Regions’ health woes

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March 31, 2026

REGIONAL health services battling financial constraints are grappling with challenges to meet demand and deliver services.

Seymour Health, which had a deficit of $1.34 million for the year ended June 30, 2025, is again looking at a bleak picture, with another deficit on the cards.

Chief Executive Officer Ward Steet said the reality is that the healthcare budget across Victoria is tight.

He said most small rural health services had fiscal management improvement plans in place to create saving initiatives, and Seymour Health is no different to any of those small rural health services.

“We have put in place savings initiatives to try and come in as best we can towards a balanced budget. We are currently in a deficit position and are forecasting a deficit.”

Asked how much the expected deficit would be, Mr Steet said: “I am not at liberty to speculate on what that figure may be and as you would understand there are many factors at play currently that would make such a forecast quite unreliable, not least of all the current cost escalations as a result of the Middle East conflict.”

Mr Steet said though the service faces funding challenges, there is no bed shortages.

“We have not cut any service. If anything, we have expanded services … There is no waiting lists for admissions to the hospital, and our outpatient services and urgent care waiting periods remain similar to what they have always been. We are responsive to the community need.

“We have had funding growth. Each year we have moved forward.”

Asked whether the finding from the Department of Health has kept up with the times to meet the challenges after population rise, he would not directly answer that, but added certainly, it’s challenging.

“We are meeting community demand within our allocated funding resources, but we are currently experiencing a deficit position. We have sufficient remaining reserves to cover the deficit position. So there is no risk to our services or that we need to cut any services. In fact, we have expanded services. So, we are meeting those challenges head on.”

In recent months, there were reports the Department of Health had instructed Seymour Health to draw from unallocated funds, including money set aside for staff leave entitlements in a bid to reduce its operating deficit.

Seymour Health recently added 10 residential aged care beds at Barrabill House.

Northern Health, which reported a deficit of $74 million operating deficit for the 2023-24 financial year, did not respond to repeated inquiries about its current financial position.

Seymour, Lancefield win big at regional final

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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Seymour, Lancefield win big at regional final

MORE than 100 people from agricultural societies that form the Central and Upper Goulburn Group attended the group finals in Kyneton on Sunday.

The Lancefield and Seymour societies were joined by groups from Whittlesea, Mansfield, Yea, Alexandra, Kyneton, Sunbury and Lilydale with members vying for a spot in the Victorian Agricultural Societies (VAS) state finals to be held later this year.

The event, hosted at the Kyneton Showgrounds, offered a display of the best craft in the region, showcasing skills in woodwork, baking and knitting.

Sunday’s finalists consisted of talented creators who had taken home the top prize at their local shows. One of those was Seymour Agricultural Society’s Pam Beerens, who took home two first place prizes at the Group finals.

She beat other entrants in the Hand Knitted Headwear and VAS knitting categories, the latter granting her entry into the VAS state finals for the third time.

Pam notched up a 10th year of first prizes at last year’s Seymour Show, and will be looking to make it 11 when this year’s show rolls around at the start of October.

Other winners for Seymour included Robyn Tooley in the Crocheted Baby’s Garment category and Jenny MacKintosh in Crochet Toy. Helga Bhades finished second for her carrot cake.

Not to be outdone, Lancefield Agricultural Society members brought home four sashes of their own, with Judy Francis in Handmade Card – Open, and Anna Newnham in Four Plain Scones. Each won the top prize.

Jade Waters finished second in the Pair of Hand Knitted Socks category, as did Harriet Lumsden in the Pet Rock competition for children under 14.

The winners of the VAS categories now advance to the state final which will be held at the Royal Melbourne Show starting on September 24.

Row over Watson Street upgrade

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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CLAIMS and counterclaims were heard from opposing sides of the political divide over the Watson Street upgrade.

Liberals said “despite campaigning on the promise to duplicate Watson Street as a part of the Wallan Diamond Interchange upgrade, Labor has quietly removed the commitment from the project.”

They said original government planning documents in 2020 clearly state that the project would include a “Watson Street duplication: two lanes of vehicular traffic in each direction.”

Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland said in 2022, Lauren Kathage, Member for Yan Yean, also campaigned on the promise of delivering an upgrade to Watson Street to improve capacity and safety, adding on Facebook she was not interested in making empty promises.

“Despite these assurances, the Watson Street duplication is no longer mentioned anywhere as a part of the project, only the interchange, leaving residents with a broken promise.”

But Ms Kathage has refuted the claims.

“The Watson Street interchange upgrade and the Northern Highway intersection upgrade will improve safety and slash congestion for working families,” she said.

“Claims that scope has been removed from the Watson Street upgrade are wrong.”

Ms Kathage said the document mentioned by the Liberals was a planning document from 2020, which was “prior to my commitment in 2022”.

”That document does not relate to the commitment that I made. That’s not a commitment document. It’s a planning document for acquiring land. We’ve never had a duplication commitment … the 2020 document is … just planning, it’s just the government being ahead of the curve and saying which land we need to acquire now so that when it does come time to do those projects we’re not held up by acquisitions, which can take 18 months under legislation,” she said.

“We have undertaken planning work so that we can deliver future projects in the area after these vital upgrades are completed. Liberal housing policy is to fast track more estates in Wallan, with no commitment for infrastructure.”

Wallan hosts McIntyre Cup final

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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WALLAN successfully hosted the McIntyre Cup final for the Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA), with the GDCA hailing the efforts of the Magpies for putting together a good pitch in the face of severe weather challenges throughout the week.

A big event for the Magpies was threatened by heavy rain throughout the week, and there were more challenges on Saturday when more rain left more challenges to negotiate a game.

However, things finally cleared up later on Saturday, with Gisborne sent in by Woodend.

The common theme on Saturday saw Gisborne batters make starts, but not quite being able to go on with it.

Jarryd Vernon top scored with 31, while Spencer Jones added 24, Warren Kelly scored 23 and Harry Luxmoore added 20 as Gisborne made 9/185.

Thomas Robson took 3/35 to lead the way for Woodend throughout the day with the ball, while Warren Else took 2/36 and James Morley 2/41.

Woodend knew they had to negotiate the whole day’s play to earn the premiership as it finished on top of the ladder, having the choice of scoring the 186 runs needed or preserving its wicket throughout the day.

Woodend chose the latter, with Oliver Price scoring a patient 45 and Jacques Du Toit scoring 36 as it did enough to score 3/117, draw the game and earn the premiership.

Price’s 45 saw him earn man of the match honours.

Winning goals in the gala round

Jo Kubeil

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March 31, 2026

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ON THE weekend, at the home of the mighty Mitchell Ranges Soccer Club, a gala event warmed up the homeside crowd and the visitors from Macedon Ranges Soccer Club.

The only soccer club in Mitchell Shire held their first senior women’s local derby to celebrate girls and women in football, and Mitchell Shire Chief Executive Mary Agostino attended to toss the coin for the women’s match and to take part in the presentations.

In the main match of the day, the Ranges played a cracking game of football with the final score of 6-0, in favour of the home side.

Stella Catton has been with the club for four seasons and said she was encouraged to train with the women’s side: “I trained once and was registered by that weekend.”

“Fun fact, I’m the oldest on the team (40), but I can still keep up with the young’uns. I’m a committee member, soccer mum and left winger for the senior women’s. I love the club for the people. From volunteers, to parents, to players, everyone is there for such a positive reason,” she said.

Catton also said the highlights of the day included the junior players walking the senior women out for their match and Mary Agostino recognising women in sport during her pre-match speech.

“Macedon Rangers being a good competitive side that to have only formed last week and haven’t ever played a game together, and the amazing club spirit from all the supporters also made the day one to remember for the hardworking Mitchell Shire Rangers Soccer Club.”

Rangers had a tough time in its Saturday afternoon men’s match against Greenvale United, losing 6-1 in its senior match up.

Rangers had a tough time in the opening half, conceding a goal in the sixth minute as Greenvale United got on the scoreboard right away.

Rangers held out for 20 minutes as they looked for a pathway back into the game, but it was not forthcoming, as United’s pressure was telling, forcing an own goal from William Mulvey in the 26th minute.

Another goal in the 39th minute meant it was 3-0 at the main break.

Rangers were hoping to come out of the break re-energised, but instead, United went to another gear to start the second half and recorded three goals in nine minutes to make it 6-0.

However, Rangers had a positive finish to the game, with Levent Gulec scoring in the 73rd minute to give Rangers a good moment for the afternoon.

In the reserves’ matchup, Rangers were outclassed by Greenvale, losing 4-1.

A goal in the eighth minute put Rangers on the back foot immediately, but they did hold out for 23 minutes as they looked to equalise.

However, United found a way through to make it 2-0 at the main break, before adding a third in the 65th minute.

Rangers found a breakthrough in the 78th minute through Avtar Singh to make it 3-1, and were hoping for a good finish, but United managed a fourth goal in the 83rd minute.

Panthers women set the pace

Michael Thompson

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March 31, 2026

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IT was a mixed weekend for Wallan in the Big V competition as it hosted two home games across Saturday night.

Saturday night’s action started with Wallan’s women looking to make it two from two against Shepparton.

Any fears that Shepparton might catch the Panthers out by surprise were very quickly negated as Wallan did what it pleased throughout the first quarter, scoring at will and opening up a 22-point lead after scoring 31 points to nine.

The Panthers continued to dominate in the second quarter, scoring 23 points to seven and opening up a 38-point lead at the main break, 54-16.

While there may have been a slight excuse to take the foot off the pedal, Wallan wasn’t interested in the third quarter, and the Panthers continued to dominate affairs, scoring 27 points to 13 for the term to lead 81-29 at the final change.

Shepparton negated Wallan’s scoring power in the last quarter, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Panthers from winning 97-45.

Five Panthers scored in double digits, led by Ranika Guyton with 19 points, five assists and three steals, while Emmie Gardiner had 17 points and 16 boards. Kody West-Linnett and Ruby Pantisano scored 12 points apiece, while Carley Cranston had 11 points and seven assists.

The men followed as the Panthers hosted Sherbrooke, but despite a reasonably competitive opening half, they just couldn’t quite go with the Suns as they lost by 40 points.

The Panthers had a spirited start, scoring 25 points in the first quarter, but conceding 32 to trail by seven at the first change.

Wallan kept in touch, but Sherbrooke was just that little bit better in the second term, scoring 27 points to 20 to lead 59-45 at the main break.

Sherbrooke then broke the game open in the third term, scoring 31 points to 15 to essentially seal the game, leading by 30 points at the final change, 90-60.

The Suns scored 22 points to 12 in the last term to eventually win 112-72.

Lachlan Lombardo had a good individual game, scoring 26 points, while Nathan Aikman was relentless in spending the whole game on the court, collecting 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Similarly, Wallan’s youth league men struggled against Sherbrooke.

A first quarter barrage where the Suns scored 33 points to 13 meant the Panthers were in a hole they could not dig their way out of all day, while Sherbrooke continued to manage the margin.

Try as they might, the Panthers couldn’t make inroads on the margin, losing 79-104.

Rhylee Leighton performed strongly to have 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Hunter Graham and Brody Thrum scored 14 points apiece.

Similarly, the Panthers youth league women were outclassed by Wyndham, losing 95-48.

The Panthers started okay and kept in touch at quarter time, trailing 25-14, but Wyndham took over in the second and third quarters to blow the margin out, before easing home in the final term.

Paige Schultz led all scorers for the Panthers with 12 points.

Bakehouse claims best hot cross bun title

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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Bakehouse claims best hot cross bun title

WHITTLESEA Bakehouse is continuing to prove it is Australia’s best and most delicious bakery, taking out the national title for Australia’s best Hot Cross Bun in a big boost ahead of Easter.

The award was handed out in Bendigo on March 14, continuing its hot form in taking out national titles for its range of food.

Whittlesea Bakehouse beat out a quality field, with 134 exhibitors and 375 products displayed across the weekend, including sausage rolls, meat pies, iced donuts and bread loaves.

The hot cross bun features a recipe which has been perfected over 25 years.

In 2025, Whittlesea Bakehouse was successful in the South Australian Baking Show for Best Sausage Roll, winning thanks to a secret, hand-made recipe which made the taste irresistible.

Previously, the bakery also won major titles for their plain mince pie and also placed among the best in the country for vanilla slices.

The family-owned Bakehouse is managed by Adrian Caporetto and now boasts more than 30 years’ experience.

A new chapter on vital drops

The North Central Review

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March 31, 2026

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A LESSON in water scarcity, and hardship faced by some less fortunate people to get the precious drop — this is what Year 6 students of Our Lady of the Way Wallan East learnt the practical way.

One hundred and six Year 6 students were joined by others from the school as they trekked around the 500-metre school oval throughout the day last Wednesday, carrying bottles and big buckets of water, two at a time.

Year 6 teacher Mark van Zyl said the Big Water Walk was part of the Project Compassion, a fundraiser at the school.

“It’s about raising awareness about the importance of lack of fresh water,,” Mr van Zyl said.

“The kids learnt that some people in African towns are walking three miles a day to get fresh water for their family and are missing education, and other things in life.

“It is all about compassion. We are trying to get the kids to walk in the footsteps of these people and just feel and realise that there are a lot of people that have less than us, and we need to be grateful for what we have got.

“It is raising awareness for our school community to realise that there are people doing it hard. We have to learn about facts about the water usage in the world and we realise that only 3 per cent of the world’s water is actually fresh and drinkable water.

“They even learnt some scary facts about how every minute a child under three dies due to not having fresh drinking water, and the fact how kids and people are walking at least three miles a day to get fresh water, and some of that water is not fresh. Some of that water is full of bacteria and disease, but they do have to end up drinking it because that is the only water they have got.”

Mr van Zyl said the project is more about raising awareness and education. The school is also collecting money in Project Compassion boxes and support Caritas to carry out works for establishing wells in various African towns.

Milestone birthday for Faye

Jo Kubeil

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March 31, 2026

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MACEDON Ranges resident Faye Foster turns 90 years tomorrow and one of the greatest gifts will be meeting her great-granddaughter Delphi, still a baby, from Darwin for the first time.

“I’ll be clucky,” she said.

Mrs Foster looks forward to the celebration at the families’ favourite mid-way meeting point Byron Bay on April Fools Day.

Born in 1936, Mrs Foster attended public primary and secondary schools in Essendon. A short career as a dental nurse followed from which she retired to marry and begin a family.

Family is important and gardening is a labour of love. Mrs Foster’s garden features 70-odd roses, an abundance of magnolia trees, and dozens of rhododendrons and azaleas.

She made a career breeding Australian and world class champion Jack Russells with such a high pedigree that buyers around the globe prefer to purchase pups from the progeny of Inverbrae-bred Jack Russells.

Mrs Foster said she became smitten with small dogs since her parents gave her an Australian terrier.

“I loved every one of my dogs and they loved me. I bred [Jack Russells] for temperament. I am world famous for my dogs. Its pedigree needs to be faultless to begin with.”

Mrs Foster has made many dog-friendly friends across 30 years of breeding Jack Russells alone and many keep in touch and invite her to visit them. Her well-worn passport stamps include visits to Germany, Mexico, Italy, Luxembourg and Russia and on her 80th birthday, she saw tombs of Pharaohs in ancient Egypt, a bucket-list item.

All creatures great and small have star appeal. The largest animal Mrs Foster has called a pet was a rhinoceros. Here’s why: “My daughter Lynette had three girls, and they needed my help. Eventually the man who owned the Darwin property they lived on, Tipperary Station, decided he wanted to create a zoo and my son-in-law [Ross Ainsworth] became the manager,” Mrs Foster said.

“The rhino was most interesting to me. You see them on television charging [at people] but they are really quite nice. We tamed him like a horse.”

Lynette and Ross have three girls, Zealie, Louisa and Pippa-Jane. Zealie, who also has three children, lives in Melbourne. Louisa is in Byron Bay.

It’s Pippa-Jane’s first newborn Delphi that Mrs Foster is most eager to cuddle, and they are coming from Darwin.

Louisa has one boy and one girl, which makes up six wonderful great grandchildren for Mrs Foster to adore.

Happy birthday Mrs Foster from the Review.

Long wait for ambos

Ashok Verma

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March 31, 2026

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THE ideal response target time of 15 minutes for 85 per cent for ambulances in Code 1 emergencies remains a pipe dream for regional municipalities, figures show.

Ambulance Victoria 2025/26 quarter 2 data shows the regional localities are falling well short of the mark.

In the Mitchell local government area, paramedics attended only 51.6 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes. The average response time was 18.33 minutes, and total number of first responses was 1000.

The figures show this was a deterioration from the quarter 4 for 2024-25, when ambulances attended 55 per cent of Code 1 patients, and the average was 17.14 minutes. In Code 2 cases, the average time was 45.40 minutes, and the total number was 588.

Code 1 relates to life-threatening time critical, and code 2 means urgent and acute cases.

Macedon Ranges fares no better in the quarter 2 data, with 58.7 per cent of Code 1 patients attended in 15 minutes. The average time was 16.53 minutes, and total number was 738. In Code 2, 41.19 minutes was the average response time, and the total was 487.

In quarter 3 of 2024-25, 60.2 per cent responses were in 15 minutes. The average was 16.6 minutes and the total was 601.

The Whittlesea LGA fared slightly better in the quarter 2 data, with 64.5 per cent responses in 15 minutes. The average time was 15.42 minutes and the total was 3686. For Code 2, the average time was 42.22 minutes and the total number was 1495.

In the Wallan major population centre, between October and December 2025, paramedics attended 64.2 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes – up from 55.3 per cent in the previous quarter. The average Code 1 response time decreased by 55 seconds.

AV authorities were asked for comments on the reasons for ambulances not coming any closer to the ideal target of 85 per cent in 15 minutes. But the Review was not provided any direct answer.

A spokesperson instead pointed to an old press release saying during the October to December quarter across Victoria, AV crews responded to 65.1 per cent of Code 1 cases within the statewide target of 15 minutes — up from 64.1 per cent in the previous quarter. The state-wide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 40 seconds — six seconds faster than the previous quarter.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP has called on the State Government to explain the continuing delays in ambulance response times in regional communities.

She said a formal parliamentary question asked in December 2025 remains unanswered months later.

In December last year, Ms Cleeland asked the Minister for Ambulance Services what specific actions the government would take to improve ambulance response times in regional communities.

She said despite the seriousness of the issue, the question remains unanswered.

“This is not a political game — it’s about life and death in our regional communities,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Families across our region deserve to know what the government is doing to ensure an ambulance arrives quickly when someone is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.”