Rail Street closure concerns

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March 31, 2026

CONCERNS from Wandong and Heathcote Junction residents over the imminent closure of Rail Street have been raised, with the road set to be closed for eight to 10 weeks from mid-April.

Emails seen by The North Central Review from secretary of the Wandong Heathcote Junction Community Group secretary Allen Hall claim that Rail Street was originally meant to be left open, but the closure now means that traffic concerns have been raised.

“The closure would be contrary to earlier advice and agreement that Rail Street would be kept open to traffic during the project,” he said.

“If closure was permitted the pressure on Heathcote Junction and the rail crossing would be unmanageable particularly at school times.

“The traffic queued on Epping-Kilmore Road would be dangerous and blocking through traffic at most times and could stretch for a kilometre when the booms are down for trains that can be slow and as long as two kilometres. There is no turning lane from the north and a very short turning lane from the south.

“The same applies on Rail Street where traffic could extend from the school (and new childcare) to the rail crossing and beyond. It will be impossible for emergency vehicles to negotiate this disaster.”

Inland Rail has confirmed that briefings were held with the Wandong CFA, Wandong Primary School, Wandong Kindergarten, with their feedback stating that the groups were comfortable with the proposed traffic detours, and that communications would be distributed to residents and community groups once finalised.

Other concerns that were raised were the potential of Inland Rail’s footprint creep and the potential Dry Creek riparian zone impacts.

Mr Hall stated he was disappointed with a lack of consultation.

“The whole frustrating thing is the impact it will have, especially around school times, we’re talking about 100 cars coming to the school and buses,” he said.

“There are buses that come along Rail Street to go to Whittlesea, to Assumption College, to Broadford and to Wallan. They’ll be queued up along Rail Street as well.”

An Inland Rail spokesperson said the works were the most efficient way the project could be completed.

“A temporary road closure is required on Rail Street while Inland Rail works are undertaken to construct a new roundabout on the Broadford-Wandong Road intersection,” the spokesperson said.

“Inland Rail understands the inconvenience this may cause some road users but assures the community this will be the most efficient, effective and safest way to complete these works.”

Mass class action in the region

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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VICTORIA’S claim to be the “Education State” has been thrown into sharp doubt, with tens of thousands of teachers walking off the job last week in the largest education strike in more than a decade.

Classrooms across the district were disrupted as local educators joined industrial action led by the Australian Education Union. Schools in Kilmore, Broadford, Wallan, Wandong, Seymour, Willowmavin and Whittlesea were all impacted, forcing families to scramble for alternative arrangements.

For the State Government, the strike marked a significant escalation in a dispute that shows no sign of easing.

At the heart of the standoff is a widening gulf between what teachers say they need and what the government is prepared to offer. The union is pushing for a 35 per cent pay increase over four years, arguing Victorian teachers have fallen behind interstate counterparts and are now among the lowest paid in the country. The government has countered with an offer of roughly 18 per cent, maintaining it is both fair and fiscally responsible.

But for many teachers, the dispute goes far beyond wages.

One Kilmore-based teacher, who asked not to be named, said the pressures inside classrooms are reaching breaking point.

“If Victoria is serious about its ‘Education State’ branding, it must confront the reality inside its classrooms, where teacher shortages, burnout and declining morale are becoming entrenched. Our schools here are feeling the strain, often struggling the most to attract and retain staff,” The teacher said.

What has become increasingly clear, however, is that teachers are not standing alone.

Across the region, parents and community members have rallied behind educators, voicing strong support for their demands and recognising the pressures facing schools. Many families, despite the inconvenience of disrupted learning, say the strike has highlighted deeper systemic issues that cannot be ignored.

Wendy (not her real name), is a parent of two children at Wallan Secondary College, said she supports the action despite the challenges it created for her family.

“It wasn’t easy organising care at short notice, but I completely understand why teachers are doing this. They’re stretched too thin, and that affects our kids. If we want quality education, we need to support the people delivering it,” she said.

This growing community backing is shifting the tone of the dispute. What might once have been seen as a pay fight is now being viewed more broadly as a stand for the future of public education, particularly in regional and outer suburban areas where staffing shortages are often most acute.

The strike has also intensified public scrutiny of the government’s long-standing “Education State” slogan. Critics argue that branding alone cannot mask the challenges facing schools on the ground.

One thing is clear, another parent told the Review, is that this dispute is no longer confined to negotiations behind closed doors. And until it is resolved, the title of “Education State” will continue to ring increasingly hollow.

SDCA celebrates 2025/26 season

Michael Thompson

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March 31, 2026

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THE Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has celebrated the achievements of its players at its 2025/26 Presentation Night on Friday night, recognising outstanding performances across senior and junior competitions.

The evening brought together players and clubs from across the competition to acknowledge individual excellence following a strong and competitive season.

Awards were presented across batting, bowling and all-rounder categories, as well as major association medals, reflecting the depth of talent and high standard of cricket across the SDCA.

Lachlan Watts was a deserving recipient of the Frank Zanelli Medal, with the Tallarook all-rounder claiming the best all-rounder award during the night with 870 points.

The bowling award went to Tallarook teammate Kalon Winnell, who took 21 wickets at a scarcely believable 6.52, while Yea’s Cameron Armstong claimed the batting with 294 runs at 98.

In B grade, Alexandra’s Levi Ronalds claimed the John Gadd Medal and the all-rounder award. Avenel’s Jared Smith claimed the batting award, scoring 354 runs at 70.8, while Puckapunyal’s Jacob Nipperess took 21 wickets at 7.14 to claim the bowling.

In the under 16s, Tallarook brotherly duo Hamish and Finn Melville dominated proceedings, with Hamish winning the batting, all-rounder and Ken Hall Medal, while Finn scored the bowling award.

Braxton Tucker dominated the under 13 competition, with the Seymour youngster winning the batting, all-rounder and Sam Watts Medal, with Blake Winnell taking the bowling award.

Junior country week awards saw Archie Armstrong and Brock Inness win in the under 13s, Tyler Caddie in the under 15s and Thomas White in the under 17s rewarded.

The SDCA team of the year was:

Charles Davies – 571 runs @ 51.91, Josh Rudge (wk) – 348 runs @ 34.8, Lachlan Watts – 620 runs @ 88.57, Travis Stefanos – 371 runs @ 41.22, Cameron Evans – 335 runs @ 47.86, Cameron Armstrong – 294 runs @ 98, Lachlan Drummond – 257 runs @ 23.26 & 21 wickets @ 11.67, Will Ashton – 24 wickets @ 11.25, Kal Winnell (c) – 21 wickets @ 6.52, Matt Archibald – 21 wickets @ 10.48 and Joshua Crane – 20 wickets @ 9.3.

SDCA President Mitch Itter said the night was an important opportunity to recognise the performances that defined the season.

“The Presentation Night is a great opportunity to acknowledge the performances of players across all grades,” Itter said.

“We’ve seen a really strong standard of cricket this season, and the award winners should be proud of their efforts and consistency.”

“It’s particularly pleasing to see the performances coming through our junior ranks, which highlights the strength and future of cricket within the SDCA.”

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of Life Membership to Jason Tarran, recognising both his outstanding playing career and long-standing service to the association.

Tarran’s on-field achievements place him among the most accomplished players in SDCA history, having claimed the A Grade bowling average on nine occasions, the A Grade batting average once, and being named A Grade Champion Player.

Off the field, Tarran has also made a significant contribution to the SDCA, serving as Treasurer for more than a decade.

Itter said Tarran’s Life Membership was a fitting recognition of his impact on the competition.

“Jason’s record speaks for itself — his achievements as a player are exceptional and place him among the very best to have played in the SDCA,” Itter said.

“To win the A Grade bowling average nine times is remarkable, and to add a batting average and Champion Player award highlights just how complete a cricketer he has been.”

“Beyond his playing career, Jason has given more than ten years of service as Treasurer, playing a key role in supporting the administration and stability of the association.”

“Life Membership is the highest honour we can bestow, and Jason is an incredibly deserving recipient.”

Baseball club looking for Majors

Michael Thompson

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March 31, 2026

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MITCHELL Majors Baseball Club are launching its recruiting campaign, looking to bring cricketers who are looking to keep their touch, army postings and new residents to play baseball across winter season after a stunning summer campaign.

The Majors play at the Mollison Street diamond, boasting some of the best facilities in Victorian baseball.

The club recently won its third summer premiership in a row, outlasting North West Titans at McPherson’s Park in Harkness 9-8 in a high-scoring game, one where the fourth innings was crucial, yielding six runs.

The team currently plies its trade in C grade of the Melbourne Winter Baseball League, where its senior team finished in fourth position last year, establishing itself as an exciting, high-scoring team, scoring the third-most runs in the competition.

Its C reserve team fell desperately short of a premiership, losing 7-6 in the final to Northcote, while the E grade team finished in fifth position.

The Majors are now looking for a fourth team to complement its three competitive teams, with coach Steve Bertucci saying everyone is welcome.

“We have gone out and done a big recruiting drive over the last month and a half, so we have gone to a bunch of cricket clubs in the local area to see if we can secure some new players,” he said.

“We had three teams play for us last winter, and we are hoping for four this year, so we do need a few extra players, so that’s why we went on that recruiting drive.

“We’re hoping to see some new faces over the next couple of weeks.”

Bertucci said there was a level for everyone to play baseball, ranging from beginners to serious talents.

“The ones and twos are really serious. We both made the finals last year and we hope to go one better again this year, our threes and fours have young kids that get to play, some older guys that get to fall back down there and have a bit of fun, muck around; so, we have something for everyone,” he said.

“In Australia, baseball is a small sport in comparison to footy and cricket, but it’s a lot of fun, you don’t need to be super fit, there’s a level for everyone, it’s a lot of fun, it’s a fast game and a lot of tactics involved. We have one of the best diamonds in the competition, the lights are a great addition, and the facilities are really good here.”

Dumping epidemic

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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RESIDENTS’ anger is growing after two major illegal dumping incidents, both believed to involve truckloads of waste, were discovered within days of each other at a Wallan freeway exit ramp and at Lightwood Crossing in Wandong.

The latest incidents have again highlighted the Mitchell Shire’s growing battle with large-scale dumping, with locals describing the scenes as “disgraceful” and “completely brazen”.

The first dumping was discovered at the freeway exit ramp in Wallan, where a substantial pile of rubbish, believed to have been offloaded from a truck, was left dangerously close to traffic.

Residents say the location is particularly concerning given the high-speed environment, with debris posing a potential hazard for drivers entering and exiting the freeway.

The incident comes as major road works continue in the area, including upgrades to the Watson Street interchange, which are already creating changed traffic conditions and increased congestion.

Dump31pic1 1068w WebRdy — WANDONG WASTE: The Lightwood Crossing site was again the scene of an illegal dumping.

A second, similar incident was uncovered at Lightwood Crossing in Wandong, where another large load of waste was dumped in a semi-rural setting.

The scale of the dumping has led residents to believe it was carried out by a commercial operator rather than an individual, with materials reportedly including mixed household and construction waste.

The incidents have reignited frustration across the community, with many residents questioning how offenders continue to operate without being caught.

Illegal dumping is not new to the area. In February, residents and council were left to clean up another significant dump on Wallan Heights Road, with authorities warning that ratepayers ultimately foot the bill.

Council leaders have repeatedly stressed that dumping is unlawful and costly, with clean-ups often requiring significant resources and specialist disposal.

Residents are now calling for stronger penalties and more visible enforcement, arguing that repeat incidents show current deterrents are not working.

“There’s no way this is just someone with a trailer. This is organised dumping, and it keeps happening,” one local said.

With two major incidents in quick succession, the message from the community is clear: enough is enough.

Both sites are expected to require significant clean-up efforts, with costs likely to fall to council unless those responsible can be identified.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who witnessed suspicious activity in either location to come forward.

Regions’ health woes

Ashok Verma

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March 31, 2026

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REGIONAL health services battling financial constraints are grappling with challenges to meet demand and deliver services.

Seymour Health, which had a deficit of $1.34 million for the year ended June 30, 2025, is again looking at a bleak picture, with another deficit on the cards.

Chief Executive Officer Ward Steet said the reality is that the healthcare budget across Victoria is tight.

He said most small rural health services had fiscal management improvement plans in place to create saving initiatives, and Seymour Health is no different to any of those small rural health services.

“We have put in place savings initiatives to try and come in as best we can towards a balanced budget. We are currently in a deficit position and are forecasting a deficit.”

Asked how much the expected deficit would be, Mr Steet said: “I am not at liberty to speculate on what that figure may be and as you would understand there are many factors at play currently that would make such a forecast quite unreliable, not least of all the current cost escalations as a result of the Middle East conflict.”

Mr Steet said though the service faces funding challenges, there is no bed shortages.

“We have not cut any service. If anything, we have expanded services … There is no waiting lists for admissions to the hospital, and our outpatient services and urgent care waiting periods remain similar to what they have always been. We are responsive to the community need.

“We have had funding growth. Each year we have moved forward.”

Asked whether the finding from the Department of Health has kept up with the times to meet the challenges after population rise, he would not directly answer that, but added certainly, it’s challenging.

“We are meeting community demand within our allocated funding resources, but we are currently experiencing a deficit position. We have sufficient remaining reserves to cover the deficit position. So there is no risk to our services or that we need to cut any services. In fact, we have expanded services. So, we are meeting those challenges head on.”

In recent months, there were reports the Department of Health had instructed Seymour Health to draw from unallocated funds, including money set aside for staff leave entitlements in a bid to reduce its operating deficit.

Seymour Health recently added 10 residential aged care beds at Barrabill House.

Northern Health, which reported a deficit of $74 million operating deficit for the 2023-24 financial year, did not respond to repeated inquiries about its current financial position.

Seymour, Lancefield win big at regional final

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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Seymour, Lancefield win big at regional final

MORE than 100 people from agricultural societies that form the Central and Upper Goulburn Group attended the group finals in Kyneton on Sunday.

The Lancefield and Seymour societies were joined by groups from Whittlesea, Mansfield, Yea, Alexandra, Kyneton, Sunbury and Lilydale with members vying for a spot in the Victorian Agricultural Societies (VAS) state finals to be held later this year.

The event, hosted at the Kyneton Showgrounds, offered a display of the best craft in the region, showcasing skills in woodwork, baking and knitting.

Sunday’s finalists consisted of talented creators who had taken home the top prize at their local shows. One of those was Seymour Agricultural Society’s Pam Beerens, who took home two first place prizes at the Group finals.

She beat other entrants in the Hand Knitted Headwear and VAS knitting categories, the latter granting her entry into the VAS state finals for the third time.

Pam notched up a 10th year of first prizes at last year’s Seymour Show, and will be looking to make it 11 when this year’s show rolls around at the start of October.

Other winners for Seymour included Robyn Tooley in the Crocheted Baby’s Garment category and Jenny MacKintosh in Crochet Toy. Helga Bhades finished second for her carrot cake.

Not to be outdone, Lancefield Agricultural Society members brought home four sashes of their own, with Judy Francis in Handmade Card – Open, and Anna Newnham in Four Plain Scones. Each won the top prize.

Jade Waters finished second in the Pair of Hand Knitted Socks category, as did Harriet Lumsden in the Pet Rock competition for children under 14.

The winners of the VAS categories now advance to the state final which will be held at the Royal Melbourne Show starting on September 24.

Row over Watson Street upgrade

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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CLAIMS and counterclaims were heard from opposing sides of the political divide over the Watson Street upgrade.

Liberals said “despite campaigning on the promise to duplicate Watson Street as a part of the Wallan Diamond Interchange upgrade, Labor has quietly removed the commitment from the project.”

They said original government planning documents in 2020 clearly state that the project would include a “Watson Street duplication: two lanes of vehicular traffic in each direction.”

Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland said in 2022, Lauren Kathage, Member for Yan Yean, also campaigned on the promise of delivering an upgrade to Watson Street to improve capacity and safety, adding on Facebook she was not interested in making empty promises.

“Despite these assurances, the Watson Street duplication is no longer mentioned anywhere as a part of the project, only the interchange, leaving residents with a broken promise.”

But Ms Kathage has refuted the claims.

“The Watson Street interchange upgrade and the Northern Highway intersection upgrade will improve safety and slash congestion for working families,” she said.

“Claims that scope has been removed from the Watson Street upgrade are wrong.”

Ms Kathage said the document mentioned by the Liberals was a planning document from 2020, which was “prior to my commitment in 2022”.

”That document does not relate to the commitment that I made. That’s not a commitment document. It’s a planning document for acquiring land. We’ve never had a duplication commitment … the 2020 document is … just planning, it’s just the government being ahead of the curve and saying which land we need to acquire now so that when it does come time to do those projects we’re not held up by acquisitions, which can take 18 months under legislation,” she said.

“We have undertaken planning work so that we can deliver future projects in the area after these vital upgrades are completed. Liberal housing policy is to fast track more estates in Wallan, with no commitment for infrastructure.”

Wallan hosts McIntyre Cup final

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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WALLAN successfully hosted the McIntyre Cup final for the Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA), with the GDCA hailing the efforts of the Magpies for putting together a good pitch in the face of severe weather challenges throughout the week.

A big event for the Magpies was threatened by heavy rain throughout the week, and there were more challenges on Saturday when more rain left more challenges to negotiate a game.

However, things finally cleared up later on Saturday, with Gisborne sent in by Woodend.

The common theme on Saturday saw Gisborne batters make starts, but not quite being able to go on with it.

Jarryd Vernon top scored with 31, while Spencer Jones added 24, Warren Kelly scored 23 and Harry Luxmoore added 20 as Gisborne made 9/185.

Thomas Robson took 3/35 to lead the way for Woodend throughout the day with the ball, while Warren Else took 2/36 and James Morley 2/41.

Woodend knew they had to negotiate the whole day’s play to earn the premiership as it finished on top of the ladder, having the choice of scoring the 186 runs needed or preserving its wicket throughout the day.

Woodend chose the latter, with Oliver Price scoring a patient 45 and Jacques Du Toit scoring 36 as it did enough to score 3/117, draw the game and earn the premiership.

Price’s 45 saw him earn man of the match honours.

Winning goals in the gala round

Jo Kubeil

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March 31, 2026

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ON THE weekend, at the home of the mighty Mitchell Ranges Soccer Club, a gala event warmed up the homeside crowd and the visitors from Macedon Ranges Soccer Club.

The only soccer club in Mitchell Shire held their first senior women’s local derby to celebrate girls and women in football, and Mitchell Shire Chief Executive Mary Agostino attended to toss the coin for the women’s match and to take part in the presentations.

In the main match of the day, the Ranges played a cracking game of football with the final score of 6-0, in favour of the home side.

Stella Catton has been with the club for four seasons and said she was encouraged to train with the women’s side: “I trained once and was registered by that weekend.”

“Fun fact, I’m the oldest on the team (40), but I can still keep up with the young’uns. I’m a committee member, soccer mum and left winger for the senior women’s. I love the club for the people. From volunteers, to parents, to players, everyone is there for such a positive reason,” she said.

Catton also said the highlights of the day included the junior players walking the senior women out for their match and Mary Agostino recognising women in sport during her pre-match speech.

“Macedon Rangers being a good competitive side that to have only formed last week and haven’t ever played a game together, and the amazing club spirit from all the supporters also made the day one to remember for the hardworking Mitchell Shire Rangers Soccer Club.”

Rangers had a tough time in its Saturday afternoon men’s match against Greenvale United, losing 6-1 in its senior match up.

Rangers had a tough time in the opening half, conceding a goal in the sixth minute as Greenvale United got on the scoreboard right away.

Rangers held out for 20 minutes as they looked for a pathway back into the game, but it was not forthcoming, as United’s pressure was telling, forcing an own goal from William Mulvey in the 26th minute.

Another goal in the 39th minute meant it was 3-0 at the main break.

Rangers were hoping to come out of the break re-energised, but instead, United went to another gear to start the second half and recorded three goals in nine minutes to make it 6-0.

However, Rangers had a positive finish to the game, with Levent Gulec scoring in the 73rd minute to give Rangers a good moment for the afternoon.

In the reserves’ matchup, Rangers were outclassed by Greenvale, losing 4-1.

A goal in the eighth minute put Rangers on the back foot immediately, but they did hold out for 23 minutes as they looked to equalise.

However, United found a way through to make it 2-0 at the main break, before adding a third in the 65th minute.

Rangers found a breakthrough in the 78th minute through Avtar Singh to make it 3-1, and were hoping for a good finish, but United managed a fourth goal in the 83rd minute.