Cricket: Big test looms for Romsey

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January 17, 2023

ROMSEY’S goal of a top-two finish in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup competition will be tested in the next month as the Redbacks prepare to face the top three sides in a series of two-day matches.

The Redbacks returned from the mid-season break with a close eight-run loss to Sunbury United on January 7 but regained their winning form at the weekend with a win at home against Wallan.

Romsey skipper Ben Way elected to bat after winning the toss but his side was quickly set on the back foot as Chris Burkett, Nathan Hoy, Matthew Milne, Taylor Stevenson and Corey Day fell for only 22 combined runs.

It was left to Way, batting at number five, and Adam Frost at seven to save the innings, which they did with gusto.

Way batted steadily throughout the day to finish unbeaten on 134, belting nine fours and six sixes along the way.

But while his own performance was outstanding, Way was quick to praise Frost, whose 92 runs came in only 90 balls and included 13 fours and a six.

“Frosty really led the way. He got his runs really quickly and I played a supporting role for the last few overs,” Way said.

“I think his highest score in the McIntyre Cup was in the high 30s before the weekend, so to get 92 off 90 balls after coming in at 5/20 is a bloody good effort.”

Wallan veteran Steve Bell was the Magpies’ most effective bowler with 3/49 and Todd Keenan was economical with 1/26, but despite the team’s early success with the ball, Romsey managed to post 6/268 from its 45 overs.

The visitors started their run chase well, reaching 86 without loss when Romsey paceman Louis Moor broke through for the crucial wicket of Wallan opener Kieran Atkin, who scored 56 runs.

Spencer Whittingham, 42, and Bryan Vance, 35, continued to score runs, but after they were removed by Chris Marienfeld and Frost respectively, the Magpies’ middle order appeared vulnerable.

“With chases, if you can stick with it and eventually get a couple of breakthroughs, the run rate pressure builds and that’s what happened towards the last nine or 10 overs,” Way said.

“They lost a couple of wickets and then we got hold of their new batsmen when they had to start scoring from ball one.”

Wallan’s innings ended at 9/204 after Cameron Osmond was forced to retire, giving Romsey a crucial win.

“It was important for us to win, especially because they’d beaten us earlier in the year,” Way said.

“The next three games are the three teams above us, so we’ll find out where we are leading into finals.

“Gisborne have been winning their games quite comfortably, so we’re hoping we can stick with them and put some pressure on them.

“[The two-day format] suits us to a tee. We’re a two-day team and all of our players can’t wait to play two-day cricket.”

Way also lauded the play of Romsey’s Johnstone Shield side, which pulled off a thrilling one-run win against Kilmore on Saturday.

The Redbacks won the toss and batted, setting a score of 139 on the back of 49 runs from Matthew Richardson and 21 each from Matthew Burkett and Cameron Armstrong.

Kilmore opener Kevin Craddock got the Blues’ run chase off to a good start with 42 runs, but with the exception of skipper Josh Buttler, 29, and Ben Dawson, 21, the middle order and tail end struggled to generate runs.

Kilmore had three wickets in hand and needed only four runs for victory, but the wickets of Tim Hanson, Josh Buttler and his father Brett – the latter two to Romsey bowler Daniel Paterson – ended the chase with an over to spare.

In the McIntyre Cup, Romsey will host Gisborne and Wallan will host Bacchush Marsh in two-day matches commencing this weekend, while Romsey and Kilmore will be on the road to Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury United respectively in one-day Johnstone Shield games.

Seymour District

Tallarook showed it remains a force to be reckoned with in the Seymour District Cricket Association A Grade competition, knocking off Broadford at Tallarook Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Josh Rudge’s unbeaten 78 set the tone for the home side after it won the toss and batted, with Lachie Watts adding a handy 39 as the Rook finished 5/155.

James Jones was the sole Broadford bowler to claim multiple wickets, finishing with a stellar 3/16 from nine overs.

The Broadford run chase started well, with Gareth Sharp scoring 53, but outside of Mitch Collier, 18, the rest of the line-up struggled to generate runs.

Broadford was bowled out for 130, with Watts’ 4/18 a standout bowling performance for Tallarook.

The other match was lopsided, with Seymour never threatening to chase down Eastern Hill’s total of 2/208.

Seymour was bowled out for 114 in reply as the Eagles remained undefeated in their premiership defence.

This weekend Eastern Hill will host Tallarook, while Seymour travels to take on Yea Tigers, and Broadford has a bye.

Region’s water storages in ‘good position’

Lauren Duffy

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January 17, 2023

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Region’s water storages in ‘good position’

A new water security outlook by Goulburn Valley Water shows that the region’s water storages are in a good position heading into 2023.

The 2022 Annual Water Outlook, issued in December, demonstrates the outlook for the next two years is secure in the short term, despite drying climate and warming.

Goulburn Valley Water managing director Steve Capewell said storage levels had increased especially with late winter and spring rains last year.

“We’re seeing our off-river storages in the Euroa district sitting at 100 per cent capacity and the Kilmore system sitting around 90 per cent, which is fantastic news considering three years ago we had to implement water restrictions in both regions following low rainfall inflows and drought-like conditions,” he said.

“However, climate projections show that we are more likely to experience declining water availability and more frequent and severe droughts in the future as a result of climate change.”

The outlook reflects on the recent 2022 Urban Water Strategy, which outlines key actions and improvements to overlook the security of water supplies for the next 50 years.

Major projects highlighted by the strategy include new opportunities for recycled water use, supporting water efficiency initiatives, completing upgrades at treatment plants for future growth and exploring options to secure the long-term water supply.

While storage levels remain high, Goulburn Valley Water encourage people to continue following the permanent water saving rules to minimise water wastage, including using automatic watering systems, hand-washing a car and using a broom to clean hard surfaces.

Record numbers assessed by Northern Health’s virtual emergency service

Lauren Duffy

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January 17, 2023

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Record numbers assessed by Northern Health’s virtual emergency service

NORTHERN Health’s Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, VVED, received plaudits from Premier Daniel Andrews and acting Health Minister Colin Brooks after helping thousands of people avoid trips to the emergency department during the Christmas and New Year period.

Northern Health launched VVED as a pilot program in October 2020 and it has since supported more than 85,000 people, allowing emergency doctors and nurses to virtually assess non-urgent patients from their home or workplace.

Paramedics can also use VVED to assess whether patients require a trip to hospital.

The VVED treats an average of 300 to 350 Victorians every day, but during the holiday period the number skyrocketed, with more than 640 patients accessing the service on Boxing Day alone.

Ambulance Victoria also saw record demand over the festive period – with New Year’s Day being its busiest day on record with more than 2300 emergency incidents.

Mr Andrews said feedback from doctors and nurses showed many patients accessed the VVED because they were unable to access a local doctor due to reduced holiday hours or high out-of-pocket costs.

He called for the Federal Government to urgently reform the primary care system.

“Our primary care system is broken, and national cabinet must make reforming the system its priority for 2023, otherwise great services like the Victorian Virtual ED won’t be able to see the people who need them most,” he said.

“While it reduces pressure on physical [emergency departments], the virtual ED was never meant to be a substitute for getting care from your local GP – it’s critical we make primary care cheaper and more accessible as a first port of call.”

Mr Brooks said despite record demand, the doctors and nurses of the VVED ‘did an incredible job ensuring Victorians got the care they needed over the holiday period’.

New pet initiative coming to the City of Whittlesea

The North Central Review

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January 17, 2023

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New pet initiative coming to the City of Whittlesea

Responsible pet tips will soon be offered to animal owners, with Lort Smith Animal Hospital launching its new clinic initiative in partnership with the City of Whittlesea.

‘Little paws of the North’ is a program aimed at supporting serious hormone-related conditions, and unwanted pregnancies, with a goal of desexing about 300 cats over 12 months.

Swapping between Hume City and City of Whittlesea councils every month in 2023, people with a concession cards can book their pets into Lort Smith Animal Hospital Vet Clinic to have their animals desexed, microchipped and vaccinated by expert vets at discounted prices.

City of Whittlesea residents who are 16 years of age or older are eligible to a cat desex package at $50. The cat needs to be three months or over and have a minimum weight of one kilogram.

The desexing package features a routine health check, routine desexing with post-operative pain relief, F3 vaccinations protecting cats from flu and parvovirus, and microchip implantation and database registration to help reunite missing pets with their owners.

Lort Smith will provide each resident of the partnered municipalities with a small information kit, including a proof of desexing certificate and information on post-operative care and microchipping.

The first desexing day for City of Whittlesea residents is Thursday, with future days planned for March, May, July, September, and November.

Bookings are accepted three weeks before each event, and payment is required at the time of booking.

To express interest or book, people can call 9328 3021.

Kyneton Old Boys to reunite

Lauren Duffy

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January 17, 2023

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THE Kyneton Marist Brothers Old Boys’ Association will soon host its 76th annual reunion and commemorative mass, set to bring together past members and students.

To commemorate the arrival of the Marist Brothers in Kyneton, a 21st birthday celebration in 1947 attracted 150 past students for a reunion dinner, which then led to forming an Old Boys’ Association.

The group now meets annually for a general meeting and reunion, providing an opportunity for past students and group members to meet and reconnect.

The Old Boys’ Association’s reunion and commemorative mass on Sunday, January 29, will include a church service at 10.30am, followed by the reunion at 12pm at Kyneton Bowling Club.

For more information, people can visit kynetonmaristbrothersoldboys.com.au or call Len Young on 0409 427 476.

It’s finally showtime – the Whittlesea Show returns

Max Davies

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January 17, 2023

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It’s finally showtime – the Whittlesea Show returns

By Max Davies

The Whittlesea Show is all set for this weekend after having been postponed last year, with community members assisting organisers with preparations in the lead up to one of the town’s biggest events.

Originally planned for November last year, the Whittlesea Show was postponed after prolonged rain caused the showgrounds to become too wet for organisers to complete preparations and raised accessibility concerns for visitors.

Thanks to warmer weather and minimal rain in the past two months, Whittlesea Agricultural Society has been able to prepare for the show, rescheduled to Saturday and Sunday.

Society president Erica Hawke said the show’s committee of organisers was disappointed to have delayed the show, but that a full cancellation was not an option after the show was abandoned due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021.

“We didn’t want to cancel it at all because we know it’s a good opportunity for the local community groups and businesses who come out to support the show and connect with members of the community,” she said.

“During October [last year] the grounds were just so wet, we could barely walk around in boots and the car park was flooded.”

Most entertainers, activities and rides that were planned for the show’s original date will be present this weekend, featuring talent from across the City of Whittlesea, Snake Safe Victoria, sheep dogs and a circus.

The free entertainment and activities will include an animal nursery, art, livestock, food expo, and a display farming equipment and machinery.

Ms Hawke said the society was proud the show was still firm on its agricultural roots, providing an insight into the history of the area – a rural backdrop just outside urban development.

“There’s been a real buzz of excitement around the grounds. The circus arrived last week and once it got here we thought ‘okay, this is really happening’,” she said.

“There’s a strong agricultural theme and the history of the Whittlesea area is on display through a lot of the exhibits, rides, activities and products that we have on offer.

“We know there are a lot of people excited – the community is looking forward to it. We’ve had working bees taking place to help get everything ready and we’re just keen to get going.”

The Whittlesea Show will be at the Whittlesea Showgrounds from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

To purchase tickets, people can visit www.ticketebo.com.au/whittlesea-agricultural-society-inc/2022-whittlesea-show.

For more information, visit the Whittlesea Agricultural Society’s website at www.whittleseashow.org.au.

A woodchopping competition will feature as part of the Whittlesea Show’s entertainment.

Nominate Whittlesea’s local hero

Lauren Duffy

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January 17, 2023

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NOMINATIONS for City of Whittlesea’s local hero closes soon, with only few weeks away to show appreciation to the people who make a difference in the local area.

City of Whittlesea are calling on the community to nominate for the five categories including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Access and Inclusion Citizen of the Year, and Sustainable Environment Citizen or Group of the Year.

Council is encouraging the community to nominate more local heroes in two newer categories – the Access and Inclusion Citizen of the Year and the Sustainable Environment Citizen or Group of the Year, which represents perseverance in creating accessible opportunities for others and towards environmental issues.

Nominations for the awards close on January 31 and will be presented at the 2022 Community Awards at the City of Whittlesea Community Festival in March 2023.

Nominations can be made online at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/communityawards or in person at the Civic Centre in South Morang, with paper forms available at the Customer Service desk.

Free events, music and food in the City of Whittlesea this summer

The North Central Review

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January 17, 2023

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Free events, music and food in the City of Whittlesea this summer

The City of Whittlesea’s Summer Series Program during January and February will include free events for all ages across the municipality.

This year’s program involves live music, food trucks, markets, and a world kitchen with family-friendly activities, as well as music and activities.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the jam-packed event was for residents to come together and enjoy entertainment in the new year.

“The City of Whittlesea is such a diverse municipality, so the summer series enables us to bring to life so many different locations with music, food and activities,” she said.

“I’d encourage everyone to enjoy what’s on offer in their local area this summer.”

The City of Whittlesea Summer Series starts on Friday, with a twilight event at Donnybrook’s Gumnut Park in Olivine Boulevard from 5pm to 8pm.

Presenting twilight music and children’s activities, highlights will include music from The Bandwagon and bubbles from Dr Hubble, with Shared Cup café open for meals, drinks, and snacks.

Events are also planned for Doreen on February 10, and other locations on February 18, and Lalor on February 25.

For more information and to view the full program, visit arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/what-s-on/festivals-and-events/summer-series/.

Mernda man wins big in TattsLotto draw

The North Central Review

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January 17, 2023

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A Mernda man is one step closer to owning his dream home after winning $960,000 in a TattsLotto draw earlier this month.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, had one of the 11 division one winning entries in TattsLotto draw 4327 on January 7 and took home a total division one prize of $968,260.01.

He said he confirmed his win last week but was still coming to terms with the result.

“I’ve been playing for a while, but only recently decided to give bigger entries a go,” he said.

“I’ve dreamt of winning division one, and now it’s happened. I hope this gives other players hope that you can win big one day.”

The winning numbers for TattsLotto draw 4327 were 38, 17, 18, 2, 11 and 9, while the supplementary numbers were 41 and 37.

The man said he was looking forward to the future after his win.

“I can now look at saying goodbye to renting and owning my very own dream home,” he said.

“Maybe I’ll throw a party to celebrate when I purchase my new home. Who knows?”

Animal facility name change

Lauren Duffy

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January 17, 2023

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The Epping Animal Welfare Facility will adopt a new name this year – wat djerring Animal Facility, meaning ‘we together.’

Pronounced ‘wot jerring’, the new name will be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, WWWCHAC, to receive approval for their chosen title.

YindiArtz Aboriginal artist De Greer-Yindimincarlie complimented the title with new visuals that represent how an animal can flourish and thrive.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the new name reflected a new period at the facility that was now under the management of the council, in partnership with Merri-bek and Darebin councils.

“The facility operates as the pound for three councils and we wanted a more inclusive name that acknowledged the cultural heritage of the land and reflected the purpose of the facility; to reconnect people with their pets and to give animals a fresh start,” she said.

“I’d like to thank the WWWCHAC for their support in suggesting such a meaningful rich name that really captures the strong values our community places on pet ownership and in so doing helps to bring to life the vision for a new beginning for the facility.”