Assumption alumni recognised in college’s 130-year celebration

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March 13, 2023

Assumption alumni recognised in college’s 130-year celebration

By Max Davies

Assumption College marked its 130th anniversary with a gala at Crown Palladium last month, bringing together college alumni and current families for a night of celebration and recognition.

Among the Hall of Excellence inductees were past students who had gone on to have meaningful and impactful careers, including firefighters, politicians, physicians, scientists, and an Australian Air Force officer.

There was also a portion of the evening dedicated to Assumption’s ‘Rising Stars’ – students who graduated in the past 20 years that are progressing in their careers and working towards greater achievements.

Assumption principal Kate Fogarty said it was special to see so many college alumni and current families together at the celebration.

“The highlight of the night was certainly the celebration of the 10 new inductees into the Hall of Excellence and Rising Stars – all who are worthy role models for us all and our motto ‘Quae Supra Quaere’ – to see the things that are above,” she said.

A posthumous inductee to the Hall of Excellence was Father John Brosnan, who attended Assumption from 1934 to 1937 and went on to become a strong advocate for human rights and civil liberties. He was recognised for his lasting impact on the lives of many people.

Also inducted was Damian Drum, a former politician who served in both state and federal parliaments for more than 20 years and was a strong advocate for the development of projects to create employment for communities and support economic growth. He attended Assumption from 1975 to 1976.

Assumption also took the opportunity to recognise some of its sporting ties, as well as announce new partnerships with Essendon Football Club, Netball Victoria, Cricket Victoria and Melbourne United Basketball Club.

“In recognition of our partnership with Liverpool Football Club, there was an incredible performance by our dance troupe, our college band and vocalists of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, followed by a rousing rendition of our college song ‘Shandon Calls’,” Ms Fogarty said.

“We are deeply grateful to each of these organisations for their courage in joining us in this new endeavour and look forward to sharing our work together over the coming years.”

Assumption College Student Performance 130 Gala — Assumption College students performed at the 130 Year Gala at Crown Palladium.

ACK Hall of Excellence inductees

John Brosnan (Class of 1937)
Ordained in 1945, Father Brosnan was a strong advocate for human rights and civil liberties and the posthumous honour recognises the lasting impact he had on so many lives.

James Tibballs (Class of 1965)
An intensive care physician at the Royal Children’s Hospital from 1979-2022, Dr Tibballs, an associate professor, has researched and taught resuscitation, poisoning, envenomation, paediatrics, and law and ethics, with a particular focus on organ donation and procurement.

Robert Chipman (Class of 1988)
Air Marshal Robert Chipman is a highly decorated officer in the Royal Australian Air Force with a distinguished career spanning three decades. He was appointed as Australia’s Military Representative to NATO and the European Union in 2019.

James Michael Butler (Class of 1966)
Currently the professorial associate in the Department of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, Dr Butler has also served as the President of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Skin and Cancer Foundation of Victoria.

Damien Meredith (Class of 1974)
Mr Meredith has presided over Kia Australia as Chief Operating Officer since 2014 and has contributed to numerous boards including the Clown Doctors, the Community Concussion Board and Chair of the Nova Peris Foundation. He also spearheaded the campaign to build the college’s Neale Daniher Sports Pavilion.

David McNamara (Class of 1982)
After many years working in the not-for-profit sector, Mr McNamara was appointed as Foodbank Victoria chief executive in July 2013, bringing with him his lifetime love of food and drive to change the injustice of food insecurity.

James Dullard (Class of 1978)
Mr Dullard was appointed assistant chief fire officer of Fire Rescue Victoria in 2020. Instrumental in leading fire service reforms, he continues to provide front line command and control duties by attending major incidents and multiagency events.

Peter Traynor (Class of 1978)
Mr Traynor received the Distinguished Service Award from the Australian Society for Microbiology in 2012 and was a finalist in the 2019 Unsung Hero of South Australian Science Awards and honorary life member of the Australian Society for Microbiology.

Damian Drum (Class of 1976)
A strong advocate for the challenges specific to rural and regional Australia, Mr Drum served his community for over 20 years in both State and Federal Parliament. This honour acknowledges his selfless service to community.

Tony McNamara (Class of 1984)
Mr McNamara made his film debut in 2003 directing The Rage in Placid Lake, which won several awards. Writing for various Australian TV shows, he also received critical acclaim for his work co-writing The Favourite, which earned him a BAFTA in 2018.

Rising Stars

Kaitlyn Cummins (Class of 2002)
Establishing The Play Project in 2017, Ms Cummins’ work in occupational therapy supports parents to raise happy, healthy, and confident kids.

Belinda Bourne (Class of 2007)
As the national lead clinical nurse consultant managing the paediatric heart and lung transplant programs at both The Alfred Hospital and The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Belinda has also led various research projects, published numerous papers, and presented at key local and international medical conferences.

Tony Armstrong (Class of 2007)
A rising star in Australian sports media, a talented writer, creator and Silver Logie winner, Mr Armstrong was the first Indigenous person to call live AFL on commercial radio.

Alisa Urokohara (Class of 2016)
After graduating in 2016, Ms Urokohara took a gap year in Japan to teach English. Successful as a songwriter, she landed the role as host of popular Japanese children’s show ‘ABC Broccoli’.

Assumption College Hall of Excellence Inductees 13 Gala — Assumption College principal Kate Fogarty, back left, with Hall of Excellence inductees Peter Norden receiving a posthumous award on behalf of Fr John Brosnan, Damien Meredith, Damian Drum and Peter Traynor. Front, from left, James Tibballs, James Butler, David McNamara, James Dullard and Robert Chipman.

Assumption College Rising Stars 130 Gala — Assumption College principal Kate Fogarty, back left, with Hall of Excellence inductees Peter Norden receiving a posthumous award on behalf of Fr John Brosnan, Damien Meredith, Damian Drum and Peter Traynor. Front, from left, James Tibballs, James Butler, David McNamara, James Dullard and Robert Chipman.

Father McHugh films to be launched on St Patrick’s Day

The North Central Review

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March 13, 2023

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Father McHugh films to be launched on St Patrick’s Day

Kilmore Historical Society is officially screening Father James McHugh’s historic films at a St Patrick’s Day event at Assumption College, which will welcome residents to celebrate dressed in green for the annual day.

The film to be presented at the St Patrick’s Parish event were recorded by Fr McHugh, a former Kilmore Catholic priest, who captured Kilmore’s churches, horse racing, and militia prior to the Second World War during the late 1930s.

Last year Kilmore Historical Society digitised the short films and edited the footage into a long piece, adding a script and vintage music.

The society also called on the community to help identify people in the film so names could be included.

Kilmore Historical Society president Brian Clancy said the society managed to identify a few film stars for the film to be completed.

“One of the posing things was getting all the names to the 56 people, or the locals that joined up for the militia, with their names to appear on the film,” he said.

Although Mr Clancy said he would have preferred to identify more names, he believed there would be a ‘favourable reaction’ at the screening as the film, which highlighted some of Kilmore’s oldest events and recognisable landmarks.

“It’s a bit of Kilmore for everyone,” he said.

“I suppose the whole project is a bit like when someone goes and picks up an old photo that might look interesting, and there’s no names on it or no caption.

“That’s really what we’ve done here, we’ve put names, we put captions, put a story to the material things, and so it’s going to be available for here on eternity.”

Mr Clancy said Fr McHugh would have appreciated such an event where residents could enjoy Irish dancing, a bring-your-own picnic and a best dressed parade, with a prize winner awarded for the best Irish green outfit.

“Father McHugh was a great community man, and he loved big gatherings, and I think the program will be a reckoning, he will be quite impressed with that,” he said.

The St Patrick’s Day event will be at Assumption College’s Neale Daniher Pavilion on Friday, and people can enter via gate one at the college.

Celebrations will begin at 5.30pm, with the bar open from 6pm and the film at 7.30pm.

The film will be available online after the event on Kilmore Historical Society’s YouTube channel.

St Mary’s Primary gears up for Ride2School

The North Central Review

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March 13, 2023

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St Mary’s Primary gears up for Ride2School

St Mary’s Primary School in Lancefield will next week join 3000 other schools across Australia in National Ride2School Day and promote physical activity for students.

Organised by the Bicycle Network, the day is designed to assist schools in encouraging students to be physically active by riding a bike or scooter to school.

The Lancefield school currently has about 20 students who travel to school by walking, riding a bike, or riding a scooter and has taken part in both National Ride2School Day and Walk to School Month in previous years.

St Mary’s community liaison officer Jo Shannon encouraged families to get together and ride to school in groups to account for longer commute times in the rural area.

“The benefits of actively travelling to school include starting the day with exercise and fresh air, allowing the brain to be ready for learning and keeping students mentally and physically in shape,” she said.

“My advice to a parent or student thinking about actively travelling to school for the first time is to do it as a family or in a group of friends.”

St Mary’s offers bike education to students in years three and four, however Ride2School Day is open to students from all year levels, and continues to grow each year.

Students will often take part in the day by riding to their nearest bus stop, driving close to the school and then riding the rest of the way, or simply by riding all the way to school from home.

“Pre-plan your active travel so you know the best and safest route,” Ms Shannon said.

“Take your time and enjoy being outside in the fresh air. You’ll be amazed at how good it makes you feel – a great way to start the day.”

National Ride2School Day is set for Friday, March 24, but St Mary’s will host their ride day on Wednesday, March 22.

Transport Alert: Works on the Seymour and Shepparton lines

Roads & Transport

Lauren Duffy

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March 7, 2023

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Transport Alert: Works on the Seymour and Shepparton lines

Passengers on the Seymour and Shepparton lines are advised of longer journey times during March and early-April, as works progress on the Shepparton Line Upgrade.

Coaches replace trains between Southern Cross, Seymour and Shepparton from Wednesday March 8 to Saturday April 1.

Passengers are urged to check the PTV app or website before travelling and to allow up to 60 minutes extra for their journey.

Coaches will then replace trains between Seymour and Shepparton only until the last service on Thursday April 6.

From Sunday April 2 to Thursday April 6, coaches will depart Shepparton up to 35 minutes earlier than usual train times to ensure connection with trains at Seymour.

Replacement coaches will be a combination of express, semi-express and stopping all stations services, and a temporary timetable will be available from the V/Line website to help passengers plan ahead.

Albury Line trains will operate as normal, except over a three day period from Saturday March 18 to Monday March 20 when the Australian Rail Track Corporation completes planned maintenance at various locations between Melbourne and Sydney.

During this time, crews will carry out signalling work, safety testing and driver training, putting the finishing touches on stage two of the Shepparton Line Upgrade.

V/Line will undertake works including the installation of new equipment for the new signalling system between Craigieburn and Seymour, and its annual maintenance along the line.

The Shepparton Line Upgrade is delivering faster, more frequent and reliable services and has enabled the introduction of modern VLocity trains.

Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app. The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.

Crime and community safety to be discussed at CommSafe forum: City of Whittlesea

Lauren Duffy

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March 7, 2023

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Crime and community safety to be discussed at CommSafe forum: City of Whittlesea

By Colin MacGillivray

Residents will have a chance to discuss crime and community safety with members of Victoria Police’s executive command at a City of Whittlesea CommSafe forum in South Morang this month.

The forum, on Thursday, March 23, will allow members of the public to hear from and ask questions of Victoria Police leaders, including Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent, Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway, Commander Lisa Hardeman and Assistant Commissioner Brett Curran.

Local police will also be on the forum’s panel, including Inspector Chris Allen, the Whittlesea area commander.

Insp Allen said the forum presented an excellent opportunity for police and the public to strengthen ties and get a clearer idea of issues present in the community.

“The CommSafe forums are open to everyone and they provide an opportunity for Victoria Police to engage at a local level with both our partner agencies and the community,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for members of the community to talk to police about what’s important to them.

“There are a number of topics [of discussion] that include current crime trends, crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing, and drugs and drug-related crime.

“It’s a two-way street. The community gets to hear from us, and we get to hear from the community about what they are seeing in terms of community safety and local issues.”

Insp Allen said some of the topics related to the speciality areas of the executive command members in attendance.

“Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway is in charge of our fa

“We’ve also got Assistant Commissioner Brett Curran from the North West Metropolitan region.”

Insp Allen said organisers expected more than 100 people to attend the forum, which will be from 9am to 12.30pm at The Great Hall, 25 Ferres Boulevard, in South Morang.

“We encourage everyone to register so we can manage numbers in terms of seating and catering,” he said.

People can find out more information, as well as register to attend the forum, by emailing whittlesea-forum-2023-mgr@police.vic.gov.au.

Property of the week: ‘Dresden Park’

Lauren Duffy

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March 7, 2023

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2715 Seymour-Tooborac Rd, Tooborac

3 bed, 1 bath, 8 car-space

Land size: 44.29 ha/109.44 ac (approx)

SPONSORED

Accessed via a classic country driveway, this enchanting property of just under 110 acres, 44.29 hectares, offers seclusion and breathtaking country views along with a charming home and excellent infrastructure.

The unique three bedroom plus study home is nestled amidst beautiful established gardens and includes double-glazed windows throughout, and a 10-panel solar system that feeds back to the grid.

The kitchen boasts quality Miele appliances and adjoins a meals area and lounge room with reverse-cycle split system, ceiling fan and cosy wood fire. The luxurious bathroom has been completely updated with floor to ceiling tiles, freestanding bath, large walk-in shower and vanity with red-gum benchtop.

The home is complimented by verandahs and a pergola, offering numerous spots to sit and enjoy the garden views.

If your plans are to build the country home of your dreams, there are also a number of ideal sites, subject to council approval, offering stunning views.

Thoughtfully designed for horse and cattle breeding, the property includes 14 paddocks of varying sizes connected by a laneway system.

Fencing is predominantly horse-friendly and all paddocks have reticulated water or a dam, of which there are five.

Shedding includes a machinery shed, approx. 18 x 8.4m, and a 19 x 8m shed with four stables and a mare crush. Both of the sheds have partial concrete floors, and electricity and water connected.

There is also a 10 x 7.8m, approximately, store shed with adjacent garage and an older shearing shed.

Additional features include foaling box, stock yards with loading ramp and crush and 30,000 gallons of tank water storage.

Located just five minutes from Tooborac and 20 minutes to Seymour, this is a well-equipped and peaceful property suitable for a variety of equine or agricultural pursuits, or the perfect country getaway within easy reach of Melbourne.

Nutrien Harcourts PROPERTY ID: L21720752

For sale via Expressions of Interest closing Wed 15th March 2023 at 4pm.

Agent: Jeanette Laffan
Mobile: 0438 452 641
Email: jeanette.laffan@nutrien.com.au

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

Mitchell Shire riders desperate for bike tracks

Max Davies

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March 7, 2023

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Mitchell Shire riders desperate for bike tracks

By Max Davies

THE need for cycling infrastructure in the Mitchell Shire was highlighted late last month at a ride day and meeting organised for the young cycling community, with more than 50 riders attending to show their support.

Arranged by Wheel House Bikes owner Sam Cummins with the help of Kilmore enduro racer Patrick Broughton, the meeting was originally planned as a day for young cyclists to get together and ride, however the recent removal of makeshift bike jumps on the Kilmore Racecourse Reserve prompted discussions about the needs of the shire’s cycling community.

The jumps, built by a group of young bike riders, were removed last month as works on the Kilmore Racecourse Reserve walking track were nearing completion, sparking criticism from parents and riders.

Kilmore Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Trustees chairman Danny Laws said the removal of the jumps was necessary as a ‘safety precaution’.

“It’s a bit of a mountain out a molehill thing, there was only one large jump that was taken down and a couple of very small jumps that were close to the walking track,” he said.

“We need to be mindful that there could be some elderly people walking along the walking track or young kids, and we certainly don’t want anyone getting cleaned up by a bike so that was the whole reasoning behind it.”

Current options for bike riding in the Mitchell Shire at dedicated parks and tracks are limited, however there are various trails on Kilmore’s Monument Hill Reserve, as well as small BMX tracks in Broadford and Wallan and talks of a pump track at Ryans Creek Reserve in Kilmore.

Cycling is also encouraged on the racecourse reserve walking track, which includes some trails similar to those on Monument Hill.

bikes 3 — More than 50 riders attended a ride day last month to show their support for more cycling infrastructure in the area.

Mr Laws said the trustees would support the construction of cycling infrastructure at the reserve, but it would be difficult to gain approvals and to have it completed within the next few years.

He also said Mitchell Shire Council was not to blame for the lack of action, but instead pointed the finger at government legislation that made it difficult to deliver large projects on short notice.

“We would love to see a portion of the reserve have a little BMX track, but we know the cold hard realities of doing that,” he said.

“There’s all the permits and approvals, you have to get ecology and heritage [reports], a few different groups have to agree so there could be negotiation or payment involved, you have to work with Mitchell Shire Council – nothing is easy anymore.

“You’d really need government to change [legislation] to make it easier for small communities like ours to get something happening for the people of today.”

Mr Broughton said an aim of the initial event was to encourage young people to ride bikes while also promoting safety and responsible behaviour.

“We’re just getting kids stoked on riding again, especially because there was a lot of heat off of those racecourse jumps,” he said.

“The biggest thing is just to get the kids to realise how to be safe on mountain bikes and we want to be represented in the community as respectable members of the public, just a collective group of mountain bikers getting outside, having fun and being respectful.”

While the ride day was an ideal opportunity to showcase the interest and passion young people have for biking, Mr Broughton said it would be a while before new infrastructure was built.

“I don’t expect it to be overnight of course, but at least from today I think we’ll get a mountain bike club going to try and make something more official to make these [rides] more regular,” he said.

“The kids are loving it, so it’d just be good to keep them coming back.

“We’ve got that Ryans Creek Reserve half off the ground with the potential of a pump track, obviously that’s years away, but it’s a good step in the right direction.”

Kilmore Club rallies for Tom de Sousa, diagnosed with cancer

Lauren Duffy

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March 7, 2023

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Kilmore Club rallies for Tom de Sousa, diagnosed with cancer

By Colin MacGillivray

THE Kilmore Football Netball Club and wider Mitchell Shire community are rallying around Tom de Sousa and his family after the young footballer and father was diagnosed with brain cancer late last year.

Mr de Sousa received the devastating diagnosis only weeks before Christmas and, after confiding in the club, decided to publicly disclose his battle last month.

The Blues have organised a major fundraiser to support Mr de Sousa, his wife Hope and their young daughter Eden, with all proceeds from the upcoming Big Night In event on March 18 going directly towards supporting the family’s medical expenses.

The de Sousa name is synonymous with not only the Blues, but the Kilmore township itself, with Tom’s father Tony serving as a local doctor for about four decades.

Kilmore Football Netball Club president Ben Egan said as soon as he found out about Tom’s diagnosis, he and the club offered to help in any way they could.

“I work with one of his brothers, who told me. Amongst the club we kept it in-house, but right from the start we said whatever they wanted, we would make it happen,” Mr Egan said.

“If they didn’t want us to do anything publicly, that was fine, but if they did we were ready to go whenever they reached out.

“The ball was in their court and we didn’t want to force anything on them, because everyone’s battle is different and some people want to keep it private while others are happy for it to be out there.”

The club shared a GoFundMe fundraising webpage two weeks ago, with more than $8800 of a $10,000 target raised as of Monday.

But the club hopes to raise more money through its Big Night In.

Mr Egan said the event would feature live music, food, raffles and several auction items.

“We will play a couple of practice games against Coburg Districts during the day from about 12pm, and the event itself will kick off from 5pm,” Mr Egan said.

“All of Tom’s brothers are going to play on the day – Chris, Tony Jr and Pete. Pete has played for us for years and is a senior best and fairest, but to have them all play is a nice touch.”

Mr Egan said fundraising would be done through a raffle, with tickets now on sale, and a major auction featuring a range of sporting memorabilia, products such as power tools and vouchers for experiences.

“Kilmore Trackside has donated the naming rights to races for their next race day, which entitles the winning bidder to not only name the race, but lunch and a few other things,” he said.

“[The night will also be] a party and a celebration. It’s not meant to be dour or down. It will be great to have the whole de Sousa family there and have a party with them.”

With the Big Night In set to serve as the final function in Kilmore’s old clubrooms before they are demolished to make way for a new pavilion at JJ Clancy Reserve, Mr Egan said many people with historic ties to Kilmore had been invited.

He said while Mr de Sousa’s diagnosis had rocked the club, a small silver lining was the spirit the community showed to pull together for him and his family.

“For me as president, I would have done [a fundraiser] with no help but everyone has thrown themselves into it,” he said.

“It has reaffirmed the need for us to be a community club and to give back to the community. This is a perfect example of the community coming together. Everyone is united.

“Our contracted players have donated their wages from the first game and we’ve got two boys running a marathon on Sunday, going from the club around Broadford and back, to try to raise money.

“Other clubs have reached out as well. Teams we play against have offered to make donations, which is really good.”

People can donate to the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/tom-de-sousa-family and more information about the Big Night In is available by emailing kilmorefncpresident@gmail.com or calling 0425 745 209.

Future focus for Taekwondo champ

Pam Kiriakidis

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March 7, 2023

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By Pam Kiriakidis

WANDONG’S 13-year-old Mackenzie Macdonald is determined to take on the next World Cadet Taekwondo Championships after representing Australia in Bulgaria in August.

The six-time national champion stepped on the mat for her first world competition against a much taller opponent from Israel in the 12-14 years old, 29 to under 33 kilograms division.

Despite losing 2-0 in the best of three, with an unfamiliar scoring system, Mackenzie said her focus was what kept her going to the end of the match.

“When you walked out onto the fighting mats it was very loud, everyone was screaming, cheering for their country … I don’t know how I can really explain it was just like a boom,” she said.

“It was a type of scoring system I hadn’t worked with really, it had a different type of electronic socks … [it was KPNP taekwondo] and in Australia we don’t use that, that brand is mainly used in Asian countries and it’s working its way all across the world.

Mackenzie MacDonald pic — Ruby and Matilda interviewed 13-year-old Taekwondo champion Mackenzie Macdonald on their Wednesday afternoon show at OKR FM last month.

Mackenzie Macdonald is prepared to make her way to the next World Cadet Taekwondo Championships after representing Australia in August.

“[During the match] I was sort of thinking ‘wow she’s taller than me, what can I do to get around that?’ Rather than going into problem mode, I went straight into problem solving.”

Mackenzie reached the Bulgarian tournament through several national competitions, including the Australian Taekwondo selection event in Sydney in June, where she earned a place in the national team.

Training six days a week with Hall’s Taekwondo in Melbourne under head coach Jerry Moraitis, Mackenzie said she would need to go through the same process to compete in the next world championships that will take place in Bosnia and Herzegovina in August.

In July, Mackenzie will take on the official Australian World Championship selection event in Brisbane and will fight on the same weekend at the President’s Cup, followed by the Oceania International Championship.

“[It’s] pretty much the same [world] championship, preparing with my training by building up the intensity and doing different types of training, so it could be focusing on different parts of my body,” she said.

Mackenize said part of training was also mental – reading through material to prepare for her next match.

“With my coach Jerry, he would often get our team to read different books about strong minds and listen to audiobooks that promote a strong mindset,” she said.

Since Australian Taekwondo cannot financially support representatives, Mackenzie and her mother Kristy travelled to Bulgaria after setting up a fundraising page, which received several donations and grants including a local sporting champions grant through the Australian Sports Commission, and a sports excellence scholarship fund.

To achieve her next goal, Mackenzie said she would need to raise more money in order to compete in the next world championships if Australian Taekwondo could not allocate funding.

Mackenzie said she was grateful to have parents who supported her dream of becoming a world champion.

“They’ve been so supportive, amazing, like driving me, doing meal planning on Sundays and doing big cook ups and supporting me through the tough times,” she said.

“In the future, I want to be world champion, I want to be an Olympic champion and I want to be, of course, known as a really good person.”

WR (2023-03-07)

Whittlesea Review

The North Central Review

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March 7, 2023

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