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Broadford Roos rout Rebels: Outer East Football Netball League

July 11, 2023

By Jordyn Grubisic

Broadford Football Netball Club A Grade netballers came out firing on Saturday defeating Alexandra 69 to 27 and recording their highest score of the season.

The win lifts the Kangaroos up to second position on the Outer East Football Netball League division two A Grade ladder, two wins behind ladder leaders Warburton-Millgrove.

It was a significant day for the club, with the A Grade netballers and senior footballers wearing specially designed uniforms for the first time to celebrate First Nations Round.

Taungurung elder and artist Uncle Mick Harding speaks about the design of both the netball and football uniforms.

Broadford’s A Grade coach Ash Chapman said it was an incredible performance by his side, who came out firing to lead 18-4 in the first quarter.

“The game was exceptional. The team were really focused and prepared,” he said.

“The way that we executed our preparation and game plan really gave us a jump in the first quarter.

“I am really proud of the group. We are settling into our routines and structures at the right time of the season which is great.

“It was such an incredible weekend for the club celebrating NAIDOC and becoming the first group of people to wear a First Nations uniform. The team really did the uniform proud by playing with pride and dominating on the court.”

Broadford’s Ebony Heers was one of her side’s best in A Grade’s 69-27 win.

The Kangaroos continued their momentum in the second quarter leading by 29 goals heading into halftime, and didn’t take their foot off the accelerator for the rest of the game, extending its lead to 36 before eventually taking the win by 42.

“I was really pleased to see the team execute the basic skills at an exceptional intensity throughout the match,” Chapman said.

“Our ability to control the play and drive the ball at speed was impressive.

“We were able to turn the ball over and convert it to scoreboard pressure which is something we have struggled with in the early part of the season.

“Converting gained ball was a huge help for us resulting in our biggest score of the season.”

Goal shooter Renee Sari was a clear target for Broadford players to feed the ball to, while midcourters Ally Black and Bree Chapman had strong connections in attack.

Megan Berger provided Broadford’s defence with an intimidating presence and relished a freedom to hunt and attack the ball.

Chapman said all players had a great game contributing to the victory.

“There wasn’t a standout performer to be honest. It was a complete team performance,” he said.

“All players applied smothering and aggressive defence, and slick ball movement and speed in attack.

“Each player was able to compete and win their position.”

Broadford’s B Grade, on top of the ladder, scored a massive 91-10 win, while C Grade won 41-14 and the under 17s went down 10-14.

Broadford has a bye this Saturday.

Signs of improvement for Broadford

To celebrate Outer East Football Netball League’s First Nations Round, Broadford players wore specially-designed jumpers for the first time.

In a tough task for Broadford senior footballers against second-placed Alexandra, the Roos showed improvement and glimpses of quality football at Harley Hammond Reserve on Saturday.

The final score was Alexandra 6.7 (43) to Broadford’s 16.8 (104), with the home side’s lapses in the second and third quarter cost them dearly.

Last time the two sides met, on June 3, Alexandra won by 99 points.

The Rebels went in with a 14-point lead at quarter time, but as the Kangaroos struggled to convert on the scoreboard in the second term, it was Alexandra who slammed on five goals to control the game.

Bryce Fleming gets a kick away against Alexandra on Saturday.

In the third term, Alexandra extended its lead to 67 points, booting another five goals as Broadford only managed one.

But the Roos bounced back in the last term to finish the game strongly, outscoring the Rebels four goals to three.

Broadford’s coach Jayden Welch, with four goals, captain Liam Lucas and Tom Knight were named among the best on ground.

Captain Liam Lucas was among Broadford’s best.

Earlier in the day, Broadford Reserves scored an important 11-point win over third-placed Alexandra to keep their finals’ chances alive.

The win bumped the Reserves up into the top four, but only as percentage, with the remaining four games of the season now vital.

Broadford has a bye this weekend.

Fertility care now at Northern Health

Lauren Duffy

July 11, 2023

People living in Melbourne’s north with fertility issues now have closer access to donor sperm and eggs through a new partnership between Northern Health and Royal Women’s Hospital.

In what will be Australia’s first public egg and sperm bank, the two hospitals will offer a range of fertility services, including in vitro fertilization, IVF, treatments, fertility consultations, diagnostic tests and procedures, ultrasounds, counselling, information and support.

Once fully operational, the almost $120 million program will help up to 5000 Victorians every year to start a family.

Acting Health Minister Gabrielle Williams said the program would ‘remove cost as a barrier’ for people wanting to access IVF.

Eligible Victorians seeking to access Victoria’s public fertility care service – including the use of donated eggs or sperm – will need to be referred by their GP or specialist to the Royal Women’s Hospital.

The Royal Women’s Hospital will then refer eligible patients within Northern Health’s catchment to Northern Health for the majority of their fertility journey.

All appointments and treatments for the patients will then occur at Northern Health, aside from those requiring the use of the laboratory.

Northern Health divisional director and operations for women and children Nicole Carlon said Northern Health was ‘privileged’ to support patients with starting a family.

“Northern Health is delighted to partner with the Royal Women’s Hospital to provide those living in Melbourne’s north with comprehensive fertility services, closer to home,” she said.

“Starting a family is an exciting decision, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Northern Health is privileged to support patients on this journey.”

Premier Daniel Andrews and Ms Williams visited the facility at the Royal Women’s Hospital, which features a state-of-the-art laboratory, to share the announcement on July 2.

“Public IVF is already helping hundreds of Victorians make their dream of having a baby a reality,” Mr Andrews said.

“Helping someone start their family is one of the most generous gifts you could give someone, and our new public egg and sperm bank will help even more Victorians, do just that.”

City of Whittlesea celebrates NAIDOC Week

Pam Kiriakidis

July 11, 2023

City of Whittlesea celebrates NAIDOC Week

By Pam Kiriakidis

National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee, NAIDOC, events were celebrated across the City of Whittlesea last week, with workshops and family-friendly events.

An annual event in the first week of July, NAIDOC week recognises the cultures and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Focusing on this year’s theme ‘For Our Elders’, City of Whittlesea council staff, Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and State Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio, gathered for a morning tea at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre on Monday last week.

Elder Uncle Ian Hunter — Wurundjeri elder Uncle Ian Hunter showing the didgeridoo to children at Whittlesea Community Centre for NAIDOC Week.

Attendees were informed with updates on council’s major projects supporting First Nations people such as the Aboriginal Gathering Place at Quarry Hills, and development of a new Reconciliation Action Plan.

Other events included a pop-up playgroup at Whittlesea Community Centre on Wednesday to enjoy Aboriginal-themed children’s activities, arts and craft and stories.

Amber Smith Peyton and Quinn — Amber Smith and her daughters Peyton and Quinn making arts and crafts at the NAIDOC Week playgroup pop-up event at Whittlesea Community Centre on Wednesday.

Wurundjeri elder Uncle Ian Hunter was the guest entertainer, sharing stories about his great-great grandmother who was born at Plenty River in 1835.

Uncle Ian said the idea was to engage children through humour and stories.

“You got to intrigue things like even a little boomerang that I flick up, that’s an intriguing thing to interest kids in Aboriginality,” he said.

“We need to get away from making non-Indigenous people or people that don’t have any Indigenous heritage … from making those people feel guilty, so the idea is to intrigue kids with a bit of humour, a bit of little intricate things.”

Whittlesea Playgroup, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, City of Whittlesea and Yarra Plenty Regional Library were key partners in the playgroup event.

Whittlesea Playground president Cara Lewis said the children were exposed to Aboriginal tools, including boomerangs and spears, as part of their learning.

“NAIDOC Week is a really great opportunity for children to reflect and focus on what Aboriginal culture is and why it’s important to them. Unfortunately, it’s not necessarily something that they are exposed to all the time,” she said.

Teenagers aged 12 to 18 were also included in NAIDOC celebrations, with a teen workshop at Laurimar Community Activity Centre on Wednesday.

Indigenous Outreach Projects, a culturally diverse national collective who showcase their passion through music and dance to connect with youth, hosted a dance workshop to embrace the artistry of First Nations people dances.

Wakka Wakka Yuggera woman and mob dancer Jordan O’Davis said the workshop was to support youth in understanding Indigenous culture through movement.

“We’d speak a lot about our culture, obviously, this is a multicultural company, so we teach the kids animals in our warmups, we get to showcase our traditional dance to the kids at the start, and then the rest is just follow and copy along,” she said.

“They’ll definitely learn from what we’ve got to offer, no shame, be proud and respect – they are three really strong key words that we give out from our company.”

The council’s Aboriginal Communities Department will host a special screening on July 14 of the film ‘The Last Daughter’ and a live question and answer session with Brenda who’s journey is presented in the film.

To book for the screening, visit here.

An Australian first in Wollert: Hydrogen on the horizon

Max Davies

July 11, 2023

An Australian first in Wollert: Hydrogen on the horizon

By Max Davies

AUSTRALIA’S first 100 per cent hydrogen-powered house was unveiled in Wollert earlier this month, marking an important milestone in the development of low-carbon energy solutions.

HyHome, developed by Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, AGIG, in conjunction with Dennis Family Homes, Rinnai and Electrolux, is designed to look and feel like any normal home, but has one difference – many of its appliances run on bottled hydrogen instead of natural gas.

AGIG chief executive Craig de Laine said HyHome and the associated development of advanced hydrogen-compatible appliances represented a key step forward in the transition to cleaner energy in the home.

“We’ve known of the potential for hydrogen to be part of the renewable energy solution for industry and transport, but to demonstrate that gas appliances in the home can also run entirely on hydrogen is a game-changer,” he said.

“It provides ongoing choice for households, and for the energy transition as it represents an additional source of clean energy to displace emissions and meet our net zero targets.

“HyHome shows that Australians can continue to enjoy the convenience and reliability of gas, while progressively moving towards lower and zero carbon energy sources.”

Rinnai and Electrolux have been involved in the project to develop HyHome’s hydrogen-powered hot water system, cooktop and heating systems, which have been installed in the home using existing methods already in the plumbing industry.

Mr de Laine said current gas appliances could already work safely and effectively with a 10 per cent hydrogen blend into the existing gas supply, however 100 per cent hydrogen compatible appliances have been developed internationally and could be available to Australia in the future.

“It demonstrates that we can safely and reliably supply 100 per cent hydrogen to homes in exactly the same way we do natural gas today, so it shows that the appliances are available so we can get on with the job,” he said.

“Our customers tell us they want to continue to use natural gas today, but transition to renewable gas in the future. This is all about delivering what our customers want and what they’re asking for.”

As the use of hydrogen as an energy source is not yet commonplace in Australia, AGIG also operates ‘hydrogen parks’ in Adelaide and Gladstone, Queensland, that work to produce hydrogen for commercial purposes, including being bottled and distributed for projects like HyHome.

The unveiling of HyHome comes after AGIG’s announcement of a third production plant in the Albury-Wodonga region earlier this year, which will expand the supply of blended renewable hydrogen to thousands of homes and businesses in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

“Over the last 15 years, we’ve been doing a mains replacement program that replaces the old cast iron mains with polyethylene mains for safety reasons,” Mr de Laine said.

“Because of that we now have a world-class gas distribution system in Victoria that is capable of carrying 100 per cent hydrogen at very little additional cost.

“The infrastructure and the pipework into the house can carry 100 per cent hydrogen at very little incremental cost, so if you put that alongside a mandate to install hydrogen-ready appliances, it means when we do want to transition to 100 per cent hydrogen it is a straightforward and seamless process.”

For more information, visit www.agig.com.au.

Wallan man arrested after extortion incident

Lauren Duffy

July 11, 2023

Wallan man arrested after extortion incident

A Wallan man was among four men, three of who are patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, to be arrested of an alleged extortion of an Eltham business owner last week.

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested the four men – a 36-year-old Wallan man, believed to be a patched member of the Finks; a Dallas man, 43, believed to be a senior patched member of the Finks; a Docklands man, 34, believed to be a sergeant at arms of the Finks; an Ascot Vale man, 30, believed to be an associate of the Finks.

With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, early morning searches were conducted at five homes in Dallas, Docklands, Wallan, Ascot Vale and Langwarrin, as well as at a Brunswick East clubhouse on Friday.

Four men have been taken into custody and interviewed by police.

A handgun, ammunition and a significant quantity of cash were seized from the Ascot Vale address.

The 34-year-old Docklands man was arrested at an address in Langwarrin. He was aggressive towards police and consequently sprayed with OC spray. He was also served with a Firearm Prohibition Order.

A subsequent search of the Langwarrin address located a shotgun, ammunition and a quantity of what appear to be cocaine and steroids.

The arrests follow an incident on June 26, when the owner of a convenience store on Main Road in Eltham was threatened by several men trying to force the closure of his business.

Police were told four men, one wearing Finks OMCG colours, entered the store shortly before midday.

It is believed one of the men struck up a conversation about the store with the owner, before another threatened to burn the store down if the victim didn’t close his business.

The victim refused, and the men left the premises. Nobody was physically injured during the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who has knowledge of the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Mitchell Shire Weekly Police News: July 11, 2023

Lauren Duffy

July 11, 2023

Detectives chase information on cars

Mitchell Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing to speak to the owners of two vehicles seen travelling on Northwood Road, Northwood on February 17.

Police are hoping the vehicles’ occupants might be able to assist with enquiries in relation to a grass fire on Bromfields Road on February 17.

Anyone that may have further information in relation to the fire and a second fire that occurred on the corner of Northwood Road and Bromfields Road on March 18 is asked to contact Mitchell Crime Investigations Unit on 5735 0216 or Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Theft from vehicle

A vehicle parked in a driveway on Leahys Road, Kilmore, had its number plates stolen on July 5.

The front number plate looks to have been removed with a screwdriver.

Police have anti-theft screws available at local police stations, which people can obtain with a gold coin donation.

Attempted theft

At about 1am on July 6, a worker in an automotive business on McIntyre Street, Seymour, was at the premises working late. He heard noises like car doors closing coming next to the factory so he checked the CCTV cameras where he saw a person rummaging through the vehicles.

The worker approached the offender who he described as a male, about 20 years old, slim build, wearing a cream-coloured cap, checkered jacket and pants.

The alleged offender ran across towards the train line and towards Watson Street and Victoria Street. The worker attempted to chase him however the offender was not able to be located.

Theft of bicycles

Three electric bicycles and one standard bicycle was stolen from a property in Anzac Avenue, Seymour, between 11pm on July 4 and 7.30am on July 5.

The bicycles were locked up by a bike chain in the victim’s carport at the rear of the property. Two of the stolen bikes were a black Eurowheel bicycles and a black and silver Merinda bicycle.

Theft of vehicle

A silver 2015 Subaru Impreza was stolen from a carport in Howe Street, Seymour, between 10.30pm on July 3 and 6.15am on July 4.

The victim’s keys were stolen from his ignition on July 2. Unknown offenders then jumped the back gate and unlocked a padlock on the gate, before stealing the car while the victim was asleep.

Burglary at Broadford

Between 5pm on June 25 and 1pm on June 26, unknown offenders gained access to nine storage units at Broadford Self Storage on Cameron Parade.

CCTV footage shows the offenders, appearing to be two men, who have accessed the rear of the property and then cut the locks of the storage units.

The offenders rummaged through the storage units but it is not yet known what has been taken.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or their local police station.

Mitchell Shire juniors shine in interleague championship

News

Lauren Duffy

July 11, 2023

Mitchell Shire juniors shine in interleague championship

SELECTED junior footballers throughout the Mitchell Shire represented their clubs at the Goulburn Murray Junior League Interleague Championships on June 18.

Wandong Warriors’ Jackson Fraser and Seymour St Mary’s Taj Wessels were selected in the under 13s Goulburn Murray Junior League, GMJL, side.

Rory Kennedy and Dallas Ornsby from Seymour Lions were selected in the under 15s side, while Lion Melvic Pambai played in the under 16s side.

The GMJL teams played against Bendigo Junior Football League and Murray Football League sides in Mooroopna.

It was a successful day for the junior footballers as all Goulburn Murray teams advanced through the day undefeated, each playing two games.

Standout games were from the GMJL under 15 and under 16 sides, who defeated Murray League 12.10 (82) to zero and 9.3 (57) to zero respectively.

Goulburn Valley under 13 — The under 13 Goulburn Murray Junior League Interleague Championship side featuring the Wandong Warriors’ Jackson Fraser and Seymour St Mary’s Taj Wessels.

Goulburn Valley under 15 — The under 13 Goulburn Murray Junior League Interleague Championship side featuring the Wandong Warriors’ Jackson Fraser and Seymour St Mary’s Taj Wessels.

Kilmore NAB to close its doors

Jordyn Grubisic

July 11, 2023

The National Australia Bank, NAB, branch in Kilmore will close on September 28.

There will be no job losses as part of the closure, with branch staff provided new opportunities across NAB.

NAB retail customer executive Larna Manson said the decision was because of increased online banking, with 67 per cent of users of the Kilmore branch registered for online or telephone banking.

Ms Manson said about 57 per cent of Kilmore NAB customers had visited the branch once in the last year and more than 75 per cent of customers used other locations.

“The decision to close a branch is never easy but the number of customers coming into branches to do their banking is dropped, with more than 93 per cent of transactions across Australia taking place online,” she said.

“Almost 90 per cent of our Kilmore customers who are registered for online banking are active users of the mobile app and online banking.”

Seven per cent of Kilmore NAB users rely on branch-only banking method.

The closest face-to-face alternative branch is at Wallan Village shopping centre, which is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The Seymour branch refurbishments are set to be completed this month – another factor considered by NAB when closing the Kilmore branch.

Last year Kilmore NAB had 541 personal banking customers who visited regularly, three or more visits, and 88 heavy visitors with 12 or more visits. Twenty-one per cent of users who currently use the Kilmore branch also use the post office.

Those users will still be able to withdraw and deposit cash and cheques, and check account balances at Kilmore post office.

“The Kilmore team will be helping customers who need additional support with digital banking and also introducing them to the Bank@Post service down the road on Sydney Street,” Ms Manson said.

From January to December 2022, 139 business bank customers visited regularly, three or more, and 47 were heavy visitors with 12 or more.

Business customers will be able to use Bank@Post services including for change or coin floats fee-free.

For more information, businesses are invited to contact their bankers or transactional specialist or call 13 10 12.

Twin towers dominate for Wallan Panthers

Jordyn Grubisic

July 11, 2023

Twin towers dominate for Wallan Panthers

Wallan Panthers’ men scored a convincing 85-62 win over Maccabi in Big V division two action on Sunday.

It was a game for Wallan’s twin towers with big men Tom O’Connor and Arcaim Lallemand having impressive games under the ring.

Both players secured a double-double with O’Connor having 11 points and 19 rebounds, while Lallemand had 24 points and 12 rebounds.

Arcaim Lallemand was a key player in the Panthers’ win over Maccabi at the weekend. [Photo from prior round]

Wallan’s coach Tim Annett said utilising O’Connor and Lallemand’s height was a focus for the game.

“We had a lot more size than what they had so we knew we had to get the dominance inside and the big guys didn’t let us down,” he said.

Dominic Bruno, who also had a huge 30-point game for Wallan, opened the game with a layup to kick off the scoring.

Bruno’s additional two free throws put Wallan ahead early, and the Panthers kept up their momentum, closing out the first quarter up 22 to six.

The Panthers continued to dominate in the second quarter heading into halftime up by 16 points.

“I think our attitude at the start of the game was good,” Annett said.

“Going into a game where we thought we should win, it was good to see the guys switched on for majority of the first half and as the game went on we had control by halftime.”

Both sides had scoreless transitions at the start of the third quarter until Tyler Best scored a three-point play off a layup.

Maccabi brought the game back to within 12-points until Wallan got on another run heading into the final quarter, up 66 to 46, before winning by 23 points.

Annett said it was a good outcome for the Panthers.

“We probably knew going into the match it’s a game we should win,” he said.

“We had a couple of guys missing so it was good to win by that margin.”

Wallan will play top-of-the-ladder Whittlesea Pacers at home this Sunday.

“We’ve got back to third position now and we play top of the ladder this weekend so it’ll definitely be a good hit out for us going into finals,” Annett said.

“We get a few guys back too so we should have a really good game.”

Wallan Panthers division two women’s side had a bye on the weekend.

This Sunday, Panthers fans will be treated to back-to-back seniors games as the women take on Coburg at home before the senior men.

Whittlesea Eagles face close game in NFNL contest

Jordyn Grubisic

July 11, 2023

In a close contest Whittlesea lost to Bundoora by 17 point in Northern Football Netball League division one seniors on Saturday.

The 11.6 (72) to 12.17 (89) scoreline was indicative of the Eagles’ fight to be competitive on the scoreboard.

After being down by 29 points at quarter time, Whittlesea had to claw its way back into the game.

Whittlesea coach Wayne Van Der Ross said it was his side’s best performance of the year.

“We put in a four-quarter effort and the boys played really well. We almost knocked off Bundoora, which is a great effort,” he said.

Although the Eagles struggled to score in the first quarter, they remained undeterred, fighting their way back in the second quarter to boot five goals to one and bring the game back within five points.

“I think the biggest thing that changed in the second quarter was just that the boys started winning the footy,” Van Der Ross said.

“They were winning the contested ball and they were spreading really well from the contest.

“We just hit the scoreboard in the second quarter.”

The third quarter saw the Eagles remain right in the game with Bundoora, bringing the margin back to four points, before falling short in the fourth going down by 17 points.

Although Whittlesea couldn’t score the win, Van Der Ross said there were positives to take away from the close game.

“There was a lot more consistency and we were able to compete longer. Just being able to take it up to one of the best teams in the competition was great,” he said.

Harley Fraumano, one of the Eagles’ younger players, had a great game and was best on ground.

“We moved him into the midfield and he was really pivotal,” Van Der Ross said.

Clancy Bland also dominated in the ruck, while 17-year-old Jack Morley and Blake Heyfron also debuted for Whittlesea at the weekend

“What we’ve been doing this year is giving opportunities to young kids who deserve it,” Van Der Ross said.

“We’ve got about 10 or 11 players that have got their first senior game this year. We’re a very young side.”

Whittlesea will play Hurstbridge this Saturday.

“Going into this weekend’s game we’ll have a bit more confidence, more belief in ourselves,” Van Der Ross said.

“The biggest thing we’ll continue to work on, which we’ve been winning in the last three weeks, has been our clearances and tackles.

“Those two things have been a real feature of our game in the last three weeks, so we’ll continue to work on those things and continue to improve on other aspects of the game.”

In division three, Kilmore had a bye at the weekend but return this Saturday in an away game against Reservoir.

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