Whittlesea finish winless in Northern Football competition

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August 29, 2023

Despite comeback efforts, Whittlesea ended its season with a 25-point lost to Greensborough on Saturday, finishing winless in the Northern Football Netball League, NFNL, division one.

The Eagles trailed by 19 points at the end of the first quarter before bringing the game back to within 10 points before halftime, and then outscored Greensborough in the second term, kicking three goals to two.

Greensborough brought its lead back out to 20 points in the third quarter before taking the victory 11.9 (75) to 6.14 (50).

The 25-point loss is an improvement from earlier in the season when the two sides faced each other in round nine, where Whittlesea lost by 76-points.

Whittlesea’ Harvey Hempenstall made his senior debut, kicking one goal, while Thomas Falls, captain Xavier Dimasi and Matthew Atta were Whittlesea’s best players.

On Saturday, Montmorency play Bundoora in a qualifying final while North Heidelberg face Hurstbridge in an elimination final on Sunday.

Heidelberg have a bye this week with its position in the semi-final already secured after finishing top of the ladder this season.

In Friday night netball, Whittlesea 3 won the NFNL section 12 competition after defeating Hurstbridge 6, 34 goals to 21.

Whittlesea’s Chloe Talbot won best for the match.

Division three

In the NFNL division three, Laurimar defeated Mernda 11.9 (75) to 9.10 (64) to secure a spot in the grand final.

Old Eltham defeated Kinglake 9.14 (68) to 6.8 (44), knocking the Lakers out of the finals.

Mernda face Old Eltham at Whittlesea in a preliminary final on Saturday to decide which side will make it to the big dance the following weekend.

In Friday night netball, Kilmore 2 lost the NFNL section six grand final to Diamond Creek 2, by 10 goals.

Kilmore 4 also lost its grand final to Lower Plenty 1, 33 goals to 36, in the NFNL section nine competition.

Seymour Lions re-sign senior football and A Grade coaches

Jordyn Grubisic

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August 29, 2023

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Seymour Lions re-sign senior football and A Grade coaches

As Seymour has its sights firmly on the 2023 Goulburn Valley League, GVL, finals starting this weekend, the Lions have announced they have re-signed their senior football and A Grade coaches for next season.

Ben Davey and Ellie Fuhrmeister have both recommitted for another season.

All of Seymour’s senior football and netball sides have secured a finals berth this season, with their senior footballers and B-Reserve netballers to both play Echuca in qualifying finals at Benalla on Saturday.

The Lions’ Reserves play Kyabram in a qualifying final at Rochester on Sunday, along with the club’s A Grade versus Tatura and B Grade against Shepparton Swans – both elimination finals.

Seymour seniors go into the finals coming off an unexpected loss to seventh-placed Shepparton on Saturday.

The Lions went down by 10 points at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve, with consistent performers Jack O’Sullivan, Riley Mason, Ben Cooney, Dylan Scopel and Ben Rigoni among the best.

But Davey, dual senior premiership player in 1991 and 2005 in addition to coaching a Reserves premiership in 2006, said the club was in a strong position heading into finals, finishing second on the ladder behind Echuca.

“We’ve got a really strong young group of footballers who enjoy each other’s company. It makes the club a great place to be,” he said.

“Importantly our depth and numbers across the Reserves means we’ve got plenty of blokes around the club who can step up to senior footy at any time.”

Fuhrmeister is a three-time A Grade premiership player and GVL representative with experience coaching every senior and junior grade at the club, all while having played more than 200 games at the Lions.

Fuhrmeister said she was looking forward to a big September campaign and the ongoing development of the club’s netballers.

“We’ve got a huge finals series coming up for the netballers with plenty of stiff competition across the league,” she said.

“We’re coming into the next few months extremely motivated and there’s no room to get complacent. We’ve got a great group and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to support our junior sides, watch their development and support them as they become senior netballers.”

Seymour president Gerard O’Sullivan said the club was thrilled to have both coaches recommit for the 2024 season.

“Ben and Ellie have played a massive role in our recent success and we’re delighted they’re back on board for 2024,” he said.

“Our netball program has been incredibly well run and coached, evidenced by the remarkable three premierships we took home from Deakin [Reserve] last year.

“Ben has put together a really special group of footballers and we look forward to them having a red-hot crack in September.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Ben and Ellie back next year while being incredibly excited about what’s to come across the finals series.”

Broadstead Kilmore development partnership to raise for affordable housing

Grace Frost

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August 29, 2023

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Broadstead Kilmore development partnership to raise for affordable housing

ALMOST $200,000 will be raised for social and affordable housing in Victoria through a partnership between developer Jinding and not-for-profit social enterprise Homes for Homes.

Under the agreement, Jinding will donate 0.1 per cent of the sale price of each lot upon settlement at its Broadstead Kilmore development to Homes for Homes to deliver social housing in the broader community.

More than $16,000 will be generated upon settlement for Homes for Homes from the first release at the 500-lot Broadstead Kilmore.

Jinding communities head of development Chris Ravat said the money would go towards creating social and affordable housing for disadvantaged Victorians – especially in light of the cost of living crisis.

“We know homelessness is getting worse and with a predicted shortfall in social and affordable homes of one million by 2036, real solutions are needed now more than ever,” he said.

“The beauty of the Homes for Homes scheme is it offers a concrete pathway for continual donations if homeowners elect to keep the 0.1 per cent sale price caveat on their land title, ensuring each time the property is sold, more funds go towards Homes for Homes.

“It is also great for our homebuyers to know they can buy their dream property and help to put a roof over the head of our most disadvantaged at the same time.”

Homes for Homes has estimated a total of $1.4 million could be raised over the next three decades.

Chief operating officer Tracy Longo said the partnership was a great step forward to solving the housing crisis.

“Each contribution from this development helps us work towards a future where every Australian has access to safe and secure housing,” she said.

“We thank the Jinding community and residents for coming together on such a critical issue.”

Broadstead Kilmore is located on 60 hectares off Quinns Road.

For more information on Homes for Homes, visit homesforhomes.org.au.

Students design a hospital café for Kilmore District Health

Jordyn Grubisic

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August 29, 2023

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Students design a hospital café for Kilmore District Health

Six students have come together to design and plan a new café for Kilmore District Health.

Facilitated by the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network, LLEN, students from Wallan Secondary College, Assumption College, Broadford Secondary College and Seymour Flexible Learning Centre are taking part in the six-week program to establish a café at the hospital.

Kilmore District Health does not currently have a cafe on site, with staff and patrons required to travel into the heart of Kilmore for coffee or morning tea.

Wallan Secondary College careers practitioner Tonya Frost said the café would be available for everyone at the hospital.

“At the hospital, we have a room to do all our planning and we are starting from scratch to survey all the staff, patients, visitors and residents to find out what they want to see in a café at the Kilmore Hospital,” she said.

“Amanda Byrne is in charge of the education department at the hospital and so it’s a collaboration between her team and the Central Ranges LLEN to get it organised. I think they’re big coffee-lovers, so they were keen to get something on board.”

Meeting on Thursday for its third week, the group worked to survey staff and measure the planned location for the café.

Ms Frost said the group had not yet secured funding but would soon look towards reaching out to community groups to help get the café up and running.

“Hopefully [by the end of the six weeks] we’ll have fully designed it and we’ll have some funding in place from some community groups,” she said.

“We haven’t approached anyone yet, but that’s our plan to put it together and get it up and running so it can be used by the whole community.”

Ms Frost said she hoped everyone would benefit from the café and was excited that students were enjoying the process.

“It’s just a good community project and it’s not something that just the staff will benefit from. It’ll be something that the whole community can use at some point,” she said.

“We’re going to set up a nice outdoor area, and we’ve had a look at different cafés in the area and what they offer and how we might be able to offer those things at this café.

“I’m surprised the kids are really quite into it – they’re enjoying the process for sure.”

Rail project work on offer for First Nations businesses

Grace Frost

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August 29, 2023

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Rail project work on offer for First Nations businesses

First Nations businesses in the region attended a special information workshop in Broadford last week where they were encouraged to seek commercial opportunities on the Australia Rail Track Corporation, ARTC, Inland Rail project.

Delivered by the Inland Rail Social Performance and First Nations Teams, the engagement workshops aim to help First Nations companies understand employment and business opportunities on Inland Rail in Victoria.

The workshops help companies better align their service and product offerings with the specific skilling and supply needs of Inland Rail in Victoria.

First Nations businesses and people also heard how Inland Rail can help build capability by identifying skills and development opportunities and also highlighting potential workforce management and industry participation opportunities on the project.

First Nations Traffic Management director Lionel Dukakis said his company was already doing some early works on the project, and attended the workshop to find out about other opportunities that might be available in the future.

“My advice to other First Nations businesses is to go online, register on the ICN Gateway and get involved in Inland Rail,” he said.

ARTC Victoria and South Australia projects general manager Ed Walker said ARTC was determined to increase the number of First Nations people and businesses working on Inland Rail.

“This event is an opportunity for First Nations community members and businesses to meet with our ARTC Inland Rail team and talk about upcoming opportunities in Victoria,” he said.

“We’re working with our construction contractors to support First Nations people and communities in realising the benefits of Inland Rail.”

Mitchell Shire Weekly Police News: August 29, 2023

Grace Frost

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August 29, 2023

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Burglary at Seymour

At about 3pm on August 9, a victim went to his back garage at his residence on Redbank Road, Seymour, and observed the padlock on the door was missing. The victim then discovered his lawn mower, electric drills and batteries had been stolen.

Theft at Beveridge

Unknown offenders stole building materials – specifically, lengths of timber – from two neighbouring construction sites located on Canary View, Beveridge, some time between 1pm on August 18 and 7am on August 23.

The offenders appear to have cut down the timber before leaving the site with it.

Car theft

A green Holden sedan, parked on the street on Ivy Lane, Wallan, was stolen between 6.30pm on August 22 and 7.40am on August 23.

Theft from vehicle

At 9.20pm on August 17, two male offenders broke into a victim’s vehicle, parked on East Street, Kilmore.

The offenders smashed the front driver and passenger side windows, and then entered the boot, stealing items.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or a police station.

Council’s transparency policy seeks public input

Grace Frost

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August 29, 2023

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THE CITY of Whittlesea’s new public transparency policy is seeking residential feedback to help guide council on what information should be publicly available to the community.

The policy, last updated in 2020, is a requirement under the Local Government Act 2020, and will be accessible for residents to view and submit feedback.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said council was aware of the importance of transparency and aimed to provide as much information to the public as possible.

“We know that to build trust with the community we need to continue to be open and transparent in decision-making,” she said.

“We have almost halved the number of confidential items heard at council meetings from 8.15 per cent in 2019 to 4.55 per cent in the last financial year.

“This policy also outlines how our community can easily access information such plans, policies and budgets as well as processes they may need to connect with us, for example to apply for grants or permits or to have their say on topics that are relevant to them.”

The updated policy will be available for community input until Friday before being shown at the September council meeting for endorsement. .

Flood money trickles in at Lancefield

Grace Frost

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August 29, 2023

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Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell joined Minister for Health and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas last week to tour rejuvenated areas in Lancefield following last year’s floods.

The federal and state governments have supported Victorian communities to restore recreation areas and facilities damaged by last year’s floods through the $11.8 million Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which 125 voluntary committees of management have received assistance through.

Under the program, recipients use the funding to restore significant community gathering places and tourist destinations including halls, caravan parks and multi-use recreation reserves.

Among the recipients were the committees of management for Lancefield Mechanics Institute and Library and Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve.

With $6998 in funding, Lancefield Mechanics Institute was able to repair and reinstate its all-abilities toilet and roof.

Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve used $91,325.23 to repair and reinstate the playground, walking track, road and equestrian area at Lancefield Park.

“Seeing the tangible results of this collaborative funding highlights how much can be done when federal and state governments work hand in hand,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The resilience of our community during times of disaster has been proven over and over again, and I am more than proud to be able to promote recovery initiatives that restore the community assets that play such a huge part in the recovery journey.”

Ms Thomas congratulated both committees of management for the excellent work they have done in restoring the well-treasured Lancefield community centres.

“These volunteer committees have made an extraordinary contribution to their local communities as they have worked to reinstate these well-loved places,” she said.

“This important funding ensured the hardest hit communities from last year’s floods were able to recover as quickly as possible.”

The October 2022 floods were one of the worst Victorian flood disasters on record and caused significant damage across 64 of Victoria’s 79 local government areas, affecting multiple community spaces and assets.

MPs to tour Seymour ahead of hearing

Grace Frost

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August 29, 2023

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Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland will welcome Nationals colleagues to Seymour next month to meet with community members affected by last year’s floods.

Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad will visit Seymour – both of whom have been involved with the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee’s inquiry into the 2022 floods.

The trio will tour Seymour on September 5 and talk with affected residents, businesses, and community groups.

Ms Cleeland said it was important the challenges faced by Seymour were understood and emphasised the need for reforms in warning systems, responses and mitigation measures.

“Together, we can work towards meaningful changes and better preparedness for future flood events,” she said.

“Having Melina and Gaelle meet with community members will ensure that the challenges faced by the Seymour community are heard and understood.”

Seymour is set to host public hearings for the inquiry on September 14.

Ms Cleeland said the hearings would help understand difficulties in the recovery process.

“This is an opportunity to give our region the best chance possible at having local recommendations included in the final report,” she said.

“Having our local voices guide the change needed for the community is so important and will demonstrate how powerful community advocacy can be.”

Any individuals or businesses throughout the region that are yet to receive flood support payments or have had difficulty with the process are invited to contact Ms Cleeland by emailing annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au or by calling 5762 1600.

ANZAC competition open for students, grand prize on offer

Grace Frost

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August 29, 2023

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ANZAC competition open for students, grand prize on offer

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is encouraging secondary students to enter the 2023 Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize competition.

“This competition, which has been held annually since 2005, is a great opportunity for secondary students, from years nine to 12, to increase their understanding and appreciation of the Spirit of ANZAC,” Ms Cleeland said.

“For 2023, the Spirit of ANZAC Prize encourages students to explore what the term ‘Anzac spirit’ means today in a diverse and multicultural Australia.

“Submissions can be made in an array of formats including, but not limited to, an essay, poem, short story, or even a musical composition.”

Ten students will be awarded the 2023 Spirit of ANZAC Prize and receive a fully-funded study tour to Turkey, where they will visit significant war heritage sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Entries close on September 6.