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Lancefield piglet makes her TV debut

May 2, 2023

A RESCUED piglet and resident of Lancefield sanctuary Edgar’s Mission has been winning hearts across Australia after she made her debut on national television.

Tottie is starring in a series of Animals Australia television commercials titled ‘Be their Hero’, a tale of unexpected love and friendship.

“The series was created to reveal a new possibility, a new potential that exists, through opening our hearts to these very special animals,” Animals Australia’s Lyn White said.

Tottie quickly learnt how to sit and stay among other requests at the shoot, which took place at Edgar’s Mission and locations across Lancefield.

“Pigs are incredibly intelligent animals,” sanctuary founder Pam Ahern said.

“If you want to a pig to do something, best to work out how this can be achieved on their terms, not yours. Their smarts are so keen.

“Tottie persuades us to consider all of the intelligent, fun-loving and sensitive pigs who are no different to her, yet who will never realise those potentials as they languish on factory farms the world over. No different to her, save their fate.”

Tottie’s adventures on screen have made her somewhat of a celebrity during the sanctuary’s weekend tours, which are free to the public.

“‘Be their Hero’ is a clarion call to caring Australians to become heroes for these animals,” Ms White said.

“There is an inner hero within each of us. One who deeply understands the power of each generation to transform, rather than conform.”

The television commericals can be found at animalsaustralia.org.

Whittlesea council seeks housing provider

The North Central Review

May 2, 2023

Whittlesea council seeks housing provider

A Whittlesea council decision to lease a piece of vacant land in Wollert to a community housing organisation will aim to help address a significant and growing shortfall in affordable housing options.

The City of Whittlesea decided at its April meeting to seek expressions of interest for a community housing organisation to lease the land in Ashline Street, Wollert, for affordable housing.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said research showed 3400 affordable homes were urgently needed in the municipality.

“We know there is a critical shortage of local homes that are affordable for residents on low incomes and the shortfall is having devastating socio-economic impacts on families and households,” she said.

“One in five households in our municipality is classified as having a very low income and one in three households who are renting are experiencing housing stress, which is defined as spending 30 per cent or more of household income on rent.

“This number is continuing to grow as we see more and more local families and households struggling to make ends meet amidst rising costs of living and housing affordability challenges.

The decision to lease the land to a community housing provider for affordable housing was made after extensive community consultation dating back to 2021.

“During the consultation we heard community concern about issues like safety, amenity and impact on property value. We have considered the feedback from the local community carefully and we have reviewed our approach to ensure we are addressing these concerns whilst still delivering a boost of much-needed local affordable housing,” Ms Wilson said.

“These houses will be quality single detached, duplex and townhouse style homes that use similar design features and finishes to surrounding dwellings.

“This project will provide homes for specific cohorts of local people including young families, older peoples, women, key workers and people with disabilities.

“We will also be seeking to add a flexible community space on the site which will be managed by council and integrate with the adjacent Kirrip Community Centre.

“We are also adding in a library hub in the foyer at the Kirrip Community Centre, which will feature bookshelves, seating, a self-checkout kiosk and returns area with items such as books, DVDs and magazines available in a variety of languages.”

Ms Wilson said council had a commitment and obligation to encourage and support the supply of social and affordable housing.

“All levels of government including local councils play an important part in facilitating the delivery of high-quality affordable housing developments for households on very low to moderate incomes,” she said.

Council will write to all participants in the consultation process to advise them of council’s decision and next steps in the process, including explaining how council will continue to engage with residents in the further planning and development of the project.

Residents will be invited to provide feedback on draft plans and designs once a suitable Community Housing Organisation is selected.

To find out more about the project visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Hidden history of Bylands recalled

The North Central Review

May 2, 2023

By Colin MacGillivray

A forgotten piece of the Kilmore district’s history will be recalled this month as historians, residents and Returned and Services League, RSL, members gather to mark 80 years since a plane crash at Bylands claimed the lives of two men during the Second World War.

On January 15, 1943, a prototype CA-4 Wackett Bomber, developed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, CAC, took off from Fishermans Bend in Melbourne for a test flight.

With aircraft orders from the United Kingdom and United States of America unable to be filled during the war, Australia was attempting to manufacture its own war planes through the CAC.

Squadron Leader Jim Harper, CAC test pilot Jim Carter and power plant engineer Lionel Dudgeon were sent to assess the plane’s performance and flew as far north as Kilmore before turning back.

A fuel leak led to an engine fire while the plane was flying at an altitude of about 300 metres, and the crew attempted to abandon the aircraft.

Only Sqd Ldr Harper was able to escape by parachute, while Mr Carter and Mr Dudgeon perished as the plane crashed on the Bylands property of Tom and Ann Comans.

The Comans family was lucky to escape death or serious injury as the aircraft hit a shed at the rear of their house.

Liz Pidgeon, a historian and the granddaughter of Tom and Ann Comans, said Ann documented the aftermath of the crash using a Kodak Brownie camera.

“It happened on a Friday afternoon and the pieces of the plane were recovered on the Monday, so she had opportunities to take some photos,” she said.

“It was pretty devastating. It’s a miracle the plane didn’t hit the house.”

Ms Pidgeon said the crash received little press attention due to wartime measures.

“I’ve given a few talks [on the incident], and my talk is titled ‘the secret crash’, because even when it happened there wasn’t a lot of publicity around it,” she said.

“There was a little piece in the Kilmore Free Press at the time, but after that there was nothing. They did their own inquiry and there was nothing else reported because of wartime measures. It was all secret, really.”

Ms Pidgeon said the secrecy surrounding the event meant the crew never got the public recognition they deserved.

She said the commemorative service planned for May 13 at Kilmore Cenotaph on Sydney Street would teach people their story.

Set to speak at the service are Ms Pidgeon; Kilmore Wallan RSL sub-branch president Rod Dally; Ian Dudgeon, the son of killed crew member Lionel Dudgeon; Royal Australian Air Force, RAAF, Wing Commander Rob Gill; and Air Force Association national president Carl Schiller.

Ms Pidgeon said she hoped many people would attend to learn more about an important but largely forgotten event.

“It’s about connecting local residents to some of the history that many don’t know happened here,” she said.

“A lot of people have no idea what happened in the area they live in before they were there, whether they were born there or they moved there. It’s part of connecting Kilmore and district residents to the history of the place they live.

“We want to commemorate the service of these people toward the war effort and making a better future for us.”

The ceremony on May 13 will commence at 10am at the Kilmore Cenotaph.

People can contact Ms Pidgeon by emailing lizpidgeon1@gmail.com or calling 0412 571 648 for more information.

Consultation begins on returning Seymour’s Avenue of Honour

The North Central Review

May 1, 2023

Consultation begins on returning Seymour’s Avenue of Honour

The reinstatement of an Avenue of Honour along Seymour’s Anzac Avenue is the primary goal of a forthcoming Mitchell Shire Council masterplan, with residents encouraged to provide their thoughts on the project.

Council will develop a masterplan covering the avenue from the railway underpass to Kobyboyn Road, expanding the scope of the project after community consultation last year.

As well as reinstating the Avenue of Honour, the masterplan will guide other streetscape improvement works.

The original Avenue of Honour on Anzac Avenue was planted in 1917 in respect of the region’s fallen soldiers in the First World War.

The trees were removed in the early 1980s when the road was built in its current form.

Council officers said community and stakeholder feedback last year showed people wanted the masterplan to include: the reinstatement of the Avenue of Honour tree memorial; improved access to the war memorial and surrounds; improved safety for all road users; enhanced pedestrian and cycling safety, including safer pedestrian crossings and connections; improved public spaces and seating; and increased biodiversity and large tree canopy cover.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said Anzac Avenue was an important part of Seymour’s military history as well as a highly used precinct of the town that formed part of the Goulburn Valley Highway network.

“I welcome and encourage ongoing community input and interest to get the very best possible planning outcome, all the while having the primary focus around the fantastic feedback we have already received and will hopefully continue to receive,” she said.

“There are many challenges, but our aim is to find a fair and good balance between community expectations of the area and the functionality for both now and well into our future.

“It is extremely important for the community to maintain their interest and input, as it will then allow council to finalise the masterplan and progress to seek funding to deliver the upgrades and beautification.”

Council has developed a design report outlining options for community consideration, including: strategies for delivering the Avenue of Honour; options for enhancing the surrounds of the Returned Services League, RSL, Memorial; options for improving public spaces and seating; on-road cycle lanes and off-road shared path improvements; and intersection upgrades and general traffic safety improvements.

Cr Stevens said the scope of the project meant it would likely be delivered in stages.

“The complexity, size and expected cost will be considerable and may have to be provided in stages into the future,” she said.

Council will host design workshops and drop-in sessions during the masterplan consultation period.

Workshops today at the Salvation Army Hall, 10 Victoria Street, will include a community session from 4pm to 6pm and a trader and community session from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

A Station Street drop-in session at the mall between Woolworths and Station Street will be on Wednesday, May 10, from 9am to 1pm.

Anzac Village drop-in sessions on the footpath near 115 Anzac Avenue, Seymour, will be on Saturday, May 6, from 10am to 2pm, and Saturday May 20, from 10am to 2pm.

A drop-in session at Seymour Senior Citizens Hall, 80 Anzac Avenue, Seymour, will be on Monday, May 22 from 4pm to 7.30pm.

People can have their say on the options or find more information on the project at website www.engagingmitchellshire.com. Consultation is open until 5pm on May 24.

GALLERY: Community pays respects on Anzac Day

Max Davies

May 1, 2023

GALLERY: Community pays respects on Anzac Day

By Max Davies

A wide range of services attended by some of the largest crowds seen in the area made this year’s Anzac Day one to remember for veterans and community members.

With services run across the Mitchell Shire throughout the day, including dawn services in Kilmore and Wallan and services at Willowmeade and Caladenia nursing homes, the Anzac Day commemorations saw people of all ages pay their respects to those who were lost at war.

Kilmore Wallan RSL president Rod Dally said it was moving to be recognised and appreciated on Anzac Day, especially with younger generations becoming more involved each year.

“I can’t explain how it makes you feel. When you see those people when you’re marching up the street and they’re clapping, especially after the kicking we got when we got back from Vietnam – that really gives you a sense of pride,” he said.

“The kids, the younger people have been absolutely brilliant. To have them understand what it was all about from their parents and teachers is really important.”

In addition to services in towns across the Mitchell Shire, schools including Broadford Secondary College, Wallan Secondary College, Wandong Primary School and Wallan Primary School hosted services, which were also attended by veterans and RSL representatives.

Mr Dally said he was especially proud of the service at St Patrick’s Primary School in Kilmore, which was carried out almost entirely by students.

“At St Pats it’s wonderful, the kids actually do it all. They had a speaker this year, which was one of our vets and they normally do that,” he said.

“They’ve also donated a mural that’s on the wall of our hall now, so people can scan the QR codes and learn about the soldiers’ stories and how they felt about it all. It’s very interesting.

“At schools they’re really teaching the kids about the respect these people deserve, and what their service meant for the lives they live today. It’s just amazing to watch it and see it in the schools.

“Wars aren’t fun, we don’t celebrate war. We get that message across whenever we can while we celebrate the courage of people who were prepared to defend their country and their freedom, their way of life.”

An addition to the commemorations this year were members of the Mitchell Shire’s Sikh community, who joined representatives from community groups, Mitchell Shire Council, parliament and students from Wandong Primary School to lay wreaths at the Wandong memorial.

The Sikh Anzac history dates back to World War One when members of the Sikh community in Australia enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, and it is estimated about 22 per cent of the British Indian Army were Sikh at the same time.

At Pyalong’s Anzac Day service, 250 people, including Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens and Cr Bill Chisholm, attended the town’s memorial gardens in beautiful sunny conditions.

The Pyalong Community Commemoration began with a march along High Street to the gardens, led by Rats of Tobruk Pipe and Drums Band piper Les Kenfield.

The Army School of Transport, Puckapunyal, provided the catafalque party and other ceremonial roles, as well as the guest speaker Lieutenant Lachlan Atkins.

Lieutenant Atkins spoke of the century-old Anzac tradition and how it is still relevant to modern Australia. Other speakers included retired Victoria Police Commander Eric Sutton and Bec Frederickson.

Vietnam veteran and Melbourne singer-songwriter John Hunter sung his own composition ‘The Ones Who Marched Away’, which he wrote after his service in Vietnam. The ceremony concluded with Pyalong Primary School students singing the Australian National Anthem.

The service in Broadford was attended by a large gathering of community members, emergency services and veterans. Photo: Colson Photograhy.
Kilmore’s march gave residents a chance to meet retired Kilmore Hospital nurses dressed in historical uniforms.
The Pyalong community marched along High Street to the gardens, led by Rats of Tobruk Pipe and Drums Band piper Les Kenfield. Photo: Austinn Moffatt.
Community groups and service men and women pay their respects at the Broadford cenotaph. Photo: Colson Photography.
Members of the Mitchell Sikh community lay a wreath at the Wandong memorial.
Broadford Secondary College junior and senior captains helped lead the school’s service.
Wallan Primary School captains Sheridan Miller, left, Allanah Collett, Abeer Bandlish and Ali Alaeddine with principal Tanya Kirkright, bugler Martyn Scrimshaw and RSL Victoria vice president Des Callaghan.
Wandong’s memorial garden was well attended during the Anzac Day service.
Wallan Primary School students lay wreaths at the school’s flagpoles, with a ceremony led by the school’s captains.

Northern Health commemorates Anzac Day

The North Central Review

May 1, 2023

Northern Health hosted its Anzac Day service at its Bundoora campus – the long-time location for commemorations and home to many past service men and women.

The service provides an opportunity for staff, patients and members of the community to gather together to reflect and pay tribute to those who made sacrifices for their country.

Chief nursing and midwifery officer Lisa Cox said it was important to remember everyone who served at war.

“Today, we remember and honour the 60,000 Australians who were killed and 156,000 wounded or taken prisoner in [World War One]. We also remember over 800 Aboriginal Australians who landed at Gallipoli, 13 of whom were killed in action,” she said.

“We remember the more than 3000 Australian civilian nurses who volunteered for active service in the First World War. Today we also pay tribute to more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country.”

Representatives from across the health service featured including board chair Jennifer Williams and chief executive Siva Sivarajah, while a range of community members were also in attendance.

Northern Health’s Choir also participated in the Anzac Day service and sang several songs, including the Australian national anthem.

Handel’s London opens Broadford concert season

The North Central Review

May 1, 2023

Handel’s London opens Broadford concert season

The opening concert in Peter Hagen’s 2023 Broadford series of musical performances is titled ‘Handel’s London’.

Well known in Mitchell Shire and further afield, Mr Hagen has worked with some of the top Australian and overseas musicians. He will perform his 2023 series with Jen Kirsner, the director of Genesis Baroque.

The melodies and harmonies of all three composers were a feature of London in the 1720s and beyond, which is why Mr Hagen decided to call his concert series Handel’s London.

The opening performance will be on Sunday, May 7 at 4pm.

Located a 10-minute drive outside of Broadford in a rural setting, the series, now in its 12th year, has proven popular with audiences.

Guests are offered a complimentary glass of wine following the performance by boutique wine maker Mike Boudry of Nagambie Terrace, who has supported the series for several years.

With music by Handel, Carbonelli and Babell, the concert is set to please lovers of fine music.

For inquiries or more information, people can contact Mr Hagen by emailing peter@peterhagen.com.au or calling 03 5784 3884.

Seymour to host Mitchell Shire’s first Mother’s Day Classic run

Pam Kiriakidis

May 1, 2023

Seymour to host Mitchell Shire’s first Mother’s Day Classic run

By Pam Kiriakidis

Seymour’s Lions Park will be home to the Mitchell Shire’s first Mother’s Day Classic on May 14 where residents can take part in a national event that donates to breast cancer research.

Similar to other Mother’s Day Classic annual runs across Australia, the Seymour event will host three runs – a 10-kilometre run, five-kilometre run and walk, and a two-kilometre walk – with several prizes on offer for best dressed in pink, including dogs on leashes.

Volunteer organiser Adele Deverell, who has a team of volunteers helping her on the day, said Lions Park was a great facility for a fundraiser and she hoped the event would continue in the future with more investment and community support.

“I was quite eager to get the community event happening and raise money for this worthy cause, and [to] have something in Seymour … because there’s nothing really like this in Mitchell Shire,” she said.

“There’s a lot of active people, a lot of people that use that track regularly.”

Diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, Ms Deverell said her whole mindset changed completely following her battle with the disease.

She felt Seymour needed its own event to raise awareness of breast cancer after attending a much bigger event with her son last year.

“For me, at 32, to be diagnosed with rapidly growing cancer, I did not ever expect that I’d have to be facing that – I thought that’s a problem for 20 or 30 years down the track,” she said.

Ms Deverell said her aim was the raise awareness of breast cancer, particularly for younger people, and encourage them to get checked if they felt a lump.

She said she was keen to continue the fundraiser with more entertainment and food available for people across the Mitchell Shire.

“We’ll do it the year after and continue to do it as long as I can and just grow the event into something more and more every year because it’s on Mother’s Day,” she said.

“On Mother’s Day morning come down, go for a walk, have some food and bit of entertainment for the kids and that’s the end goal.

“I know in the city they have a lot going on – face painters, entertainers, but they’ve got a lot more money invested in.”

Participants can register on the day or can pre-register at www.mothersdayclassic.com.au, with access to a race bib and tribute cards for the run.

For more information on the Seymour event, visit the Facebook page, Mother’s Day Classic – Seymour Vic.

The event will be at Lions Park, Manners Street, Seymour, on Sunday May 14, with registration starting from 8am.

Fire season comes to an end: The season’s stats

Lauren Duffy

May 1, 2023

Fire season comes to an end: The season’s stats

AFTER a season dominated by grassfires and intermittent rainfall, the final fire restrictions were last week lifted in Victoria to bring an end to the fire season.

The Country Fire Authority, CFA, responded to more than 12,800 incidents, including false alarms, between December and March in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 fire seasons.

However, small vegetation fires were down by more than 25 per cent this season, while vegetation and other outside fires remained steady and vehicle, extrication and rescue incidents saw a slight increase.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan thanked every CFA volunteer for their continued commitment to protecting their communities for another fire season.

“As the 2022-23 fire season draws to a close, I want to express my gratitude to the more than 52,000 volunteers across the state who have supported Victoria through another summer,” he said.

“CFA crews have been pivotal in protecting communities through significant grass and bushfires this year such as incidents seen in Flowerdale, Northwood, Glenmore, Maintongoon and Boisdale.”

Mr Heffernan also acknowledged the more than 3080 individual CFA members who played a part in the response to the floods across Victoria last year.

“CFA volunteers don’t stop their valued work now that fire season is over – we know that the colder months bring a new set of challenges, with a focus on responding to fires inside the home and supporting landowners with private burn-offs,” he said.

The end of the fire danger period will be an opportunity for landowners to burn-off again, however it is still important that residents check the conditions are safe and register their burn before beginning.

Residents must also contact their council directly for advice before lighting up, as burn-offs outside the Fire Danger Period may still be subject to local council laws.

Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.

It’s all ‘Nunsense’ for Broadford Amateur Theatrical Society

The North Central Review

May 1, 2023

It’s all ‘Nunsense’ for Broadford Amateur Theatrical Society

BROADFORD Amateur Theatrical Society, BATS, has been busy preparing for its upcoming production of ‘Nunsense’, set to hit the stage in the coming months.

BATS is a not-for-profit theatre group based in Broadford, whose most recent showcase of ‘Mamma Mia’ featured an all-Mitchell Shire-based cast and crew, and saw seven sold-out performances.

Nunsense is BATS’ most recent undertaking, following ‘The Buddy Holly Show’ being pulled from production shortly after auditions concluded earlier this year.

“We didn’t think it was the right time to do Buddy. It’s not that we’re not doing it, it’s just that Broadford is not ready at this stage,” BATS director Shaun Geerlings-Parker said.

When Buddy Holly came to a premature end, Nunsense – a musical comedy featuring tap numbers, kick lines, an audience quiz, comic surprises and over 200 lighting cues – was ‘standing in the wings’, offering the BATS a great opportunity to snatch up.

“Within a couple of weeks, we redid auditions, we cast Nunsense and we’re now in the middle of rehearsals,” Mr Geerlings-Parker said.

“Nunsense is about these five nuns doing a fundraiser concert, trying to raise money to bury nuns that have died in the convent – their cook had made a soup and pretty much killed 54 of the nuns.“

Nunsense’s five roles were announced early last month – Janice Kemp is set to play Mother Superior, Julie Tennant is Sister Mary Hubert, Sherie Mills is Sister Robert Anne, Alicia Biancon is Sister Mary Amnesia and Faith Anderson is Sister Mary Leo.

“There’s only five people in the show, so it was a real tough decision. We could have cast the show four times,” Mr Geerlings-Parker said.

“We’ve actually got a mother and daughter [Ms Tennant and Ms Mills] and a grandmother and granddaughter [Ms Kemp and Ms Anderson] in the show.

Ms Kemp was taking her granddaughter to auditions when she was asked by the panel to try-out herself.

“She hadn’t prepared anything but she auditioned for the show and she was cast as a lead role,” Mr Geerlings-Parker said.

Preparations for opening night began with three-and-a-half weeks of music rehearsals led by BATS musical director Julie Wales.

The cast is now under the direction of Mr Geerlings-Parker, who said they were ‘moving really quickly’ and on course to have the show audience-ready within two weeks.

Nunsense is scheduled to hit the stage for opening night in the coming months.

“There’s five nuns on stage putting on a show – it’s not something you see every day,” Mr Geerlings-Parker said.

Tickets will go on sale soon, to be made available via the BATS Facebook page.

BATS is also offering $100 sponsorship packages for businesses to purchase in support of the show, which include tickets to the production and advertisement on BATS’ Facebook page and in the show’s programme.

Any local businesses interested can get in contact with Mr Geerlings-Parker via the BATS Facebook page.

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