Regional parks nominated for national award

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May 23, 2023

Regional parks nominated for national award

Two parks in the Macedon Ranges and City of Whittlesea have been nominated for an Award of Excellence through Parks and Leisure Australia.

The annual awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of ‘the people behind the places’ that promote good use of leisure time as well as social, environmental and economic benefits to the community.

Romsey Ecotherapy Park is the result of a 14-year community effort to develop a regionally significant gathering place, and has been nominated for an award for its combination of active play, reflection spaces, sensory gardens, and sculpture and art installations.

Stage one of the Whittlesea Public Gardens was also nominated following its renewal that saw it transformed into an outdoor recreation hub featuring in-ground trampolines and nature play elements, along with a learn-to-ride area.

Both parks have been nominated for the Park of the Year Award, which celebrates and promotes vibrant, successful, well-designed and managed parks that are new or have been revitalised.

This year’s awards will be from 6.30pm to 11pm on June 8 in the ballroom of RACV Healesville Country Club.

To purchase tickets, people can email victas@parksleisure.com.au.

Region’s runners victorious at Kilmore harness racing

Lauren Duffy

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May 23, 2023

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Region’s runners victorious at Kilmore harness racing

By Len Baker

Winners from across the region headed the list at Thursday night’s massive 11-race card at Kilmore.

In-form Romsey trainer/driver Chris Svanosio was victorious with smart four-year-old Trixton-Justa Phoenix gelding Arcee Phoenix in the VHRC – Aldebaran Park Benefiting Out Members Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

Going forward from outside the front line to cross Hillside shortly after the start, Arcee Phoenix, in its first race since December, raced away on the final bend to record an easy 22.1-metre margin in advance of Hold The Gold and Imperial Whiz, who was 4.5 metres away in third place. The mile rate 2-00.3.

Ben Yole and James Herbertson combined to land the VHRC GGI ‘The Thirties’ Pace over 2189 metres with heat winner Didn’t I and in doing so, brought up a hat-trick of wins, leading throughout to greet the judge 1.2 metres clear of Icanmotor in a rate of 2-00.2. Favouritehighlight was third 3.8 metres away.

Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley and neighbouring reinsman Chris Alford were successful with Skyvalley-Kyvalley Café filly Kyvalley Amanda in the 2180 metre VHRC – Aldebaran Park Benefiting Our Members 3Y0 Trotters Mobile.

Beginning fast from gate five to lead, Kyvalley Amanda was restrained to allow Sister Evarista to cross before angling off her back to again take control.

Travelling kindly for the rest of the journey, Kyvalley Amanda, bred and raced by loyal stable client Jim Connelly, just lasted by a half neck over Sister Evarista, which angled off her back on straightening, with Vici Bloom 5.2 metres back third after following the pair. The mile rate 2-03.1.

Monegeeta’s David Miles, fresh from a profitable two weeks at Menangle with bonny filly Rockinwithattitude, snared the VHRC – Aldebaran Park Benefiting Out Members Trotters Maiden Mobile over 1690 metres with Boxing Nick.

The four-year-old gelded son of Quaker Jet and Tennessee Trump went forward from gate four to assume control from Kalarney Prince, which flew away on the first turn.

Boxing Nick was always in control, running out a 5.4-metre victor from Kalarney Prince in a rate of 2-03.4. Polemarker Hurricane Jane was third 2.1 metres back.

Underrated Parwan trainer Philip Chircop produced Rock N Roll Heaven-Receiver colt Flying Sparks to register a first-up victory on debut in the VHRC Del-Re National Food Group 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres.

Driven by Josh Dickie, Flying Sparks was given a sweet passage from gate two on the back of the odds-on favourite Lochinvar Lorenzo, which had led easily from the pole.

Racing roughly and dropping back approaching the final bend, Flying Spark got going again on turning and finished full of running to blouse the leader by 3.1 metres, returning a mile rate of 1-57.3. Inexorable was third 1.6 metres away.

Avenel trainer Wayne Potter landed the 1690-metre VHRC – Rich River Golf Club 3Y0 Maiden Pace with Art Major-Rocknroll Dolly filly The Majors Girl.

Driven by Nathan Jack, The Majors Girl was another to trail the leader Riveera, before using the sprint lane to prevail by a half head only from Riveera. Aberdene was third a neck away. The mile rate 2-01.7.

Avenel’s Juana Breen trained and reined four-year-old Betting Line-Stylish Boulevard gelding Our Mystery Bet greeted the judge first in the VHRC – Heywoods Shepparton Motor Panels Pace over 2180 metres.

Despite racing uncovered from gate five, Our Mystery Bet was too solid at the finish, scoring by a head from Miyagi Boy from the tail. Bettor Than Most was third. The mile rate 2-02.1.

Strathfieldsaye trainer Julie Douglas and stable reinsman Jack Laugher scored a double on the night – Major Collect in the VHRC Super Bonus Program Pace in 1-59.5, and Alexis Rocket in the $500,000 Available In VHRC Super Bonuses Pace.

Congupna trainer Steven Duffy’s six-year-old Bitobliss-Meandmyshadow gelding Justcallmeaza, driven by son Ryan, won the VHRC Yeaomans Slate and Stone Pace over 2180 metres.

The next Kilmore harness racing is on Thursday, June 1.

In other racing news…

Femme Americain fires

Kilmore trainer Annie Goble had a good win at Seymour on Sunday in the Bourne Racing 0-58 handicap, at the juicy odds of 10-1.

Jockey Tahlia Hope let the local mare settle and worked Femme Americain through the field for a strong win.

Hope was on fire last week, with a double at Warracknabeal on Saturday for the Patrick Payne stable, who also had a double at Flemington with apprentice Laura Lafferty steering both horses to victory.

It was a relatively quiet week for the district’s trainers, but meetings at Kilmore on Thursday and Wodonga on Friday will feature local runners.

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Earlier this month at Kilmore’s May 11 meeting, Kilmore trainer Alicia MacPherson had Modernissimo go down by a head in the last race of the day.

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained a double on the day.

On board Pasheona was a new rider to the Victorian riders ranks, Suraj Narredu, winning his first race in Victoria.

Young apprentice Jaylah Kennedy was also successful on Bavarian Lady for Dan O’Sullivan.

At Echuca’s May 13 meeting, Stephen Brown and Mitch Aitken were successful with Southern Fire in the maiden handicap over 1203 metres.

Also at Echuca, Kyneton trainer Charles Casser combined with Jason Maskiell to win with Here With Me at the good odds of $21.

In the Caledonian Hotel 0-58 Handicap that same day, Too Hard To Handle was third for local trainer Kate Goodrich.

Mitchell Shire Council progress labelled ‘very satisfactory’

The North Central Review

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May 23, 2023

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Mitchell Shire Council progress labelled ‘very satisfactory’

Mitchell Shire councillors labelled a snapshot of council’s projects, finances and other capital works as ‘very satisfactory’ at last week’s ordinary meeting.

Council received reports benchmarking the organisation’s progress against its council plan and budget for 2022-23 after the third quarter of the financial year.

A significant projects report, which outlines projects costing more than $200,000 or that cost less but are still considered significant by council, showed that of 48 projects undertaken, 22 were on track for completion.

Nine of the 48 projects on the list were behind schedule but considered recoverable, five were not scheduled to commence in the third quarter and three were deferred, while eight had been completed.

Among projects behind schedule were a review of Hidden Valley’s planning controls, a shire-wide integrated transport strategy, and an economic development strategy.

Cr Rhonda Sanderson said it was ‘heartening’ to see most projects on track, while Cr Rob Eldridge called the report ‘a pretty good outcome’.

“For anybody who has been involved in projects, there are always some issues that arise, so I think we’re making good progress,” Cr Eldridge said.

Councillors also noted a quarterly financial report that showed ‘ups and downs’ according to Cr Sanderson.

A revision of council’s underlying budget deficit showed a favourable variance of $2.33 million against a forecasted $2.96 million, driven largely by higher-than-expected interest on term deposits and increased operating grants, but offset by expenditure on materials and services associated with flood clean-up works across the north of the shire.

“Given the challenges we’ve faced over the past nine months, it’s not a bad outcome,” Cr Sanderson said.

“One of the highlights is the total capital works expenditure forecast for the year is nearly $63 million and we look like we’re on track to get a good proportion of that done.”

Cr David Lowe said the result was a small step in the right direction.

“[It is] not necessarily worthy of a party, but a very satisfactory position,” he said.

Progress on Mitchell Shire’s capital works program was also deemed satisfactory by councillors, with nearly 78 per cent of the program’s total allocation forecasted to be spent by the end of the financial year.

The capital works update noted prolonged wet weather had played havoc with projects in the latter half of 2022, delaying several and causing their timelines to be extended.

The report also stated increasing material costs and supply chain shortages presented challenges for both council staff and contractors.

Morning tea in Puckapunyal to improve carer services

News

Lauren Duffy

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May 23, 2023

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Morning tea in Puckapunyal to improve carer services

FAMILYCARE is hosting free morning teas across the Hume region to connect with carers, who are welcome to share their thoughts and feedback on services.

Team leader Jason Watts and peer support coordinator Jill Smith are providing the morning tea in Puckapunyal and other areas, hoping to improve their services and create more suitable events and resources for carers.

Mr Watts invited all carers to attend morning teas, which will be used to receive feedback.

“Being a carer can be challenging, rewarding, frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming, sometimes all in the one day,” he said.

“FamilyCare’s Carer Support Team are here to listen, empathise and seek to understand the needs and aspirations of carers.

“From this starting point we provide carers with the information, supports and services to assist them in their caring role and support them to have time for themselves.”

Puckapunyal carer morning tea will be on June 1, from 10.30am to 11.30am at Puckapunyal Primary School, Alamein Road.

No registration is required for the event.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: May 23, 2023

Ray Carroll

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May 23, 2023

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In two worlds

Renowned surgeon Michael Wilson, now mostly retired from professional life, spends much of his time as a cattle farmer on his property ‘Braemore’, situated in the idyllic hills and vales of Willowmavin.

Educated by the Marist brothers at Preston and later the Jesuits at Xavier, he recalls some of his great teachers, namely Brother Placidus and Brother Matthias at Preston, and Father Paul Keenan and Father Frank Brennan.

“They were great teachers, great men,” Mr Wilson said.

Paul Keenan studied at Assumption College Kilmore, ACK, and captained the First XVIII in 1929, then coached Xavier.

Among Michael’s contemporaries at Xavier was Michael Green, who was an Assumption boarder, a tall year 10. Green, a lawyer, was a key player in Richmond’s golden era of the 1960s.

An early mentor to Michael was another ACK product Jack Kennedy, also highly regarded in the field of ear, nose and throat treatment.

In his late 80s Jack is still practicing in a limited way. A Collingwood fanatic, Jack Kennedy was the Magpies’ vice-president for a number of years.

Carlton forever

By contrast, Michael has been a lifetime Carlton fan. He recalls some of the Blues great teams and great players.

He lists Alex Jesaulenko, Stephen Kernahan and John James as a trio of true champions.

One late evening some years ago, Michael was resting at the farmhouse when an urgent phone call came through and he had to drive to the city to treat Chris Judd whose nose was badly broken in a clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG.

Michael’s dad died when he and his siblings were quite young. His brother, Paul and sister Mary Gabrielle have been highly regarded teachers.

Michael, a person of faith, speaks highly of the Marists and Jesuits who influenced his early years. He also praises St Patrick’s Father Prakash as a fine pastor.

There is also a strong Xavier connection as son, also Michael, is head of sport at the prestigious college.

There are three daughters – Anna a student counsellor, Meaghan a nurse, and Emily an occupational therapist.

Beyond university days and becoming a highly acclaimed professional in his field, Michael practiced at Doncaster and Greensborough with one day a week at Kilmore hospital for just over 30 years.

He has enjoyed farm life since teenage days and loves Braemore and its historic connections. Among prior occupants of the property were members of the well-known Dumaresq family.

Close by Simon O’Donnell’s property, Braemore has a touch of Scotland about it as befits its name.

Michael still spends a couple of days a week in the city but loves returning to the hills and valleys of home.

Footnote: Beyond his regular practice, Michael spent periods of time over the years working in remote communities in the outback providing his services.

Matt back home

Matthew Arnott has returned to Kilmore after quite a few years in the city. He is really enjoying being back in his hometown with his wife and three young children.

Son of Wally and Pat Arnott – well known longtime residents – Matt schooled at Kilmore Primary and ACK where he was a popular young student.

His dad is a legendary primary school teacher and principal in the area, while his mother had a long career as a nurse, culminating in a lengthy period as Kilmore Hospital matron.

Matthew’s sister Felicity has also forged a successful nursing career.

Wally was for many years a knowledgeable footy and cricket coach at ACK. He gave students and myself great support.

Matt is enjoying calling local area football on community radio. He made a late entry into cricket last summer with Kilmore Cricket Club Fourth XI and was very happy to hit a top score against Macedon.

At college he was keen on soccer, but wishes he had taken up cricket earlier. Matt is a fine person.

Lancefield book launch

Lancefield Football Club will launch a book on Saturday documenting the history of the proud club. Memorable times, great teams, great players and club stalwarts down the generations will be recognised.

For present and past players and families and the wider sporting community, it will be a fine chronicle.

ACK win thriller

Assumption came from behind in the closing minutes of an AGSV thriller at Ivanhoe.

Scores were level at half time and the home team had a useful lead at the final break. However the Blues finished strongly to win by 10 points, ACK 13.5 (83) to Ivanhoe 11.7 (73).

A large, vocal crowd watched a high standard clash between two teams certain to meet in the finals. High tackles and some undisciplined play cost Ivanhoe dearly to the tune of four goals.

On Friday, at 2.30pm, Assumption clash with Marcellin in a vital encounter at the ACK oval.

Assumption student releases debut single just ‘For you’

Grace Frost

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May 23, 2023

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Assumption student releases debut single just ‘For you’

By Grace Frost

Assumption College Kilmore, ACK, 17-year-old Amelia Vlasveld last month released her debut single ‘For you’ after receiving an overwhelming stream of support from her classmates, teachers and the extended school community.

Ms Vlasveld, who is music captain at ACK, took to the recording industry under the name ‘Valeida’, a combination of her middle name and first letter of her last name.

‘For you’, released on May 4, calls to early 2000s Sam Phillips with indie/folk attributes, before building to an angsty mid-section complete with a guitar solo and harmonies.

Ms Vlasveld wrote the track during the span of a month late last year about the romantic and platonic love she had experienced throughout her life.

“You meet people in your life and they make you want to get out of bed, they make you want to live life and they make you want to better yourself,” she said.

Her mullings were reflected in the opening line of the chorus, where she sings ‘I’ll wake up for you, make my bed ‘cause of you’.

The song came to fruition through ‘a process of trial and error’, where Ms Vlasveld implemented ideas from her teachers and mentors about how the final song should sound.

She said completing the song would have been impossible without the help of her friends, teachers and family members.

Ms Vlasveld credited Corey Mills, a teacher at ACK, for giving her the opportunity to record and connecting her with a producer.

“I’d record all my stems and ideas in my bedroom and send them to my producer through Corey,” she said.

“He was giving me this experience so I’d be able to do it on my own next time.”

Amelia debut 1 — Artwork accompanying Ms Vlasveld’s track ‘For you’

Ms Vlasveld said she had not expected so many people to support her with the release of her track.

One of Ms Vlasveld’s best friends, Holly Purnell, captured the cover photo and shot promotional videos, junior music students helped Ms Vaslveld add her lyrics to music services Spotify and Genius, her sister helped run her music accounts and social media, and her mother secured her gigs.

“So many teachers have been showing their classes my song and students have come up to me – people I don’t even know – telling me that they really liked my song and that they’ve got it in their playlist and have been listening to it,” she said.

Ms Vlasveld said she looked forward to helping others with releasing their music when she gets an opportunity.

“I’m so open to helping other people achieve what I’ve been able to achieve,” she said.

Ms Vlasveld also regularly plays at Oddfellows Cafe and the Royal Oak Hotel in Kilmore.

C6D87516 0E6F 4B49 B8E8 7C08C790D6D1 — Amelia Vlasveld takes to the stage regularly in Kilmore, gigging at multiple local venues.

To listen to Ms Vlasveld’s debut single, people can visit valeida.hearnow.com.

To follow her music journey, people can find Ms Vlasveld under her artist name Valeida on Instagram at www.instagram.com/vlaleida.

International harp therapists help at Edgar’s Mission

The North Central Review

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May 22, 2023

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International harp therapists help at Edgar’s Mission

International Harp Therapy students and graduates gathered at Lancefield animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission earlier this month for an experiential training day with rescued animals.

The day focused on whether the beneficial relationship between music and healing could be applied to animals.

“Animals have a physical and psychological sensibility, which allows them, in the same way as humans, to experience pain and pleasure,” Christina Tourin, a pioneer in therapeutic music and founder of the International Harp Therapy Program said.

“Research shows that music can affect an animal’s mood in much the same way it affects us. When animals hear classical music, it has a soothing effect and they become relaxed.”

With hundreds of formerly farmed animals residing at Edgar’s Mission, which celebrates its 20-year anniversary this month, founder Pam Ahern said many had suffered from past trauma.

“Harp therapy has proven time and again to soothe new arrivals to the sanctuary,” she said.

“Some transformations are immediate, while others are slow and at the animal’s pace.”

Edgar’s Mission resident therapeutic harpist Vimukti Warrhas been volunteering for more than four years.

“Vimukti goes to great lengths to connect with the animals and plays music appropriate to their needs to bridge the gap between us and them,” Ms Ahern said.

“It has been a great delight to see this compassion in action.”

Vimukti was instrumental in putting together this international event for harpists.

“It was a unique opportunity indeed,” Vimukti said.

“As therapeutic harpists, whether we are working with humans or animals, the fundamentals of what we apply are similar.

“We look to use inclusive attention to find the right tempo, rhythm and resonant tone of the individual.

“We are always observing and playing to support and hold them in a cradle of sound, creating their very own personal therapeutic harp experience.”

The experimental day helped students and graduates to become more confident to work with animals and humans alike.

“Staff, volunteers and visitors also benefited as the beautiful sounds of many harps and the loving intention borne from kindness echoed through the land,” Vimukti said.

Kilmore Guide and Scout Hall improvements around the corner

The North Central Review

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May 22, 2023

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Kilmore Guide and Scout Hall improvements around the corner

The Kilmore Guide and Scout Hall will soon have repairs after receiving a grant from the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s, ARTC, Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program.

The hall has hosted weekly meetings for Girl Guides and Scouts since 1970, empowering young people to be responsible community members.

The Inland Rail support program, which offers funding between $1000 and $4000 for individuals and organisations in regional areas, will be used to repair the hall’s leaking roof, replace the worn kitchen and hall floors with a new surface, and fix a water leak.

Kilmore Girl Guides leader Carolyn Atkinson said the upgrades would help the both groups to continue their services to the community.

“We’re guiding our young people to not only become good community members, but to contribute and become leaders,” she said.

“With a safer and more comfortable hall we will attract more members and increase the sustainability of our membership.”

ARTC Victoria and South Australia projects general manager Ed Walker encouraged other non-profit groups to submit applications for the next round of grants, open until July 31.

“We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities,” he said.

“The latest round of funding takes overall support for local communities and associations along the Inland Rail alignment to nearly $1.1 million since the program launched in 2019.”

For more information, visit or call 1800 732 761 to check funding eligibility to apply.

Digital driver licenses on the way

Roads & Transport

Jordyn Grubisic

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May 22, 2023

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Digital driver licences are on the way for Victoria, with a trial beginning next month before a statewide roll out by 2024.

Motorists will have the choice to store a secure digital version of their driver licence in the Service Victoria app or the upcoming my VicRoads app, with licence information able to be updated in real time and a timed QR code available to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.

Digital licences will also automatically reveal if a licence has been revoked or suspended but will still be available for use to prove identity or age.

Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson said the trial was an important first step in improving licence technology.

“This is world-class technology – the digital driver licence has a constantly refreshed unique QR code and the customer has control over the level of personal information shared,” he said.

Next month’s trial will be open to full licence holders in Ballarat, with feedback to be sought from motorists, retailers, licensed venues, police and places where a licence is used as proof of identity.

Macedon Ranges Youth Awards nominations now open

The North Central Review

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May 22, 2023

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Macedon Ranges Youth Awards nominations now open

Young residents living in the Macedon Ranges can be nominated for the 2023 Macedon Ranges Youth Awards, which help recognise achievements in the shire.

Nominations are open to young people aged between 12 to 25 years who have made significant contributions to the community.

The award categories acknowledge different skills, and this year includes: willpower, good deeds, pure imagination, nicely played, skilling it, and well aware.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council community director Maria Weiss said council was honoured to showcase the achievements of the shire’s youth once again.

“These awards provide a unique opportunity to bring all members of the community together in a really positive way and celebrate the immense contributions that young people make in our society,” she said.

“We encourage everyone to get involved to make this a true community event. If you know of a young person you feel should be put in the spotlight for their achievements, make sure you visit the website and nominate them.”

Macedon Ranges youth are encouraged to nominate their peers, while families, teachers, neighbours, employers and colleagues can also make nominations.

Winners will be announced at a live event at Kyneton Town Hall on August 10.

Nominations close on June 30, for more information and to nominate, visit www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/Youth/Youth-Awards.