City of Whittlesea investigates major illegal dumping

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September 13, 2022

City of Whittlesea investigates major illegal dumping

City of Whittlesea are investigating major illegal dump waste that was discovered on Vearings Road in Epping last month.

The council litter enforcement team found 120 cubic metres of illegal building waste, equivalent to four truckloads of material, on August 31.

The size of the dumped rubbish indicates that it may be from a commercial operation.

City of Whittlesea officials are currently investigating and reviewing all available footage from the area, and are working alongside neighbouring councils and the Environment Protection Authority, EPA, who have been notified of the incident.

City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said council is ‘deeply disappointed’ in the dumping and would arrange removal of the illegally dumped material when investigations were completed.

“Illegally dumped rubbish not only creates an eyesore for residents and damages the environment, it also costs council hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to clean up,” he said.

Individuals who are found to dump illegal rubbish in reserves or by the side of road face large fines of up to $1817, and $9087 for companies.

To report illegally dumped rubbish, contact council on 9217 2170 or visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/waste.

Seymour’s royal carriage restoration funding boost

Pam Kiriakidis

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September 13, 2022

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Seymour’s royal carriage restoration funding boost

By Pam Kiriakidis

SEYMOUR Railway Heritage Centre has received a funding boost through the State Government’s tourist and heritage rail sector to support operations and to protect the state’s rail assets.

Across the state, 16 tourist and heritage rail operators received a total of $620,000.

Seymour Railway Heritage Centre president John Croft said he was ‘pleased’ with the funding from the government, which he said would help with the repair and restoration of their projects.

The centre will use $47,500 in funding for State Car 5, a historic carriage that dates to 1951.

The carriage was used for royal visits and the state governor when travelling.

“It was one of so-called royal carriages on the royal train. Most notably, it was used extensively in the 1954 coronation tour of Queen Elizabeth, and the way stage carriages have worked in the history of the Victorian railways was that they were only ever used by the state governor or for royal visits,” Mr Croft said.

Mr Croft said the plan was to update the electrical, air conditioning and plumbing of the carriage and restore it to its former glory.

“That’s what the plan is – we’ll get those funds and get some work undertaken then the carriage can be back out featuring in our royal train products that we have at Seymour,” he said.

He said Seymour Heritage Railway Centre was working on a project list ‘as long as your arm’, developing carriages and projects to offer the community.

“The business model we’re trying to pursue at Seymour is to have premium heritage trains doing things like silo art tours,” he said.

“You need high-quality rolling stock and our task is to restore the heritage rolling stock to a high quality, and then we can put premium products into the tourist marketplace and make enough money to pay for the cost of running those trains and also to contribute to restoring further rolling stock.”

Mr Croft is also president of Railway and Tramway Heritage Victoria, RHTV – a newly incorporated body representing 21 organisations responsible for heritage and trams across the state.

Established only a few weeks ago, the presidency of the state body will allow Mr Croft to work on the administration and volunteer capacity of all railways centres.

He said sporadic State Government grants were not enough for volunteers to rely on.

“If we’re going to have serious heritage and rail tram sector here in Victoria, what we really need is recurrent funding – we need the government to take it seriously and provide some recurrent funding, so that would be my next discussion with government,” he said.

“What the government is trying to do with RTHV is trying to get the heritage rail and trams sectors more coordinated than it has been in the past and also that is has one voice with various government authorities.”

Delays expected for Craigieburn Road closure

Lauren Duffy

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September 13, 2022

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Delays expected for Craigieburn Road closure

Craigieburn Road will be closed in both directions for upgrades during 12 days out of the next three weeks.

During the closure, crews will relocate and install drainage, water, signals, and power utilities on Craigieburn Road between Hanson Road and Aitken Boulevard.

Extra lanes will be added to Craigieburn Road in each direction for more than 5.5 kilometres between Mickleham Road and the Hume Highway.

Craigieburn Road will be closed between Hanson and Bridgewater roads from 8pm Friday to 5am Friday, September 23.
Craigieburn Road will be closed between Bridgewater Road and Aitken Boulevard from 8pm Monday, September 26 to 5am Monday, October 3.

Motorists will need to allow an extra 20 minutes when travelling during the morning and afternoon peaks and are encouraged to seek alternative routes and avoid the area if possible.

Localised detours will be in place for both road closures, with drivers encouraged to use alternative major east-west arterial routes Mount Ridley Road to the north and Somerton Road to the south. Access to residents and businesses will be maintained.

Program director Dipal Sorathia said the road upgrades would bring ‘significant benefits’ to growing communities in the northwest.

Craigieburn Road is used by more than 28,000 vehicles every day, including more than 2200 heavy vehicles.

The upgrade is being made in the hope of improved flow of traffic and a safer, more efficient road.

Works on Craigieburn Road kicked off in August last year, with work to build new lanes at Joe Sullivan Reserve near Craigieburn Plaza and on the southern side of Craigieburn Road near the Mickleham Road intersection underway.

Utility works are continuing at various points along Craigieburn Road, including the relocation of power lines to allow for the road to be widened.

Kilmore Pacing Cup revitalised

Lauren Duffy

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September 13, 2022

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Kilmore Racing Club will this year host the Kilmore Pacing Cup on Friday, September 23 – the AFL grand final public holiday.

The club is looking forward to hosting festivities during the afternoon and evening, including a market with more than 100 stalls.

Not only will the cup feature harness racing action, but there will also be pony trots, a Kelly Sports AFL clinic and all-day dining in the Trackside bistro serving food and drinks.

In a first for Kilmore, the club will also host Bulla Bohemian Market at the racecourse, adding to the atmosphere of the event, from 2pm to 9pm.

Kilmore Racing Club marketing and partnerships manager Lindsey Melis said it was the first time the Bulla Bohemian Market had set up in a secondary location.

“Kilmore Racing Club is so grateful to the organisers Donna and Kerri for seeing and sharing our vision and agreeing to partner with us to ensure that the community has a new experience to attend on an already great racing program,” she said.

“The Bulla Bohemian Market will have more than 100 stalls, as well as buskers, food trucks, kids favourites such as fairy floss and a jumping castle, as well as many other sites that promise loads of fun for everyone.”

The market will be at the northern end of the racecourse reserve.

Kilmore Racing Club officials hope people from the Mitchell Shire and beyond will take advantage of the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday by visiting the racecourse to experience world-class harness racing, the market and pony trots in what promises to be a great family day out with something that everyone can enjoy.

Entry to the racecourse and all events are free.

The Group 2 $80,000 JetRoofing Kilmore Pacing Cup is expected to attract a quality field of nominations including Copy That, Willie Go West, Max Delight, Honolua Bay, Supreme Dominator, Tango Tara and Torrid Saint.

The cup has a long and rich history with the first running of the cup in 1964. Back-to-back winners include Bob Knight with Popular Alm in 1981 and 1982, and Scott Stewart with Bitobliss in 2011 and 2012. In 2018 the 2690-metre cup race record was set at 1:56 by Soho Tribeca.

For more information, people can call 5783 0700 or email info@kilmore.countryracing.com.au.

Mitchell Shire Police Beat: September 13, 2022

Lauren Duffy

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September 13, 2022

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Criminal damage

An unknown offender smashed the glass door to a Mitchell Shire building in Bentinck Street, Wallan, during the weekend, but was unable to gain entry.

At 3am on Saturday, an unknown male offender approached Wilson Partners Real Estate, in High Street, Wallan.

The man used a hammer to strike the top and bottom glass panels to the entry door, causing both to smash, before leaving, making no attempt to enter the building. The offender was wearing dark clothing and a hoodie.

Overnight on Friday, an unknown offender smashed a glass door of Wallan Basketball Stadium with a broom that was on site. The broom head snapped off and was wedged in the door. No entry was gained.

Thefts

During the past week, unknown offenders stole pumps from the hot water systems of three houses in Wallara Waters Boulevard, Wallan. Each pump was valued at $913.

Overnight on Saturday, an unknown offender entered via unlocked gates a property in Albert Street, Kilmore and stole a trailer.

The trailer was described as a 2016 Victor box trailer, black with a silver age and spare wheel attached to the draw bar, valued at $2000.

Attempted burglaries

At 3.55am on September 5, two unknown offenders attended Broadford Car Wash in High Street, Broadford, in a silver Commodore sedan with red P plates.

The offenders used an angle grinder to cut the lock to the door of the office, which is a dummy door. The offenders then attempted to enter an internal solid metal door, triggering an alarm that caused them to leave.

At 4.50am on September 5, two unknown offenders entered Kilmore Car Wash, in Sydney Street, Kilmore, in a silver Commodore sedan.

The offenders attempted to jemmy open the solid metal door to the storeroom but were unable to gain access.

Burglary

At 5.10am on September 5, three unknown offenders attended Alpha Power Equipment on Kilmore-Lancefield Road, Kilmore and forced entry to gates to gain access to the premises.

Two offenders jemmied open the front door and stole at least 11 Stihl chainsaws before leaving. The total value of the chainsaws was $20,000.

Police believe the burglary involves the same offenders who were involved in the car wash attempted burglaries.

Theft from shop

An unknown male offender entered Aldi on Tallarook Street, Seymour, at 2.05pm on Saturday, selected a 40-inch Bauhn flatscreen television valued at $329 and walked out of the store, making no attempt to pay.

The man was described as Caucasian, with short hair, a slim-to-medium build, stubble and wearing a grey jumper, black pants and runners.

Theft of plates

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

Anyone who can provide further information about the incidents can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call your local police station.

Bee speaker creates a buzz in Whittlesea

Lauren Duffy

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September 13, 2022

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Bee speaker creates a buzz in Whittlesea

By Michael Halley

Victorian Apiarists Association Melbourne Section secretary Rob Kerr gave an insightful address about beekeeping, both from a commercial and hobby perspective, at the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea’s September meeting.

Mr Kerr said bees were crucial for the survival of humans.

They pollinate about 35 per cent of the world’s food crops and are essential for diverse and healthy plant life.

Mr Kerr’s visit coincided with the arrival of spring, evident across the district where honey bees were active pollinating flowers, trees, shrubs and food crops.

The presentation featured a series of explanatory slides that showed the lifecycle of the honey bee – a truly complex, yet organised community.

The bee colony is a sophisticated society, made up of three categories a single fertile queen bee, hundreds of male drone bees and thousands of sterile female worker bees.

Mr Kerr outlined in detail the roles of each of the types of bees.

He said honey bees were as ageless as recorded history as remnant honey has been found in antiquities.

Probus Rob Kerr — Rob Kerr explains the significant role of bees.

Mr Kerr said bees used the sun, or light polarised by clouds, to navigate easily to five kilometres from the hive; even with a full load of nectar they attain 30 kilometres an hour.

He said the Australian honey industry was currently ultra-cautious as varroa mite had been detected in biosecurity surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales.

The varroa mite is described as the biggest threat to the beekeeping industry across the world.

Australia is the only country to not have varro mite established.

Queensland, South Australia and Victoria have all banned the import of any bees from NSW to avoid transfer of the varroa mite.

The initial finding at Newcastle spread to two distant locations through normal beekeeping activity. The source of the varroa mite infestation is yet to be determined.

The speaking session ended with audience applause, and a small token of appreciation delivered by the club’s speaker coordinator Teresa Carlin.

Rebates for clean energy expanded

Lauren Duffy

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September 13, 2022

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Residents in the City of Whittlesea can now access solar panel rebates for new homes under construction, helping to save installation costs and electricity bills as soon as they move in.

Under the changes, eligible homes under construction will be able to apply for a rebate of $1400 and can access a $1400 interest-free loan to install solar panels during construction as part of the State Government’s Solar Homes program.

The changes are expected to save homeowners up to $800 on installation costs by fitting solar panels as houses are being wired, as well as an average of $1073 per year in energy costs.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said the changes will help reduce installation costs and energy costs while creating jobs.

“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorian households,” she said.

“Driving down energy costs and boosting supply, creating thousands of jobs and cutting solar installation costs for new builds by hundreds.”
Up until August this year, the City of Whittlesea had 11,002 rebate applications approved with 10,421 builds having solar panels installed so far.

In 2021, Whittlesea has had a total of 983 approvals for 980 standalone and three semi-detached houses under construction, with Wollert also receiving 957 approvals, 904 for standalone houses and 53 for semi-detached houses. Doreen has had 346 builds approved, 308 being standalone houses and 17 semi-detached.

Mernda has had a total of 255 approvals, with 194 for standalone homes and 61 for semi-detached.

Lalor has had 131 builds approved, with 57 standalone houses, 70 semi-detached houses, and four flats having applications approved.

Epping has had a total of 122 approvals, 94 for standalone and 28 for semi-detached houses.

Since 2018, more than 195,000 households have received assistance from the $1.3 billion Solar Home program to install solar panel system.

It is estimated the program has helped to cut Victorian carbon emissions by 1.6 million tonnes, with household solar expected to generate 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s 40 per cent renewable energy target by 2025.

To qualify for the rebate, City of Whittlesea residents must use a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and install a product included on the approved products list.

Authorised retailers in the City of Whittlesea include Leada Electrical – Whittlesea; Solar Run Wollert; Adopt Solar, Amrut Solar – Mernda; Elcon Solar – Donnybrook; RJP Electrical and Solar, All Wired Up Services – Doreen; Solarvista – Lalor.

Retailers in Epping include Shining Solar, 365 Solar, AZ Energy, Solar Run Epping, SolarSeed, Solar Spirit, Northern Electrics and Automation, Right Choice Solar, and Electrical Doctorz.

For more information, including eligibility criteria, people can visit solar.vic.gov.au.

Bright future ahead for Wallan’s under 19.5 footballers

Lauren Duffy

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September 13, 2022

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Bright future ahead for Wallan’s under 19.5 footballers

By Colin MacGillivray

While Wallan’s senior and reserves football teams fell just short of their premiership aspirations in 2022, Sunday’s under 19.5 Riddell District grand final victory showed the Magpies have a bright future ahead.

Wallan downed Riddell 14.5 (89) to 9.5 (59) to cap off a year in which the young Magpies lost only three games and finished atop the ladder.

While Wallan lost its semi-final against the Bombers by 21 points, the team rebounded to win a thrilling preliminary final against Romsey by two points, setting up a rematch with Riddell in the grand final.

Playing in front of a large crowd at Romsey Recreation Reserve on Sunday, the Magpies came out hot, kicking five goals to two in the opening term.

The Bombers refused to wilt, kicking three second-term goals to draw within 10 points at the long break, but Wallan owned the second half on its way to a 30-point victory.

coach and captain — Wallan under 19.5 coach Christian Birch and captain Callum Birch.

Brodie Gilchrist, who played 19 games with Wallan’s senior side this season, was named best afield in the grand final, taking home the Noel Rainey Medal.

Alex Crnko was outstanding with five goals, with Marcus Datson kicking three in support.

Other standouts included Brian Lawrence, Spencer Whittingham and Codi Church.

Wallan’s reserves also played in Sunday’s grand final, losing to Diggers Rest 2.4 (16) to 5.8 (38).

It was a disappointing conclusion to a season in which the Magpies lost only one game and claimed the minor premiership, but club president Stephen Shephard said he was proud of Wallan’s efforts across all football grades.

“I want to thank all the supporters who followed us through the finals and the grand finals,” he said.

“We also appreciate all our sponsors who make it possible for us to do what we want to do. It’s a pretty big thing to run a footy club, and without sponsors and a hard-working committee like we have, you can’t do it.

“There’s no doubt there will be bigger and better things in store next year. We know what we need to do.”

Shepherd said Wallan’s under 19.5 premiership was a sign the club was primed to remain a Riddell District league powerhouse.

“They were the side on top all year, and they went right the way through. They were a disciplined crew and a really good bunch of young guys,” he said.

“It’s good for the club, because it gives us a fair bit of depth. They’ve got a brilliant coach who works well with the kids, so it’s a good achievement for the club.”

Shepherd said self-belief was key to the Magpies’ premiership after losing to Riddell in the semi-final.

“Riddell jumped them a little bit in their last game and I think they lost a little bit of belief, but after beating Romsey by a kick in the preliminary final they got the belief back that whether they were in front or behind, they could still win,” he said.

Helping healthy habits at Nexus workshop

The North Central Review

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September 13, 2022

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Helping healthy habits at Nexus workshop

Residents in the Mitchell Shire and surrounds are invited to attend the RESPOND workshop in Seymour next month to learn about healthy eating and active habits for children.

The RESPOND workshop on October 11 will provide an opportunity to understand factors identified by local leaders that help and hinder children in Seymour and surrounding towns to eat healthy and be active.

Nexus Primary Health health and diversity team leader Cassi Stewart said she hoped the workshops would support the community in developing initiatives for children in the shire to prosper.

“We hope that we can encourage the northern Mitchell Shire community to rally together to help make healthy change and help children in our community grow healthy,” Ms Stewart said.

“We’ve seen some great results from neighbouring shires with the program and it’s now time for us to reset and support our local children to grow healthy.”

The program, a Deakin University led initiative, implements a systems thinking model of community consultation to consider the multitude of factors that play a role in the community’s health.

“Research shows that when we tailor health initiatives to the specific needs of the community and have support from community members, the outcomes are significantly greater than a one-size-fits-all approach,” Ms Stewart said.

The workshop will be from 2pm to 5pm on Tuesday, October 11 at the Senior Citizens Club, 80 Anzac Avenue, Seymour.

People who would like to be involved can call Cassi Stewart from Nexus Primary Health on 1300 77 33 52 for more information.

COVID-19 orders updated across Victoria

The North Central Review

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September 13, 2022

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Amendments have been made to Victoria’s COVID-19 regulations to better align with pandemic orders across the country.

Starting on Friday, positive COVID-19 cases with no symptoms on day five of their isolation period are allowed to leave isolation early, instead of completing the full seven days as per previous pandemic regulations.

People who work in high-risk settings still need to isolate for the full seven days.

People leaving isolation after five days cannot visit or work at sensitive settings including hospitals, residential aged care, disability care settings or in-home care for two days, or if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

People who work in other settings must notify their workplace that they have completed isolation if they are attending work on site.

Masks are also no longer required on domestic flights.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the changes to the regulations better reflected the current pandemic circumstances, and were designed to ensure consistency across the nation.

“The adjustments are designed to keep Victorians protected, while also helping people safely manage their own risk and allowing them to get on with their lives,” she said.

People who leave isolation after five days are recommended to do rapid antigen tests in the days following their isolation and test negative before attending their workplace or other settings of higher risk, and to wear a mask in indoor settings outside their home.

There are no changes to the current isolation requirements for close contacts, who can continue to leave home each day, provided they continue to test negative on a rapid antigen test.

Close contacts who have confirmed cases must also notify their workplace that they have completed self-isolation if attending work onsite.

The amendments can be viewed on the Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au.