Coaches will replace trains on the Seymour and Shepparton lines until Monday, September 19.
Works started on the lines on Friday, upgrading V/Line signalling and the Shepparton line.
V/Line will deliver a new, modern signalling system between Craigieburn and Seymour.
Passengers are asked to allow up to 60 minutes extra for their journey between Southern Cross, Seymour and Shepparton, via a mix of express and stopping all stations coach services.
V/Line coach replacements will not stop to pick up or drop off passengers at Essendon station.
Passengers can take a train replacement bus service to and from Broadmeadows to connect with V/Line coaches.
A temporary timetable is available on the V/Line and PTV websites.
While trains aren’t operating on the Shepparton line, crews will further the level crossing upgrades, including the activation of improved train detection technology, and the installation of boom gates and flashing lights, as part of the Shepparton line upgrade.
Upgrades at 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton are taking place as part of stage two of the project, which will allow VLocity trains to travel on the line for the first time.
Stage three of the Sheparton line upgrade is expected to be completed in late-2023.
Several Seymour projects are underway or in planning as Mitchell Shire Council strives to keep pace with the town’s growth.
Council is seeking community input on an Anzac Avenue Masterplan for the full length of the avenue between Station Street and Delatite Road.
Seymour residents named the project a priority during council’s Seymour Revitalisation community engagement process.
The masterplan will seek to develop a strategy to reinstate an Avenue of Honour on the street, along with other physical improvements to the streetscape.
An Avenue of Honour was planted in Seymour in 1917 as a mark of respect for the fallen soldiers of World War One.
The trees were removed in the early 1980s when the road was constructed in its current form.
The masterplan will seek to incorporate new trees and balance community sentiment with the functional requirements of the road.
Residents will have additional consultation opportunities later this year when council releases the draft masterplan for consultation.
Council officers will be at Seymour Library to discuss the project on today, Tuesday, from 9am to 12pm; Thursday, September 22 from 9am to 12pm; and Thursday, September 29 from 9am to 12pm.
Submissions close on Friday, September 23 at 9am.
Park upgrades
Council wants to hear from Seymour residents as it plans upgrades for Graham Reserve, Heywood Hill Reserve and Generation Park.
Council is proposing for the existing playgrounds to be removed and replaced with contemporary play equipment, and for the wider park areas to be refreshed.
Drop-in sessions for the three projects will give residents a chance to discuss the works at Graham Reserve on Wednesday, September 14 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm; Heywood Hill Reserve on Thursday, September 15 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm; and Generation Park on Thursday, September 15 from 5pm to 6pm.
Submissions close Monday, September 26 at 9am.
People can find more information and to have their say about the Anzac Avenue and park projects by visiting www.engagingmitchellshire.com.
Seniors’ fitness equipment
Installation of outdoor fitness equipment specifically designed for seniors began at Chittick Park on August 24.
The outdoor fitness equipment, which is also planned for Kilmore and Beveridge, aims to support older residents’ physical health and wellbeing, as well as improving their independence and sense of community connectedness.
Council designed pods containing equipment for a range of exercises in consultation with the National Ageing Research Institute.
The pods include information signs on how to use the equipment, additional seating, paths and additional trees to provide more shade.
A $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s new Facilities for Active Seniors Fund and a $100,000 council contribution enabled the construction of the pods.
Chittick Park play space upgrade
Council is beginning design for an upgrade of the play space at Chittick Park and will soon commence community consultation.
The play space will be expanded and upgraded to be more engaging and inclusive, with plans for new equipment, modifications to improve safety, and a range of play options from climbing and informal ball play to imaginative, sensory and nature play. There will also be quiet areas and picnic facilities.
The project received $750,000 from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and $150,000 from council.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said with the seniors’ fitness equipment nearby, Chittick Park would be a great space for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy healthy outdoor activity and social connection.
“These important projects will provide fitness and recreation opportunities for people currently living in Seymour and those that will call it home in the future,” he said.
“The Anzac Avenue Masterplan will look to restore an important part of Seymour’s military history while making sure this part of Anzac Avenue is suitable for current and future use.
“It’s important we hear from as many people as possible on these projects to ensure they capture what the community want.
“Locals know what is needed in their communities and I encourage people to have their say and help prepare Seymour for Mitchell Shire’s growth.”
Parliamentarians, schools, organisations and community members have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Friday at the age of 96.
The Queen’s son, formerly known as the Prince of Wales, was officially proclaimed King Charles III on Saturday, making him the ruling monarch of the Commonwealth, including Australia.
The Queen visited Australia 16 times during her 70-year rule, taking part in events including opening sittings of Parliament in 1954, 1974 and 1977, as well as opening the new Parliament House on May 9, 1988.
She was said to have had a good relationship with Australia, speaking optimistically about the country and its people on her many visits.
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell reflected on his experiences of the monarch, describing her death as a ‘surreal moment in time’.
“She’s been such a constant in all our lives, whether you follow the royals or not, she’s someone who ruled with poise and dignity that we may not see again,” he said.
“It’s a surreal moment in time because she was always there for as long as I can remember, even when I was a kid she was there, she was the Queen.”
Mr Mitchell said he had the opportunity to have lunch with Queen Elizabeth II and described it as a memorable time.
“She was elegant and widely renowned as being quite charming,” he said.
“Certainly listening to her speak, she was very polite. Anyone who had a conversation of any length with her said she had a good sense of humour.”
A condolence book has been placed at Mr Mitchell’s Wallan office, with members of the community invited to visit and sign the book before it is given to the Governor General to be delivered to Buckingham Palace.
St Patrick’s Primary School Kilmore was also one of many schools and organisations to pay tribute to the Queen, flying its school flags at half-mast every day this week and display a portrait in the main foyer as a sign of respect for the Head of State.
Mitchell Shire Council is also flying its flags at half-mast as a sign of respect during the mourning period.
The Australian Parliament will make up at a later date the four sitting days that were lost due to the suspension of Parliament following the Queen’s death.
The Victorian Parliament will adjourn for one week as a mark of respect following the Queen’s death.
Both Houses of Parliament will sit today, Tuesday, so that members of the assembly and council can be sworn in.
Members of both houses will return on Tuesday, September 20, which will be used for a motion of condolence for Queen Elizabeth II.
Parliament will return as normal on September 21 and 22, with valedictory speeches being given by retiring members.
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said all Victorians and people throughout the world were mourning the passing of the Queen.
“The Queen was always the epitome of grace and duty, serving her subjects for an extraordinary seven decades,” she said.
“The Queen was a remarkable woman, who was held in the highest esteem by all Australians. I wish to express my deep sadness at Her Majesty’s passing and send my sincerest condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal family.”
The Queen’s state funeral will be at Westminster Abbey in London, at 11am, UK time, on September 19 – it will be broadcast live in Australia at 8pm Monday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared a one-off nationwide public holiday on Thursday, September 22, as a national day of mourning for the Queen.
Mitchell Shire Council officials have confirmed social rooms at Kilmore’s JJ Clancy Reserve will remain until the completion of a new facility on the site.
Preliminary works for a $3.8 million integrated community facility and recreation hub at the reserve are underway, with the hub scheduled for completion in January.
The hub will house the reserve’s resident sporting teams, including Kilmore Football Netball Club, Kilmore Tennis Club and Kilmore and District Little Athletics Club.
Council demolished the former Clarrie Berry Pavilion in April, requiring footballers to use netball changerooms for most of the 2022 season.
The hub is planned to be built on the oval’s western wing, giving spectators a better view than the old clubrooms at the southern end of the ground offered.
Some Kilmore residents had voiced concerns over the social rooms being demolished, particularly before the new hub was complete, but council chief executive Brett Luxford dispelled their concerns.
“Demolition will not happen until the end of the project as agreed and strongly supported by user groups and the committee of management representatives,” he said.
“The social club building has helped to keep the site live for the 2022 winter football season and the 2022-23 summer Little Athletics season, however it’s not required for the future.
“The social club is a very old building, in poor condition and non-compliant with current building code.
“The demolition will help open the site up, reduce building clutter, improve carparking and traffic flow, pedestrian safety and improve integration between facilities at the reserve.
“These are key outcomes for the project and in line with the draft reserve masterplan layout agreed to by user groups and the committee of management.”
Mr Luxford said a masterplan for the reserve was ‘currently being finalised’.
This week is Foster Care Week and one of the state’s largest foster care agencies Anglicare Victoria is calling for at least 90 more carers to meet a rise in demand.
There are currently about 46,000 Australian children in foster care, with carers working to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people who are unable to live with their own families.
Anglicare Victoria is encouraging people to ‘play a part’ during Foster Care Week, inviting people to try being a foster carer – not only help care for vulnerable children but also to become part of a broader foster care community.
Anglicare Victoria chief executive Paul McDonald said the ongoing COVID-19 situation had put additional pressure on carers, with a national decline in people offering to care also contributing to current issues.
“After a couple of tough years during the pandemic, managing lockdowns, working from home and remote learning, we’ve had a number of carers decide to take a break from fostering,” he said.
“The number of new foster carers needed across all agencies in Victoria alone is estimated to exceed 700. The situation is urgent.
“Foster Care Week is the perfect time to consider helping a child in need by welcoming them into your home. It’s rewarding and it’s life-changing.”
Beveridge residents Amelia Sedawie and Ashley Dear have been accredited carers since 2020, mainly providing respite care and long-term care for adolescents.
Ms Sedawie said there were shortages in specialised carers for different situations.
“Because we provide care for teenagers there aren’t as many options, and sometimes because there’s not always respite carers available we might not be the best match for the kids for any reason,” she said.
“We’ve cared for four different kids and it’s really about building relationships with them, and there’s no pressure if it doesn’t work out.”
Foster care can come in multiple forms, including short-term care that can vary from a few days to a few months, or long-term care if a young person is unable to return home for an extended period of time.
Emergency care is also sometimes required, generally lasting for one or two nights before a more permanent home can be found.
Respite care is designed to give fulltime carers a break and could last for a weekend each month or for a week during the school holidays.
Ms Sedawie encouraged people to give foster caring a try, with support available from Anglicare Victoria to help with the process.
“Everyone should give it a go, even if they can do one night every six months it’ll help take the pressure off someone else or get a young person out of crisis accommodation where they might be uncomfortable with strangers around,” she said.
“There’s always support available for carers. If a young person is placed with you, the agency will call you the next day to see how you’re going and make sure you don’t feel alone in the process.
“No matter how little you can help out, it’s still making a difference in someone’s life.”
Anglicare Victoria is looking for all types of foster carers, ranging from respite care for a few hours on weekends to long-term care over multiple months.
Eligible adults can be all kinds of people, including people who are single, married, in same-sex relationships, older, younger, with or without their own children.
or call 1800 809 722.
To donate during Foster Care Week, visit donate.anglicarevic.org.au.
A season that began with a wellspring of optimism ended in pain for Wallan’s senior footballers, with the Magpies upset by Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Football Netball League preliminary final on Saturday.
The Magpies had waited two years for redemption following a grand final loss to Rupertswood in 2019, with COVID-19 derailing all of the 2020 season and the 2021 finals campaign.
They entered the preliminary final as comfortable favourites after beating the Burras twice in the past three weeks – by 28 points in the final round of the home-and-away season and 93 points in the qualifying final.
But from the opening bounce at Macedon’s Tony Clarke Reserve, it was clear the contest would not be smooth sailing for Wallan.
Diggers Rest transitioned quickly through the middle of the ground to find Jamie Lobb for a goal less than two minutes into the game, showing decisiveness that was notably absent from the previous encounter between the sides.
Burras spearhead Mitch Jensen then got free behind the Wallan defence twice to run into an open goal, giving Diggers Rest an 18-0 lead in the blink of an eye.
Wallan stabilised and eventually goaled late in the quarter through Sean Morris to draw within 11 at the first change, but it was clear that goals would be hard to come by for the Magpies.
The second term offered early signs of hope for Wallan supporters, with league-leading goalkicker Matt Perri booting the first of the term to bring his side within a goal.
Midfielders Ricky Schraven and Jarryd Bonello did their best to find targets in space and Steven Boyall provided his trademark run, but the Burras were able to close down leading lanes for the Wallan forwards until Brodie Gilchrist again found Perri for Wallan’s second of the term.
Wallan’s Brodie Gilchrist is pursued by a Diggers Rest opponent.
Wallan midfielder Jesse Davies tries to pick out a target by foot during his side’s
preliminary final loss on Saturday.
Corey Grindlay followed it with a major of his own to again bring Wallan within five points, but a spectacular high mark and subsequent conversion by Jensen re-established a 10-point lead for Diggers Rest at the long break.
The third term was a sour one for Wallan, with the Magpies only able to muster a single behind as Diggers Rest took control of the match.
Wallan ruckman Patrick Mahoney went down with what appeared to be a serious leg injury during the quarter, leaving Will Brock to ruck singlehandedly for most of the second half.
Facing a 29-point deficit at three-quarter time, Wallan coach Daniel Nolan urged his players to ‘win your patch’ and chip away at the lead in five-minute increments.
Wallan started the fourth quarter with plenty of desperation, but Diggers Rest was able to slow the pace of the game, with the likes of Tom Schwarzenberg and Steven Fogarty working hard across half back.
When Jensen again ran into an open goal for his fifth major, Wallan’s hopes appeared all but dashed.
Quick replies to Morris and Boyall on the run brought some urgency back to the contest as Wallan trailed by 24 with 15 minutes remaining, but Jensen iced the game with his sixth goal.
Jensen’s game-breaking performance was a far cry from the qualifying final, when he kicked only one major.
For Wallan, Boyall ran hard until the final siren, Brock rucked admirably in Mahoney’s absence and Jake Layley was combative across half forward, but there were few individual winners.
Wallan’s Jake Layley attempts to burst through a pack with ball in hand.
The Magpie changerooms were silent after the game, with players, coaches and supporters reflecting on the loss.
But while the seniors were disappointed, the club has two grand finals to look forward to on Saturday, with its reserves and under 19.5 sides both competing for premierships.
The under 19.5s won a thrilling preliminary final against Romsey on Saturday, downing the Redbacks 10.4 (64) to 9.8 (62), with Alex Crnko booting five goals.
Wallan’s under 19.5 side will play Riddell in the grand final, while Wallan’s reserves are set to face Diggers Rest.
In the senior grand final, Diggers Rest will advance to take on minor premier Riddell.
Diggers Rest’s Steven Fogarty consoles Wallan forward Corey Grindlay after the final siren.
RDFNL grand finals Sunday, September 11, at Romsey Park
Though it may be ‘a little gym in Wallan’ in the words of boxing coach and owner Bryce Poorter, House of Stoush Boxing Academy punches above its weight on the national stage.
The gym sent 10 fighters to the recent National Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Queensland – billed as the largest boxing tournament ever in Australia with more than 550 entries from Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific nations – coming away with five winners and two runners-up.
Poorter said the results were a huge endorsement for the gym.
“It made us the second most successful gym in Australia,” he said.
“The top gym was a big one in Queensland, and they were a clear winner with 14 gold and two silvers, but for a little gym in Wallan to get five gold and two silvers is pretty good.”
It continued a successful run of results for House of Stoush after amateur Jesse James Bolt was crowned the Australian under 19 super lightweight champion in August.
Bolt made short work of his opponents at the Golden Gloves, stopping the New Zealand under 19 champion in the second round and defeating an opponent from Queensland in the final.
He was named best youth male across all weight divisions at the conclusion of the tournament.
His sister Victoria Bolt also claimed a Golden Gloves title in the 36kg women’s weight class.
Other House of Stoush winners were Danny Doolan, 92kg; Chris Conboy, 86kg masters division; and Jake DeBrincat, 40kg.
Nate Long was runner-up in the 38kg weight class, as was Santino Brigante in the 46kg class.
Poorter said Bolt and the other Wallan fighters encountered a more diverse range of opponents than at the recent national championships.
“Only state champions can go into the Australian championships, so you’ve got to be recognised as the state champion of your state first before you can nominate,” he said.
“For the Golden Gloves anyone can nominate and they’ve got a lot of overseas fighters as well. I think there were about 50 New Zealanders who fought in the Golden Gloves.”
Poorter described the tournament as ‘a proud moment’ for him and the gym, and said he hoped for more success when Bolt contested the International Boxing Association Youth World Men’s and Women’s World Championships in Spain in November.
There have been several residential and commercial burglaries throughout Wallan, Kilmore and Seymour during past weeks. Mitchell Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating each incident.
At about 6.30pm on Friday, unknown offenders forced entry through a window at a pub on Sydney Street, Kilmore and stole computer hardware, a 100-inch television, and beer.
Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the police assistance line on 131 444. Theft of trailers
Between July 13 and August 31, unknown offenders attended a house on Walnut Grove, Kilmore, cutting a chain to steal a black, single-axle trailer with a cage.
Another trailer, a steel tandem trailer, was also stolen from White Street, Kilmore, in August.
Theft from vehicles
At about 12:45am on Friday, unknown offenders attended a house on Rialto Close, Wallan.
The victim heard their garage door opening and closing several times. When the victim went to their garage, they noticed their vehicle had been rummaged through, and a set of house keys and garage fob had been stolen.
At about 4.30pm on Sunday, August 28, the victim parked and secured his vehicle on Commercial Drive, Wallan. Unknown offenders then stole both front and rear plates from the vehicle and the left rear passenger tail light.
Between 5pm on August 29 and 8.30am on August 30, unknown offenders gained access to a compound located on Hume and Hovell Road, Seymour. They then stole rear registration plates from two vehicles on the property.
Police have reminded 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.
Fire at Broadford
At 8.30pm on Sunday, Kilmore police and Broadford CFA were called to a small fire at Broadford Secondary College.
There was no damage and offenders decamped before emergency services arrived.
Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the police assistance line on 131 444.
Beveridge wire theft
A 44-year-old man has been charged with stealing copper wire twice within hours on Monday.
Police were notified of two men allegedly attempting to steal copper wire from a high-voltage generator on the Old Hume Highway at Beveridge about 4.30am.
On arrival, the area appeared to be deserted.
The dog squad was called in and quickly sniffed out two men hiding in long grass nearby.
A police dog chased down a man, rounding him up for his handler to arrest.
He was taken to hospital to be treated for a minor dog bite and released a short time later.
The Sunshine West man with charged with theft, criminal damage, going equipped to steal and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
The same man had only been charged with theft and bailed several hours earlier for allegedly stealing copper wire at Heathcote Junction 18 months ago.
Investigators are still searching for the second offender.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
A sense of unfinished business has spurred Richard Welch to stand as the Liberal Party’s candidate for Yan Yean at November’s state election after an unsuccessful attempt win the federal seat of McEwen in May.
Mr Welch opposed incumbent member Rob Mitchell in the federal seat of McEwen, which overlaps with the state seat of Yan Yean in an area from Wallan East to Diamond Creek encompassing Whittlesea, Beveridge, Yan Yean, Doreen and Mernda.
The seat has been represented by incumbent Labor member Danielle Green since 2002, but Ms Green will not run for re-election. Labor announced Lauren Kathage as a candidate to replace Ms Green in March.
Mr Welch said he had forged ties with communities in the region during his federal election campaign and was keen to continue advocating for them.
“Following the federal election, I had a break and spent time with my family,” he said.
“The thing that kept coming back to me was a sense of unfinished business. When you work closely with a community and you work on issues with them, to then have it all abruptly stop felt unfinished, and I wanted to keep going and finish the job.
“Particularly in Yan Yean, many of the federal issues carry into the state level – the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal in particular being a good example.
“There are also the same community issues of roads, sporting facilities, community resources and local regional jobs. These things are still important for the community, state or federal.”
Mr Welch said he would continue to display the work ethic he established during his federal election campaign.
“I don’t take anything for granted. The community has had 18 months to get to know me and I’ve had 18 months to get to know the community,” he said.
“I’m obviously coming comparatively late to the campaign, so in some senses I’m a known quantity but in another sense people are just as interested to know what I am going to deliver.
“Any momentum from the McEwen campaign would immediately dissipate if I’m not delivering something of substance to the community.”
Mr Welch said issues of health and education infrastructure would be crucial.
“I’ll measure my success, win or lose, in terms of my ability to bring solutions or opportunities to the table for the community,” he said.
“In doing that in McEwen, we saw [Labor] responded to that and we had more change in McEwen than there has been in a decade just by running a strong, locally focused campaign.
“I’m excited and energised to run. I’ll continue to listen hard to what the local priorities are and I look forward to presenting my plan for Yan Yean in the next couple of weeks.”
