater attention and resources toward Wallan’s youth.

The school’s prefects, Nayush Yerriah and Ivy Foster, and captains Jayde Waddell, Alexis McGuane and Wil Rice, said other than sporting clubs, Wallan offered minimal activities and social settings for young people to enjoy.

“There’s not much to go to unless you want to go to Wellington Square and sit around there all day … [or] it’s just Maccas,” Wil said.

Accessibility

With the closest cinemas, shopping precincts and public pools located at other towns or suburbs, the school captains said finding activities to do with friends was difficult without licences.

The captains said unreliable and infrequent transport made allocating time for socialising difficult amid their VCE studies.

“We may as well go to the city if we’re going to spend this much time [travelling] anyway,” Wil said.

“It’s insane when you really think about it – there should be buses going from Wallan to Craigieburn way, and Craigieburn to Wallan. If they did that, the trains would be less packed and [the buses could be more regular].”

The leaders said they had dropped hobbies they otherwise would have pursued due to the travel to other towns.

pexels charles parker 6647510 — The leaders said they had dropped hobbies they otherwise would have pursued, including music lessons, due to the travel to other towns.

The group also raised access to the town centre and school as being an issue – as there were no footpaths from Wallara Waters.

“Someone tried to play chicken with me because I was walking on the road. They literally tried to hit me with their car because they wanted me to go onto the grass,” Ivy said.

Sport and ‘not much else’

The captains and prefects said Wallan’s sports programs proved a great outlet for many of their peers who could commit multiple days a week to out-of-school activities.

But they said the cost of uniforms and memberships deterred many students from signing up, highlighting the need for free and accessible activities.

“Because we’re in such a low demographic, we’re really below the threshold of income around here, [and] we have some dual-income households that are barely scraping by,” Ivy said.

The captains said the lack of entertainment left many with few alternatives but to crowd at local fast-food franchises.

“If you were to find the same teenagers in the inner city or whatever, they would have more stuff to do and activities to go to. [Here they are] instead finding themselves wanting to hang out of home … so they go to Maccas and cause amok,” Wil said.

“You’d imagine if there was other stuff to do, they’d do it.”

Council’s response

Mitchell Shire chief executive Brett Luxford said Mitchell Youth Services worked with people aged 12 to 24 years to promote the wellbeing of youth across the shire.

“Mitchell Shire is one of the fastest growing local government areas and we understand there is a lot of work to be done to provide for that growth,” he said.

“We need continued support from the Victorian Government to make the education and sports facilities, transport links and commercial precincts a reality for young people now and in the future.”

Council listed a range of programs available to youth across the shire including after-school program UKREW, supervised Mitchell Youth Rooms, music and art program VOLUME, annual event Youth Fest, with more available on its website.

Council has also recently sworn in a new youth council.

But Wallan Secondary College leaders said council’s strategies failed to target the needs of their demographic adequately.

The prefects and captains dreamed of a shopping centre in town with a cinema, food court and activities that were offered to youth in neighbouring municipalities.

The students said a ‘more realistic’ safe destination for youth, other than McDonald’s, was needed for young people to meet up with friends.

“We just need somewhere else to go – to physically hang out and do something,” Wil said.

More information on council services can be found at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.

Youth Fest in Macedon Ranges

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September 12, 2023

MACEDON Ranges Shire youth can showcase their talents at this month’s Youth Fest, with several youth-led events and activities for ages between 12 and 25.

Supported by the State Government, the month-long celebrations will include a range of opportunities for youth to connect with like-minded peers, including council’s Art Space and Woodend X Level Up organised by Woodend Neighbourhood House.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the youth-focused calendar of events would celebrate creativity and wonder.

“We’re so proud to support local young people in the Macedon Ranges to lead the design and delivery of events and activities that showcase their talents and create important community connections with their peers,” she said.

Applications supporting regional and rural events, and underrepresented community groups were prioritised through the Youth Fest program.

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Sick pay guarantee for more workers

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September 12, 2023

More jobs will be covered by the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee as the pilot extends until March, 2025.

More than 400 new jobs are now eligible for the Sick Pay Guarantee giving more casual and contract employees the opportunity to access up to 38 hours of sick and carer’s pay.

Casual, contract and self-employed workers can check eligibility and sign up to the scheme.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas encouraged workers to apply for the scheme.

“People shouldn’t be forced to choose between going to work sick or putting food on the table. We’re proud to be expanding the Sick Pay Guarantee because we know how important it is to support locals in Macedon,” she said.

“Insecure work has terrible consequences, and we know how important it is for people to have the support and certainty they need to stay home and recover if they are sick or caring for a loved one.”

Newly-eligible workers can apply for sick and carer’s pay from the day they sign up, and workers eligible in the first pilot phase will benefit from an additional year on the pilot.

Since launching March 2022, more than 76,000 casual and contract workers have signed up with the pilot covering more than 1.8 million hours of sick and carer’s pay.

or in the Service Victoria app.

Neighbourhood Houses can also sign up workers – visit www.nhvic.org.au to find a participating Neighbourhood House.

Northern Health supports R U OK? Day

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September 12, 2023

Northern Health is showing its commitment to supporting the psychological health and wellbeing of all staff on R U OK? Day on Thursday.

R U OK? Day is a national day of action to remind everyone that every day is the day to ask ‘are you okay?’ and to start meaningful conversations whenever they spot signs that someone they care about might be struggling.

The theme ‘I’m here to hear’ encourages people to not only ask ‘are you okay?’, but to genuinely listen and make sure they are giving their friend, colleague, family member or loved one the right environment to open up when experiencing tough times.

Northern Health people and culture executive director Michelle Fenwick expressed the importance of people being ‘here to hear’.

“This year R U OK? Day is a really special day, especially given the last three to four years we have had, not just here at Northern Health, but across the country, and the world,” she said.

“Take the time to ask the question and sit down with either family, colleagues and alike, to really be here to hear the response.”

Northern Health people and culture senior psychologist Casey O’Brien said supportive conversations were so important in maintaining the wellbeing of the people.

“Remember that there are many ways we can support each other, and you don’t need to have counselling skills or training to have a powerful impact on someone’s day,” she said.

“Kindness and support can come from a corridor check-in, sitting in silence together after a difficult event, or checking in on a colleague who has been having a hard time at home.”

Northern Health has multiple support systems, programs and initiatives in place to support their staff and community, including the Northern Health Peer Support Program.

The program was established in July 2022 and provides staff with brief, practical and emotional support from fellow Northern Health peers.

Trained and compassionate Northern Health peer supporters work alongside staff in need of a chat, guidance or support.

Peer supporters have assisted staff with a range of concerns including ongoing stress, career and family concerns and work-life balance.

“The Peer Support Program is driven by our values of safe, kind and together,” Ms O’Brien said.

“Our peer supporters come from diverse backgrounds, are easy to access, and understand what it is like to work at Northern Health. They are here to hear when you need them.”

Major milestone for Mernda sports centre

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September 12, 2023

Major milestone for Mernda sports centre

THE Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre at Mernda has reached a milestone with architects in stage two of designing the state-of-the-art facility.

With stage one under construction, which will deliver the intersection at Everton Drive and Plenty Road in Mernda, stage two involves designing eight outdoor sports courts, six indoor sports courts and indoor seating, comprising 350 fixed and 1000 retractable seats.

After completion, the multipurpose courts will be used by residents to engage in leisure and wellbeing activities closer to home.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the facility would be council’s largest investment in social infrastructure, helping physical and mental health across the region.

The State Government contributed $20 million to the project.

“The delivery of the outdoor multipurpose courts and indoor stadium will not only begin to address our region’s current deficit of netball and basketball courts but also help boost sporting participation rates in our community, particularly for women and girls,” Ms Wilson said.

Ms Wilson said the appointment of COX Architecture, who’s portfolio includes some of Australia’s most prominent sport projects such as AAMI Park, MCG and Optus Stadium, was a milestone for the project.

Stage two works are expected to begin in the 2024-25 financial year.

For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/rasc.

Mitchell Rangers celebrate soccer volunteers

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September 12, 2023

Mitchell Rangers celebrate soccer volunteers

By Max Davies

Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club welcomed Epping City FC for a friendly match on Sunday to celebrate the volunteer contribution of the De Battista family to the success of both clubs.

For more than 30 years, the De Battista family, headed by Anthony and Sharon, volunteered their time to community sport to ensure that Epping City and eventually Mitchell Rangers flourished in all levels of soccer competition.

Mitchell Rangers 1 — Mitchell Rangers and Epping City lined up for a friendly charity match to commemorate the De Battista family and raise funds for women’s football programs.

General committee member Antony Monteleone, along with his two brothers, played in one of the first junior teams at Epping City in 1997, said the day was about celebrating their service and dedication to community soccer.

“The family we have gathered to pay tribute to have left an indelible mark on the lives of many and have provided opportunities to people that would otherwise be shut,” he said.

“Many of us from both clubs would not be sharing our love of football without the volunteer spirit of the De Battista family.”

In the mid-1990s, Anthony and Sharon were instrumental in the formation of both the RooBall program and the mums’ team at Epping City, known as the ‘Shooters’, who took part in the World Masters Games.

After moving to the Mitchell Shire, the family took their passion for volunteering and soccer with them, as Anthony became the second club president while De Battista family members continued to put their hands up to help coach teams and cement the club as a place for all.

Mitchell Rangers 3 — De Battista in action against an Epping opponent.

“If it was not for Sharon and Anthony putting their hands up all the way back when the club had no junior teams, many Epping players today would not have many of the life-defining memories that they have,” Monteleone said.

“Many people playing are standing shoulder to shoulder with brothers, sisters and friends whose relationships are in some way defined by the De Battista family and their contributions to Epping City and Mitchell Rangers.”

Mitchell Rangers 4 — Senior women’s goalkeeper Bridgette Davies on field for the Rangers.

The match was played by members from the two club’s men’s, women’s and junior’s teams, with the Rangers captained by Kane De Battista and Epping by Ricky Talarico, another family involved in community soccer as a result of the De Battista family.

The friendly match had all players in good spirits, and while the scoreline ended in a three-all tie, it was Epping who came out on top following a penalty shootout.

Money raised on the day through donations were donated in support of women’s football programs in Australia.

Largest park in the City of Whittlesea set for development

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September 12, 2023