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Macedon Ranges winemaker honoured in King’s Birthday List

June 20, 2023

THE co-founder and chief executive of Hanging Rock Winery was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, being awarded Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, for his service to the oenology industry.

Having founded the winery in 1983 with his wife Ann, John Ellis is an experienced winemaker with a career spanning more than 50 years and has been recognised for his outstanding contributions, dedication and impact on the Australian wine industry.

Mr Ellis has served in a range of different positions within the industry, working as the vice president of the Winemakers Federation of Australia, WFA, chairman of WFA Small Winemakers Committee, executive officer of Victorian Wine Industry Association and president of Macedon Ranges Vignerons Associations, as well as more than 30 years of national wine show judging and tourism committees.

He is also arguably one of the first people in Australia to have made a merlot, cabernet merlot, cool climate chardonnay and fumé blanc.

Mr Ellis said he was honoured to have received the award that reflected on some of his greatest achievements.

“I’d say it was the early days of the Victorian Wine Industry Association [when] we were given the task of defining Victoria’s Geographic Indications. I was the executive officer at the time,” he said.

“The really tricky regions were initially the Macedon Ranges and the King Valley. Later I was given the task to help officially split Heathcote from the Bendigo region, which was the hardest of them all … it took a lot of negotiating.”

Mr Ellis graduated from Roseworthy College as dux of his class before beginning his career in the Barossa Valley, going on to become the first winemaker at Rosemount Estate and Tisdall Wines before founding the Hanging Rock Winery.

His OAM acknowledges his expertise, innovation and influence on the oenology industry, which has contributed to Australia’s global reputation as a leading wine producer.

“I couldn’t have done it all without the help of my family, in particular my wife Ann. Without her holding the fort at the winery, none of this would have been possible,” Mr Ellis said.

Hanging Rock Winery can be found at 88 Jim Road, Newham and is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week.

Tuxedo cat ‘Charlie’ missing in Wandong

Lauren Duffy

June 20, 2023

Rod Peters is calling for answers after his family cat, Charlie, was allegedly stolen from his front yard in Wandong late last month.

Mr Peters was working in the yard on May 23 when the incident occurred.

“The cat was always with me – he had his favourite spot he used to sit in front of the property, just on the boundary, under the cypress trees,” Mr Peters said.

“This car entered the court, abruptly stopped, two doors closed and it sped off.

“The neighbour’s son saw the car pull up. He saw the back hatch door open and then close within about 10 seconds. It sped off down the court, did a U turn and [then] come back up and sped out of the court.”

When the cat was found missing, Mr Peters said he ‘started to piece everything together’, and suspected thieves had stolen Charlie before speeding off.

Mr Peters presumed the alleged offenders had been keeping track of Charlie to plan the catnapping for during the afternoon when Charlie was regularly out in the garden.

“I’ve got the feeling it’s not the first time these people have done that,” he said.

The alleged offenders drove a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, but Mr Peters said police didn’t have enough information to file a report on the incident.

“We’re very keen to get him back, he belonged to our grandchildren,” Mr Peters said.

Charlie is a black domestic long-haired cat with white markings on his chest. The breed are often referred to as ‘tuxedo cats’.

Mr Peters if offering a $100 reward for Charlie’s return, and urged anyone with information to contact him on 0427 551 966.

Expo to offer engaging ageing experience

Lauren Duffy

June 20, 2023

Expo to offer engaging ageing experience

THE City of Whittlesea is hosting a free Ageing Well Expo tomorrow, Wednesday June 21, to recognise World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, WEAAD, which highlights the importance of the rights of older people.

Elder abuse is any act that can cause harm to an older person and is often carried out by someone close to them. The abuse may be financial, emotional, psychological, social or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.

WEAAD was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2011 and serves as a annual reminder of the importance of addressing elder abuse and advocating for the rights and protection of older individuals.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the Ageing Well Expo would bring together a diverse range of products, services, information and educational resources to keep people safe and supported to continue living in their own home as they age.

“The event will feature a special information session with Seniors Rights Victoria … providing valuable insights into elder abuse, its associated risks, prevention strategies and the support and assistance available,” she said.

“The Ageing Well Expo is also a great way to discover the latest information, services and expert advice in staying safe and ageing well. Whether you are planning for your own future or caring for a family member, the Ageing Well Expo is an excellent resource hub.”

The free Ageing Well Expo is from 10am to 3pm tomorrow, June 21, at Plenty Ranges Art and Convention Centre at 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang.

For more information, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ageingwellexpo.

“The City of Whittlesea will stand alongside communities worldwide to support this vital cause,” Ms Wilson said.

“Council is committed to raising awareness and providing important information to the community about services available.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, help is available through Senior Rights Victoria’s confidential helpline on 1300 368 821. If it is an emergency, call triple zero.

Tree planting to enhance environment near Broadford

Lauren Duffy

June 20, 2023

Tree planting to enhance environment near Broadford

More than 150 volunteers planted 3500 indigenous trees on the outskirts of Broadford at the weekend.

The annual tree planting is an initiative of the Glenaroua Land Management Group.

“We’ve been creating bio links like this for over a quarter of a century to help reduce salinity, stabilise erosion and create vegetation corridors to maintain health ecosystems,” group president Paul Fleming said.

Glenaroua tree planting 2 — Phil Clancy, Grant Jeffrey and Monica Raphael help out at the tree planting event.

Coordinated by South West Goulburn Landcare facilitator Sonia Sharkey, the trees were planted along Cameron’s Creek on Burgess Rural property 3.5 kilometres northwest of Broadford.

“This is an important habitat highway for various animals to move around especially during disasters such as bushfire,” she said.

“It also attracts native birdlife and other fauna, provides a warm windbreak for animals, and improves water quality in adjacent creeks as it filters the livestock manure before it hits the creeks.”

Clare Gooden, South West Goulburn Landcare facilitator Sonia Sharkey, farm owner Jan Evans, with Jade and Annabelle Gooden at Glenaroua Land Management Group’s tree planting event.

Many of the volunteers have been attending the tree planting for years including the Pajero 4WD Club, Doncaster Secondary College Interact Club and Broadford scouts.

“A wonderful aspect of this event is bringing together urban and country folk, young and old, being exposed to worthy environmental projects like this,” Mr Fleming said.

Many people have become friends and return each year.

First-time volunteer Bella brought her children to help plant trees and said she was grateful to be involved, promising to return next year.

Mr Fleming said Southern Mitchell Rotarians had been an invaluable partner in the collaboration providing much appreciated nourishment on a winter weekend.

He said the project relied on farmers such as Jan Evans, principal of Burgess Farms, being willing to plant the trees on their property.

“There is no doubt the environment is enhanced and livestock is protected through projects run by Landcare,” he said.

Discounted desexing on offer in City of Whittlesea

Lauren Duffy

June 20, 2023

Discounted desexing on offer in City of Whittlesea

DISCOUNTED cat desexing will be offered in July in a partnership between the City of Whittlesea and Lort Smith Animal Hospital through the Little Paws of the North initiative.

Little Paws of the North supports responsible pet ownership and aims to not only reduce the risk of potentially serious hormone-related conditions and unwanted pregnancies in cats, but also offers education sessions for pet owners to help ensure their entire family are safe and happy.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson encouraged residents to take up the offer, which also supported the upcoming new cat regulations that required all newly-registered cats to be desexed.

“Ensuring our cats are desexed means fewer unwanted kittens,” she said.

“Cats can start breeding at four months old, and with an average of four kittens per litter and three litters per year, one female cat and her offspring can produce up to 5000 cats in seven years if not desexed.

“Desexing also has a number of health benefits for your cat. The City of Whittlesea currently has 7207 registered cats, of which four per cent are not desexed, so if your cat is not yet desexed now is the time to consider it.”

City of Whittlesea residents with a concession card can book their cats into Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Campbellfield to have vets desex, microchip and vaccinate their pets at a discounted price of $50 per cat.

To be eligible for the discount, the resident or nominated owner of the pet must be 16 years of age or older, be a resident of the City of Whittlesea, and have a valid government-issued concession card.

All cats must be three months of age or older and have a minimum weight of one kilogram. Owners can drop off and collect their animals on the same day.

To submit your interest and book a discounted desexing, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/cats.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: June 20, 2023

Ray Carroll

June 20, 2023

50-year reunion

Assumption College Kilmore’s class of 1973 held a very well attended 50-year reunion in Melbourne recently. One of the very first female students, Madeleine Laming, was happy to attend.

She grew up in Kilmore and her parents Laurie Mattarozzi and his wife were well-respected residents.

Madeleine has led an interesting life that I’ll write about later. After years away she has now returned to the original family home, opposite the ACK gates.

Most of the former students in attendance are now retired. Charlie Conti and Michael Anderson gave short speeches before dinner and proposed a toast to the several of the class who have passed from this life.

Michael Anderson was captain of cricket in 1973 and one of eight sons of the late Harry and Norma Anderson. The Anderson family financed the first college sports pavilion.

Just to mention some of the attendees: Dennis Clarke is still a winemaker, David Laschko continues practicing law, Evan Roche is with the Public Service in Canberra, Tony Flanagan practices physiotherapy, Rod Barnard is principal of two schools, John McEvoy, a long-time teacher is now farming in western Victoria. His son Ben captained Hawthorn.

Imelda Johnson sent an apology. Her family is still well remembered in this area.

Down the decades of ACK history, lifetime bonds between students have been very strong and the achievements of so many have been really notable.

AGSV giant passes

A long-time Ivanhoe Grammar teacher and Associated Grammar Schools Victoria, AGSV, student passed from this life recently.

Nigel Kendall collapsed at the MCG while watching his beloved Demons.

For wife Annette, it was a sad case of ‘my husband went to the footy and didn’t come home’. Nigel fulfilled multiple roles at his school – teacher, sports coach, deputy head, and for a time ‘boss’.

He coached First XI cricket against ACK. Nigel was similar to Assumption’s Peter Jongeblood in that he had the respect of staff, students and families, not only at Ivanhoe but he was a wonderful contributor to the AGSV sports committee.

His finest achievement was that he touched and enhanced many students’ lives. A truly good man, Nigel will be missed by his wife, three daughters and grandchildren – and by all who knew him.

Varia

Michael Clarke, long-time Kilmore resident and one of a fine lineage, celebrated a significant milestone recently when he clocked up 60 years as a shearer.

My dad was a shearer and I saw firsthand what hard work it entails. The Clarke family, generational, has always been held in high regard.

***

A great meal the other day at the Kilmore Gaol Café was a highlight – great to spend time with two very fine priests.

Kilmore’s Fr Prakash and Heathcote’s Fr Ferwerda are splendid servants of God and their lives are dedicated to their people.

Numerous Kilmore folk will recall Peter Ferwerda as a community GP often spending time as a locum here.

He trained in medicine at Melbourne University with specialist Michael Wilson, the latter’s story appeared in a recent Review.

***

Sean and Maria Durkin called in last week. The name is synonymous in south Gippsland with high quality potatoes.

After several decades in the ‘trade’ Sean dug his last spuds the day before passing through Kilmore.

Sean and Maria are highly regarded people in their area – Trafalgar and beyond.

Their two sons Liam and James attended ACK and the former, a really good journalist, is at 26, editor of Gippsland’s main newspaper.

***

An interesting point was made to me recently by ACK and Richmond legend Francis Bourke.

He reckoned that if Aussie Rules players of the past, long gone from this life, returned today they would recognise rugby, soccer, cricket, but not Aussie rules.

Francis, who played 300 games for Richmond, won five premierships, and represented Victoria remarked that he may not get a game today.

This was from one of the very greatest players in the game’s history.

BlazeAid receives $50,000 grant

The North Central Review

June 19, 2023

The Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, has donated $50,000 to BlazeAid to help regional communities continue to recover from last year’s floods.

BlazeAid is a registered charity who supports survivors of natural disasters such as fire and floods by restoring properties, lifting the spirits of survivors and rebuilding destroyed or damaged structures.

VFF president Emma Germano said the funds donated to BlazeAid were raised earlier this year through the VFF Disaster Relief Fund.

“Farmers and regional communities are still picking up the pieces, months after record floods devastated so many,” she said.

The funding has already been allocated to farmers who had their properties and fencing damaged.

According to Agriculture Victoria, about 12,000 kilometres of fencing and 498,600 hectares of farm area was affected by the floods last year.

While many of the impacts from the floods are physically visible, Ms Germano acknowledged the mental health burden that could be hidden in the aftermath.

She encouraged farmers to reach out for support through programs such as Building Farm Spirit offered by the National Centre for Farmer Health.

“They offer a range of video, podcast and other resources to support farmer wellbeing and mental health. They also offer online psychology support delivered by farmer trained psychologists,” she said.

Ms Germano said the recovery time would likely stretch into years after the months already spent getting back on track to ensure adequate support was available to those in need.

“It’s about ensuring both financial and mental health support is available for those who need to get back on their feet,” she said.

Macedon Ranges businesses awarded

Lauren Duffy

June 19, 2023

WINNERS of the inaugural Telstra Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards have been announced, with businesses in Romsey and Riddells Creek featuring among the recipients.

Residents and visitors made 78 nominations of businesses who they felt displayed excellent customer service.

The winners of this year’s awards as decided through public vote were:

Riddells Creek Nursey, Riddell Creek – Agribusiness and Primary Production, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Associations;

Laser Blanks, Romsey – Retail and Service, sponsored by Telstra;

Zenkai – Complete Recovery of Health, Woodend – Health, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Shire Council;

Fook Shing, Kyneton – Hospitality and Accommodation, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Industry Groups;

Magnum Signs, New Gisborne – Trades and Manufacturing, sponsored by nbn Local.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Annette Death said it was great to give the community a chance to shine the spotlight on their favourite local businesses.

“Given the new format of these awards, we were really pleased by the number of nominations and the positive response we’ve had in general,” she said.

“We hope this gets the word out about businesses in the region that are doing great things – congratulations to all of the winners and nominees.”

The new community choice awards reflect council’s commitment to strengthen businesses, with the awards to return next year.

Following a successful tending and procurement session earlier this year, council will host another session on July 12 for businesses to learn more about council’s procurement process and how to best apply for tenders.

Cr Death said council contracts totalling more than $12 million have been awarded to local businesses over the past four years.

Macedon Ranges businesses are also among an additional $33 million worth of contracts that council has budgeted for.

“It’s important we empower local businesses to better position themselves for these opportunities, as they give so much back to our local economy and provide local jobs,” she said.

The session at council’s Gisborne Administration and Service Centre is free, but bookings are essential.

or call 5421 9674.

Cow rescue a timely reminder to care for livestock

Max Davies

June 19, 2023

Cow rescue a timely reminder to care for livestock

By Max Davies

Volunteers from multiple emergency organisations and wildlife groups came together on June 10 to rescue a sick cow that was stuck in mud on a Wollert property.

The cow was riddled with parasites and unable to move when she was found on a property on Merriang Road, while her small calf was located nearby.

The cow is thought to have been in the mud for at least two days before being rescued.

The pair were first spotted by wildlife rescuer Krysti Severi from Rescue Rehabilitate Release, who was travelling along Merriang Road on the way to a callout in Kilmore.

“I went past the property and saw a cow lying down, and I rewound a little bit and remembered that I had seen her two days prior,” Ms Severi said.

“I came back and saw her two front legs were quite deep in mud, but it was more than that. She wasn’t moving at all so I thought I’d get her calf and maybe entice her to get up … she was still just not interested at all, and I thought, ‘obviously this is a lot bigger than me’.”

Ms Severi contacted Wollert, Arthurs Creek and Strathewen fire brigades, Whittlesea State Emergency Service, and Edgar’s Mission, who sent volunteers to free the animal and care for the calf while the rescue was underway.

Volunteers worked to put the cow on a slider to help move her to a waiting horse float, while members of Whittlesea SES spoke with the property owner to surrender her and her calf into the care of Edgar’s Mission.

“It was just amazing, all the people just kept coming and coming to help this cow get out of the mud. Everything was done so gently and so beautifully with no stress to her at all,” Ms Severi said.

“It just shows the importance of checking livestock everyday, especially at this time of year when you’ve got calving or lambing and a lot of rain can make areas quite boggy. All animals – whether it’s horses, cattle, sheep, anything – should be checked everyday.”

Stuck cow 2 — Carers at Edgar’s Mission have been standing Cher up with a sling every day to help get mobility back into her legs.

Edgar’s Mission has now been caring for the pair since they were rescued, with volunteers still working to assist the sick cow.

Sanctuary founder Pam Ahern said while the calf was in good spirits, its mother still needed urgent care.

“The calf is doing a lot better, she honestly wouldn’t have survived the night. They were really dehydrated and incredibly hungry and we’d actually taken formula down, which we gave to the calf straight away,” she said.

“Mum is still absolutely critical, she’s not able to stand and bear weight so we’re getting her up several times a day with a tractor and a sling … we’re just looking at the underlying conditions that actually caused her to get stuck in the bog in the first place.”

The sanctuary has named both animals – the mother now Cher, a name meaning ‘dear’ or ‘beloved’ that reflects the joint effort to save her, while the calf has been named Cherish to remind everyone to cherish life.

“We don’t know whether Cher is going to make it or not, but we’re going to cherish every moment that we have with her,” Ms Ahern said.

Cheque for Blake’s cross country efforts

Max Davies

June 19, 2023

Cheque for Blake’s cross country efforts

By Max Davies

Broadford Secondary College school captain Blake Inness is well on the way to making it to the United States of America, USA, later this year, where he hopes to compete in a series of cross country running races.

Sports Travel Australia offered Blake a place on a tour of the south-western United States after running a successful qualifying time at School Sport Victoria’s cross country state finals last year.

Since Blake’s story was first published in the Review in April this year, he has raised about $7000 of his $8000 target.

His fundraising has been supported by a range of family and friends, and groups including Assumption College, Broadford Secondary College, with fellow school captain Danielle Spratling and pathways manager Deb Hubbard, and a $1000 cheque from Kilmore Racing Club.

“The amount of support from everyone, including Kilmore Trackside, is just incredible and beyond what I thought,” Blake said.

“It’s really humbling, the amount of support is really incredible and I thank them very much for all that they’re doing.”

Initiatives to support Blake at Broadford Secondary College have included barbecues, crazy hair days and other fundraising activities to help him achieve his goal.

Blake said he had been training hard ahead of his trip to the United States, where he would race in four competitions against secondary school students from across the country.

“I’m feeling pretty good at the moment, I’ll continue to do a lot of training and maybe do a few races or marathons, we’ll see. I should be all good for America,” he said.

“I just really want to say thank you to Kilmore Trackside and everyone else that’s come together to help me and support me.

“It’s incredible and amazing, and I’m really thankful for everyone and what they’ve done.”

Kilmore Racing Club marketing and partnerships manager Lindsey Melis said the club was more than happy to support Blake’s dream to compete in the United States.

“We’re all about community and supporting our community as much as possible, whether it’s just a single person with dreams who’s inspiring other young students to go down the same path, or a larger community group,” she said.

“For us it was a no-brainer. It is an amazing effort by Blake to get himself to where he is now and why should it stop? We would love to see someone in our local community represented in the US and we’re happy to do what we can to help get him there.”

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