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November 1, 2022

NIGHT works will begin in Kilmore this month as part of Mitchell Shire Council’s Sydney Street Rejuvenation Project.

The works include the installation of new light poles in Sydney Street for improved illumination, as well as pedestrian refuges at three locations.

Traffic management will be in place between Bourke and Union Street from 7pm to 5am each weeknight from Monday, November 14 for about three weeks.

Some works and traffic management will also be in place at Mitchell Street. Traffic along Sydney Street could be reduced to one lane during the night works, with potential for some extended delays for vehicles travelling north and south.

Mayor Bill Chisholm said council and appointed contractors would work to ensure the impact of the night works was minimal, and that they were completed as quickly as possible.

“We understand this stage of the project is an inconvenience, but the nature of the works means a disruption to traffic is unavoidable,” he said.

“Completing the works at night means minimal disruption to traffic, businesses and pedestrians.

“We appreciate the patience of the Kilmore community as we work to complete this project that will have a positive impact on the town, residents and businesses and rejuvenate the main street.”

For more information, people can call council engagement officer James Bone on 5734 6200 or email sydneyst@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

Bridge Youth celebrating kinder for Children’s Week

Pam Kiriakidis

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November 1, 2022

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Bridge Youth celebrating kinder for Children’s Week

By Pam Kiriakidis

Groups of kindergarten children and staff interacted in cultural and social activities at The Bridge Youth Service in Wallan for national annual Children’s Week celebrations last Tuesday.

Family Care Wallan and The Bridge Youth Service partnered to celebrate children, specifically three and four-year-olds from Journey Early Learning, Wallan who are neighbours of the centre.

The Department of Education supported the alliance with a Children’s Week grant to help host the activity.

Wallan Country Fire Authority, The Animals of the Magical Mountain and Snake Safe Victoria entertained children with face painting, Indigenous painting and native animals.

Donations from local chemists and Bunnings Warehouse supported the event with food and raffles.

The Bridge Youth Service integrated family services worker Caroline Tracy, who works with the hub’s young pregnant and parents team, said children were thrilled to be part of activities that helped build social skills.

“They all loved every activity, like there was a line-up for every activity,” she said.

“We had some cultural activities today, so we did that on purpose to have native animals as well, so we’ve got all Australian animals here.”

Ms Tracy said Children’s Week was an example of the work The Bridge Youth Service and Family Care undertook throughout the year, helping vulnerable families and children by hosting programs and events.

“What we and Family Care do [is] work with a lot of vulnerable families. Celebrating children is something we do every day,” she said.

“To have all the community come together and have a bit of fun during those hard times, especially since we’ve just had the floods, it’s lovely to be able to share.”

Family Care parenting services coordinator Rowena Exell said social and cultural activities allowed children to develop an early understanding of and respect for Indigenous culture.

“I thought all of them were just so respectful already, and I think respect is the number one thing to learn when you’re in a group of people, so you know manners saying please and thank you.”

For more information on Family Care or The Bridge Youth Services people can visit familycare.net.au and thebridge.org.au.

Broadford weight-loss group looks for new members

Lauren Duffy

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November 1, 2022

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Broadford weight-loss group looks for new members

BROADFORD not-for-profit weight loss club SKALES, Shedding Kilos and Lending Each Other Support, is on the lookout for new members interested in meeting with like-minded people in an effort to lose weight and become healthier.

The group was originally part of TOWN Clubs but now operates independently, with members in Broadford and surrounding areas.

SKALES has operated for more than 20 years in Broadford and currently has about 20 members.

The group gives away monthly and yearly prizes for reaching weight-loss goals, as well as other incentives to motivate members.

Some of the group’s activities include cooking demonstrations and chair aerobics, and guest speakers also feature at some meetings.

SKALES meets at Broadford Senior Citizens Club, 125 High Street, Broadford each Tuesday morning, excluding some public holidays.

Weigh in is from 8am to 9.30am followed by a short meeting.

The group has a $15 membership fee and a weekly fee of $5, or $4 for pensioners. There is also a $5 yearly cost to cover insurance.

People wanting more information on SKALES can contact leader Lorna Jamieson by calling 0418 517 329.

Impressive journey for Whittlesea Probus members

Lauren Duffy

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November 1, 2022

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Impressive journey for Whittlesea Probus members

MEMBERS of the combined Probus Club of Whittlesea set out on a Flinders Ranges tour early in October.

The group found the vast expanses of the territory providing a history lesson and insight into modern living, particularly how communities have accepted change and encompassed tourism.

First stop was Blinman, the highest town in South Australia at 615 metres above sea level. The copper mine was exhausted early in the twentieth century; but now the pay dirt comes from tourists. Most days in the season the number of visitors exceeds the regular population.

Visitors gain an appreciation of the lives of the Cornish miners who settled in Blinman, but also of the determination and dedication to the town’s folk who operate the new industry.

Farina was the next stop for the group. Settled in 1878 by optimistic farmers, the town was the railhead until 1884 before the line was extended to Marree.

During the wet years of the 1880s, plans were laid out for a town with 432 quarter acre blocks.

It was believed that it would be good for growing wheat and barley, however normal rainfall is nowhere near enough to grow these crops and the town was abandoned.

At Wentworth the travellers saw the fast-flowing confluence of the Darling and Murray Rivers. On their way back to base camp later in the week storms and the road was blocked due to flooding.

The base camp for the Flinders Ranges exploration was the town of Hawker. In the town is the Jeff Morgan Gallery. The artist has brought the ranges inside with the Wilpena Panorama. It is 3.5 metres high and 33 metres in circumference and took 4,000 hours to complete.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary was the halfway destination, but due to road closures from recent rains the travellers were confined to barracks.

Those taking an air flight and internal four wheel drive experience were the exception.

From the air the terrain was visible, and the unexpected collection of water on roads and other holding basins was evident.

At Broken Hill planned visits were also not possible. But excellent substitutions were the Royal Flying Doctor and the visit to Bell’s Milk Bar the last of the traditional 1950’s meeting places. The usually desert like historic Silverton was also different. Instead of dust and flies it was drizzle and puddles, which the resident donkeys did not mind.

All good things come to an end and the travellers headed for home via Ouyen to sample the award-winning vanilla slices and pastries. An excellent luncheon break at Ballarat Golf Club with time to chat drew the trip to a close.

Ecotherapy park now open for Romsey

The North Central Review

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November 1, 2022

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The long-awaited Romsey Ecotherapy Park officially opened to the public last week.

In attendance were Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas, Macedon Ranges Shire Council representatives including Mayor Jennifer Anderson and members of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park committee.

Constructed over three stages, the park is the result of a community-led initiative to build an inviting and accessible recreational open space for people of all ages and abilities, allowing them to enjoy sensory and therapeutic experiences through engagement with nature.

The park consists of an active nature space with a cubby house and nature-based play elements, a climbing forest, a ropes course, lookouts and a climbing net.

It also includes an events space with picnic and barbecue facilities, artistic features, a sensory garden and a woodland ramble.

Cr Anderson said the park was an engaging and welcoming community space and showed what a community group could achieve through hard work.

“Thank you to everybody who has been involved in this amazing project,” she said.

“Council would especially like to acknowledge the commitment of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park committee and their tireless dedication and work over the years throughout the broader community to raise funds for this wonderful project.

“It is wonderful to see it all come to fruition. I am sure the park will become a regional destination for visitors and a treasured space for all locals to enjoy.”

Romsey Ecotherapy Park president Raelene Mottram she was proud of the achievements of the park committee in partnering with council and the State Government to deliver the project.

“This is a true testament to how a vision from the community can achieve a great outcome for the region,” she said.

A community celebration will also be held at the park on Saturday, November 19 from 1pm to 5 pm. .

Mernda facility’s future secure

Lauren Duffy

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November 1, 2022

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The Mernda Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre’s future appears secure after Labor candidate for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage last week announced $20 million for the project if elected.

The money committed would go towards eight outdoor multipurpose courts, as well as an indoor stadium housing six multipurpose indoor courts.

The pledge follows Liberal candidate for Yan Yean Richard Welch’s $15 million election commitment towards the centre in September.

The centre is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility providing a place for children to learn swimming skills and offering families and sporting clubs a space to play and train.

Ms Kathage said local clubs worked hard to fundraise for better facilities for their teams, but that as more families struggled to make ends meet, clubs could not always rely on the generosity of their members.

“As a mum, I know how important it is for kids to have access to great indoor and outdoor courts. Sporting facilities and aquatic centres are at the heart of local communities, and this new centre is a huge win for Mernda and Doreen,” she said.

“That’s why I’m so thrilled that a re-elected Labor government will back local families with up to $20 million towards the new Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre in Mernda.”

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson welcomed the announcement, which she said would support support the physical and mental health of the region.

“The facility will be council’s largest single investment in social infrastructure, and we cannot deliver it in isolation,” she said.

“We have been strongly advocating for funding support from the state and federal governments and we welcome today’s announcement which is a direct result of this advocacy.

“The delivery of the outdoor multipurpose courts and indoor stadium will not only address our region’s current deficit of netball and basketball courts but also help boost sporting participation rates in our community, particularly for women and girls.”

RASC Labor funding announcement 6 — City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson celebrates election commitments for the Mernda Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre with young athletes from the region.

Council is currently working on phase one of the project, which will prepare the site for construction to commence on the indoor stadium and outdoor multipurpose courts.

Future phases of the project will include a 50-metre multipurpose pool, warm water, teaching and leisure pools, gymnasium and health consultancy suites.

Ms Kathage said Labor had invested more than $1.6 billion to upgrade and improve local recreation reserves and sports grounds since forming government in 2014.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the government provided grants for better courts and grounds, new scoreboards, lighting upgrades and changing facilities for clubs across Victoria.

“Every parent wants to see their kids active and engaged – local sporting clubs are the heart of so many communities,” she said.

“We’re proud to be injecting new life into local communities through contributions towards modern, accessible infrastructure including indoor aquatic leisure centres, bowls centres and more.”

Lancefield to become energy resilient

The North Central Review

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November 1, 2022

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Lancefield will be one of 24 towns across Victoria to benefit from improved energy resilience, helping to protect against future storms and bushfires.

Back-up power systems including batteries and rooftop solar on community buildings will be installed as part of the energy resilience program, with community buildings to also act as relief hubs in the event of a prolonged power outage.

The energy systems are designed to provide power to community hubs when damage to the network causes a widespread outage, such as storms in 2021 and last month’s floods.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the power systems would be better equipped for future storms and disasters.

“With climate change set to increase the frequency and intensity of storms and bushfires, we’re developing energy resilience solutions to protect Victorian communities during extreme weather events,” she said.

“We’re delivering renewable energy solutions to communities across the state – securing energy supply, driving down power bills and slashing emissions to combat climate change and mitigate its impact on Victorians.”

In response to the 2021 storms and the threat of future climate-related weather events, a study was conducted across multiple local government areas in Victoria including the Macedon Ranges Shire, City of Greater Bendigo, and Nillumbik Shire.

24 towns, including Lancefield, were identified as the best locations for relief hubs, with the State Government to work with energy providers, councils and emergency services to deliver improved energy solutions.

Communities at risk of outages caused by bushfires are also set to benefit from the Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program, aimed at delivering energy-resilient infrastructure through a partnership with AusNet.

For more information, people can visit energy.vic.gov.au.

Property of the week: Historic stone cottage on 64 beautiful acres

Lauren Duffy

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November 1, 2022

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Property of the week: Historic stone cottage on 64 beautiful acres

250 Stockdale Rd, Wallan, VIC 3756

SPONSORED

Nestled in the glorious rolling hills between Beveridge and Darraweit Guim, only 7.5 kilometres from the edge of Melbourne’s urban growth boundary and 52 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, this unique property with an 1860 cottage made from local stone and a modern barn-style shed with self-contained accommodation provides an ideally located weekender, permanent country lifestyle or Airbnb accommodation option.

The stone cottage is simply delightful. While retaining its original façade, it is accompanied by a well-designed brick extension to the rear.

The cottage contains three bedrooms, including a main bedroom with en suite. There is also a fully equipped kitchen adjoining a meals area, an elegant lounge with superb built-in cabinetry and open fireplace, plus a bathroom/laundry.

The cottage is warmed by a gas-fired forced hot air heating system and a slow combustion heater fire.

The Colorbond American barn-style shed includes a bedroom, open-plan kitchen, meals and lounge area and bathroom along with a wood fire and R/C split system. There is also an upstairs games room of 60 square metres.

The remainder of the shed provides workshop space and lockable accommodation for up to four vehicles or farm equipment via double roller doors, one of which is remote controlled.

The land is undulating and predominantly open grazing country with scattered trees, and is currently divided into two paddocks, which are easily made into four.

The property includes three dams, a bore and 80kl of tank water storage.

Rarely is this blend of picturesque country and charming history offered for sale so close to Melbourne. We invite your inspection.

Type of sale and price: for sale via expressions of interest, closing Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 4pm.

4 bed, 3 bath, 4 car-space

Land Size: 64 acres (approx)

Nutrien Harcourts PROPERTY ID: LKL3456

For Sale via Expressions of Interest Closing Wednesday 20th July at 4.00pm.

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

Sugars supreme at Kilmore trots

Lauren Duffy

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November 1, 2022

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By Len Baker

ACE Myrniong reinsman Greg Sugars made the 11-event harness card his own at Kilmore on Thursday after driving four winners on the program, three of which were trained by his wife Jess Tubbs.

Art Major-Siliqua filly Aureus started the ball rolling in the 1690-metre MC Security 2Y0 Pace over 1690 metres.

Going forward at the start from outside the front line, Aureus had little trouble taking the lead away from NSW visitor Roll With Juliette, gate five, before handing over to stablemate The Huntress outside her after travelling a short distance.

In a tightly bunched field on turning, Aureus, bred and raced by Highfield Farm, dashed home along the sprint lane to defeat The Huntress by 2.7 metres in a mile rate of 1:59, with Roll With Juliette, three pegs, third, 3.4 metres away.

Victory number two saw Pet Rock-Bellasario filly Rio Rock lead throughout from the pole in the TAB 3Y0 Pace over 2180 metres. Always in control, Rio Rock had 5.6 metres to spare on the wire, accounting for Younggiftedandblack, one/one, in a rate of 2:04.4. Pesci, after racing exposed, was third 7.2 metres away.

Combining with Longlea trainer Clinton McSwain aboard four-year-old Hes Watching-Miss Saxony mare Wendys Watching in the Momentum Gaming Pace over 2180 metres, Sugars brought up his third success.

Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line as Illawong Phoenix led from gate three, Wendys Watching went forward mid-race to join the leader before taking a trail on Machavelli at the bell.

Easing three wide approaching the final bend, Wendys Watching raced away on turning to prevail by 12.2 metres over Favouritehighlight, which followed her home a head clear of Illawong Phoenx. The mile rate was 2:01.5.

Easy win

Win number four went the way of smart three-year-old Always B Miki-Arms Of An Angel filly Nonparriel, who was an easy victor of the Carlton & United Breweries Pace over 2180 metres.

Snookered three pegs from a solo second line draw for most of the race as the favourite Repelling, gate three, crossed local hope Keayang Balboa from the pole, Nonparriel was extricated into the clear prior to the home turn, racing to the front on straightening to record a 2.2-metre margin over Ringos A Star, with Repelling third, 1.8 metres back. The mile rate was 2:02.7.

The Terry Wait Memorial Pace over 2180 metres, honouring the local Lancefield identity who passed away suddenly, was taken out by locally trained nine-year-old American Ideal-Lombo Glad Rags gelding Ideal Investment for Ben Yole and stable reinsman Corey Bell.

Given a sweet trip one/one from gate four, Ideal Investment moved three wide on the home turn and swept to the front shortly after to register a 3.5-metre margin over Pete Mitchell, gate four, along the sprint lane off the back of the leader Pinnacle Hope, gate three, which held down third a neck away. The mile rate was 2:03.7.

Junortoun trainer Justin Brewin combined with local reinsman Josh Duggan to snare the 1690-metre Hanson Cleaning Services Vicbred Pace with Bettors Delight-Sexy Lady four-year-old gelding The Kew Legend, leading all of the way from the pole to just last by a half head from Final Bow, which trailed. Regality, one/one-three wide home turn, was third 8.1 metres away after chasing hard in the straight. The mile rate was 1:58.7.

Entertaining race

The 2180-metre Beraldo Coffee Pace was an entertaining race with victory going to the short-priced favourite Our Money Rocks, but not before giving his backers a gigantic scare.

Trained by Adam Kelly at Toolern Vale and driven by James Herbertson, Our Money Rocks, gate two, was held in a firm pocket three pegs for most of the race after American Legacy crossed Arden Roanoke at the bell.

Looking set for victory on turning, American Legacy trod on a shoe and galloped badly, checking The Rocknroll King outside him, which allowed both Arden Roanoke and Our Money Rocks to gain a clear passage.

Finishing best, Our Money Rocks defeated Arden Roanoke by 1.3 metres in a mile rate of 2:02.2. American Legacy got going again for third, 5.5 metres back.

Heathcote father and daughter Terry and Tayla French provided a blow out winner in seven-year-old Somebeachsomwhere-Golden Slippa gelding Beach Wreck, who led throughout at odds of $61 in the 1690-metre Jet Roofing Pace. Beginning fast from gate five, Beach Wreck bowled along and never looked like being caught, reaching the wire 1.9 metres in advance of Bettor Sport, three pegs, in a rate of 1:58.6.

Polemarker Speedie Eadie, three back the markers, was third, 3.1 metres back.

Flower power

The Buds & Branches Florist Pace over 1690 metres went to favourite Do Not Surrender, $1.95, who after racing exposed, proved too good for his rivals.

Driven by Cody Crossland for Shepparton’s Isabel Walsh, the five-year-old gelded son of Bettors Delight and Top Tempo started from gate six and controlled the race from outside speedy beginner Sweet Creation, gate seven, to score by 4.2 metres from Our Cheeky Devil, one/one, and Harts Last, four pegs, in 1:59.4.

Seven-year-old Majestic Son-Becky’s Baby gelding Whatwillbeewillbee was a shock victor of the 2150-metre C&M Build Group Trotters Handicap, paying odds of $26.

Starting from barrier one on the 10-metre mark, no front markers, Whatwillbeewillbee, trained by Bolinda’s Brent Lilley and driven by Kiwi Bernie Hackett, led throughout to register a 3.7-metre margin over stablemate and hot favourite Baxter, 20m, with Electrojet, 20m, third.

The mile rate was 2:06.2.

Four-year-old Used To Me-Bella Cheval gelding Champagne Charley, part-owned and trained by Rockbank’s Freddy Spiteri, won the Worlds Best Hoof Oil Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

Driven by Jack Laugher, Champagne Charley, a $1.60 favourite, raced outside Trixy Nixie before asserting his authority in the straight to record a 2.1-metre margin.

Zesta La Go Go, three pegs, was third, 26.4 metres away. The mile rate was 2:06.3.

Kilmore races again Thursday November 10.

Northern Councils Alliance outlines the future of Melbourne’s north

The North Central Review

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November 1, 2022

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Northern Councils Alliance outlines the future of Melbourne’s north

Northern Councils Alliance introduced its Strategic Plan 2022-2026 for regional advocacy and another document, Advocacy Priorities 2022-2023, to accommodate the growing population of northern Melbourne.

The Strategic Plan 2022-2023 and Advocacy Priorities 2022-2023 are collaborative efforts to determine strategic priorities across four areas, including the Mitchell Shire and City of Whittlesea councils.

Melbourne’s north is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

The plans outline initiatives for transport connectivity, precinct development, business and employment growth, access to education and health services, future-proofing economic and social development, and ensuring equality and liveability.

The next step for the Northern Councils Alliance is advocating to federal and state governments for support and funding to develop the identified goals.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Bill Chisholm shared his input on the strategic plans, highlighting family violence and transport as two areas that needed to be addressed to support Mitchell Shire.

“Our region records unacceptably high levels of family violence. We urgently need better support to end family violence in our communities and increase early intervention to support children and young people’s wellbeing,” Cr Chisholm said.

“Population growth has not been matched with the necessary investment in transport infrastructure and so, over the years, our region has experienced massive road congestion and delays in connecting between transport options. This limits access to employment, education and health services.”

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson was concerned about precincts and electric vehicles, and said they were developments that would connect Whittlesea residents in the future.

“Development of our key precincts as employment, industry and activity locations, linking to health and education facilities, will be essential in terms of future regional development. Efficient connectivity will be key to their success and there should be a focus on sustainability,” Ms Wilson said.

“Electric vehicles are important to help our communities transition to lower carbon lifestyles. We are currently undertaking a regional, community-wide electric vehicle transition plan and we require government support for its implementation.”

To view the Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and Advocacy Priorities 2022-2023, people can visit www.northerncouncils.org.au.