Teaching trade skills in Moranding

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September 6, 2022

By Max Davies

The Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network, LLEN, has hosted a series of workshops aimed at giving secondary school students an opportunity to learn trade skills.

Run by registered builder Jason Perry on his property in Moranding, the workshops have allowed students to work together to build two wooden picnic tables – all while learning building and carpentry skills and gaining hands-on experience to help provide work placement opportunities.

Central Ranges LLEN worked with builder Jason Perry to give students hands-on experience with building and carpentry.

Central Ranges LLEN engagement officer Lexi Economou said the workshops were created to help students with trade employment difficulties after graduating high school.

“Across the Mitchell Shire and the central ranges region, young people are finding it harder and harder to gain access to hands-on experience with qualified tradesmen, so this has come about because of that,” she said.

“Over the five weeks they have looked at going through anything from handling certain equipment and tools to the assembly and final preparation, so they’ve gone through all the different phases of constructing things and gaining skills and learning things along the way.”

The 10 students, a majority from Seymour College, have an interest in learning a trade and while Mr Perry’s workshop has focused on skills relating to building and carpentry, the workshops have provided knowledge and experience to help find employment in any preferred trade.

Darcie Donovan stains the table to prepare it for use.

“There aren’t that many opportunities out there for them, and it’s particularly important for them to work in a safe environment and safely learn about everything,” Ms Economou said.

Ms Economou also noted the female participants in the group and said it was good to see a mix of students interested in learning a trade.
Central Ranges LLEN two years ago ran a similar program, where the group made a table that was donated to the Salvation Army in Seymour.

Mr Perry said he was happy to be able to help teach students important skills to help them get involved with a trade.

“[The students] needed to get up hours for work experience, so I semi-volunteered to help out and took Fridays off from work to start teaching,” he said.

“They had no skills with power saws or planers or anything like that so I’ve just educated them how to use tools safely and taught them the best way to do things and the little tricks of the trade that most people wouldn’t be able to tell them.”

Central Ranges LLEN is looking to continue hosting the workshop into the future, with the group hoping the two tables built this year can be donated to the community.

Broadford Roos a success despite grand final defeats

Lauren Duffy

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September 6, 2022

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Broadford Roos a success despite grand final defeats

By Colin MacGillivray

While the Outer East division two A and B Grade netball premiership cups might not have Broadford’s name etched on them this year, the Roos are still winners in the eyes of all associated with the club.

Broadford’s season of success on the netball court ended without a premiership, with the A Grade team losing 34-49 to Warburton-Millgrove and B Grade succumbing to Powelltown 31-39 on Sunday, but offered plenty of hope for the future.

Amanda Rothwell, an A Grade player and B Grade coach, said the fact that all four Broadford netball sides reached preliminary finals in 2022 was a sign of impending success.

She said she was proud of the way the A and B Grade sides fought against their opponents.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t our day, but that’s what can happen when you come up against two teams that were undefeated. They were the best in the comp all season for a reason,” she said.

“All we wanted to do was make each other proud, make the town proud and work for one another.”

Rothwell, who was named in the A Grade team of the year alongside Broadford centre Ally Black at the league awards night last week, said the grand final was hard-fought from the start.

“It was tight in the first quarter and it was a very physical game all the way through,” she said.

“Unfortunately in the last quarter [the score] blew out a little bit, but I don’t feel like that represented the whole game.”

With Ash Chapman named an assistant coach in the league’s A Grade team of the year, Natalie Fletcher finishing runner-up in the B Grade best and fairest count, and 17 and under players Leah O’Dell, Leah Toomey and Cassie Zolnierczyk finishing as best and fairest, runner-up and leading goal scorer respectively, Rothwell said the Roos had talent across the board.

“We’re so proud of our 17 and unders, because at the end of the day they are the future of the club,” she said.

“For them to have such a good season and for them to be recognised on that level is so important for us and our future growth.”

Rothwell, who is Broadford’s secretary in addition to her roles as player and coach, said the club was focused on continuing to grow the success of its netball program while returning to a standalone football team in 2023 after combining with Yea this year.

“In the football we had our captain Liam Lucas in the team of the year, as well as equal runner-up in the best and fairest, and through our amalgamation with Yea we also had Ben Wilsmore in the team of the year,” she said.

“As a secretary, player and a coach, I’m so proud of the club and how far we’ve come this year.

“Obviously we have faced our challenges in the football department, but we were able to work through that and find a great solution with Yea, [and] we were really proud of our netballers to all make prelim finals.

“Watch out for next year, because we’re going to be coming strong.”

Beware of bird swooping season

Lauren Duffy

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September 6, 2022

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Spring is here, which means native birds are breeding and swooping season has arrived – and Victorians are urged to remain safe.

Many parts of Australia experience bird swooping this time of the year, where native birds, specifically magpies and masked lapwings are present in rural areas, towns, and residential areas.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Bill Chisholm said bird swooping could be an issue in the shire during the breeding season.

“They can swoop in urban and rural areas, in parks and gardens, along bike tracks and in school yards, or anywhere that birds are nesting,” he said.

There is a sign warning of swooping birds at Broadford’s Memorial Park.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council have been advised of swooping behaviour at the Romsey skate park, installing a sign at the site to warn users.

Director assets and operations Shane Walden said there was no specific location for bird swooping, however when council was notified by residents they could choose to install signs, depending on the location.

“Typically, council will place signs in higher-use areas such as parks, reserves and playgrounds rather than informal trails and tracks,” he said.

He advised residents to not upset or interfere with the birds, as it contributed to the idea that people were a threat and might increase swooping behaviour.

Native wildlife is protected under the law and its illegal to harass native birds.

“Walk or ride a different way; the bird won’t swoop for long, so it won’t be a permanent change,” Mr Walden said.

City of Whittlesea director environment and infrastructure Debbie Wood said swooping behaviour was known to occur in Whittlesea during October and November.

She said residents needed to inform the council of incidents to install warning signs in locations that were necessary.

“Magpies tend to attack or swoop when they feel threatened, so we encourage people to avoid interfering with magpie nests or eggs and if possible, avoid walking through known swooping locations,” she said.

Ms Wood advised residents to wear protective clothing that might minimise negative interactions between swooping birds and people.

“It is also recommended to wear a hat to deter magpies and to protect you from a strike and to keep an eye on any birds that may swoop,” she said.

“If swooped, the best option is to wave the hat or a stick to cause the magpie to retreat.”

Residents are encouraged to visit https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds to register swooping birds.

The Victorian Swooping Bird map shows where people have been mainly swooped during the spring season.

Mitchell Shire Council recommended residents visit the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning, DELWP, website for tips about how to protect themselves.

Westpac Whittlesea branch to close

Lauren Duffy

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September 6, 2022

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Westpac’s Whittlesea branch will close its doors on September 19 due to a lack of customers requiring in-branch banking.

Westpac says the closure of the Church Street premises will ‘complement how customers choose to bank’.

A Westpac spokesperson said the bank was investing in services that aligned with more than five million digitally-active customers, resulting in a difficult decision to leave a branch location.

The bank will expand its services to access via Bank@Post, telephone, mobile and virtual banking.

Customers will be directed to other services to continue their banking, and people who are new to digital banking and may require assistance to make the transition, will be assisted.

The spokesperson suggested customers bank at South Morang branch, located 18 kilometres away, or visit Whittlesea Post Shop, 80 metres away to access the same cash services.

There is also a Westpac ATM located in Mernda.

The spokesperson said the bank would support their customers and employees, with a ‘robust process in place to assist employees to find new opportunities within Westpac Group’.

City of Whittlesea Nature Stewards program now open

Lauren Duffy

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September 6, 2022

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City of Whittlesea Nature Stewards program now open

Outdoors Victoria has opened applications for the City of Whittlesea Nature Stewards spring program to introduce nature skills to residents.

The event, from September 17 to December 3, is a 10-week program aimed to equip participants with skills and knowledge to help the natural environment.

Nature Stewards experts guide participants in a range of topics including local ecosystems, plant names and caring for native animals.

Field trips will also be part of the process, exploring in bushland areas, such as Quarry Hills Parkland, to teach practical techniques and offer quality experience that may lead to future volunteer roles and opportunities.

Nature Stewards participant Ben Marshall said the experience was not what he had expected, as the program took participants on a journey with like-minded people.

“I wasn’t expecting the breadth of backgrounds, age groups and areas of interest for my fellow group members,” he said.

“Everyone had something to add to the discussion and the group leaders were absolutely fantastic. I know that we’ll all see each other again.”

The course navigates through many topics, including Aboriginal natural history, fire strategies, citizen science and water quality, with the helping hand of guest lecturers and teachers who have experience in specific areas.

Mr Marshall said the program benefited the community, taking the next step to be part of the land’s changes.

“I believe that most of us value the natural world and love being part of it. But not many of us take the next step to find out how to better protect our environment, advocate for our world and take action,” he said.

He said he could not wait to watch more people involved in volunteering and meet more Nature Stewards graduates like himself.

“It’s hard to imagine a better return on investment than a program like this one. One curious, trained and passionate Nature Stewards graduate has an impact far greater than their one pair of hands,” Mr Marshall said.

The program is open to anyone over the age of 18, however preference is currently given to residents of the City of Whittlesea.

Applications close on Friday. To apply, visit www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/nature-stewards.

Wandong art show returns

Lauren Duffy

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September 6, 2022

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WANDONG’S Three Brushes Studio will this Sunday host an art exhibition, showing off more than 140 artworks created by its students.

The studio’s first art show last year featured about 100 works made mostly by children, however student numbers having since grown to more than 120 children and 20 adults.

This year will feature two new categories: the people’s choice award, giving visitors the opportunity to vote on their favourite pieces from the exhibition; and the all-abilities section.

Three Brushes owner and teacher Sharon Delaney said the show had grown from last year, with more community groups involved and students returning in higher age groups.

“We’ve had help from Kilmore Art Society who has provided prize packs for budding artists who need help with supplies, and Officeworks have also provided art packs as prizes,” she said.

“It just shows how therapeutic art can be and how important it is for people, especially kids, to be involved in art.”

This year’s exhibition will include a barbecue by the Wandong-Heathcote Junction community group, with tea and coffee also available for visitors.

Judges for this year include Kilmore Art Society member Cheryl Eve, Wandong Primary School teacher Robyn Beer and artist Helen Syngaris.

The exhibition will be from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, at the Wandong Hall, at the corner of Rail Street and Wandong Avenue. Entry is free.

For more information on the studio and the exhibition, people can call Ms Delaney on 0409 131 663.

New system simplifies fire danger ratings

Lauren Duffy

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September 6, 2022

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New system simplifies fire danger ratings

FIRE danger ratings in Victoria have changed, bringing them in line with the Australian Fire Danger Rating System now current across every state and territory in the country.

Fire danger ratings provide information on the likelihood of a fire so people can take action to protect themselves and others.

The higher the rating, the more dangerous fire conditions are and the more difficult fires are to stop if they begin.

The new system came after one of Australia’s largest community surveys found a majority of Australians did not understand the previous fire danger rating system.

Victorian emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp said the new fire danger ratings system was based on community feedback.

The new system includes four colour-coded levels and plain language that provides clear advice on what action communities need to take at each level.

Mr Crisp said the new system was based on modern technology and research that improved emergency services’ ability to accurately predict fire behaviour and potential community threats. He said the previous system was more than 60 years old.

“The new fire danger rating system means that no matter where you live in Victoria or Australia, the same system will be in place. This is particularly important for our border communities and travellers,” he said.

Under the new system, emergency services can provide more specific advice to local communities so they can make more informed decisions about their own safety.

As part of the changeover to the new system, all fire danger rating signs across Victoria will be covered by a sticker promoting the new four-rating system while emergency services roll out replacement signs, which will be installed from this month.

Country Fire Authority, CFA, chief officer Jason Heffernan said the objective was for Victorians to better understand what actions to take at each fire danger level.

“That’s why this new system will be reduced to just four simple ratings and use clear recommendations for how to protect yourself according to your bushfire risk,” he said.

“The new system will measure local fire danger using improved science and a wider range of fire behaviour models to better represent the variety of Australian vegetation.”

People can access up-to-date fire danger ratings and other emergency information on the VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au and the VicEmergency app.

R U OK Day with Whittlesea U3A

Max Davies

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September 6, 2022

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By Max Davies

WHITTLESEA U3A will participate in R U OK Day on Thursday, hosting a range of activities to promote social interaction and community connections.

Set to be hosted in Epping, the day will feature tennis, tai chi, golf and walking football, a variant of soccer aimed at promoting social connections rather than competition, while keeping participants healthy and active.

The R U OK Day activities have been organised through a collaboration between Whittlesea U3A, YMCA Leisure City in Epping, City of Whittlesea council and DPV Health, and information tables from all contributing groups will be available throughout the day.

Walking football program leader Mick Trim said the sport was not only good for physical health, but also the mental health of participants.

“It’s been found that walking football helps with mental health, so we thought it’d be a good idea to link it with R U OK Day because it all ties together,” he said.

“Holding R U OK Day activities has sort of grown from an idea to showcase the mental health benefits of walking football and get more people involved.”

Walking football originated in the United Kingdom as a version of soccer with no running and no contact, aimed at encouraging people to get out and be active while avoiding isolation and strengthening social connections with like-minded people.

Whittlesea U3A currently has about 40 people participating in weekly walking football sessions, with the activity aimed at all people aged over 50 regardless of ability, gender, or background.

“We’ve seen that some senior citizens are scared to come out of their homes because of COVID, so a big part of it is getting them out again so they can socialise and make sure they don’t feel isolated,” Mr Trim said.

“Holding R U OK Day activities is about creating awareness of mental health, reminding people they can ask people how they’re going and also teaching people how to ask someone who they think is struggling.”

Thursday will be the first time Whittlesea U3A has hosted R U OK Day activities and, while activities will be aimed at senior citizens, the day is open for everyone and will be an opportunity to learn about the different community organisations present.

The program for the day will feature tennis at 9am, ladies and men’s walking football at 9.30am and 11am respectively, and tai chi at 11.15am.

A golf putting mat will be available all day, with physiotherapists also present to provide information about body strength and fitness and teach simple exercises.

Whittlesea U3A’s R U OK Day activities will be from 9am to 1pm at YMCA Leisure City, located at 41-53 Miller Street in Epping.

For more information on walking football at Whittlesea U3A and the R U OK Day activities, people can email mick_trim1@hotmail.com.

Preparation mode for emergency services in Seymour

Lauren Duffy

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September 6, 2022

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Preparation mode for emergency services in Seymour

Emergency services leaders converged on Seymour last week as part of a wide-scale training exercise simulating a natural disaster.

Representatives from the Country Fire Authority, CFA, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service, SES, the Australian Defence Force and others participated in the joint training exercise that simulated a bushfire in the vicinity of Tooborac and Pyalong.

During the mock emergency, authorities decided to issue a shelter in place warning for the Tooborac community and leave now warnings for the Kilmore, Broadford and Pyalong areas.

The training exercise aimed to prepare emergency services for what could be busy flood and bushfire seasons in spring and summer.

CFA assistant chief fire officer Paul King said it was the first of two inter-agency training exercises planned for this year.

“All of those agencies get an opportunity to practice the things they need to do to keep the community safe during the peak summer period,” he said.

“We’ve got the police planning for the evacuation of those towns, we’ve got the fire agencies all working together to try to control the fire and stop the forward spread, we’ve got the relief agencies making sure the people in the local community are well looked after, the road agencies making sure we can close roads off and keep people safe, but just as importantly reopen them in a timely way so the community can get back to normal.

“We’ve had a couple of quieter fire seasons over the last couple of years, so exercising is a really important way to revisit those skills, rebuild the networks and get to know the agencies we all work with.”

Incident controller and SES operations manager Brendan Corboy said the exercise was a ‘great opportunity for emergency management practitioners to get together’.

“It’s going to be a busy year with floods through the spring and heightened grass fire [potential] through the summer, so it’s really important to get together and go through the consequences so the community can be seen,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecasted above-median rainfall in northern Victoria from September to November.

State Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said people should be prepared for both floods and fires.

“The outlook suggests Victoria will have a wet start to spring and it’s important Victorians begin to plan for floods and storms, in the same way they prepare for potential fires,” he said.

“What is the plan you are putting in place for yourself, your family, pets and livestock? As part of your plan, think about the clear triggers and when you will enact your plan,” Mr Crisp said.

“Good information will always lead to good decisions and Victorians need to know how they can access good information – that’s through the VicEmergency app, social media, including Facebook and Twitter, and through emergency broadcasters.

“As a sector, we’re getting prepared, but my question to Victorians is: are you prepared?”

The next inter-agency training exercise will be in Tallangatta later this month.

Authorities said each emergency service would also conduct its own training sessions.

Mitchell Shire Council celebrates environmental strides

The North Central Review

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September 6, 2022

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Mitchell Shire Council celebrates environmental strides

Acknowledging a climate emergency and installing solar energy systems at community facilities were among the most significant environmental actions Mitchell Shire Council took in 2021-22, according to a report tabled at last month’s council meeting.

Councillors received and noted a Mitchell Shire Environment Strategies and Plans 2021-22 annual report, along with a Mitchell Environment Advisory Committee annual report at the meeting, outlining the most significant steps council took to improve environmental management in the past year.

Cr Louise Bannister said council had a range of responsibilities to consider when looking after the environment.

“We’ve had the acknowledgement of the climate emergency, [council workers] treated approximately 600 kilometres of roadsides for a weed-control program, they were part of installing a 33-kilowatt solar system onto community facilities, they supported 13 community environmental events with just over 800 participants in attendance, [and] 509 pieces of environmental information were distributed to customers including 221 new rural landowner kits,” she said.

“The provision of environmental advice on statutory and strategic planning matters continues to be a focus for the team. They also held nine Mitchell Environment Advisory Committee meetings and 24 properties received the annual Mitchell Shire conservation convent grant.

“[The committee was] part of the National Tree Day event, where over 1000 plants were planted along the creek in Wallan and a number of trees were removed along Kilmore Creek in accordance with the Kilmore Creek Landscape Master Plan.”

Cr Fiona Stevens called council’s environment team ‘small but productive’.

“One thing I’m pleased to see is that two 33-kilowatt solar systems were installed on two community facilities,” she said.

“Councillors have discussed in this chamber a number of times their desire to see more of this implemented throughout our shire and no doubt when we start our budget discussions … there will be representation from this group.”

Cr Nathan Clark thanked the committee for its work to promote a proposed Wallan Regional Park.

“The work that they’ve put forward there [is really good], with a lot of research that they put to the state advisory committees and bureaucracy to show how that is important to get done,” he said.

Cr Bannister said the volunteer committee had contributed about 125 hours of their time during the past year, not including additional time spent reading and preparing correspondence and travelling to and from events.