The North Central Review | Local community newspapers for North Central Victoria & surrounds

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September 20, 2022

Road maintenance rolls out across Victoria

Work on the Hume Freeway are part of roadworks planned for the region.

Large-scale works are planned for more than 45 kilometres along the Hume Freeway near Wallan, and two major road rebuilding projects between Tallarook and Wandong.

Other roads in the region to be upgraded include the Lancefield-Tooborac Road, Calder Highway, and Tylden-Woodend Road.

The $780 million State Government investment will rebuild and repair more than 365 kilometres of roads across Victoria.

Workers will spend the next eight months delivering more than 290 individual projects.

Crews will perform more than 1,300 individual road projects, patch thousands of potholes and repair 20,000 roadside signs.

The works include polishing the roads, and ensuring bridges, culverts, retaining walls, traffic lights, signs and other structures are up to date.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the rollout was beneficial for residents who relied on the specific roads.

“The roads across our region are critical in getting Macedon Ranges residents where they need to go and keeping them on the move,” she said.

An additional $3.2 million of funding will be invested in developing regional roadsides including mowing, weed spraying and graffiti removal work.

Roads Minister Ben Carroll said the upcoming works would meet with the state’s road network to rebuild key routes in the regions.

“Right across the state, crews will begin repairing and rebuilding the roads that regional Victorians rely on most, connecting people with employment and education opportunities, key freight routes, family and friends,” he said.

Lancefield CFA celebrates members’ contribution

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September 20, 2022

Lancefield CFA celebrates members’ contribution

Recognising its members’ valued community service at a recent awards ceremony at Lancefield Fire Station, the brigade is now entering into a new phase of generational growth and succession planning.

The brigade can attest to awarding 12 members with service awards for their combined 320 years of contribution to the Country Fire Authority, CFA, and their community.

CFA district two commander Darren Eenjes and Lancefield Fire Brigade captain Gary Rogan presented service awards, ranging from five years to an exceptional 60 years for volunteer Barry Hunt.

Mr Eenjes thanked the brigade members and made a special mention of the great work being done by the brigade management team.

Mr Hunt, a potato farmer and respected community identity, was overwhelmed with the presentation and thanked the brigade and CFA for the award.

Mr Rogan beamed with pride at being able to bring the members together for an informal lunch and afternoon tea to pay respects for their service.

He commented on the exciting future for the brigade with nine new recruits and the experienced members adding postive leadership and values.

“We are on the cusp of a positive change within the brigade and the recognition of members here today is one way to ensure everyone is valued,” he said.

Power outages expected for installation of new technology in Mitchell Shire

Pam Kiriakidis

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September 20, 2022

By Pam Kiriakidis

Mitchell Shire residents can expect upcoming power outages from AusNet in October as it installs leading technology to protect power supply against bushfires.

AusNet is installing a Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter, REFCL, in hazardous bushfire risk areas, including Kilmore and Beveridge.

The power supply company is planning for two further outages to complete the REFCL on Saturday, October 1 from 8.30am to 5pm, as well as Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21, from 8.30pm to 5am.

The roll-out is part of the State Government’s Powerline Bushfire Safety Program to enhance safety across Victoria.

REFCL acts like a safety switch and rapidly switches off the power to fallen lines, preventing bushfires.

It is estimated that REFCL could cut powerline fires by about 50 per cent in Victoria.

AusNet shared a letter to residents in affected areas earlier this month to remind residents of the upcoming outages.

Head of communications Karen Winsbury advised residents to keep doors closed and update their contact information to receive updates when power supply was affected.

“Anyone who needs power for any particular reason, like what we call our life support customers, they have plans in place and can make other arrangements,” she said.

“This time of year, it’s pretty good because it’s not too cold and not too hot, so make sure you close all your doors, keep the heat in, and don’t open your fridge too much.

“Charge up your power banks if you need to, if you’re working from home, you can make arrangements to work elsewhere.

“People should make sure their phone number is registered with their retailer because that’s the way we are able to notify them.”

A Beveridge resident who did not want to be named said she would like to see residents be more consulted ahead of planned circumstances.

The residents said she had experienced about six outages since December, from 8.30am to 4pm.

She said she and her neighbours had their power cut off for AusNet to perform maintenance on the electricity network within the area.

The resident suggested AusNet could set up a hub at Beveridge Community Centre or install a generator for future power outages.

She said she was concerned about AusNet’s communication with residents, because not everyone could receive SMS.

“It’s just too big a blanket to put over that we’ll just send you an SMS, there’s just so many [people],” she said.

Seymour GOTAFE trade training centre opens

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September 20, 2022

Seymour GOTAFE trade training centre opens

Seymour’s new GOTAFE Trade Training Centre was officially opened on Friday and will provide hands-on training for the current and future building and construction workforce of the area.

The $2.17 million centre features multi-purpose trade teaching facilities and flexible learning spaces, with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to allow training across a range of trade areas.

GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said the new facility would broaden the range of services available to students.

“The new Trade Training Centre will provide our students with real-world, contemporary learning environments and practical training so they can graduate with job-ready skills,” he said.

“The new Trade Training Centre demonstrates our commitment to quality education in the Seymour region and will increase student numbers in key area of skills shortage.”

The building and construction sector has the highest employment of any sector in Mitchell Shire, employing about 12.5 per cent of the shire’s population.

The new centre will support courses in plumbing, carpentry, engineering, automotive, building and construction from next year.

In attendance at the opening was Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, who said the new facility would help cater for the changing demands for trades in the Mitchell Shire.

“This state-of-the-art centre will allow people to develop the skills they need for the jobs they want,” she said.

“This has huge benefits for the local economy and gives people more opportunities to build a future in the region.”

The construction of the new centre was supported by the State Government’s Building Works package.

Mr Heeney said GOTAFE aimed to allow people to learn the skills they were interested in to enhance their communities, with graduates able to enter the workforce with skills to meet the needs of the region.

For more information on GOTAFE, people can visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au or call 1800 468 233.

Crowds excited for return at Kilmore Pacing Cup

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September 20, 2022

Crowds excited for return at Kilmore Pacing Cup

Kilmore Racing Club is excited to welcome crowds back to Friday’s Jet Roofing Kilmore Pacing Cup, with a strong field of horses and plenty off-track entertainment set to feature.

Racing club chief executive Ben Murphy said he hoped a strong crowd would be in attendance after public health rules relating to the COVID-19 pandemic meant no spectators were allowed last year.

“We haven’t had crowds for a little while. We had the pacing cup last year, but it was crowd-free, so it will be nice to run the event again with a bit of normality,” he said.

“We’re hopeful we’ll get a crowd of more than 2000, but the weather will determine that to an extent. It’s been pretty wet, but we’re confident we should do well.

“It is an iconic event for Kilmore and plenty of good horses want to come along.”

Mr Murphy said the $80,000 feature race had developed a reputation as a warm-up event for the prestigious Group 1 Victoria Cup in October.

“The field looks like it will be fairly strong. There are horses that will be in the Victoria Cup coming along,” he said.

“We’re still in the nomination stage at the moment, but Honolua Bay and Willie Go West we expect will be accepted for the race. It’ll be another really high-class field, which it has been since we moved it to this date.”

Mr Murphy said there would be plenty of off-track action to keep racegoers entertained, including the 100-stall Bohemian Bulla Market, pony trots, a football clinic hosted by Kelly Sports and food and drinks at the Kilmore Trackside bistro.

Kilmore’s Wheel House Bikes has also organised a giveaway of a bicycle to a racegoer under the age of 16.

“We want to kick off the grand final weekend a little bit early and this is a great way to do it,” Mr Murphy said.

People can call Kilmore Racing Club on 5783 0700, email info@kilmore.countryracing.com.au or visit country.racing.com/kilmore/calendar/2022-09-23/jet-roofing-pacing-cup for more information.

Gates open at 2pm.

Kilmore’s Chris Ryall creates history with back-to-back medals

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September 20, 2022

Kilmore’s Chris Ryall creates history with back-to-back medals

By Colin MacGillivray

Kilmore footballer Chris Ryall stamped himself among the club’s greats with his second straight Northern Football Netball League division three best and fairest last week, also taking out the coaches’ MVP during the vote count at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

Ryall polled 22 votes in 16 games to win the best and fairest by two votes from Laurimar’s Luke Wilson, adding to his trophy cabinet after becoming the first Kilmore player to win the award last year.

He also withstood a challenge from South Morang’s Bailey Brown to win the division three MVP, which is voted on by the league’s coaches.
Ryall received 77 votes, with teammate Chris Barton – who won the 2021 MVP – finishing fifth.

The 23-year-old midfielder said he was honoured to receive the accolades.

“You could have looked at any of those other boys who finished in the top five who were probably equally as deserving,” he said.

“We had Leigh [Irons] and ‘Barto’ obviously polling well as well.

“It all clicks and works together with us. They make me better and I like to think I make them a little bit better too.”

Ryall paid tribute to outgoing Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips, as well as new senior coach Paul Derrick and the club’s administration and volunteers.

“I really love playing at Kilmore. They’ve got such a good culture out there and a lot of good blokes,” he said.

“It’s fun to play there, and when you’re enjoying it, your on-field performance clicks.”

22 08 06 15 33 29 A9204773 Brad Johnstone OEC Chris Ryall K — Ryall in action against Old Eltham Collegians this season.

Kilmore president Paul Maher said it was a great night for the club, with Alex Vasilevski finishing in a three-way tie to claim his second consecutive division three reserves best and fairest, with Michael Fenech tying for runner-up.

Youngsters Lachlan Chesher and Cole Isbister also finished tied for third place in the division two under 19 vote count.

“For Chris to take out the double with the best and fairest and the MVP was a huge achievement,” Maher said.

“Not only is he a great footballer, he’s also a great person. He’s a very impressive young man.”

Maher said the Blues were fortunate to have Ryall, who hails from Ariah Park in New South Wales.

“He boarded at Assumption College in year 11 and 12 a few years back, and after finishing school he went to Caulfield and won a best and fairest,” Maher said.

“Then fortunately he was going out with a Kilmore lass, which brought him back up to Kilmore. That worked out well for us.”

While none of Kilmore’s netballers picked up individual awards, Maher said the club was proud of their achievements in 2022.

Mitchell Shire Police Beat: September 20, 2022

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September 20, 2022

Theft

A jacket, wallet and car keys were stolen from a fast food restaurant on High Street, Wallan, at about 7am on Friday, September 9.

Police have released a image of a man, below, they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone with information that may be able to assist police can contact First Constable Gunerli at Wallan Police Station on 5783 0400, quoting incident 220290064.

Alternatively, you can submit an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/ or by calling 1800 333 000.

Property damage

An unknown offender smashed the glass window on a caravan at a caravan park in Kilmore at 3am on September 13.

The offender used a fist size rock to break the window before leaving, making no attempt to enter the caravan. Estimated property damage was valued at $245.

Criminal damage

Overnight on Saturday September 10, an unknown offender damaged the front door of a laundry mat in High Street, Broadford, causing the glass to shatter. No entry was gained.

Burglary

Over the weekend of September 10 to 12, unknown offenders have accessed a vacant house in Fortitude Avenue, Beveridge, through the laundry door at the rear of the property.

Police belive a 10mm screwdriver or jemmy was used to force the door unlocked.

The offender stole three bedside tables, the garage remote, artwork, books, a Louis Vuiton handbag and a fruit bowl.

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

Theft of plates

Between Saturday and Sunday, unknown offender/s removed and stole the number plates affixed to a vehicle parked on the street in Emily Street, Seymour.

On Saturday, unknown offenders removed and stole the rear number plate affixed to a vehicle parked on Editorial Avenue, Wallan.

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.

Suspicious activity

Have you seen unfamiliar vehicles being driven around private, or areas predominately used by locals? Or vehicles with trailers being driven around empty or full of goods in the early hours of the morning? Or people wandering around closed business yards or hanging around the back of lane ways?

Police encourage people to say something! Report suspicious activity by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the police assistance line on 131 444.

People should still call triple zero immediately if the incident is life-threatening, needs immediate police attendance, a crime is occurring now, or the offender is, or could be, still in the area.

Part of Broadford’s Ferguson Street to be renamed

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September 20, 2022

Part of Broadford’s Ferguson Street to be renamed

Part of Ferguson Street in Broadford is set for a rename, and Mitchell Shire Council is asking residents for their feedback on a new proposed name and street style.

The street is currently split by the railway line – one part running along the eastern side and the other section on the western side between Hamilton Street and Murchison Street – the side soon to be renamed.

Mitchell Shire acting chief exectuive Mary Agostino said renaming the western section meant street names would be clearer for emergency services and people attempting to locate the correct address.

“Council is a naming authority and has a responsibility to ensure that names meet the naming rules for places in Victoria,” she said.

“The naming rules ensure there are logical and easy to follow and identify street names across the state.”

Council is considering options for a street name that reflects the history of Broadford.

The names were first discussed with affected landowners, Broadford Historical Society and the Taungurung Land and Waters Council in 2019 to identify options.

The options are: Strawboard, which refers to a product manufactured at Broadford Paper Mill in the late 1800s; Butter Factory; and Old Dairy – both of which relate to the Broadford Dairy Company that was historically located in the area.

In addition, the a new name style is also being considered, with three options – street, lane, and way.

Council will continue to notify affected property owners about the proposal’s progress, including relevant dates and other key details.

After consultation, a report will be given to council recommending a new street name, and then submitted to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Geographic Names Victoria division for review and final approval.

Once approved, and changed under the Victorian Government Gazette, mapping systems and the government databases will be updated to in accordance with the name change, which will filter through to individual organisations who use the databases.

Council will notify several bodies and services of the change directly including the Australian and Victorian electoral commissions, water boards and Australia Post.

Residents can offer their feedback through a submission online or by hard copy. Feedback must be submitted by 9am on October 3, 2022.

People can submit feedback at engagingmitchellshire.com/road-naming-partferguson/survey_tools/road-naming-ferguson.

For more information people can call council on 5734 6200.

Mitchell Shire Council fights quarry freedom of information request

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September 20, 2022