Park users on a roll in Whittlesea

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April 4, 2023

Whether on two wheels or four, users of Whittlesea Skate Park and BMX Track are enjoying the challenge of putting their skills to the test on the park’s new attractions.

The popular skate park on Beech Street in Whittlesea has undergone a major $950,000 upgrade to freshen it up for bike, scooter and skateboard users of all ages.

The project was made possible by a $575,000 contribution from the City of Whittlesea and $375,000 from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne and Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage joined with council administrators Lydia Wilson, Peita Duncan and Christian Zahra on Tuesday for a tour of the park.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the park was deliberately designed to cater to users from beginner to advanced skill levels.

“This is another wonderful example of the City of Whittlesea working with the Victorian Government to deliver important infrastructure projects in our growing communities,” Ms Wilson said.

“The feedback we’ve received since the upgrades were finished has been incredibly positive and we’re really pleased that people are enjoying the park.”

The City of Whittlesea worked closely with the region’s young residents to perfect the park’s design, which features an open bowl, fun box, quarter pipes, asphalt pump track and more.

The works also included spectator areas, seating, signage, a drinking fountain and bins.

Broadford District junior tennis winners celebrated

Max Davies

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April 4, 2023

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Broadford District junior tennis winners celebrated

Broadford District Junior Tennis Association hosted its summer grand finals at Kilmore Tennis Club on March 25.

Section one premiers were Yea, who defeated Kilmore White five sets, 30 games to one set, 16 games.

Section two winners were Wallan, six sets, 36 games, over Seymour Blue 0 sets, 18 games.

In section three, Wandong six sets, 36 games defeated Broadford 0 sets, 17 games.

Best players in each grand final was awarded to: section one, Andrew Bree, Yea; section two, Liam Groenewald, Wallan; and section three, Kade Faralla, Wandong.

Results from the association’s recent tournament were:

Section One

Singles winner: Patrick Marks; Runner-up: Reilley White.

Doubles winners: Mason Lacorcia, Patrick Marks;

Runner-up: Reilley White, Ben Davies.

Section Two

Singles winner: Liam Groenewald;

Runner-up: Stephen Reilley.

Section Three

Singles winner: Kade Faralla;

Runner-up: Riley McKendry.

Doubles winners: Riley Mckendry, Kade Faralla;

Runner-up: Lyla McMahon, River Challis.

Section one runners-up Kilmore White, Mason Lacorcia, Hunter Hart and Patrick Marks.
Section two winners Wallan, Amshuman Shandilya, Dexter Mott and Liam Groenewald.
Section two runners-up Seymour Blue, Chloe Ash, Will Hustler and Stephen Reilley.
Tournament section one singles winner Patrick Marks, left, and runner-up Reilley White.
Tournament section one doubles winners Mason Lacorcia and Patrick Marks.
Section three winners Wandong, Flynn Ross, Riley Mckendry, River Challis, Kade Faralla and Max Markoski.
Tournament section two singles runner-up Stephen Reilley and winner Liam Groenewald.
Tournament section three singles winner Kade Faralla and runner-up Riley McKendry.
Section three runners-up Broadford, Zoe Robinson, Ajay Kenny, Jessica Playfoot, Lyla McMahon, Jack D’Elia, Grace Ellis and Poppy Robinson.

Great Victorian Rail Art soon to be completed

The North Central Review

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April 4, 2023

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Great Victorian Rail Art soon to be completed

An art installation project along the Great Victorian Rail Trail, GRVT, is set to be completed by the end of April, with initial onsite works underway on the seven installations.

Murrindindi, Mitchell and Mansfield Shire Councils are partnering to deliver seven major art installations placed along the length of the rail trail, including a series of smaller works by Taungurung artist and Elder Uncle Mick Harding.

The project was made possible through the State Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

The three councils are partnering with Tourism North-East to boost the tourist attraction, which will soon officially be known as ‘Art on the Great Victorian Rail Trail.’

A series of new interpretive signs will also be installed along the trail, sharing First People’s stories and information.

The trail will remain open for most of the installation period, however there will be small sections where riders will need to dismount.

In early April, two of the installations will require a one-day closure on a section of the trail near Homewood and another section near Maindample.

and on social media.

Community members can find more information about the project, artists and their art installations, including individual artist videos and a map of artwork locations, by visiting The Loop.

Freeway ramps to close at Wandong

The North Central Review

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April 4, 2023

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A 1.8-kilometre section of the Hume Freeway’s northbound lanes near Wandong will undergo a rebuild starting on April 15.

Part of the works involve improvements to the surface of the freeway on and off ramps at Wandong, which will require short-term closures of about 24 hours for each ramp.

Construction on the freeway is underway and will take about 10 weeks to complete, with work to be undertaken from Sunday to Friday each week including night works.

From 7am on both April 15 and 16, the off ramp will be closed with a detour for access to Wandong from Wallan via the Northern Highway and Epping-Kilmore Road, or Epping-Kilmore Road from Wallan.

From 7am on April 16 and 17, the on ramp closure will require motorists to access the Hume Freeway through Broadford via Epping-Kilmore Road, Northern Highway and Broadford-Kilmore Road.

When detours are active, electronic message signs and onsite traffic control will be in place.

Property of the week: Energy efficient country living

Lauren Duffy

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April 4, 2023

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Property of the week: Energy efficient country living

47 O’Gradys Road, Kilmore East

3 bed, 2 bath

Land size: Land Size: 2021 m2

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This energy efficient Colorbond home radiates all the charm of country living on half an acre with dual road frontage.

Situated beside a seasonal creek within walking distance of the railway station it enables easy commuting.

Built by a quality builder with energy efficiency in mind and quality fittings throughout, the open-plan living is filled with natural light and comprises lounge, dining and kitchen.

With extra insulation, solid fuel heater, reverse cycle split system and ceiling fans comfort is assured all year round.

There is a master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, second bedroom with access to the two-way master bathroom, study or third bedroom/nursery, laundry and alfresco area.

Container shed with verandah and productive veggie garden complete the package.

Please contact Nutrien Harcourts to arrange a private inspection

Nutrien Harcourts PROPERTY ID: L21876311

Agent: Jeanette Laffan
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Email: jeanette.laffan@nutrien.com.au

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

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: April 4, 2023

Ray Carroll

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April 4, 2023

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Happy family

At Assumption College Kilmore, ACK, I was lucky to have plenty of student volunteers to assist with the footy and cricket, sports organisation, marking of ovals and preparing of wickets, etc.

In the 1970s and 80s young boys who later rose to prominence were terrific helpers. The likes of Neale Daniher, Simon O’Donnell, Bill Brownless, Ray Power and many more.

They all took great pride in the various jobs. Bill Brownless especially loved preparing the pitch with the heavy roller.

Not only boys, but in latter years girl students too were willing helpers.

One of the top contributors was Hayley Comerford a boarder from Wagga Wagga in NSW.

Hayley is now married to Carlton and Gold Coast Suns footballer Levi Casboult with three young children.

The son of a Launceston police officer Levi is a devoted family man and a fine person. He only took up footy aged 17 having previously played soccer and basketball.

It was great of Hayley to call in recently, she had been home at a sad time – the passing of her grandmother and grandfather.

A career police woman, Hayley loved her time at ACK and she certainly made a fine contribution to college life.

Good night at Crown

The inductees to ACK’S hall of excellence plus the rising stars were well received by the crowd at the 130 years Gala at Crown last month. It was an impressive list as outlined by Max Davies in the Review recently.

It was good to see Dr Jim Butler honoured. Butlers Lane in west Kilmore is named after the family.

Jim was among my early pupils at ACK and he was a really bright boy. His highly respected parents were fine people.

Many in attendance at the Gala were students from the 1950s through to the 90s.

Without exception they have fond memories of schooldays and the fine teaching of the Marist Brothers.

In particular the early guys prospered in pretty spartan conditions compared to today, and cherish the lifetime friendships forged ‘one day when we were young’.

***

Congratulations to a wonderful modern-era student who turns 21 in a few days’ time. Chelsea Fowler of Wallan was school captain in 2020 and widely admired by her peers and staff. With her brother Bailey, she did Camp America last year and they will return shortly for another stint.

Meanwhile dad Robbie, wife Katia and the other four children are looking forward to a trip of a lifetime to England in July and to the Lord’s Ashes Test. It was hard work getting tickets as the famous ground sold out in hours for the whole five days.

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Thoughts and prayers of very many remain with Tom De Sousa and family as he bravely battles his health setback.

Eric’s honour

Nice to note a court has been named the Eric Salter court at Kilmore Tennis Club.

Eric was a fine player, close to Davis Cup level, and had a brilliant Country Week record.

His wife Jeanette and family have all been good players and the whole family has made a splendid contribution to the local club and indeed, the sport they love.

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Congratulations to Tallarook in the Seymour Distrcit Cricket Association title.

The small, close-knit community has managed to retain its ‘village’ identity against the odds.

It may not have a footy club but its proud cricket club has known plenty of success over the years and has had some very fine teams and players.

The splendid clubrooms at Tallarook’s picturesque oval has known many a fine celebratory gathering.

Happy Easter

Easter is a remarkable three days in the history of Christianity worldwide – hundreds of millions of all races will honour the occasion and for them it will be a truly happy and holy time.

Across Australia, as elsewhere, churches will be packed as they are at Christmas time. From this writer, best wishes to all.

Macedon Ranges footpaths under review

Lauren Duffy

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April 4, 2023

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MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has invited public feedback on its new shire-wide footpath plan, which was endorsed for consultation at the March council meeting.

Residents can provide feedback on the new draft shire-wide footpath plan, created by council to manage infrastructure delivery across the shire.

Deputy mayor Jennifer Anderson said the revised plan was last adopted in 2018.

She said a new plan would created better transparency around the design and location process, including communication to affected residents when council plans new footpaths.

“Since this plan was adopted, council has spent close to $4 million on the delivery of footpaths as part of our capital works,” she said.

“This revised plan provides a clearer strategy to guide us on which of the already identified upgrades to prioritise, where budget allows, and how we propose to work with the community early on design options available.”

Feedback is open until April 30.

Broadford students embrace diversity

The North Central Review

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April 3, 2023

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Broadford Secondary College celebrated diversity last Monday, with students dressing in colourful clothes and engaging in activities alongside community organisations that promote diversity and wellbeing.

To help spread the word of inclusivity, Nexus Primary Health, Mitchell Shire youth officers and not-for-profit-organisation Reclink Australia introduced their services through several activities including a wheel prize, face painting, recreational sport, friendship bracelets, and an information table.

Broadford Secondary College counsellor Bronwyn Kinnear, who is part of the student wellbeing team, said the lunchtime activity ensured students were informed about different services the school and community offered.

“We are aware that some students don’t feel comfortable talking about those kinds of issues at home and sometimes don’t feel comfortable talking about it at school either, and that can show in significant mental health problems,” she said

“This is an opportunity for them to see that it’s okay, and that we’re here to support them.”

Nexus Primary Health diversity officer Mathew Fowler, who takes care of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, LGBTQIA+, department at Nexus, said while the focus was on mental health, there was also the opportunity to present where students could locate safe spaces across the shire.

“It’s important to offer to the students so that way we can also promote our LGBTQIA+ 12 to 18-year-old youth group, which is run out of Broadford youth room – hopefully get some more students to attend that, and also making LGBTQIA+ aware to the students, as well as diversity,” he said.

Not-for-profit organisation Reclink Australia also promoted its program in conjunction with VicHealth, which aims to reach more than 10,000 young people to actively engage in sport within Mitchell Shire and beyond.

Sports coordinator Daniel Lloyd, who was interacting with students through recreational sports such as spikeball and finiska, said recreational activities helped foster the community and confidence within students.

“We’re a community-based organisation and we’re trying to get people that are disconnected in community back involved in community and we think that sport and recreation is a great way to do that,” he said.

“We do a lot of different lawn games. We found that they’re a great way to reach that middle ground. It’s not the big physical contact sports like netball and football, but it’s a good one for people just to join in any ability, any age group.”

Casey, 17, left, celebrating diversity with Shaneequah, 16, at Broadford Secondary College last week.

Racist graffiti on Beveridge playground

Pam Kiriakidis

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April 3, 2023

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By Pam Kiriakidis

Racial slurs were graffitied on a playground and sign in Beveridge last week.

Police are now investigating the graffiti on a playground in Burnett Drive Reserve and the Mandalay estate sale sign.

Mitchell Shire Council were notified last week of the racist graffiti and removed the offending material, which was spray painted on a playground, bins, benches and slides in the Mandalay Estate.

Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford recommended for anyone with information about the incident to contact police.

Beveridge resident Harjot Singh, who has lived in the Mandalay Estate since 2019, said he was ‘very disappointed’ with the act.

“It was absolutely a big shock, and it was like bright red and was quite clear reading,” he said.

“This was so disappointing and sort of really distressing for me this time when I saw this because I haven’t seen this kind of act for a while.”

With many young Indian families in the area, Mr Singh said his biggest concern was children seeing the racial language at such a young age.

“Most the Indian community are young families … they have kids, school aged kids and they’re reading it and hearing about it,” he said.

Mr Singh, who contacted council straightaway, said he was grateful that council had quickly removed the graffiti.

“I appreciate their action, so I’m not complaining about anybody like any government bodies that did what they’re supposed to do but this is how we feel,” he said.

or by calling 5734 6200.

• The Review has photos of the graffiti but has chosen not to publish the racist remarks.

OUR PEOPLE: Kilmore funeral director takes on national role

Max Davies

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April 3, 2023

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OUR PEOPLE: Kilmore funeral director takes on national role

This story is part of an ongoing series in the North Central Review aimed at showcasing and celebrating the people of our region. To nominate a worthy contributor to our region, email news@ncreview.com.au or send a message to our Facebook page.

By Max Davies

Not only has Kelly Scott established herself as a leading funeral director in Victoria’s north central region, but she has also been appointed the national president of the Australian Funeral Directors Association, AFDA, for the next two years.

A fourth-generation funeral director, Ms Scott has worked in the industry for more than 30 years.

She is currently the general manager of her family’s business TJ Scott and Son, which has offices in Kilmore, Gisborne and Kyneton.

She works with her father John and brother Daniel at TJ Scott and Son – a company founded in 1938 and a member of the AFDA for most of its history.

Ms Scott’s father also served as the AFDA national president from 2009 to 2011, making them the first father-daughter pairing to ever serve in the role.

“To be able to follow in [my dad’s] footsteps is such an honour. I’m absolutely thrilled to follow him because he’s been just an incredible funeral director and role model for me,” Ms Scott said.

“We’ve got to give the best of ourselves and like my dad, my passion is community and connection.

“As an association, we support our members, and someone has to put up their hand to do that.

“My dad and my brother know the importance of this work because they know it’s really important that our whole community, whether we’re doing a funeral for them or not, knows they have a choice of a really good quality experience and funeral director to help them through.”

The AFDA acts as a professional authority to help regulate the funeral industry as there is no government regulation in place, meaning anyone could start a funeral directors business with no prior experience or qualifications.

There are multiple smaller associations across Australia operating in the same industry, however the AFDA is the largest in the country and has members in every state and territory.

Kelly Scott and John Scott — Kelly Scott with her father John, who presented her the chain of office at the Australian Funeral Directors Association induction night. They are the first father-daughter pairing to have served as national president. Photo: Kim Selby.

Ms Scott said her role as national president was mostly about government advocacy, however upholding professional standards was a top priority.

“It’s basically about promoting professional standards because recently we’ve heard of some people out there that aren’t doing the right thing, so we make sure that we make our members accountable,” she said.

“We have a code of ethics, a code of practice and a constitution and all those things to help professionalise the industry itself. We feel that’s really important so that families can get the best service possible when they’re at a time of loss and vulnerable.”

Ms Scott said a mission for her during her time as national president was to meet and connect with as many different industry figures from around the world, and learn about their ideas and practices.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to meet directors from all over the world,” she said.

“I’ve just attended a conference in New Zealand, which was fantastic. I met someone who showed me they can compress ashes into these beautiful smooth stones that can then be engraved. I wouldn’t have even known about that, so meeting those like-minded people is just so enriching.

“It’s a real privilege and a big commitment [to be president], but we want everyone to have a positive experience when they’re organising a funeral.

“We’re looking to make sure that we’ve got really great professional members who can be supporting each other so they can keep doing what they’re doing.”