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Mitchell Shire Police News: October 4, 2021

Lauren Duffy
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Mitchell Shire Police News: October 4, 2021

Thefts in district

Between September 4 and October 2, unknown offender/s attended a remote property located in Kilmore and stole approximately 200 metres of overhead copper wire, including brass fittings estimated at a value of $5000.

Between September 15 and 30, offender/s attended two construction blocks in Broadford and stole a total of 10 fencing panels estimated at a value of $650.

On September 30 one male offender and one female offender attended a petrol station on the Hume Freeway in Wallan. The offenders were in a silver Volkswagen sedan and wearing face masks.

The offenders filled their car with $124.70 worth of petrol and left without making any attempt to pay.

Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the police assistance line on 131 444.

Burglaries in Kilmore and Seymour

Between 6pm on September 28 and 8am on September 29 unknown offender/s entered a property in Kilmore through the back door and stole two couches and rugs. The offender/s are believed to have left through the garage.

Between 5pm September 27 and 8am September 28 unknown offender/s gained entry to a business on Emily Street, Seymour.

They have gained entry by cutting a side gate by an unknown means. The offender/s stole a battery out of a truck estimated at $500 in value.

Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the police assistance line on 131 444.

Theft of plates

Between 3.30am on September 28 and 4pm September 29 unknown offender/s removed and stole a number plate affixed to a vehicle parked on the street in Station Street, Pyalong.

Police have reminded the community that installing one-way anti-theft screws can prevent number plates from being stolen and used for further crimes.

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

Goulburn Options’ pop up art show to feature showcase area talent

Pam Kiriakidis
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Goulburn Options’ pop up art show to feature showcase area talent

By Pam Kiriakidis

Goulburn Options Disability Support Services is counting down the days until the art display at its new studio on October 15.

The pop-up art show at 16-18 Station Street, Seymour will feature a variety of works created by Goulburn Options clients, with an open studio, gallery window and merchandise for the public to view and purchase.

For months, the show’s participants have crowded the art room several times a week, concentrating on different art styles to present their individuality on canvases, mugs, and calendars.

Goulburn Options chief executive Melinda Burgess worked alongside creative arts coordinator Mandy Gloede to enable the public to meet the artists and their artwork.

“It’ll be open all day for people to come in and out, but it’s a double office there in Station Street, Seymour and has a studio space where our artists work, and then a small shop front gallery,” Ms Burgess said.

“There are some fantastic pieces that our artists have done and we will showcase them on the day.”

The art program at Goulburn Options is a major asset to the disability service under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS.

Ms Burgess said the new building would extend Goulburn Options’ art program, offering a larger space for participants to recognise their talents and emotions when picking up a paint brush or tool.

“We have so many interested people in the art program, we’ve had to expand what we had in High Street to a totally new space to be able to continue to run. It’ll allow us to expand and have more participants join the art program,” she said.

“I think often art’s a way they feel really confident in expressing themselves, and expressing their emotions, and feelings, and it’s certainly something that they are allowed to be free about their own style.”

Goulburn Options will consider other avenues to foster the creativity of their clients.

“We’re looking at other ideas like running after school programs for younger people and perhaps weekend workshops,” Ms Burgess said.

“As a community provider that has been around for 40 years, we’ve evolved as things have changed and the NDIS has come in. We’ve only expanded our program to offer more opportunity.”

Ms Burgess said the old studio on High Street in Seymour would still be used as a sensory room.

“It’s a great space when people are feeling a bit anxious or tense – a good relaxation space, or a good quiet space when people don’t want to be around a whole lot of other people,” she said.

The Go Art pop up art show will be on October 15, from 10am to 5pm, at 16-18 Station Street, Seymour.

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goulburn art show 2
Louise Slade showing her floral painting to sell at the art show in Seymour. ​

Historical Wandong church set to re-open

Lauren Duffy
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Historical Wandong church set to re-open

After extensive restoration and conservation works, the 131-year-old St Michael’s Catholic Church in Wandong is set to be re-opened to the public this weekend.

As part of Victoria’s History Month, the Wandong History Group will celebrate the re-opening on Saturday with a photographic exhibition charting the building’s road to recovery.

The church was built in May 1891 on land donated by Robert A Robertson and is now the home of the Wandong History Group, with funding announced for restoration works in 2020.

The St Michael’s Catholic Church project was supported by the Victorian Government through the Living Heritage Grant Program along with support from the Parish Council of St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kilmore.

The funding enabled new footings to be installed beneath the sacristy; the replacement of the roof, guttering and downpipes; the demolition of the asbestos front porch entrance and the installation of an all-ability ramp.

The Wandong History Group has thanked all involved in the project, including heritage advisor Fraser Brown from historical conservation group Quadratum, Greg Clancy from Danesbury Constructions, Heritage Victoria, and the Parish Council of St Patrick’s Church Kilmore.

The church is located at 11 Dry Creek Crescent, Wandong, with the re-opening set to begin at 11am, October 8.

Farewell to Broadford Salvos captain

Pam Kiriakidis
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Farewell to Broadford Salvos captain

By Pam Kiriakidis

Captain Michael Nally entered the Salvation Army solving IT problems, but decided to close his computer and take action by committing to ministry training.

Nine years later, Mr Nally has resigned as a Salvation Army corps officer in Broadford, fulfilling his mission to serve others through the lens of Christianity.

“We had a vision of transforming the community, transforming lives to provide hope [and] to share love,” he said.

On September 25, Mr Nally shared a final farewell with other long-serving members, participating in a last service and meal.

“It was a beautiful time to reflect on the work that’s happened for the community through the Salvation Army, at least in my time for the last nine years,” Mr Nally said.

Area officer Kelly Walker who worked alongside Mr Nally this year said the service on Sunday was an opportunity for members to share their thoughts with those committed to the organisation.

“There was a huge amount of effort put in to say goodbye to them and to be able to thank them for everything that he’s been able to do,” Ms Kelly said.

Mr Nally described his service to the community in three parts – material aid, worship, and through a thrift shop where locals can recycle their belongings.

He said watching people receive a glimmer of hope after visiting the Salvation Army was a highlight, as their experiences matched his own intention to transform people’s lives.

“I was looking after the Doorways program – everything from interviews through to ordering through to volunteer management,” he said.

“I’ve certainly seen people walk through our doors in a crisis and walk away having a bit more hope, I think that’s probably the greatest.

“Seeing people who weren’t really aware of what sort of support we provided, and then going ‘wow we’ve actually got somewhere to go from here’.”

The times were tough, but Mr Nally managed to serve his community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said it was a challenge to deliver services between lockdowns, however, through a group effort, Mr Nally carried out his mission to encourage others to bond.

“It actually did get busier, but the way we had to handle it was different. It was all contactless deliveries, a various material of aid, and a lot of phone calls, a lot of zoom meetings,” he said.

“Even though it was social distancing, we were going to play a part in making sure people remained connected and that no one was left out.”

Although Ms Kelly was unable to watch Captain Nally in action during the pandemic, she saw enough this year to understand his passion for the community.

“We saw him continue to stick up for the little guy, to just want to see the Broadford community flourish and do really well. He’s got a real heart for the community; he loves living in Broadford,” she said.

“He’s an easygoing guy and just continues to really support those who don’t always feel like they get support.”

Ms Kelly said the future of the Salvation Army in Broadford was yet to be confirmed, but that the organisation wanted to maintain a presence in Mitchell Shire.

“We’re looking at how things can work in a new way for the whole state for each community that is represented in that space,” she said.

“It means it’s going to be a broader picture than the community of Broadford. The Broadford community is going to be included in that, but it’s not just the community, it’s across the Mitchell Shire.”

Mitchell supports anti-corruption commission

Lauren Duffy
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Mitchell supports anti-corruption commission

MEMBER for McEwen Rob Mitchell has thrown his support behind a Federal Government push to establish a National Anti-Corruption Commission, NACC.

Attorney General Mark Dreyfus introduced the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022 in parliament on Wednesday last week, proposing the establishment of a federal integrity watchdog.

The NACC would have the power to investigate and report serious and systemic public-sector corruption at federal level, with the jurisdiction to investigate ministers, members of parliament, government staff, the heads and employees of government agencies, Australian Defence Force employees and government contractors, among others.

The commission would operate independently of government, with discretion to commence inquiries on its own initiative or in response to referrals from whistleblowers and public. It would also have powers to retroactively investigate allegations of corruption that occurred before its establishment.

Mr Dreyfus said most of the commission’s hearings would be held behind closed doors, only holding public hearings in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

The NACC would be overseen by a statutory parliamentary joint committee that required the commission to provide information about its work, and its findings would be subject to judicial review.

Mr Mitchell said he supported the commission’s establishment.

“During the 2022 federal election, voters across McEwen told me they wanted to elect a government which would return integrity and trust to parliament,” he said.

“The Albanese Government introduced legislation to establish a powerful, independent and transparent National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate serious or systemic corrupt conduct across the entire federal public sector.

“As part of this commitment, the government has also announced $262 million to fund the establishment and ongoing operation of the commission over the next four years.

“This will ensure the commission can hit the ground running. It will have the staff, capabilities and capacity to triage referrals and allegations it receives, conduct timely investigations, and undertake corruption prevention and education activities.

“We now look forward to the entire Parliament coming together to support this clear mandate to establish a National Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Heartfelt children’s book sharing stories of personal challenges announced

Pam Kiriakidis
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Heartfelt children’s book sharing stories of personal challenges announced

BGGROUPAU founder Benjamin Gregory and artist Amber Sindoni have collaborated to share a heartfelt children’s book about coping with anxiety and the loss of loved ones.

I’m Safe, Happy and Healthy tells the tale of a boy named Billy who developed anxiety after the passing of his mother. The multi-layered tale for children portrays anxiety as a creature, uncovering the power of affirmation with the presence of a butterfly.

“I think talking about and using the power of affirmation by affirming something to yourself multiple times helps sub-consciously change your mind set into thinking that your’e able to achieve a certain outcome and that’s the whole concept of the book,” Mr Gregory said.

Inspired by his mother’s words and memory, Mr Gregory, also known as Benny Gregs, discovered the story through his own personal journey of his mother’s passing in 2020.

Mr Gregory’s mother had her own practice of self-care and wellbeing across the Mitchell Shire, a message he plans to share across Australia when the book launches in March next year.

“I had this thought that it would be quite beautiful to write a book based on what my mum teaches,” he said.

“We’re looking at coming to the Mitchell Shire area for our first run of book tours and actually speaking to people in my local town.”

Ms Sindoni, also known as music artist Ambraya, was a key figure in Mr Gregory’s healing, as she helped him through his loss, and bonded over creating a tale that supports others in grief.

“She knew my mum really well and was part of my friendship group that really helped me through losing my mum, and it was quite a special time,” Mr Gregory said.

Ms Sindoni said she wanted to help amplify the message.

“I think we both felt really passionate about sharing the teachings of his mum and also sharing what affirmations can do for people,” she said.

Ms Sindoni said the entire experience of creating a tale with a best friend had been significant, as the ideas were able to come off paper to form a tale.

“It’s been a very fulfilling experience and I think its special to know that people in these communities that can read this story and be able to take something from it,” she said.

“At the heart of it it’s also like our friendship, and how I’ve seen Benny grow as a person over the last couple of years and seeing how he’s dealt with his own grief.”

The sincere book is funded through website GoFundMe, where people can donate and can receive a hard-copy book and tote bag if spent more than $45, as well as a ticket to the launch event if they donate more than $100.

“Every donation is really much appreciated by both of us, because it is a self-published book, there’s a lot of things that go into it,” Ms Sindoni said.

I’m Safe, Happy and Healthy will launch in March 2023, with a book tour soon to be confirmed across Australia following throughout the year. People can support the GoFund Me campaign at .

Lancefield’s overlay obstacle

Lauren Duffy
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Lancefield’s overlay obstacle

By Colin MacGillivray

A LANCEFIELD landowner believes the adoption of a development plan overlay, DPO, for land on the town’s fringe has been flawed from the outset, and that a recent Macedon Ranges Shire Council move to rectify issues it created is fundamentally unfair.

Robert Green owns land inside Lancefield’s north-west growth boundary in an area that came under a DPO in January 2020.

The DPO restricts land use and requires the preparation of a development plan by landowners before any development can occur.

Council officers sought the introduction of the DPO starting in 2016 after what they described as ‘a number of ad hoc and inappropriate development enquiries’.

The DPO, which was introduced through Planning Scheme Amendment C117, received a tick of approval by both the State Government and council, but Mr Green said it had unintended consequences for landowners.

The DPO allowed for only two development plans in an area covered by seven landowners including Mr Green, meaning landowners needed to share responsibility for creating development plans if any of them wished to develop their land.

With one development plan covering three properties already approved by council in October 2021, Mr Green said he would be required to create a plan covering the remaining three properties as well as his own if he wished to develop it.

“If I wanted to do anything with my property – that includes building a shed, putting in a swimming pool or anything else – I would have to do a development plan,” he said.

“With only two development plans allowed for the area, I would have to do it on the remaining properties as well. There are another three properties and one has an extensive heritage overlay on it.

“I would be required to do all the studies for these other properties, which puts me at a financial loss immediately. Why would I do a development plan for three other people’s properties when I only want to do something with mine?”

In June council moved to mitigate the cost to local landowners by applying for a Victorian Planning Authority, VPA, grant through its Streamlining for Growth program that would allow council to prepare development plans on behalf of landowners.

Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfel said it would relieve landowners of the cost of preparing technical reports.

“Challenges with preparing development plans within the Lancefield DPO24 areas that landowners have expressed include: perceived complexity of the process; cost; collaborating with other landowners; and engaging suitably qualified and experienced consultants,” she said.

“The funding would enable council to engage a consultant to prepare all of the relevant technical background reports required by the [DPO] to enable the preparation of a development plan for each of the remaining [DPO] areas.

“If council is successful in receiving funding through the Streamlining for Growth program, it would enable a unique opportunity to work with the landowners in DPO24 to prepare development plans for the balance of the Lancefield DPO24 areas and enable these areas to be ready for housing development.”

But Mr Green said council had not consulted landowners before applying for the grant and that it would only create more procedural inequity, as well as creating a dangerous precedent.

“[Council chief executive Bernie] O’Sullivan said they were trying to fix my problem, and I said ‘it’s not my problem, it’s your problem. You and the State Government created this’,” he said.

“The fact is three landowners in our area are going to be upset. They’ve already put their development plan in in October and got it passed using their cold, hard cash. Now they’ve been left out of this latest grant that the shire is going to get.

“[In the future] if somebody is doing a development in Riddells Creek, who is going to stump up for their development plan?”

Ms Stockfeld said the DPO was necessary to protect ‘the last remaining greenfield sites inside the Lancefield protected settlement boundary’.

“Unlocking these for development is needed to ensure we can continue to provide residential land,” she said.

But Mr Green said the process had put millions of dollars in potential land value at risk.

“I’m looking at about a $10 million loss, if not more [if I can’t develop the land]. This property is my superannuation,” he said.

People can view more information on the DPO by visiting www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Build-Plan/Planning-For-Our-Future/Town-planning-projects/Lancefield/C117-Development-Plan-Overlay-Schedule-24.

Lots to like for Broadford in 2022

Lauren Duffy
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Lots to like for Broadford in 2022

THE Broadford Football Netball Club faithful gathered at Craigieburn Sporting Club on September 17 to celebrate the successes of 2022.

The club presented football and netball awards, along with life memberships and other club awards during the evening.

Ally Black was the A Grade netball best and fairest, while Liam Lucas took out top honours for the senior football team.

Isaac Smithwick placed second in the senior football count, with Braydon Hardstaff finishing third and Lachlan Phillips named most improved.

Ally Black added best finals player to her A Grade best and fairest, with Amanda Rothwell-Hiscock finishing runner-up, Brooke Currell taking the players’ player award and Renee Sari picking up the coach’s award.

Other awards were:

Reserves football: best and fairest, Jack Connell; runner-up, Gareth Sharp; third, Brodie Stray; most consistent, Aaron Altham; best team player, Matt Dunbar.

B Grade netball: best and fairest, Natalie Fletcher; runner-up, Jenny Neilson; best team player, Kirbie Theuma; best finals player, Rhonwyn Whiteside; MVP, Natalie Fletcher.

C Grade netball: best and fairest, Hayley White; runner-up, Beth Perry; best team player, Jazmine Pearson and Stephanie Stavrinou; best finals player, Erica Heers.

Under 17 netball: best and fairest, Cassie Zolnierczyk; runner-up Leah O’Dell, best team player, Shayla White; best finals player, Leah Toome.

Life membership was presented to Brooke Currell, with Aaron Gleeson named Club Person of the Year for 2022 and Jaimie Hooper retrospectively awarded for 2021.

Service medals went to Jaimie Hooper, Aaron Gleeson, Ash Chapman and Greg Holcombe.

Lancefield Tigers celebrate at awards night

Lauren Duffy
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Lancefield Tigers celebrate at awards night

LANCEFIELD Football Netball Club drew the curtain on the 2022 season with its annual awards presentation night earlier this month.

Senior footballer Michael Conlan and A Grade netballer Kira Baldwin were the big winners, taking home the football best and fairest and players MVP and netball best and fairest respectively.

Alex Simpson was the senior football best and fairest runner-up, as well as the team’s leading goal kicker, while Harrison Taylor won most committed and Reuben Schembri was the best player under 21.

Amanda Bruce was the A Grade netball runner-up, while Darcee Ellard won the players’ player award.

Reserves football winners were: best and fairest, Anthony Pacers; runner-up, Scott Ilgoutz; Graham Meyer most committed award, Chris James.

B Grade netball: best and fairest and players’ player awards, Beth Lyons; runner-up, Keeley Holter.

C Grade netball: best and fairest, Sharna Smith; runner-up, Jessica Dittloff; players’ player, Kirrily Lumsden.

Under 19 netball: best and fairest, Stephanie Hammond; runner-up, Amber Winks; most consistent, Jayla Laffan-Zoch.

Lancefield also presented Barry Hunt with an inaugural club legend award in recognition of his years of service to the team.

The Tigers also announced Tim Bannan as senior football coach for 2023, taking over from Tom Waters who will continue as a player.

Spirits undampened by wet-weather Kilmore Cup

Lauren Duffy
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Spirits undampened by wet-weather Kilmore Cup

By Colin MacGillivray

KILMORE Racing Club officials are thrilled with the return of crowds to the group two Jet Roofing Kilmore Pacing Cup despite wet weather on Friday last week.

Club chief executive Ben Murphy said both the racing and off-track attractions at the 100-stall Bohemian Bulla Market were a hit with the crowd of between 1500 and 2000 people.

“The weather impacted the market during the afternoon, but the market was a success and we’re keen to have it back again,” he said.

“The Mitchell Shire community responded really positively to having that market there, which was great.

“I think the market stallholders and market organisers were really happy with the market as well and are keen to come back.”

Mr Murphy said patrons packed the Kilmore Trackside bistro during the afternoon and evening.

“The grandstand was full. Everything was a real positive for us outside of the weather, which was obviously outside of our control,” he said.

“It seemed like people were ready to come out and have a night out, so we can’t thank the community enough for the support they’ve given us.”

Mr Murphy said New Zealand gelding Rock N Roll Doo was a worthy winner of the $80,000 feature race after hitting the line seven metres ahead of the field.

He said the race solidified the Kilmore Pacing Cup’s status as a lead-in event to the prestigious Victoria Cup in October.

“Rock N Roll Doo is a really impressive horse. It won a group one [race] at Melton the other week, and then to come to Kilmore and win in the way it has, it can win any of the Grand Circuit races,” he said.

“It can go and run in the Victoria Cup and be a real chance, and I think they’re talking about going to New Zealand.

“They are the really key events in Australasian harness racing, so it shows the calibre of the field and the calibre of the horse that won the cup.”

Mr Murphy said the club was committed to hosting the cup on the AFL grand final public holiday each year and was keen to host market stalls again during the racing season.

“We’re keen to get the market back again at some point during the summer because we think it’s a real positive. The market was a real success story out of the event, as well as the quality of the racing,” he said.

Mr Murphy also paid tribute to the club’s track and facilities manager Chris Snell.

“The track raced really well, and that’s a credit to Chris and his team to get the racing up in trying conditions,” he said.

See full racing wrap-up here.

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