Wet and windy win for Wallan

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June 26, 2023

Wet and windy conditions made it a difficult game for Wallan and Romsey at Greenhill Reserve on Saturday.

The Magpies came away with the victory 11.6 (72) to Romsey’s 6.8 (44) after taking the lead in the first quarter and maintaining it for the rest of the game.

Wallan assistant coach Spencer Mathleson said the side started well and played to the conditions.

“It was really wet and windy. We adapted well to the conditions and played pretty well. It was probably our best four quarter performance for the season,” he said.

“We’re happy with how we went, especially against Romsey who are a pretty good side. It’s great to have another win.”

Going against the wind Wallan kicked four goals in the opening quarter keeping Romsey to one.

The already tough conditions were exacerbated by pelting rain in the second quarter. Wallan continued to convert in their forward 50 kicking another three goals.

Romsey’s scoring efforts were better in the second quarter going against the wind, kicking two goals to bring the game to within 25 points.

The third quarter saw Wallan remain scoreless as they went back to battling the tough winds.

Romsey took advantage of the conditions narrowing the score to within two goals.

“It wasn’t a windy as the week before but it was windy to the same end,” Mathleson said.

“Romsey kicked with the wind in the first quarter and in the third although we didn’t score, Romsey only had five scoring shots for the quarter which was a positive for us.

“We kept them to two goals which was pretty good for the day.”

The Redbacks were unable to catch the Magpies who soared into the fourth taking full advantage of the wind, playing to the conditions and kicking another four goals.

Romsey kicked two but it wasn’t enough with Wallan emerging with a 28-point victory.

“From the week before we just probably didn’t adapt to the conditions as well as Riddell did, so we needed to address that this week. It was quite a coincidence it was a windy game and we adapted a lot better,” Mathleson said.

“Plus when the rain came we didn’t over possess the ball so we know that it was a much better, smarter game we played this week than the week before.”

Wallan’s Hayden Gill played centre half-forward and kicked three goals for the side, while coach Justin Sherman kicked three for Romsey.

Mathleson said along with Gill, forward Jordan Port, Angus Love and Callum Langborne down back were also solid for the Magpies.

“We had a lot of good players. When you play well and win usually you have a lot of good players like this week,” he said.

Wallan have another home game Saturday against Macedon and the side hope to continue its momentum from this week.

“We just want to make sure that we’re consistent. We’re a young team and consistency can fluctuate so we’ve just got to make sure we’re consistent again and hopefully we get the results we want again,” Mathleson said.

Romsey have a bye this weekend.

Lancefield

It was a tough game on the road for Lancefield on Saturday, with the Tigers losing to Melton Centrals 3.7 (25) to 9.5 (59).

Lancefield were scoreless in the first quarter while Melton kicked four goals, leaving the Tigers trailing by 25-points heading into the second quarter.

Melton’s run slowed in the second quarter, only kicking one goal, while Lancefield managed to get onto the scoreboard for the first time with three scoring shots.

The third and fourth quarters remained tough for Lancefield who just couldn’t catch Melton with their lead extending to six goals at the end of the third quarter before winning by 34-points.

Among the best players for Lancefield were Ollie Bryant, Michael Conlan, Lachlan Mitchell and Ned O’Connell.

Lancefield have a home game Saturday against Diggers Rest who are currently sitting undefeated on top of the ladder.

Property of the week: Picturesque, private and perfectly located

Lauren Duffy

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June 26, 2023

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Property of the week: Picturesque, private and perfectly located

35 Melrose Drive, Kilmore

SPONSORED

4 bed, 2 bath, 7 car-space

Land Size: 6854 m2

For sale $980,000 to $1,030,000

Located in one of Kilmore’s premier locations and nestled amidst enchanting gardens, this immaculately presented four-bedroom home on just under 7000m2 offers the tranquillity of country life with the convenience of township living.

An updated and well-designed kitchen sits at the heart of the home and flows to the numerous living areas including a cosy lounge with gas log fire, dining room with new flooring and rumpus room with wood fire, air-conditioning and ceiling fan.

Each robed bedroom provides delightful garden views with the main bedroom also having a reverse cycle split system, ceiling fan and updated ensuite.

100011490 eVUDJDmWNGB23gje 16854514917032 Large

Additional features include gas ducted heating, ducted vacuum system, quality window furnishings throughout, double garage with remote door and a 16-panel solar system to keep the electricity bills low.

Outside is also packed with features including an inviting pergola for outdoor dining and entertaining, 6x9m (approx) shed with concrete floor and power connected, tool shed, woodshed, potting shed, veggie patch and chicken run.

This impressive property, located in a tranquil and leafy pocket of Kilmore amidst other quality homes, is sure to impress.

Nutrien Harcourts PROPERTY ID: L21863982

Agent: Jeanette Laffan
Mobile: 0438 452 641
Email: jeanette.laffan@nutrien.com.au

116 Powlett Street, Kilmore 3764
T: 03 5782 0400
www.kilmore.nutrienharcourts.com.au

North central community celebrates NAIDOC Week

Lauren Duffy

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June 23, 2023

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North central community celebrates NAIDOC Week

Communities throughout the north central region will this week celebrate and recognise National Aboriginies and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week, NAIDOC Week, with a variety of activities and events.

NAIDOC Week, from July 2 to 9, has a theme of ‘For Our Elders’ this year.

The week-long event will involve Australians celebrating Indigenous history, culture and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Multiple events and activities will take place across the region in recognition of the event.

Sunday, July 2

Yea celebrations

Activities will commence at 10.30am on Sunday July 2 with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country in the YWDC Indigenous Garden by Taungurung Elder Aunty Angela ten Burren (Franklin), followed by morning tea.

Aunty Angela is passionate about researching her family history, Taungurung history and the history of Yea through her strong ancestral ties with her great grandfather John Franklin.

Aunty Angela is also curating a display in the Wetlands Centre around the NAIDOC theme of ‘For our Elders’ in which photographs and biographies of Taungurung Elders will be displayed with feathers or flowers handpicked from Taungurung Country.

At 1pm, Uncle Ronald Briggs will address attendees in the Discovery Centre.

Uncle Ron is a Yorta Yorta elder, Senior Aboriginal Cultural Advisor and Program Facilitator at Caraniche. He is on the board of VAHS- Victorian Aboriginal Health Services and will lead a discussion around the Voice to Parliament, Treaty and Truth as set out in 2017 in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Uncle Ron will explain the origins of the Voice movement and what the Voice is expected to achieve. He will also comment on the issues which have arisen around this proposal. Uncle Ron will be happy to take questions.

Sunday’s activities are free of charge but booking via TryBooking would be appreciated for catering and seating purposes.

Wednesday, July 5

Kids workshop session

Celebrated Taungurung artist and educator Cassie Leatham will hold two workshops on Wednesday July 5 using traditional weaving techniques and natural materials.

Participants in the Mr Beaky Story time and art session, from 10am to 12pm on Wednesday for primary aged children, will enjoy reading the Mr Beaky story with Cassie, meet Mr Beaky himself and get to create mini clay bird sculptures.

Weaving workshop

An afternoon weaving session from 1pm-4pm will give participants the chance to learn to weave string bags using traditional weaving techniques.

Places are limited for these two workshops, with costs at $8 per child, $15 for concession and $20 for adults including all materials.

NAIDOC Week at the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre is proudly supported by Murrindindi Shire Council, Taungurung Land & Waters Council and Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre Inc.

Participants are encouraged to book in advance through Try Booking.

Enquiries can be directed to the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre on 5797 2663.

Seymour celebrations

Goranwarrabul Mob and Friends is hosting celebrations in Seymour commencing at 10.30am at 6 Callen Street, Seymour with a welcome and smoking ceremony.

Attendees will then take part in the NAIDOC parade to Kings Park stopping at the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk on High Street to lay a wreath.

The main event will start at 11am at Kings Park with food, stalls and family activities available to attendees available until 2pm – a great event for school holiday fun.

Pop-up playgroup

Whittlesea Community Centre will host a free, First Nations inspired playgroup between 9.30am and 11.30am, featuring stories from Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ian Hunter, Aboriginal-themed children’s activities, games and arts and craft and storytime with Whittlesea Library.

The event is recommended for all ages, with children, parents and grandparents invited to attend.

Dancing our stories – Teen workshop

Indigenous Outreach Projects is facilitating a free dance workshop at Laurimar Community Activity Centre from 11am to 3pm.

Participants will be encouraged to learn, move, and embrace the cultural heritage and artistry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances, honouring Indigenous traditions.

The dance workshop invites Koori young people, their friends, and other young individuals aged between 12 and 18.

Attendees can also expect to learn about cultural heritage and customs from Indigenous Elders.

Friday, July 14

Free film screening

The wider Whittlesea community is invited to attend a free screening of the film ‘The Last Daughter’ from 11am to 1pm at Yan Yean Theatre at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang.

The film follows Brenda Matthews who journeys to learn about her past and reconcile the two sides of her family. Ms Matthews will be present at the screening for a question and answer session following the film.

To reserve a spot, people can visit https://bit.ly/46vPTcA.

Scoreboard struggles for the Kilmore Blues

Jordyn Grubisic

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June 20, 2023

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Scoreboard struggles for the Kilmore Blues

A tough day in front of goals factored into Kilmore’s loss to Old Eltham Collegians at home on Saturday.

The final score was 2.10 (22) to 7.13 (55) in round nine of Northern Football Netball League’s division three.

In a physical contest, the Blues struggled to convert on the scoreboard despite their efforts around the ground impressing coach Paul Derrick.

The Blues were held goalless in the first quarter while the Turtles scored two.

In the second quarter, Kilmore was able to kick one goal while Old Eltham did not score for the term.

Kilmore kicked its second goal in the third quarter but couldn’t convert anything else for the remainder of the match.

Derrick said it was his side’s forward half conversion that let the Blues down.

“It was a good game of footy, we just didn’t capitalise going forward at all,” he said.

“I think we had 38 inside 50s and kicked two goals. That always hurts.

“I think that was probably the difference and Old Eltham’s full forward was really good. He kicked four whereas we didn’t capitalise when we were forward.”

It was a physical contest between the two sides with Derrick preparing his young side for the physicality prior to the game.

“It was good to see the young kids handle it. I wasn’t sure how they’d go. I knew it was going to be physical and we gee’d the boys but there was that concern about how they’d handle it. But they were really good,” he said.

“We matched them physically and it was probably only a little bit of polish we were missing on the weekend.”

Derrick said competing for the ball and around the contests was a major focus for the Blues.

“We needed a four-quarter effort and I think they gave that on the weekend. They tried their butts off. They tried all day and I couldn’t fault their efforts, it was more so just some skill errors and not hitting the scoreboard hurt us a lot,” he said.

“Even in the last quarter they could’ve faded away but they didn’t. They fought really hard.

“Everyone was trying, it was just we didn’t have the polish to finish it off.”

Derrick said Leigh Irons did a fantastic job in the midfield. Ethan Derrick was moved into the backline and played well on Old Eltham’s Nicholas Milne.

Around the ground, Caden Fitzpatrick impressed in the ruck.

Kilmore has another home game this Saturday against Laurimar.

Derrick said the side would continue to work on ball use.

“At times it’s really good and at times we just pick the wrong option but that’s just young fellas who haven’t played a lot of footy still adapting,” he said.

“This is the second half of the year so everything we’ve done against each team we want to improve on.

“We get Laurimar this week so hopefully a big improvement from where we were in round one is what we’re looking for.

“In our side at the moment, I think there’s six or seven under 19s and a couple of those are first year under 19s like Lachlan Chester. There’s also the ones who are just out of under 19s. I think all up there’s around 19 or so with under 25 games.

“It’s a really young side. They’re easy to coach because they’re really keen and it’s just making sure they keep getting better. That’s the aim.”

In Northern Football Netball League division one, Whittlesea lost to Greensborough 4.5 (29) to 14.21 (105) at home on Saturday.

Max Dyson, in his 250th senior game, Xavier Dimasi and Josh Eid were named in Whittlesea’s best.

The Eagles will host Montmorency at home Saturday.

Crazy hair in Lancefield for bus crash support

Max Davies

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June 20, 2023

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Crazy hair in Lancefield for bus crash support

By Max Davies

CRAZY hair was the talk of the day at Lancefield’s St Mary’s Primary School as students let their creativity shine in a whole-school fundraising effort.

Organised by the school’s Mini Vinnies group, the crazy hair day served to raise funds for students and families of Exford Primary School who were impacted in last month’s horror bus crash near Melton.

Mini Vinnies is a year five group that operates as part of the larger St Vincent de Paul Society, often going out to do good deeds, host fundraisers and cater to the community.

When its members heard about a bus crash at Eynesbury, north-west of Melbourne, last month, they wanted to help.

St Mary’s community liaison leader Jo Shannon said the Mini Vinnies group wanted to encourage the whole school to raise funds for those injured in the crash.

“As a community, the students are very good at doing things and getting involved to help the wider community, and it’s really nice to see these ideas come from them,” she said.

“The money will go into a big fund that’s happening through Exford Primary and I’ll be letting them know what the kids did and how much has [been donated] just so that they’re aware of what we’ve been doing.”

Hair styles included bright dyed hair, spiders with googly eyes, big spikes and even balloons, with all students who took part required to give a gold coin donation upon arriving to school.

Mini Vinnies also sold Zooper Doopers at recess and lunch time, and collected about $250 in gold coin donations.

“Generally we do fundraisers, like at the end of last year we did a fundraiser for Rochester Primary for the floods. We just look at what’s happening around and we make a decision on where we’d like our fundraiser to go,” Ms Shannon said.

“They just wanted to show their support for Exford, because being in a regional area a lot of our students catch buses to and from school. They just wanted to cheer them up in some way if they could.”

Upcoming events

St Mary’s is also organising several upcoming activities, including a student showcase this term and an initiative led by Cobaw Community Health next term to raise awareness of homelessness in Victoria.

For the last day of term this Friday, parents and families are invited to visit the school for the first hour of the day to view a student showcase of learning, demonstrating what students have been working on.

In term three, students will also work with Cobaw Community Health to create 6000 origami paper houses, which will be presented on the steps of Parliament to bring light to the issue of homelessness.

WR (2023-06-20)

Whittlesea Review

The North Central Review

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June 20, 2023

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NCR (2023-06-20)

North Central Review

The North Central Review

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June 20, 2023

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Army Tank Museum at Puckapunyal? No tanks.

Jordyn Grubisic

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June 20, 2023

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Army Tank Museum at Puckapunyal? No tanks.

The Federal Government has scrapped funding for a new facility to house the Australian Army Tank Museum at Puckapunyal.

The tank museum houses one of the largest collections of historic tanks, armoured vehicles and other military memorabilia in Australia.

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said the ‘difficult decision’ had been made to cancel the Puckapunyal Combined Arms Heritage and Learning Centre following recommendations defence reprioritise investments.

Mr Thistlethwaite wrote to Mitchell Shire Council last week to inform them of the decision following a defence strategic review.

“I appreciate there is significant local interest in this project and that the community will be disappointed in the decision,” he said.

Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said he was ‘very disappointed’ the committed $44 million was pulled.

“It sends a message of ‘we don’t really care about [Seymour]’ which is a terrible message to send,” he said.

“The veterans who live around the Seymour and Puckapunyal areas really wanted this project to go ahead as a way for them to contribute to a tourist attraction but also give them something to focus on after their service. They’re very disappointed by this decision that has been made.

“This was set to be something celebrating our history of service, helping the veterans with a focus for them and create a tourist buzz around Seymour. All of that has been taken away which is disappointing.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said council was ‘devastated’ by the decision.

“The timing of this announcement cuts even deeper because Seymour was recently hit hard by the devastating floods,” she said.

“This is a huge letdown for the Puckapunyal, Seymour and surrounding community in particular, because of our strong and proud military presence and history.

“We see the army, past and present, as very much a respected and valued part of our community.

“The educational and recruitment component that was planned within the complex aligns perfectly with several recommendations referenced within the defence strategic review. This is another reason we don’t understanding the funding being withdrawn.

“Our proud military community deserves appropriate acknowledgement and respect from the Federal Government. They have served in many theatres of war and continue to this very day.”

The project was advanced in planning stages when funding was withdrawn.

“We have been working with local representatives of the defence force and local RSL for a considerable time with significant planning investment already undertaken and a financial allocation in place,” Cr Stevens said.

“The Puckapunyal Combined Arms Heritage and Learning Centre was shovel ready, so why would you waste this time, effort and costs and now withdraw the funds at this critical stage.”

Cr Stevens said the current museum was ‘outdated’ and ‘near impossible’ for public access.

“The decision to cancel the Puckapunyal Combined Arms Heritage and Learning Centre means the community will continue to have extremely limited access to this collection due to it being located on base. It also raises questions for the future of this collection,” she said.

“The new centre would be a national tourist attraction that would educate and benefit the wider community. We urge the Federal Government to reconsider the decision.”

Mr Birrell said the museum was an amazing historical asset not housed in a tourist-friendly area.

“It needs to be set up to display these military artifacts in a way that will be easy for people to come and view them,” he said.

“It’s a huge loss for the town. I have seen what the Shepparton Art Museum and the Museum of Vehicle Evolution has done for that city. It’s been phenomenal the people that it’s brought here and the added economic activity and general buzz among people coming here to look at it.

“I was hoping this would do that for Seymour and in a short-sighted move, it’s been pulled away so it’s really disappointing there’s that lost potential.”

Despite the cancellation Mr Birrell said he would continue working with stakeholders to build the museum.

“I’m going to work with the Mitchell Shire Council, the RSL and other stakeholders to see where we go from here, is there another way of getting this funded and do we have to rescope it. That’s the next step but we certainly want something there,” he said.

Commitment to diamond interchange for Wallan questioned

Roads & Transport

Jordyn Grubisic

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June 20, 2023

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Commitment to diamond interchange for Wallan questioned

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has questioned the State Government’s commitment to the Watson Street – Hume Freeway diamond interchange project in Wallan.

In a constituency question to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan in Parliament, Ms Lovell acknowledged the project was briefly mentioned in the 2023-24 State Budget but said there was no indication of the amount allocated to the project or when it would be completed.

Ms Lovell said the diamond interchange had been a priority project for Mitchell Shire Council for many years.

“I have long advocated on behalf of Mitchell Shire Council and the Wallan community for the construction of a diamond interchange at the intersection of Watson Street and the Hume Freeway,” she said.

Ms Lovell said the lack of detail in the Budget regarding funding or timelines raised concerns the government may have only allocated funding for planning and the construction could be years away.

“It is concerning there is absolutely no detail in [May’s] State Budget on funding or completion timelines for the diamond interchange and I call on the minister to provide this information immediately,” she said.

Ms Lovell said the minister needed to provide clarity regarding how much funding was allocated to the interchange in the Budget, the breakdown of the funding over the coming years and an estimated date of completion.

Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said timeframes would be determined once planning is complete.

“Prior to the election we made a commitment to deliver a full diamond interchange at Watson Street,” she said.

“In our first Budget we have announced that funding is provided to deliver that commitment.

“Planning is already underway and that will determine further timeframes.

“Others can keep trying to scare the community and run the project down, we will just get on and deliver it.”

Ms Allan did not provide comment to the Review despite several requests.

RSPCA save 28 cats and dog from ‘deplorable’ living conditions

Lauren Duffy

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June 20, 2023

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RSPCA save 28 cats and dog from ‘deplorable’ living conditions

RSPCA Victoria rescued 28 cats and kittens and one dog living in ‘abhorrent living conditions’ from a property in the Mitchell Shire earlier this month.

RSPCA inspectors collected the animals from the property on June 5 and 6 after a member of the community made a report on the case.

RSPCA north east inspector team leader Michelle Green said almost all of the cats and kittens required medical care.

“The animals were found in abhorrent living conditions at the premises, with some showing signs of health issues,” she said.

“Upon seeing the deplorable condition of the animals, 11 cats were seized immediately by Inspectors and a warrant was obtained and executed the following day to seize the remaining animals.”

The animals were assessed by RSPCA Victoria’s veterinary team and will be provided with the required appropriate care.

Ms Green said there had been an increase in cases of animals housed in very poor conditions often resulting in health issues for the animals.

“Pet owners are required to ensure they provide a clean and sanitary environment and meet all the legal obligations that come with responsible pet ownership such as the provision of food, water, shelter, and veterinary attention,” she said.

“It’s also vitally important to consider the number of animals you can legally own and are able to provide adequate care for.”

Ms Green said reports received from the community were vital to ensuring animal cruelty and neglect was investigated to improve the welfare of animals throughout Victoria.

“It’s only through receiving information from a member of the community we discovered animals living in these conditions and were able to get them the care they need,” she said.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, it is an offence to confine an animal in a manner that causes or is likely to cause pain or suffering to the animal and anyone found guilty of such an offence can face fines of up to $46,230 or 12 months imprisonment.

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