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New name unveiled for Epping Animal Welfare Facility

July 18, 2023

Epping Animal Welfare Facility has a new name – wat djerring Animal Facility – meaning ‘we together’ to reinforce the importance in reuniting pets with their owners and finding new homes.

The new name was chosen in consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the new name represented a new era for the facility after it was re-launched under the City of Whittlesea management, in partnership with Merri-bek and Darebin councils.

“The facility operates as the pound for three councils, and we wanted a more inclusive name that acknowledged the cultural heritage of the land on which the facility is located and reflected the purpose of the facility; to reconnect people with their pets and to give animals a fresh start,” she said.

“The new name, pronounced ‘wot jerring’, really captures the strong values our community places on pet ownership and in so doing helps to bring to life the vision for a new beginning for the facility. While the name has changed, the great service provided to our pets at the facility has not.”

In addition, a new visual brand was designed by Aboriginal artist De Greer-Yindimincarlie at YinidiArtz that demonstrates how an animal, despites its challenges, can flourish and thrive with love and care.

Both Darebin and Merri-bek mayors welcomed the renaming of the facility.

Opening hours are between Monday and Friday, inlcuding weekends and public holidays.

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

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: July 18, 2023

Ray Carroll

July 18, 2023

Happy in the valley

It’s a long way from Nottingham, UK, to the hills and vales of Hidden Valley near Wallan, but Kevin Marchant and his family love their Aussie location and lifestyle.

Kevin and his wife Dee have two fine children, twins Edie and Bobby, who love their schooldays at Assumption College.

Kevin was born in Nottingham and attended a local high school, then the renowned Loughborough University.

A civil engineer by trade, he is a talented sportsman. He played rugby union in the England and Wales National League, cricket in the Notts County Premier League. He loved playing cricket again last summer after a long break, with Kilmore Cricket Club Third XI alongside son Bobby who is a keen young footballer.

Nottingham in the English Midlands is renowned for many things, not least Sherwood Forest and the legend of Robin Hood. The county was home of two of England’s greatest ever cricketers, fast bowler Harold Larwood and Bill Bowes. Both were coalminers and they spearheaded their country famed ‘Bodyline’ attack in 1932-33.

Kevin has been a prolific marathon runner clocking up sixteen to date in the prestigious Melbourne and Gold Coast marathons.

He has fond memories of his homeland, university friends, sporting teammates, holidays in Cornwall, winning league title and cups and learning life lessons through sports.

His mum and sister still live in Nottingham and he loves taking his family every couple of years to visit them. He met his Australian wife Dee in Spain – she was on a working holiday and Kevin was on tour with a rugby club.

The pair instantly clicked and two years later were married. They came to Australia in 2000 and the two children were born in Australia.

Dee was born in Werribee and was educated at St Andrews Primary and Watsonia Tech. She is a bookkeeper and very talented photographer.

The special people in her life are her parents, Kevin and the children. Like her husband, she loves living in the valley: “A lovely location, wonderful community and just a great place to be.”

The two children make their parents proud. Daughter Edie is very creative. She loves arts and craft, spinning and knitting, singing and songwriting, reading and painting.

People tell me she’s a fine singer. She is certainly a nice young person, as is her brother Bobby.

A super keen sportsman like his dad, Bobby loves footy, cricket, swimming, motor biking and going to the gym. Like his sister, he really appreciates all that ACK has to offer. Both have really good pals and this is an important facet of their young lives.

The family love Hidden Valley and its people, and I’m sure they are highly regarded by all. Prominent among their circle of friends are Robbie and Katia Fowler and family, of Wallan, whom they describe as a truly wonderful family.

Aussies at the Ashes

Several thousand Aussies are in England for the Ashes Tests. Among them is Wallan Cricket Club president Robbie Fowler and three of his sons.

A legendary figure in Wallan cricket and footy as a player, coach and official, Robbie has long wanted to be at the mecca of cricket, Lords, for an England and Australia test.

He went in a ballot for tickets six months ago but with 300,000 in the ballot, chances were slim. He persevered and finally got tickets via a scalper agency.

A day at a Lords Test is not cheap. Try 209 UK pounds as a starting price. Anyway, he and sons Campbell, Beau and Chase finally made it and on day one he texted me from Lords:

“We’re seated at midwicket, terrific atmosphere and great to enjoy Steve Smith and Travis Head in fine form. Walked round the precinct at lunch break and saw a who’s who of world Test champions of the past mingling on the lawns – among them Jeff Thomson, Ricky Ponting, Merv Hughes, Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee. Also noted stars of music and screen e.g Stephen Fry, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Lily Allen and Ed Sheeran. It’s been worth the long wait and the price of the tickets”.

R.I.P two good men

Two fine people of abiding faith were farewelled from this life very recently. John Kelly, pictured below, and Tom Dalgleish were much loved and admired by family and all who knew them.

John’s family would have been moved to note many of his students from the 1960’s and 1970’s came. Some from long distances to attend the requiem mass co-celebrated by St Patrick’s Father Prakash and former ACK student Fr Michael Kelly.

Tom Dalgleish, pictured below and now reunited with his wife Barbara, was a gentle person. He was very proud of Helen, Peter, Paul, Brendan, Damien, and Adrian. He was grandfather of 20 and great grandfather of 13.

Children and grandchildren played roles in Tom’s requiem mass. Their love and devotion shone through. A truly good man. Tom was one of those quiet Australians who are really the backbone of the nation.

The family would have been pleased with the assemblage of local area folk paying tribute by their attendance. Like John Kelly, Tom Dalgleish would have been delighted by their uplifting masses so wonderfully celebrated by Father Prakash.

Footnote: Kilmore’s St Patrick’s Church and Anglican Christ Church are blessed to have very good men at the helm. St Pat’s Father Prakash and Christ Church’s new pastor Father Daniel Kerr are both inspirational and truly dedicated.

Varia

Cooper Harvey, son of Kangaroos legend Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey, 431 games, debuted for North Melbourne a week ago.

Cooper played in ACK’s premier XVIII in 2022 and is the 149th student of Assumption to play VFL/AFL since the college began in 1893.

***

Assumption First XVIII meets Mentone in the last game before the finals at ACK on Saturday. The AGSV title series should be hard fought with possibly old rivals ACK and Marcellin to fight it out for the flag.

Kilmore Blues back on the NFNL winner’s list

Jordyn Grubisic

July 18, 2023

Kilmore Blues back on the NFNL winner’s list

In division three action of the Northern Football Netball League, NFNL, on Saturday, Reservoir were left with long faces after a thrashing by Kilmore who triumphed 17.17 (119) to 0.3 (3).

It was a slow first quarter at Crispe Park with scores 0.2 (2) to 1.3 (9) as Kilmore kicked the only goal, setting the scene for what many thought would be a low scoring game.

However, it was anything but as the Blues came out firing in the second quarter kicking nine goals and keeping Reservoir goalless.

Leading by 62 points heading into halftime, the Blues had found their momentum after coming off four losses in previous games prior to the bye.

In fact, Kilmore hadn’t won since May 27 against Lalor.

Kilmore continued its onslaught in the third quarter kicking another four goals as the Colts couldn’t put anything through the sticks as the Blues extended their lead to 92 points 14.11 (95) to 0.3 (3).

The old adage that ‘bad things come in threes’ proved true for Reservoir as it remained on three points for the remainder of the game, as Kilmore kicked another three goals to secure a 116-point victory.

Kilmore senior coach Paul Derrick said the side started off ‘very slow’ but shifted gears in the second quarter.

“We’re aware we played slow in the first quarter and then in the second we kicked 10.5 to put the game beyond doubt, which was good. The boys started playing some really good football,” he said.

“In the first quarter we played really slow and safe. Then we said to the boys to just take the game on in the second quarter and run. They did that and created a lot of opportunities, which was good.

“We wanted to move the ball fast and that was our whole focus – that’s why the first quarter was so disappointing.

“We started to run and since we’ve based ourselves on fitness for so long but we’ve never showed it much so it was good to finally show it especially with some huge games coming up.”

Derrick said the side had strong movement of the football around the field.

“It wasn’t just straight down the line stuff but we were looking for the switch and linking up by hand, which was really good,” he said.

“We were also putting ourselves in spaces to use the football, which is what we’ve been training to do for a while now and it finally came to fruition.”

Kilmore’s 16-year-old Ben Doyle had another great game kicking five goals in his third senior game of the season, supported by centre half-forward Aaron Speak who kicked three.

Defenders Chris Jackson and Bailey Derrick were strong in the backline.

“They just created a lot of run from there and used the footy really well,” Derrick said.

“Then we had Chris Barton who was sensational in the middle, kicking a couple of goals himself and getting a lot of the footy.

“Liam Monaghan probably played his best game of footy for the year too. He went into the midfield and took a lot of marks and moved the footy really well.”

Ethan Derrick also took a lot of marks around the ground and set up plays for the side.

This Saturday, Kilmore has a home game against Heidelberg West.

“We just want to win every game and play the best footy we can,” Derrick said.

“Just try win every game and who knows, if the cards fall well we might be able to pinch a fourth spot. If not, at least we know we’ve got something to do with them next year.”

In NFNL division one, Hurstbridge defeated Whittlesea 21.13 (139) to 7.7 (49).

The Eagles consistently hit the scoreboard each quarter but were unable to stop Hurstbridge’s run.

Christian Prestopino, with five goals, was voted best on ground, while Thomas Falls and Ethan Mann were also named in the best.

Whittlesea play Macleod this Saturday at home.

City of Whittlesea community law ready for feedback

The North Central Review

July 18, 2023

City of Whittlesea community law ready for feedback

Animals, property and vehicles are a few topics addressed in the City of Whittlesea’s draft of a new Community Local Law, which has been released for public consultation.

Endorsed to be released for feedback at the June council meeting, the draft addresses issues including the use of recreational fire pits, nature strip maintenance, managing long-term parking of trailers, caravans and boats on council land.

The draft also focuses on managing derelict and dilapidated buildings, dumping rubbish, abandoned shopping trolleys,managing dogs on sports fields and strengthening dog attack laws.

Council is also updating its nature strip guidelines to follow community preferances.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson encouraged residents to read the draft Community Local Law and nature strip guidelines and submit feedback.

“We want to make sure that the law is truly reflective of our community and provides the framework to ensure that the City of Whittlesea truly is ‘A Place for All’,” she said.

“It’s about striking a balance between personal freedom and community responsibility to help people live harmoniously in their local community.”

Council staff will host pop-up sessions to discuss the draft at different locations throughout July, as well as a short online survey.

Council will review community feedback before finalising the Community Local Law and presenting it for endorsement at a council meeting later this year.

New centre supporting older residents opens in Mernda

The North Central Review

July 18, 2023

New centre supporting older residents opens in Mernda

A new $2.69 million facility in Mernda will provide older residents and their carers with vital support services.

The Mernda Social Support Centre, at 70 Mernda Village Drive, is open and will be a key hub for the delivery of co-located services and activities for older adults in the City of Whittlesea.

The centre features three activity rooms, kitchen, consulting room, staff office, outdoor barbecue area and accessible amenities.

A range of programs will be offered helping people forge new social connections, maintain independence and improve mental and physical health.

Programs include exercise classes for older adults led by a qualified and accredited exercise physiologist; dementia and memory program delivered by a team of allied health staff to support people experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss; wellbeing skills group sessions for older adults teaching people psychological skills to maintain their mental wellbeing; digital mentoring and engagement sessions; and cultural, social and information-based events.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the northern suburbs’ growth, and Australia’s ageing population, meant there was high demand for a fit-for-purpose social support facility.

She said the number of residents in the City of Whittlesea experiencing social isolation and lack of community connectivity, as well as health-related issues such as living with dementia, was expected to increase dramatically in coming years and council needed to be prepared to meet their needs.

“The services offered at the Mernda Social Support Centre will help our older residents maintain their independence and continue to participate meaningfully in the community,” she said.

“Reducing social isolation, both for participants and the people who care for them, is an important part of ensuring our residents are safe and supported to continue to live their best lives.”

The centre was funded by $1.45 million from the City of Whittlesea and a $1.24 million grant from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

It was built in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Australia dementia-friendly guidelines and features a Changing Places facility.

A Changing Places facility allows people with high support needs to participate in community life without the worry of accessing a suitable toilet or change facility.

The 517-metre centre includes sustainability features including an in-ground water tank, double-gazed windows, gas-free appliances and PV solar system.

Priority access to services will be given to residents aged 65 years and over, and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents aged 50 years and over.

Community members and organisations can book the centre’s specialist facilities by emailing communityfacilities@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or calling council on 9217 2170.

Treated wastewater to be released in Kilmore and Seymour

Lauren Duffy

July 18, 2023

Treated wastewater to be released in Kilmore and Seymour

FULLY treated wastewater from Goulburn Valley Water’s, GVW, Seymour and Kilmore wastewater management facilities are set to be released in coming weeks.

The storage lagoons that contain the wastewater are reaching capacity as a result of rainfall over the past few months, with releases to occur into Seymour’s Back Creek and Kilmore Creek, along with locations in Euroa, Mansfield, Tatura and Kyabram.

Releases are expected to be about one to four megalitres per day depending on the waterway.

GVW wastewater and recycling coordinator Stuart Harris said discharging excess fully treated wastewater from the storages helped to reduce any potential for uncontrolled overflows.

The water being released has been fully treated and meets Class C standards, with the Environmental Protection Agency notified and set to monitor for any unexpected impacts.

People with queries can call GVW’s customer service centre on 1800 454 500.

Defibrillators donated for Whittlesea township

The North Central Review

July 18, 2023

Defibrillators donated for Whittlesea township

Whittlesea community groups have donated two defibrillators for the greater good of the Whittlesea community.

Both defibrillators will be situated in Whittlesea, one at the community garden, beside the library in Laurel Street, and the other in Church Street, operating 24 hours a day, with its exact location to be announced soon.

Funding the defibrilators was shared between Whittlesea Rotary, Whittlesea Lions, Whittlesea Jumbunna Country Women’s Association and Whittlesea Community Garden, as well as a substantial donation from the proceeds of a raffle by the geocaching community at their mega event in Whittlesea last year.

Darren Mannix, a member of the geocaching community, supplied the defibrillators at a reduced price through his company Healthguard First Aid, and delivered a one-hour training session on the equipment to members of the groups.

Whittlesea Rotary is currently completing a stocktake of defibrillators within the Whittlesea area to ensure all are registered with Ambulance Victoria and maintained.

Over the years, the Rotary and Lions clubs in Whittlesea have jointly funded many defibrillators to sport clubs, schools and individuals.

Any questions about defibrillators within the Whittlesea township and surrounds can be directed to whittlesearotary@gmail.com.

Kilmore Racing Club celebrates trots memorial night

Lauren Duffy

July 18, 2023

Kilmore Racing Club celebrates trots memorial night

By Len Baker

IT was a great night of harness racing on Saturday when Kilmore’s annual memorial race night recognised the many local families who have been heavily involved in the sport.

The feature race – the $24,000 Popular Alm Sprint over 1690 metres – went to five-year-old Bettors Delight-Ashlees Babe gelding Bettor Isolate.

Trained by Mattie Craven, based at Ecklin South near Terang, and driven by brother Glenn, Bettor Isolate began fast from gate four to lead before being eased to allow polemarker Mynameisjeff.

Bettor Isolate assumed control entering the straight on the first occasion and enjoyed a cosy trip to use the sprint lane and prevail by a half head over a game Tango Tara, which raced uncovered for the final circuit.

Like A Wildfire, three wide last lap from the rear, was third 1.6 metres way. The mile rate was a slick 1-53.2.

The other highlight of the night was the $20,000 Vin Knight Memorial Pace, over 2180 metres, in which Andy Gath’s Kiwi-bred six-year-old Lincoln Royal-Pull The Pin gelding Pull The Other Leg was a surprise victor – much to the delight of the large number of owners involved.

Driven by wife Kate, Pull The Other Leg, better known as a front of the field horse, on this occasion was taken back to the rear from gate four as Khafaji led from gate two.

Trailing both Roarforroscow and Arggghhh forward three wide in the last lap, Pull The Other Leg, still a long way off the leaders and very wide on the final bend, sprouted wings in the straight to blouse Khafaji by a neck, with Arggghhh a neck back third in a thrilling finish. The mile rate was 1-56.

The Winter Championship (Heat 1) over 2180 metres named in honour of Ken ‘Snowy’ Chapman opened the program, which saw Horsham owner/trainer Aaron Dunn successful with smart four-year-old Sunshine Beach-Sassy Rose gelding Eyethink.

He led throughout from gate four to account for Rocknroll Walla, which trailed by 4.1 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.1. Polemarker Beta Than Love was third 4.1 metres away.

Heat 2 of the Winter Championship – The Bob Cain Memorial saw Melton trainer Dean Braun victorious with ex-New Zealander seven-year-old Changover-Artistic Class gelding Holy Basil in a rate of 1-58.6.

With Nathan Jack in the sulky, Holy Basil was given an easy time three back in the running line from gate four to finish strongly out wide to score by 2.8 metres from Codename Marcus.

Wotdidusaaay battled on gamely for third 2.3 metres back after racing exposed for most of the trip. The final will be held this Saturday at Melton.

The Don Logie Memorial Pace, over 1690 metres, was a rough result for most punters with Elmore trainer Keith Cotchin’s four-year-old Betting Line-Art Start mare Diamond Shooz flashing home late from well back. The margins 1.4 metres by a neck in 1-54.6.

One of the district’s biggest families in harness, the Mifsuds, were honoured by the Leli and Mary Mifsud Memorial 3Y0 Pace for fillies over 2180 metres.

Drouin co-trainers Gary and Debbie Quinlan caused a major upset when Captaintreacherous-Sahara Miss filly Sahara Breeze, driven by Greg Sugars, scored over the almost unbackable favourite Joyful outside her, to register a neck victory in 1-55.9. Scheming finished third along the sprint lane 2.9 metres back.

The Bob Knight Memorial, over 1690 metres, was taken out by Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham’s seven-year-old Major Bronski-Korabeit Princess gelding Major Manbar giving Nathan Jack a double.

Sweet Passion, which had her chance along the sprint lane, was second with Ozzie Playboy third 5.4 metres back. The mile rate 1-55.1.

Andy and Kate Gath finished the night on a high note after six-year-old Love You-Sumthingaboutmaori gelding Central Otago was an easy winner of the 2180 metre Roger Reeves Memorial Trotters Mobile.

Going forward at the start from gate three, Kate put the foot down when the speed slackened to take over and Central Otago was allowed to bowl along at the leisure, running out an easy four-metre victor in 2-00.8, from Majestical Belle and Revelstoke was third three metres back.

An 11-event program at Kilmore on July 6 featured a win to Wallan trainer Ruth Shinn and son Chris, who took out the 1690-metre Carlton and United Breweries Pace with four-year-old Archaa.

The A Rockroll Dance-Shes Pinkalicious gelding brought up his two wins in succession.

Bred and raced by husband Noel, Archaa finished his race off well to record a two-metre margin in advance of Our Princess Di, which trailed the winner easing outside him on the home turn. The mile rate 1-57.

Kilmore’s next harness meeting is on this Thursday.

New site set for Pyalong fire station

Jordyn Grubisic

July 18, 2023

A new Country Fire Authority, CFA, station will be built at 3 Eades Way in Pyalong.

Mitchell Shire Council issued a planning permit in May for use and development of the land for an emergency services facility.

The CFA plans to develop the site as a purpose-built fire station, comprising a two-bay fire truck motor room, one office, three bathrooms, multipurpose room, storage room, turnout room, workshop, laundry, kitchen and deck.

It is a single-storey structure with increased heights to accommodate emergency services vehicles.

Twelve car parking spaces, including one disabled space, will be situated to the side of the building.

The development will also include a two-bay outbuilding next to the car parking area and two new crossovers to High Street.

Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford said there were no objections to the permit.

“The site is within an area of cultural heritage sensitivity as it is located within 200 metres of a designated watercourse,” he said.

“The proposed development is identified as a high impact activity and requires a Cultural Heritage Management Plan, CHMP, prior to the issue of a planning permit.

“The permit was on hold until the CHMP was prepared and approved by a Registered Aboriginal Party.”

A CHMP was submitted to council on May 18 and the permit was issued on May 30.

Pyalong Fire Brigade has campaigned for 15 years for a new fire station, after outgrowing its existing Power Street site.

Members were forced to store equipment off-site and brigade management believed the lack of facilities was preventing the recruitment of new members, particularly women.

Macedon schools receive maintenance funding

Lauren Duffy

July 18, 2023

Macedon schools receive maintenance funding

State Government funding for bushfire preparedness projects across Victoria will include at least five Macedon Shire schools.

Lancefield Primary School will receive $23,720; Riddells Creek Primary School $22,478; Darraweit Guim $21,245; Bolinda Primary School $20,202; and Newham Primary School $22,311.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said schools in Macedon were among more than 350 schools to undergo a maintenance blitz through the $13.5-million Planned Maintenance and Bushfire Preparedness programs.

“We’re making sure local schools in Macedon are safe and comfortable, giving our students the best possible settings to learn and thrive in,” she said.

Nearly 325 schools have been allocated a total of more than $8.2 million for vegetation clearing and activities that reduce the risk of harm from a bushfire, providing a safer environment for students.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the government was providing schools with needed educational resources.

“Every student should have access to a great school no matter where they live. That’s why we’re supporting local schools with the resources they need to make a difference to the educational outcomes of students across the state,” she said.

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