Rita’s home track harness winner

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October 25, 2022

By Len Baker

KILMORE trainer Rita Burnett combined with son in law Josh Duggan to capture the Grays Bendigo Pace over 1690 metres with 6Y0 Grinfromeartoear-Mademoiselle Gigi gelding Gigis Grinner at last Wednesday’s nine event harness fixture.

Starting solo on the second line, Gigis Grinner bred and raced by long time stable clients Tom and Jean O’Donnell possied beautifully one/one as Betterthanflyinghigh led from gate three for Glenn Bull before being eased to take a trail on Boak which had left a one/one spot to take over at the bell.

Rallying under vigorous driving by Duggan on turning, Gigis Grinner refused to give in and outstayed Righteously which headed towards the outside fence in the straight to score by 6.3 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.6. Betterthanflyhigh was third 4.2 metres away.

The O’Brien Electrical Pace over 1690 metres saw sister Rosemarie Weidenbach who now trains at Wahring victorious with 8Y0 Christian Cullen-PK Bunny gelding Goodlookin Rooster.

Kilmore based Tasmanian Ben Yole combined with James Herbertson to land the Carlton & United Breweries Pace over 2180 metres with Mach Charm, a 8Y0 daughter of Mach Three and Glenferrie Serenade.

Settling five pegs from gate two in a strung out field as stablemate Metro Man led, Mach Charm after extricating away from the inside in the last lap to trail Kobys Delight which had done the same off the back of the leader.

When Kobys Delight dashed away, Mach Charm was in hot pursuit and gathered him in to gain the day by a half neck on the wire from the flying home Follow The Eclipse (mid-field) at bell, with Kobys Delight third 1.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.9.

Yole was to bring up a double after 8Y0 American Ideal-Classic Vicolo gelding Classie American scored in the MC Security Pace over 2180 metres with Bendigo based Jack Laugher in the sulky.

Settling last from the extreme draw as old timer Southern GNP led from gate two, Classie American circled the field to park in the open at the bell before cruising to the wire 5.1 metres clear of Master Works (one/one) in a mile rate of 2-02.7.

Occiano after a mid-race burst to lead at the bell opening up a big gap on his rivals, held down third 2.6 metres back.

Sutton Grange trainer/driver Ross Graham’s 5Y0 Auckland Reactor-Eastern Art gelding Huey Trevor second up since February 2021 landed the TAB Maiden Pace over 1690 metres.

Despite racing uncovered throughout from gate four, Huey Trevor joined the first start pacemaker Imangry on the home turn and did best to score by 4.7 metres, with Cantseeme third 6.5 metres away after trailing the front runner. The mile rate 1-58.8.

Carlsruhe trainer/driver Jack Sullivan’s 4Y0 Majestic Son-Nicky Newky gelding Major Max was an impressive victor of the 2180 metre Momentum Gaming Trotters Mobile in a rate of 2-03.3.

Racing outside Billy Milner’s Astro (gate two) which led for the majority of the trip, Major Max careered away in the back straight on the final occasion to turn by a huge margin.

Although getting a little tired halfway up the running and he was entitled to do so, Major Max greeted the judge by 7.1 metres in advance of Roll With Rosco (one/two) and Aldebaran Gwen who was 2.8 metres away third after trailing the weakening leader.

The Jet Roofing Pace over 2180 metres went the way of Moorilim (GV) trainer Greg Fleming’s smart Western Terror-Sweet Barney gelding Red Hot Assassin.

Driven by David Moran who has recently joined the stable, Red Hot Assassin starting from the extreme draw settled at the rear as Hameldaeme led from gate five.

When Lifeinthebalance ahead of him went forward to take over at the bell, Red Hot Assassin had moved closer and despite racing three wide solo in the final circuit, asserted his authority on turning to record a strong 2.3 metre victory over Lifeinthebalance, with Leave Your Hat On third 3.1 metres back after following the winner home.

David Moran himself provided a winner when classy Somebeachsomewhere-Distant Memory filly Beach Memories driven by Chris Alford easily took the 1690 metre New Life Laser Therapy Pace in a slick 1-55.4.

Starting from the extreme draw, Beach Memories bided her time at the rear until the bell when she went forward in a hurry to cross the pacemaker El Boston and lead for the final circuit, accounting for El Boston virtually untouched by 7.8 metres.

Power Up after racing exposed throughout was third 8.6 metres back.

A very nice ex-Kiwi by the name of Caster Semenya was victorious in the Hanson Cleaning Services 3Y0 Pace over 2180 metres when making his Australian debut.

Bottled up racing for the bell by Just Miki outside the pacemaker, Caster Semenya used the sprint lane on turning to record a 2.3 metre margin in advance of Rainbowsend (one/one last lap), with Tooby Gold coming from the tail for third.

** Kilmore races again this Thursday night.

Community a priority for Kalkallo candidate Bikram Singh

Max Davies

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October 25, 2022

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Community a priority for Kalkallo candidate Bikram Singh

By Max Davies

The Liberals’ bid for the new electorate of Kalkallo will be headed by Bikram Singh, whose campaign will focus on community welfare and securing stronger investment in the area.

A nature lover and a long-time resident of Melbourne’s north, Mr Singh lives in Wallan with his young family, with one of his two sons attending Wandong Primary School.

He has worked on a vegetable farm in Kinglake for about four years and helped to provide important food donations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Singh also stood as a candidate for council in the 2020 Mitchell Shire Council elections but was unsuccessful.

Mr Singh said the Kalkallo electorate, particularly its southern suburbs of Mickleham, Kalkallo and Craigieburn, was in an important stage in its development and felt it would be beneficial for the area to see significant investment to help shape its future.

“All areas always have room for improvement, but I feel new areas like Kalkallo always have the most opportunity to improve and change,” he said.

“For new areas it takes a lot more attention to get them up and going and I want to be able to help set Kalkallo up for a strong future with community hubs and facilities delivered in the coming years.”

The electorate of Kalkallo is a new electorate for this year’s state election, moving Wallan out of Yan Yean to join Beveridge, Kalkallo, Mickleham and Craigieburn along the Hume Highway.

Mr Singh said he was passionate about community welfare and was committed to improving and helping the community grow as the electorate continues to develop in the Mitchell Shire and Hume City.

“Really I want to improve on current community welfare in places like Wallan while the rest of the electorate grows,” he said.

“I’ve always thought that if I could see something that I could help with, I want to be able to help and improve things for communities, that’s important to me.”

Road improvement

Mr Singh said he would also work towards improving the poor quality of roads in the electorate and has welcomed the announcement that a Liberal-Nationals Coalition would implement a $10 billion commitment to road maintenance over 10 years.

An audit of all state-managed roads would also be conducted within six months of forming government.

“As a Wallan resident, I have concerns for the safety of the roads and I want to be able to improve on that, especially as Kalkallo is an area that’s still developing and growing,” he said.

“I’ve noticed there are a few roads in the area that need some serious attention, Old Sydney Road and Watson Street are particularly bad so the commitment will help families get to work and home safely.”

Mitchell Shire Police News: October 25, 2022

Lauren Duffy

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October 25, 2022

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Thefts throughout district

Between October 16 and 17 unknown offenders stole a propeller off a boat that was situated on Northwood Road, Northwood.

Offenders also stole knives, a tackle box, life jackets, seats, speakers, stereo, launchers, and rope.

On October 17 unknown offenders stole a pair of prescription glasses out of a vehicle parked on Perrin Street Seymour. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road as the driver was assisting another member of the community.

Between October 21 and 23 unknown offenders stole approximately 50 sandbags from a property located on Eureka Drive, Nagambie.

Unfortunately, there is no CCTV available. Anyone with information can contact Crime-Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Number plates taken

On October 19 and offender removed and stole the rear number plate affixed to a vehicle parked on Nankeen Loop, Beveridge.

Between October 21 and 22, unknown offenders removed and stole the front number plate affixed to a vehicle parked on Pamela Court, Wallan.

Theft of plates are becoming more common. To ensure your plates are affixed securely Police continue to remind the community that installing one-way anti-theft screws on their vehicles can prevent number plates from being stolen and used for further crimes.

For more information, visit www.police.vic.gov.au/safepl8.

Beveridge burglary

Between October 19 and 21 unknown offenders gained access to a display home located on Whiteside Street, Beveridge.

The offenders gained entry through the rear bedroom window and believed to have used a hammer to break the window and climb through.

The offenders stole a cardboard cut out of a TV with zero value. The alarm was then triggered which is believed to have scared off the offenders. The total damage to the window was approximately $2000.

Colmont School could reopen in 2023: administrators

The North Central Review

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October 19, 2022

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Colmont School could reopen in 2023: administrators

ADMINISTRATORS acting for Colmont School, formerly known as The Kilmore International School, have flagged a possibility of the school being reinstated after its sudden collapse in August.

A letter from Colmont administrator Rachel Burdett, a member of business advisory firm Cor Cordis, to school creditors yesterday flagged the possibility the school could be reinstated by the Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Authority, VRQA, ahead of next year.

The VRQA deregistered Colmont earlier this year after the school went into administration with an estimated $6 million dollars of debt.

Previous administrators Vince and Associates, who were removed by school creditors in favour of Cor Cordis, insisted there had been no serious approaches from parties interested in saving the school.

Ms Burdett said Cor Cordis had ‘significantly progressed matters with an interested party’ represented by a man named Ayub Kahn.

Ms Burdett said Mr Kahn was in negotiations with the school’s landlord and had applied to for the school’s reinstatement with the VRQA but on Wednesday afternoon a Department of Education spokesperson said the VQRA had received no application to reinstate Colmont’s registration.

The VRQA’s website said the final date for independent schools to register for 2023 was June 30. The website said applicants ‘should expect to spend a minimum of 18 months preparing [an] application for registration’.

Cor Cordis hosted a hastily arranged meeting for school parents last week, although many reported not being notified.

Cor Cordis said it would convene a second meeting of creditors in early November, with further details forthcoming.
See next week’s Review for more.

Clean-up starts in Seymour, roadworks in Emily Street

News

Lauren Duffy

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October 19, 2022

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Clean-up starts in Seymour, roadworks in Emily Street

Emergency repair works to Emily Street in Seymour will start today and continue tomorrow, following significant flood damage to the main entrance road into the town.

Regional Roads Victoria crews will be on site between 7am and 4pm each day, near the intersection of Tierney Street, to clear debris and lay a new road surface at the location.

A lane closure and traffic management will be in place during the works.

Drivers are asked to observe road work signs and take extra care when travelling through the area.

Department of Transport Hume regional director Steve Bowmaker said hundreds of crews had already undertaken more than 500 individual inspections, found and fixed more than 25,000 potholes and attended more than 20 landslips right across Victoria.

“We’ve got crews working around the clock to re-open roads right across Victoria – including in Seymour – to keep communities connected in the wake of damage caused by recent flooding and extreme rainfall,” he said.

“As part of this effort, we’ll be out on-site to rebuild a severely damaged section of road on Emily Street so that we can restore access for the Seymour community.

“This is part of a broad package of work, and our crews have been out clearing flood-affected roads, undertaking emergency repairs and have already made significant progress on the Hume Freeway, the Goulburn Valley Freeway and the Murray Valley Highway.”

Seymour Emily St 5 — Emily Street, Seymour, was heavily impacted by flooding.

As part of a State Government $165 million emergency response package, crews are undertaking repair works on roads damaged by flooding.

The works include finding and fixing potholes, asphalting and repairing road surfaces damaged by floods.

The package will also cover larger-scale works like the rebuilding of roads, bridges and culverts.

Regional Roads Victoria said if a road to someone’s property was closed, it was because it had not yet been declared safe.

The road authority also reminded people that warmer, drier weather was needed to be able to deliver long-term repairs that would last, as it was not practical to deliver major works like rebuilding during wet weather.

Drivers are asked to take extra care when travelling on the road network, particularly in areas affected by severe flooding.

People who come across damage on roads are encouraged to report it by calling Regional Roads Victoria on 133 778.

Seymour CFA — Several emergency services are on hand to help with flood recovery efforts in Seymour.

Defence Force personnel arrived in Seymour yesterday to assist the community with clean-up.

Seymour police have thanked the people, businesses, community groups and organisations for volunteering their time, resources, money and energy to contribute to the clean up and support those who are affected by the floods.

They specifically gave a shout-out to Seymour SES; Seymour CFA; Seymour Football Netball Club; Rotary Club of Seymour; Lions Club of Seymour Goulburn; IGA Seymour; Salvation Army; St Vincent De Paul; Red Cross; Nexus Primary Health; Mitchell Shire Council.

Business support meeting

Mitchell Shire Council is hosting a support meeting for flood-impacted businesses across the shire on Thursday.

Businesses can find out the latest information on support services available and it will be an opportunity to connect with council services.

The meeting will be at Salvation Army Hall, 8-10 Victoria Street, Seymour, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

People can register at https://bit.ly/floodbusinessmeeting.

Second flood recovery meeting

A second flood recovery meeting yesterday gave residents an update on the flood situation at Seymour, and the clean-up efforts that are underway.

Emergency Recovery Victoria has started collecting flood waste from kerbsides.

Council has partnered with Emergency Management Victoria Clean to collect waste from the front of flood-affected properties.

People can register for assistance at or call 5734 6200.

The State Government has waived tip fees for flood-affected property owners.

Seymour cleanup 1 — Community members are helping one another out to clean up flood-affected properties.

Council also warned people that flood waters could carry harmful bacteria from sewage contamination that comes from toilets, bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.

If exposed to direct contact it could transmit disease and cause illness, so personal hygiene is strongly recommended, using protective clothing, throw away contaminated materials, and disinfect surfaces.

For more information on returning home safely, visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/After-a-flood-returning-home-safely.

People who have lost a pet or animal as a result of the flooding can contact the Local Laws Missing Pets number on 0476 673 481.

Council can also help assist with livestock disposal on private property if needed.

Several roads have started reopen across the shire. Full list: https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/services/october-floods/road-closures-due-to-october-floods.

Donations

Online donation platform GIVIT is organising donations of items, services and money for people impacted by the floods across Victoria. For more information, visit .

People can also donate to the Salvation Army.

Vision for water management in Macedon Ranges

Lauren Duffy

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October 18, 2022

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Greater Western Water, GWW, is inviting the Macedon Ranges community to share their knowledge and vision for water management for the future-proofing of water in the region.

Residents can now complete an online survey or visit a community pop-up event to contribute their views and aspirations.

GWW strategy and partnerships general manager Kessia Thomson said engaging with the community was an essential step in reviewing how water was protected and managed in the Macedon Ranges.

“With population growth and climate change posing new water management challenges in the region, local input will help us find a productive way forward together,” she said.

“We encourage the community to complete the online survey or come and see us at a pop-up event, ask questions and have their say on what matters to them when it comes to water.”

To complete the online survey or for more information on the community pop-up events, visit yoursay.gww.com.au/managing-recycled-water-macedon-ranges.

Floods hit the City of Whittlesea

Lauren Duffy

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October 18, 2022

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BUSINESSES, roads and buildings were affected in the City of Whittlesea during last week’s rain event, which saw significant flooding across Melbourne and central Victoria.

As of Friday afternoon, 10 roads across the City of Whittlesea were closed including, Beveridge Road, Donnybrook Road, and Arthurs Creek Road, while Wallan Road, Grants Road and Epping Road had all reopened.

City of Whittlesea crews worked throughout Thursday and Friday to unblock drains and assist residents, however the full extent of the damage cannot be determined until majority of the water has drained away.

Whittlesea SES responded to more than 70 calls late last week, with four crews working from midday Thursday through to Friday to help residents and mitigate risks.

309561296 611200400533124 7860733152098215163 n — Whittlesea Boat Rescue team attending a trapped vehicle in flood water last week. [Photo: SES Whittlesea Unit Facebook]

Whittlesea SES controller Gary Doorbar said last week’s efforts were a collaboration between a number of groups in the City of Whittlesea.

“It was a good effort between the City of Whittlesea, the SES and Victoria Police to close roads and help keep people safe,” he said.

“I’ve seen this sort of thing before but not like this, this time it happened really quickly. It was just a few hours and roads were underwater.”

Mr Doorbar said there were still some people who tried driving through floodwaters but got stuck and needed rescuing, as well as residents in South Morang whose houses flooded but refused SES rescue and remained inside.

“The community helped to get sandbags out and delivered to people who needed them, so that was good to see too,” he said.

Whittlesea SES was also one of the many Victorian SES crews asked to send rescue boats to help with the flooded Maribyrnong River in Melbourne on Friday.

City of Whittlesea Craig Lloyd said that during last week’s severe weather event, Council staff worked closely with local emergency services, including Victoria Police and the SES, to respond to the changing situation and keep the community safe.

“During the peak of the weather event on Thursday night and Friday morning, 16 roads in the municipality required closing due to flooding,” he said.

“We are still assessing the full impacts of the floods on local roads but most have now been reopened.

“Council has also offered its support to municipalities to the north, including Murrindindi and Mitchell for their clean-up efforts.”

Multi-faith blessing for emergency services in South Morang

Lauren Duffy

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October 18, 2022

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Multi-faith blessing for emergency services in South Morang

Councils, fire and emergency service personnel, and religious leaders gathered for the 26th annual blessing of the fleet on October 8.

Representatives from many diverse faiths delivered a blessing ahead of this year’s summer season outside of City of Whittlesea Civic Centre in South Morang.

Both service and career emergency personnel were present including Country Fire Authority; Fire Rescue Victoria; Forest Fire Management Victoria Management Victoria; Victoria Police; State Emergency Services and Ambulance Victoria and Parks Victoria.

Operational staff from Whittlesea, Mitchell and Murrindindi councils were represented on the day, together with religious leaders from the Buddhist, Sikh, Islamic, Greek Orthodox and Christian communities.

City of Whittlesea chief executive officer Craig Lloyd said the event was to thank emergency services for their hard work to the community.

“The blessing of the fleet service is dedicated to the remarkable individuals and teams in our emergency services and signals the start of the preparation for the upcoming fire season,” he said.

“It is wonderful to get together with the leaders of our multi-faith congregations to pray for the protection and safe passing of emergency services crews and volunteers, and the vehicles and equipment that enable them to carry out their life and property saving work.”

Whittlesea Community Hospital plans unveiled

Lauren Duffy

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October 18, 2022

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Whittlesea Community Hospital plans unveiled

Site preparation works are underway and designs were revealed last week for a new Whittlesea Community Hospital in Mernda.

The hospital, located on Plenty Road in Mernda, has been funded through the State Government’s $675 million Community Hospitals Program and is one of 10 community hospitals being built across Victoria in the state’s fastest growing communities.

Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the plans in Mernda on Thursday and said the new hospital would provide greater options for City of Whittlesea families.

“We’re making sure families in the northern suburbs get the care they need when they need – and taking pressure off emergency departments at major hospitals at the same time,” he said.

“Bumps and bruises are part of everyday life, and these community hospitals will make it easier for Victorian families to get the care they need closer to home.”

To be operated by Northern Health, the Whittlesea Community Hospital will provide a range of community health and specialist services free of charge, including after-hours care for non-emergency medical issues.

The designs revealed last week presented the facility’s exterior, main reception and waiting area, which were designed to create safe and comfortable environments for staff, patients and families.

Incorporated in the designs were accessibility features, with a connection to nature also considered through the inclusion of Indigenous artwork and plants.

Whittlesea Community Hospital 2 — A connection to nature was identified as a priority through community consultation, with Indigenous art to feature in the reception area.

The new services are expected to take pressure off nearby major hospitals and allow them to focus on critical care, acute health issues, emergency care and more complex surgeries and procedures.

Whittlesea Community Hospital was also designed with the help of community members, Northern Health and the City of Whittlesea council through the project’s community consultative committee.

Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said it was important to consider the community’s needs to design an appropriate facility for the City of Whittlesea.

“I’m very pleased to see that the designs reflect the community’s priorities, and I want to thank our community consultative committee for their valuable input and feedback,” she said.

The hospital is expected to be completed in 2024.

Mixed emotions after Deekay’s win

Lauren Duffy

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October 18, 2022

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By ‘Pegs’

THERE were mixed emotions when the Anthony Chibnall-trained Deekay, paying $7.50, greeted the judge at Sportsbet-Pakenham Synthetic on Sunday.

The three-year-old gelded son of Hellbent and Seagrove was the last horse that Chibnall and long-time stable client Leon McDonald purchased together prior to the latter’s passing in May this year.

Named by McDonald after the trainer of Hellbent, D.K Weir, the gelding was a $75,000 purchase at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for the Chibnall family and McDonald’s widow Wendy Jernigan and other family and friends.

Deekay, ridden by Jason Maskiell, was most impressive in taking out the Riverlee Property Group Maiden Plate over 1200 metres.

The gelding defeated Le Gagneur, $5.50, by three lengths with the Peter Moody-trained $2.30 favourite, Waterworld, a further head away third.

“Jason did everything asked of him,” Chibnall said.

“It was a great ride.”

Chibnall, who hasn’t enjoyed the best of health of late, was full of praise for his partner Nadine and his daughter Alyssah for their ongoing tireless work around the stable.

The Kilmore trainer said the gelding would have his next start in a BM64 for three-year-olds over 1300 metres on Bendigo Cup Day on October 26.

Deekay was having only his second start after a pleasing debut third at Echuca on a Soft 7 in July.

The connections of Deekay also collected the Super VOBIS bonus for the win.

Deekay connections — Connections of Deekay after winning the Riverlee Property Group Maiden Plate at Sportsbet Pakenham Synthetic track on October 16, 2022 in Pakenham, Australia. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

Quick return for Dwyer

Seymour trainer Don Dwyer and stable clients have made a quick return for their purchase of Miss Isolation, $6.50, with the Foxwedge five-year-old mare winning at only her second start for the stable.

Miss Isolation, formerly trained by Mitch Beer, was impressive in taking out The Big Screen Company 0-58 Handicap over 1500 metres at Sportsbet-Ballarat Synthetic on Saturday.

Giving former Irishman Robbie Downey the second leg of a riding double, the mare defeated the $4 favourite Cailloux by one and three quarter lengths with King And King, $11, a further one and a quarter lengths away third.

Miss Isolation has now won three races with two minor placings from her 14 starts.