Memorial night two at Kilmore trots

Grace Frost

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August 1, 2023

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By Len Baker

The second night honouring past area participants at Kilmore on Thursday featured a most entertaining 10-race program.

Those to be remembered during the evening were Jack Knight, Dick Barber, Reg Shinn, Charlie Bell and J.P ‘Jack’ McKay – all well-known names in the industry.

The Jack Knight Memorial over 2180 metres saw victory go to Strathfieldsaye trainer Julie Douglas’ four-year-old Changeover-Starlit Orion gelding Epic Orion.

Driven by Daryl Douglas, Epic Orion scored by a half head from Bronski Moment, which used the sprint lane off the back of the leader Einstein, with Shaken Sands third 1.4 metres back. The mile rate 2-04.1.

Romsey trainer Chris Svanosio’s four-year-old Used To Me-Cupid Seelster mare Queen Of Quebec chalked up two wins in succession at Kilmore when it won 2180-metre Dick Barber Memorial Trotters Mobile.

With stable foreman Ross Payne again in the sulky, Queen Of Quebec starting solo on the second line before leading the outside division prior to the bell and racing clear on the final bend to register a 4.4-metre margin over Silent Reverie, which had trailed the pacemaker Aldebaran Stevie.

Chantilly Dee was gigantic in running third a head back after giving away an impossible start after galloping. The mile rate 2-0.4.

The 2180-metre Reg Shinn Memorial 2Y0 Trotters Mobile went the way of Bunbartha trainer John Newberry’s impressive Volstead-Tricea Powell filly Nordic Reign, with Newberry’s son Matthew in the sulky.

Beginning fast from outside the front line to lead, Nordic Reign was untroubled to record an 8.3-metre victory from Courages Law after a bad beginning when giving away a huge margin. Dead Set Crazy was third a nose away after a bad beginning. The mile rate 2-05.

The Charlie Bell Memorial Trotters Handicap, over 2150 metres, was taken out by Melton duo Maree and John Caldow’s most consistent five-year-old Father Patrick-Solar Flash mare Sangreal in 2-03.2, running out a 7.7 metre victor over Red White And Bloom.

The Caldows brought up a double after five-year-old Petrock-Lauper mare Our Kinky Boots snared the JP McKay Memorial Pace over 2180 metres in a thrilling finish.

Leading out from gate two, Our Kinky Boots was eased to allow Four Star Saint next door to take over, giving her the run of the race.

Using the sprint lane, Our Kinky Boots recorded a head margin over Shaq and Jillibyjacksparrow returning a mile rate of 1-59.2.

The Thirties Pace Final over 2180 metres went to the Kilmore Ben Yole/Taylor Youl combination when eight-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven-Rossangel Gold gelding Fly Like An Angel recorded his sixth success in 68 outings.

Going forward three wide from three back uncovered in the last lap, Fly Like An Angel led on turning to score by 9.3 metres from Righteously and Madam Auckland. The mile rate 2-02.1.

The $10,000 Alabar Vicbred Platinum Mares Sprint Championship 10th heat, over 1690 metres, saw Charlton trainer John Tormey’s mare Twister Bliss, driven by Jack Laugher, overcome an extreme draw position to score in a mile rate of 1-56.

Meredith co-trainers Emmett and Richard Brosnan snared the quinella in the 1690 metre Jet Roofing 3Y0 Maiden Pace with Huntsville-Ocean Oro filly Imagination Oro, driven by Chris Alford, defeating Inexorable in a mile rate of 1-58.7.

Great Western trainer Daryl Crone used the services of Maryborough’s Tina Ridis aboard Wishing Stone-Yankee Princess gelding Prince Of Rock to register a massive 39.8-metre victory in the Garrards Horse and Hound 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

Kilmore trainer Thomas Parnell’s six-year-old Four Starzzz Shark-Chess Timer gelding Starzzzofmichael won the Hip Pocket Workwear Maiden Pace over 1690 metres in a close finish.

Driven by Rita Burnett, Starzzzofmichael ran home best four-wide off a one-one trip from gate five to blouse Major Suspect by a neck, with Ariarne third a half neck away, in a mile rate of 2-02.1.

Kilmore harness races are again this Thursday.

Tigers ram home a 116-point win, coach remains critical

Max Davies

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August 1, 2023

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Tigers ram home a 116-point win, coach remains critical

By Max Davies

LANCEFIELD took home a win in Riddell District Football Netball League senior football action at the weekend, keeping the struggling Western Rams winless in a comprehensive thumping.

While the Tigers were able to record a dominating away victory 118 to two points, coach Tim Bannan said his side still needed to find a consistent four-quarter effort if they wanted to move up the ladder.

“The wind was pretty strong for the first three quarters, and they set up really well defensively, so we struggled to kick a few goals early on,” he said.

“We’re just starting to get some structure back with our midfield setup and we just started to play some really good footy towards the end of the game.

“We’ve just got to get that four-quarter effort happening earlier on if we want to run with some of the top sides, but we finished off really well.”

The Tigers had multiple players return to the side, with the likes of Thomas Waters, Zach Webb, Leroy Ristevski and Anthoney Pacers finding their feet again after limited experience this year.

“We’ve got our predominant midfield back, so we were just trying to work on some structure, which worked really well,” Bannan said.

“[The Rams] were good for the first half – they’re a pretty physical team but they’re not dirty. They just stopped our run of play and dropped guys back behind the footy, which they did really smartly, so we had to work our way around that.”

Drawing praise was forward Alex Simpson, who kicked seven goals, as well as Zach Webb, Riley O’Meara and Luke Malone who impressed in the midfield.

Lancefield will this weekend host Wallan who are returning from a bye, with Bannan expecting a tough match as his team works to chase down a top-six spot on the ladder.

“We know it’s going to be a tough challenge, but I think we can match it with them if we play four quarters of footy – not one, two or three.

We have to play four quarters to get ourselves an opportunity,” he said.

“It’s our second last home game for the year so hopefully we can sneak a win against one of these top five sides before the end of the year, which would be good to see.”

In other Riddell League action, Romsey went down by one point in an away game thriller against Woodend-Hesket in what was another closely contested late-game loss.

With only one point the margin at the last break, the Redbacks’ best efforts – spearheaded by Jack Jedwab’s seven goals for the match – were not enough to stop the Hawks from sneaking ahead by just one behind at the final siren.

Elsewhere, Riddell was able to break Diggers Rest’s undefeated streak in an 89 to 44-point victory, while Macedon had the better of the visiting Melton Centrals.

This weekend’s schedule for round 16 has Romsey hosting Macedon, while Melton travel to Riddells Creek for what will be a tough match against the Bombers, and last-placed Rams will host Diggers Rest.

Netball

While the majority of the league’s netball scores mirrored the success of their football counterparts, Lancefield’s A Grade side was unable to match the charging Rams.

Tigers’ shooter Tarnee Hammond was the top-scorer for her side on 25, however, a dual effort from the Rams’ attacking players proved too tough to overcome.

Riddell showed strong form, while Woodend-Hesket and Macedon, who each took out victories against Diggers Rest, Romsey and Melton respectively.

With only three rounds left in the season, Riddell sits atop the ladder ahead by eight points over Macedon and Woodend-Hesket, while Wallan remains fourth with Romsey in pursuit.

Greening Whittlesea on National Tree Day

Grace Frost

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August 1, 2023

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Greening Whittlesea on National Tree Day

Community members celebrated National Tree Day on Sunday through various free, family-friendly activities.

Set in the surrounds at Tambo Conservation Reserve in Whittlesea, the event featured tree and shrub planting as well as interactive activities, marshmallow toasting and lots of information for people to learn more about the local biodiversity and waterways.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the event was a wonderful opportunity for residents to get out in nature and help plant some extra greenery in a conservation reserve.

“Together with Whittlesea Scouts and Whittlesea Landcare, this event is part of the planting trees for the Queen’s Jubilee project and will enhance the biodiversity within the reserve through which Bruce’s Creek and Plenty River run,” she said.

National Tree Day has been celebrated on the last weekend of July in Australia since 1996, with about 300,000 volunteers taking part in planting events each year.

“We know trees play an important role in creating a sustainable environment for the future and help us combat the effects of climate change,” Ms Wilson said.

“We have planted over 1000 trees over the last two months and events such as this help us continue to increase green cover across our municipality.”

‘HELP’ not reliant on a pass

Grace Frost

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August 1, 2023

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UNIVERSITY students who fail more than half of their classes will no longer be disqualified from student loan assistance – meaning they will not have to pay upfront if they wish to continue higher education.

Students taking at least eight units in tertiary education will be eligible to a Commonwealth-supported place, Higher Education Loan Program – HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP – despite the grades they receive in those units.

The implementation of the new eligibility rule will see thousands benefit in the region, with more than 16,000 in the City of Whittlesea and 2000 in the Mitchell Shire enrolled as tertiary students, including TAFE, in 2021.

The Federal Government announced the change last month as one of five action items listed in the Australian University Accord Interim Report to improve the education system.

The 50 per cent pass rule was implemented under the government’s Job-Ready Graduates package.

Under the report, the rule was found to ‘disproportionally disadvantage’ students from the regions and low socio-economic backgrounds.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said once the rule was removed from legislation, it wouldn’t apply to new and existing students.

“These are students being forced to quit and most of them are from poor backgrounds,” he said.

“It means there will be more support and attention paid to students to help them to pass, not to force them to quit.”

The government is also investing $66.9 million to increase the number of university study hubs across the country, with 20 regional hubs and up to 14 suburban study hubs to make attaining a degree more achievable.

Currently 34 Regional University Study Hubs operate under the Regional University Study Hubs program for better access to education in remote and regional areas.

“Bringing higher education closer to students in the regions will work hand in hand with the support needed to ensure students are achieving in their studies, exactly what the Albanese Government aims to do with removing the 50 per cent pass rule for HECS,” Mr Mitchell said.

The locations of the hubs will be determined through an independent process by the Department of Education.

An additional priority area outlined in the report is ensuring that Indigenous students are eligible for a funded place at university, which currently only applies to Indigenous students who live in regional Australia.

Largest youth council sworn in at Mitchell Shire Council

Jordyn Grubisic

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August 1, 2023

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Largest youth council sworn in at Mitchell Shire Council

Mitchell Shire Council’s largest youth council of 13 members was sworn in during its July 17 meeting, with additional positions created to reflect community needs in ongoing flood recovery.

Youth council is a representative committee of the Mitchell Shire Council, providing an opportunity for contributions from youth towards council decision-making.

Councillors can serve an ongoing term of up to four years while between the ages of 12 and 24.

North ward

Evie Bricks is debuting on youth council with experience in leadership through representative roles on the student representative council and as a scout patrol leader. She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to connect in their communities.

Hannah Handford is undertaking her second year. She creative, enjoys art and is passionate about physical and mental health.

Ayla Davis, in her first year on youth council, is also secretary. She is a strong leader for her year 11 peers and volunteers at a Greyhound adoption centre.

Second-year councillor Nic Houghton has great communication and social skills demonstrated through his role as secretary this past year.

Cena Marshall is debuting on youth council and is passionate about helping people in her community.

Taylah Macdonald is a new councillor who is enthusiastic about making the community a better place. She has assisted Seymour Aquatic Centre during Seymour’s most recent floods and was a leader during a school camp.

Year six student Heidi Banks is undertaking her first year on youth council. She strongly advocates for environmental issues and has participated in Clean Up Australia Day events.

Central ward

Youth Mayor Bailey White is in his second year on youth council. He has been on the junior school council, as well as the school captain and a member of his school’s representative council. Bailey is extremely passionate about helping others and representing the community.

Deputy mayor Danielle Spratling is debuting on youth council. In her role as college captain, Danielle demonstrates outstanding leadership skills. Outside of school, Danielle participates in community events, including the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, fundraising for the women in leadership development program, is a mentor for her workplace and is an operational CFA volunteer.

First-year councillor Jeremy Stute is passionate about making sure council is inclusive, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. Jeremy is a member of Broadford Secondary College’s Of All Colours group and helped host a pride day for students.

Elena Skala is a first-year youth councillor who has demonstrated her leadership skills through junior school council.

South ward

Jack Jones is debuting on youth council. He attends Wallan Youth Room and is a natural leader who takes into consideration the perspective of others. He volunteers for Aussie Hoops, assisting in teaching basketball skills to students aged four to 10.

Returning for his third year on youth council, Cooper Price is passionate about equality, safety and community connection. He is a strong advocate for the No Quarry campaign and has been a mentor for younger youth council members.

Mayor Bailey joined youth council as he had a passion for helping community members and wanted to share new ideas.

“Youth council provides a lot of opportunities. Last year we did emotional intelligence training with the Australia School of Entrepreneurship and learnt about the many different aspects of a person’s feelings and emotions,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to participate in this type of training if not for youth council.

“There are many future projects I’d like to put forward on behalf of the community, including multiple skill workshops, competitions, fundraisers and awareness-raising campaigns.”

Deputy mayor Danielle said youth council sounded like a perfect opportunity to get involved in local government and make a difference for young people in the shire.

“I joined because I want to make sure young people are being represented, factored into important conversations, and their struggles are being appropriately addressed,” she said.

“I want to focus on youth health, especially physical health and health literacy, following the pandemic and the prevalence of family violence in Mitchell Shire and its impact on our youth.

“I really like this group of youth councillors and can’t wait to work together with them to support positive change.”

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: August 1, 2023

News

Ray Carroll

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August 1, 2023

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ACK just miss out

Ivanhoe came from behind in the final minutes to defeat Assumption by two points in a semi-final thriller on Saturday. Final scores were Ivanhoe 5.11 (41) defeated ACK 6.3 (39).

It was a fiercely-contested tussle marred somewhat by some early fog and a slippery surface.

In the other semi at Ringwood, a crowd of about 1500 saw home team Yarra Valley defeat Marcellin in a tight finish.

Jubilant scenes greeted the Valley’s win – it will be its first title win in 60 years, if they defeat Ivanhoe. Likewise, opponents Ivanhoe will be looking for its first premiership in 60 years.

ACK coach and players, while disappointed to just miss, can look back on another very good season.

Vale Paul Egan

Paul Egan, who passed from this life last week, was a very good man. He faced a tough health battle in his final months.

Well known to The Free Press, then Review readers for his informative weekly racing column, ‘Pegs’, as he was known, had a wide knowledge of many sports.

Early education was by the Marist Brothers of Preston. He always spoke highly of the brothers.

Sympathy of many will be with Sue, all family members and close friends.

SDCA

The Seymour and District Cricket Association has suffered major setbacks with the loss of strong clubs Kilmore – last season – and now Broadford.

Both clubs have transferred to the strong Gisborne District Cricket Association, which fields a massive 170 teams at senior and junior levels.

Hopefully the SDCA can survive, and I am sure it will, with a revamped A and B level competition.

Kilmore resident and association president Ben Trezise and others will be working hard to ensure the surviving eight clubs, from Pyalong in the west, to Alexandra in the east, are able to field multiple teams.

Broadford netballer net two-goal victory: Outer East Football Netball

Lauren Duffy

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August 1, 2023

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Broadford netballer net two-goal victory: Outer East Football Netball

A tight contest ensued between Broadford and Yarra Glen in Outer East Football Netball League division two A Grade netball on Saturday, but the Kangaroos were able to secure a two-goal victory.

Not having beaten Yarra Glen this season, the Kangaroos had nothing to lose as they headed into the game.

It was a close first quarter as Broadford led by two goals but it was the second quarter where the Kangaroos were able to make a run to lead by six goals.

Out of halftime, Yarra Glen shrunk the margin to four goals before a close finish in the final quarter with Broadford defeating the home side 57 to 55.

Goal shooter Renee Sari had a great game with 40 goals and was named in the best, alongside Broadford captain Ally Black and Alyssah Chibnall.

B Grade remain undefeated this season after 52-39 win, while C Grade lost 21-36 and need to win in the remaining two rounds of the season to cement a finals’ place.

This Saturday, Broadford host Powelltown, with the A Grade match set to be tight tussle as third versus fourth.

Football

Broadford seniors had another strong start this Saturday but fell short in the second half, going down to Yarra Glen 15.9 (99) to 18.18 (126).

The opening term saw Broadford come out strongly and kick seven goals to Yarra Glen’s six.

The second quarter remained close as the Kangaroos kicked two goals but Yarra Glen edged its way in front to take a five-point lead into halftime.

Coming out of halftime, Yarra Glen kicked five goals to Broadford’s two, which gave the home side some breathing room with a 31-point lead.

The third quarter charge proved to be too much in the end – although Broadford was able to match it with Yarra Glen in an even fourth term, it was not enough to close the gap.

Broadford’s Tom Knight was key in the forward line, kicking eight goals for the game and was named best on ground.

Jayme Ruedin, coach Jayden Welch and Dean Tydell were also named in Broadford’s best.

Broadford host Powelltown this Saturday in the final home and away game this season.

Mitchell Shire Weekly Police News: August 1, 2023

Grace Frost

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August 1, 2023

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Counterfeit notes

Suspects use larger value notes to ‘purchase’ items for a small amount and then pocket actual money in change.

Police advise that counterfeit banknotes hold no value and people will not be reimbursed by the bank for them.

If people receive a banknote and suspect it is fake, they can refuse the note.

For more information, visit the Australian Federal Police website at www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/crime-types/counterfeit-currency or Victoria Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Australian Federal Police on (02) 5126 0000.

Business and commercial safety

Information is available at www.police.vic.gov.au/business-and-commercial for business owners in relation to petrol thefts; business security e-kits; personal safety in the work place; crime prevention through environmental design; and preventing armed robbery.

Alternatively people can contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Seen anything suspicious?

Seen something? Know something? Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Seymour Wellbeing Hub remains a priority

Grace Frost

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August 1, 2023

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Seymour Wellbeing Hub remains a priority

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has stepped up the push for a Seymour Wellbeing Hub.

In a visit to Seymour, Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman was updated on the need for the Hub – a project that requires funding at both a state and federal level.

Ms Cleeland said the Seymour Wellbeing Hub would be a great benefit to the community.

“The hub will give up to 10,000 people access to integrated health and mental health support, together with other vital community services including a Veterans’ Support Centre,” she said.

A Veterans’ Support Centre would provide specialised physical and mental health support for both retired from duty and active duty defence personnel, including suicide prevention programs to form a vital component of the project.

Mitchell Shire Council, which has committed more than $3 million in land and project costs, has been calling on the state and federal governments to invest $23 million for the Seymour project.

“I have also written directly to the minister calling for support for this project because our community wants to see real action, not just symbolic gestures,” Ms Cleeland said.

Education service lease extended in Mernda

Max Davies

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August 1, 2023

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Education service lease extended in Mernda

PRESTON and Reservoir Adult Community Education, PRACE, will continue its education and intervention services for at-risk youth, after it was granted a lease extension at the last City of Whittlesea council meeting.

PRACE, located within the Mernda Recreation Reserve in Schotters Road, will have its lease extended from nine to 20 years to provide specialist intervention services for vulnerable young people and adult education services, including literacy, numeracy, as well as the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, VCAL, pre-VCAL and Vocational Education and Training courses.

Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said council was pleased to offer the lease for PRACE to continue important education services to the community.

“PRACE has been successfully providing vital education and support services for both young people and adults in the City of Whittlesea for a number of years, meeting the growing demand and needs of the local community,” she said.

“PRACE also work closely with local employers and Melbourne Polytechnic, helping students find further study or work and helping to contribute to our strong local economy.”

Consultation on the lease extension last year formed part of the Mernda Recreation Reserve Master Planning engagement process.

Further consultation on the next stage of the master plan will be taken later this year.