Macedon Ranges businesses feature in TV series The Block

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August 30, 2022

Macedon Ranges businesses feature in TV series The Block

By Grace Frost

Artists, retailers and tradespeople from across the Macedon Ranges Shire and surrounds are beaming at the prospect of appearing on The Block, after teams in the television reality series sourced multiple products and services from local businesses for their renovation projects.

The Block has returned for its 18th season, with production and renovations occurring for the first time in country Victoria.

Five teams are each restoring houses on 10-acre allotments in Gisborne South, plus host Scott Cam is also renovating a house at the site.

Macedon Ranges-based businesses such as Anorakki have partnered with The Block, with founders Jemma Peiper and Silje Eriksen providing ethically crafted, Scandi-inspired anorak jackets.

The TV teams on The Block this year wear the anorak jackets each in their respective team colours.

“We loved following the brave and hard-working contestants’ journey as they battle weather, building supply shortages and a little drama,” Ms Eriksen said.

“We knew our anoraks would be perfect for them.”

Antique store Kyneton Collective also supplied products to The Block this season.

Business owners Andy and Andrea Drieschner said they were happy to support the teams by providing product discounts.

They hope the series will encourage people to visit the region.

“[It] would be amazing if we could have people looking up a bit more about the Macedon Ranges and visiting Kyneton in particular,” Ms Drieschner said.

“I feel for the region because at least 70 per cent of our business is reliant on Melbourne trade. It was vacant without Melbourne being able to travel [to Kyneton during COVID-19 lockdowns].”

Though she was unsure whether the shopfront or business name would be featured on TV, Ms Drieschner said any promotion for local businesses was fantastic.

“A win for one of the traders is a win for all of them,” she said.

“If we can put that regional day trip on the map. I think that’s really great.”

Antique store Kyneton Collective owners Andy and Andrea Drieschner will have products featured on The Block.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said The Block showcased the values of regional living and provided local businesses with the ability to reach a large potential customer base.

“We are expecting to see an increase in visitation and general interest in the region due to the series, which will give a welcome boost to our local businesses who have been working hard to rebuild after being impacted by the pandemic and 2021 storm events,” she said.

“It was great to see this week’s episodes featuring the antique and arts shops in Piper Street, Kyneton and beautiful eateries in Gisborne.”

Ms Stockfeld said itineraries were available at visitmacedonranges.com for those wanting to explore businesses, experience tourist attractions and enjoy eateries in the Macedon Ranges, some of which feature in the series.

WR (2022-08-30)

Whittlesea Review

The North Central Review

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August 30, 2022

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NCR (2022-08-30)

North Central Review

The North Central Review

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August 30, 2022

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Mitchell Youth Services celebrate Youth Fest in September

Lauren Duffy

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August 30, 2022

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Mitchell Youth Services celebrate Youth Fest in September

Mitchell Youth Services will host activities and events throughout September as part of celebrations for Youth Fest 2022.

Youth Fest is a state-wide celebration designed to provide opportunities for young people to develop skills, pursue their interests and have fun.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said investing in youth and providing opportunities for education and recreation was important to council.

“Council is very thankful to be working in our community with so many supportive partner organisations that make Youth Fest possible,” he said.

“We’re hoping local young people take this opportunity to get out and try something new.”

The Bridge Youth Service in Wallan will host an afternoon of games from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on September 8, with free merchandise and a barbecue to be provided for attendees.

There will be a Skate Park League competition at Wallan Skate Park on September 11, encouraging young people to bring their skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes out and embrace skate park culture with the community.

Competitors will also enter a raffle, with a free barbecue lunch to be provided by The Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell.

Kilmore Tennis Club will host a free come-and-try day for 12 to 18-year-olds, with tennis racquets to be provided and no registration required. People are encouraged to walk in from 4.30pm to 6pm on September 12.

A Barista for Beginners workshop will be at Wallan from 9.30am to 2.30pm on September 20 and 21, aimed at teaching 15 to 24-year-olds the fundamentals of coffee making and hospitality service.

Held through a partnership with Prace, the workshop will provide hands-on training in a mock café environment and connect attendees with employment and training opportunities. Registrations are essential.

The Upper Plenty Conference Centre will host a Tribes Day from 11am to 4pm on September 20, designed for 12 to 18-year-olds to compete in a team for prizes.

Lunch will be provided, and a bus will pick up and drop off participants from stops in Seymour, Broadford, Kilmore and Wallan. Registration is $10 and is due by September 15.

Zen morning yoga and mindfulness activities with a qualified instructor will be at The Bridge Youth Service in Wallan from 10am to 3pm on September 22.

The event is aimed at young people aged 12 to 24, with lunch to be provided and a rhythm expression drumming session in the afternoon. Registrations are essential.

Seymour’s Kings Park will host a day of activities at the park’s green shed, including a barbecue, skating, scootering and screen printing.

Young people aged 12 to 24 are encouraged to attend from 11am to 2pm on September 26.

On the first Sunday of every month until February 28, 2023, Mitchell Youth Services will provide first aid and CPR training at Broadford Living and Learning Centre.

Vouchers are available for the training for young people aged 12 to 24 who live, socialise or study in the Mitchell Shire. Registrations are essential.

No decision on Romsey Coles, but site works underway

Lauren Duffy

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August 30, 2022

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No decision on Romsey Coles, but site works underway

Site works at 51-53 Main Street, Romsey, are underway after supermarket chain Coles submitted a planning application to build a store at the location – despite the fact Macedon Ranges Shire Council is yet to sign off on the project.

Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said council officials met with Coles and planning consultants to discuss the application prior to its submission last month.

The proposal includes a supermarket, a bottle shop and 195 car parking spaces.

Ms Stockfeld said council had requested further information from Coles since the application’s submission and that a timeline for a final decision on whether the development would go ahead was unclear.

She said works already undertaken at the site did not require a planning permit.

“The application is currently on request for further information and at this stage the timeframe for the assessment of the application is unknown. A more definitive timeframe can only be established once the requested further information is provided,” she said.

“Factors to be considered in the assessment of the application include, but are not limited to, amenity, traffic, design of the proposal and its presentation to the street, landscaping and signage consideration.

“The general works currently occurring on site do not require a planning permit. Advice was provided to the applicant on this.

“A separate permit has been lodged for the removal of native vegetation and is currently under assessment.”

A Coles spokesperson said the development would create hundreds of local jobs in retail and construction.

“The proposed development would represent a multimillion-dollar investment in the region, offering residents more choice, great value and an enhanced shopping experience,” the spokesperson said.

Book Week creates a buzz at Kilmore Primary School

Lauren Duffy

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August 30, 2022

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Book Week creates a buzz at Kilmore Primary School

Kilmore Primary School students and teachers enjoyed Book Week on Thursday, dressing up as their favourite story characters.

The entire school met in the gym for the annual parade, where each year level took turns showing their costumes, as the other year levels and teachers cheered.

Each student who walked in the parade received a raffle ticket to win a prize.

In classrooms, teachers and students shared their favourite books, and went over book reviews.

Prior to Book Week, students read books in the library and voted for their favourite book for the annual event.

Grade six teacher Fiona Johnson said book week was mainly about teaching students the enjoyment of reading.

“We’re hoping to teach the kids that reading is fun, and it all suits yourself. Every child has their own character that they love and enjoy reading, and there’s a whole range of those books,” she said.

Ms Johnson said the effort parents and students went to for the event was truly significant.

“It’s awesome to see them celebrating Book Week and celebrating the reading, and they do go to an awful lot of effort for it,” Ms Johnson said.

Grade six teacher Luke Banioski said the day also gave students a chance to show their personalities and excitement.

“There’s always a bit of a buzz, everyone is excited to see what other people are doing, and like I said everyone gets to sort of flex their personality in a way, what they enjoy reading, and you see all different [costumes] and you can embrace it,” he said.

Former home track win for Lovin’ Laughs

Lauren Duffy

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August 30, 2022

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By ‘Pegs’

After having his past six starts in the city in his previous preparation, Kyneton trainer Mick Sell’s Lovin’ Laughs found the familiar Bendigo track to his liking on Thursday.

Sell, who previously trained at Bendigo prior to relocating back to Kyneton, had the well-named six-year-old gelded son of Foreplay out of the Happy Giggle mare, Caribbea, cherry ripe for a first-up win in the Catanaach’s Jewellers 0-64 Handicap over 1100 metres.

Ridden by the in-form Neil Farley, the gelding, at odds of $18, defeated Upper East Side, $14, by a neck with the $3.40 favourite, Thalursian, a short-half-head away third.

“It was a good ride by Neil which was his first winner for us,” Sell said.

“We haven’t picked out a race for him yet as we are waiting to see what his rating is.”

Bred and raced by the Monegeeta-based Miles family, better known with pacers , Lovin’ Laughs has now won five races with three minor placings from his 22 starts, earning $131,025 in prizemoney.

All-the-way win for General

Avid General, paying $6.50, made it three wins from seven starts for Kilmore trainer Jody Thompson in an all-the-way win at Warracknabeal on Saturday.

Formerly trained in South Australia, the seven-year-old Casino Prince gelding, pinged the gates and was never headed in taking out the Ron and Milly Isbel Memorial 0-58 Handicap over 1000 metres.

Rated beautifully by Neil Farley, the gelding defeated the $3.40 favourite Comrade Bill by two and a quarter lengths with the Charles Cassar-trained Redline, $6.50, a similar margin away third.

“He’s just our little pocket rocket,” stable foreman Ash Thompson, who saddled up the gelding, said.

“We purchased him online and he’s brought up win number three for us.”

Raced by the trainer in partnership with her family and former Kilmore trainer Angie Barton, Avid General has now won seven races with five minor placings from his 31 starts.

Whittlesea firefighters climb for mental health cause

Pam Kiriakidis

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August 30, 2022

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Whittlesea firefighters climb for mental health cause

By Pam Kiriakidis

Nine volunteers from Whittlesea Country Fire Authority, CFA, will climb to raise money and awareness for mental health in the ninth annual Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb on September 10.

The 000Foundation event at Crown Metropol Hotel involves more than 600 firefighters and other emergency service personnel climbing 28 floors with full firefighting protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, weighing 25 kilograms.

The Whittlesea CFA team includes Steph Smith, Lauren Caffyn, Danny Cobb, Brandon Smith, Jess Loschiavo, Branndon Kenworthy, Sam Devenish, Ryan Taylor and Adrian Bryant.

In preparation for the climb, Whittlesea fire brigade members ran courses to increase stability and strength.

The volunteers trained in various formats two or three times a week, including from Whittlesea Fire Station to Eastern Hill, and over the Wandong rail overpass.

Fifth Lieutenant Danny Cobb, who take cares of occupational, health and safety at the brigade, is participating in the event for the first time.

“It’s just another mental challenge to put myself in and through to take on the stair climb and give it a go and see how quickly I can do it, so it’s really a personal challenge for me, which the other benefit is raising money for the good causes,” he said.

Prior to the annual climb, volunteers and the public donate to Lifeline Australia, Fortem and the 000Foundation – three major services that focus on mental health, suicide, and post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD.

Whittlesea Fire Brigade – Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb

The event was altered during to the pandemic with virtual climbs replacing the climb in Melbourne’s CBD, encouraging volunteers and the public to find stairs at home or close by to dedicate each step to a life lost to suicide in Australia.

A few members from Whittlesea CFA contributed to the virtual climb in recent years.

Mr Cobb said whether a volunteer engaged in the virtual or physical climb, both were about being involved.

He said once he stepped over the finish line, he expected to feel relief with the reminder his efforts were contributing to his team and service.

“It will be a great feeling personally, knowing that I have raised the amount of money I’ve raised that is going to a good cause,” he said.

Mr Cobb said the relationships between volunteers lacked throughout COVID, therefore he hoped the challenge strengthened the team at Whittlesea brigade.

“We’re gonna achieve the stair climb, come the fire season you know we are good to go, the team bonds there and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Mr Cobb said the stair climb was an extension of the CFA, as the support system was one that could lift volunteers.

“The challenges what our volunteers can face can be horrendous, given the job, the nature of what it is,” he said.

“CFA itself as a body is very good at supporting members when people need that extra help, they have their own internal peer support network which is fantastic.”

Ms Smith said the decision to commit herself to the cause for the first time was motivated by her friends and family who have been impacted by mental health issues.

“Mental health issues have become a big part of the world we live in and I want to help take it on by raising awareness and do whatever I can,” she said.

“Stepping up for causes like this is a big part of what we do as volunteers.

“We look after each other at the brigade when someone might be feeling down or struggling with their mental health at times.

“It’s great to be doing this as a team, which allows us to support each other through the training and remind one another why we’re doing it in the first place.”

Ms Caffyn, who has volunteered with Whittlesea Fire Brigade for a decade, said between being a full-time prison officer and a firefighter with the brigade, she had been exposed to many incidents that could take a toll on mental health.

“This event will raise money for mental health and help a lot of people struggling with these issues,” she said.

“I’ve already surpassed my $200 fundraising goal and am now eyeing off $500. Having a team of nine from the brigade get involved in this year’s event fills us with a sense of camaraderie.”

Ms Caffyn said finishing the stair climb would bring a sense of achievement to the brigade.

“I can’t wait to get to the top with everybody and celebrate.”

Need to talk? Call Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.

Wollert community pride unites residents

Lauren Duffy

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August 30, 2022

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Wollert community pride unites residents

The Wollert community came together at Northside Park last month for a free tree-planting day to celebrate the completion of the City of Whittlesea’s Love Where You Live Wollert campaign.

Administrator Peita Duncan and City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd were joined by State Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny, families and community groups at the council-run event and shared in the planting of more than 1200 trees and shrubs.

Games, face-painting, a barbecue and entertainment contributed to a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.

The Love Where You Live Wollert campaign ran throughout July to foster a sense of community connection and pride in the suburb of Wollert, by cleaning up litter from the streets and helping Wollert residents connect with council services.

Mr Lloyd said residents had embraced council’s initiatives over the month, which included free recycling and e-waste drop-off events, community information sessions and school education programs about safely disposing of waste and reporting illegal dumping.

“This tree-planting day was council’s chance to say thank you to our residents. They’ve contributed to making Wollert an even better place to live and showed a tremendous community spirit,” he said.

The community waste drop-off events were a huge success, with about 300 residents attending across the five events.

A large amount of waste was collected for safe and sustainable disposal – more than 26 cubic metres of e-waste; 58 cubic metres of cardboard; 20 cubic metres of soft plastics; 40 cubic metres of polystyrene, batteries and printer cartridges.

Council is keen to build on the community spirit that has been sparked by keeping residents informed of its services and empowering them to continue making Wollert a great place to live.

For information about reporting illegal rubbish dumping and correctly disposing of waste, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/waste-environment/bins-and-waste.

Wallan Magpies down, but not out

Lauren Duffy

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August 30, 2022

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By Colin MacGillivray

WALLAN’S senior footballers must quickly put the disappointment of a three-goal semi-final loss to Riddell behind them as they prepare for a do-or-die preliminary final at Macedon on Saturday.

The Magpies entered the weekend full of confidence as they prepared to play for a spot in the Riddell District Football Netball League grand final, but were left to rue the Bombers’ 10-goal second quarter blitz that ultimately sealed an 11.7 (73) to 14.7 (91) loss.

The game at Romsey Park started promisingly for Wallan, with midfielder Corey Viani outworking his opponent to force a loose ball forward, before a Jake Layley handball over the top of the defence sent Sean Morris into an open goal barely two minutes into the first quarter.

Wallan struck again after a 50-metre penalty brought Todd Muldoon within scoring range, and when Jesse Davies hit leading forward Matt Perri – back in the side after a month-long injury layoff – who converted another set shot, the Magpies led 20-0.

22 08 27 14 15 33 A9209021 — Todd Muldoon pursues a loose ball near the boundary as he is set upon by Riddell players.

Wallan’s defence was superb in the opening minutes, with Corey Baker intercepting Riddell forward entries and the likes of Brenton Cox, Cody Lynch and captain Michael Mannix providing timely spoils.

It looked as though the Bombers would go goalless in the opening term, but a running goal by Jesse Horton in time-on saw Riddell draw within 13 points at the first change.

The goal was a sign of things to come from Horton, who dominated across the ground to finish as one of the Bombers’ best players.

His goal seemed to spark Riddell into action, with the Bombers goaling in the first 90 seconds of the second quarter.

Although Steven Boyall delivered a beautiful ball to Perri on the lead to give the Magpies a quick reply, the Bombers began to wrest control of the centre clearances.

After Perri’s third goal of the match at the eight-minute mark of the second quarter, Wallan conceded eight straight goals to end the term, with small forward Jack Hammerling combining with Horton to do the bulk of the Bombers’ damage.

Wallan seemed powerless to stop the onslaught, with the frenetic pace of the game playing into Riddell’s hands.

Half time offered a welcome chance for Wallan to reset, and coach Daniel Nolan said he used it to deliver a simple message to his team.

“[I told them] we’re still in it. I’ve got faith in this list that if we just go in five-minute sections and try to peg the game back [we can do it],” he said.

“I thought if we were in it at three-quarter time, we could get some belief. We don’t want to look too far ahead – just win every five minutes.”

Jake Layley appeals for a holding the ball decision.
Sean Morris outruns Riddell’s Jesse Horton to kick the first goal of the game.
Cody Lynch applies a desperate tackle.
Daniel Mackertich releases a handball as he is tackled by a Riddell opponent.
Corey Grindlay evades Riddell’s Ben Sonogan.
Todd Muldoon kicks a goal for Wallan.
Jake Layley wraps up Bomber Dylan Tarczon.
Riddell ruckman Josh Grabham, left, and Wallan’s Patrick Mahoney compete for a hitout.
Lachlan Inness stretches for a mark as the ball sails over his head.
Corey Baker prevents his Riddell opponent from marking on the lead.
Wallan’s Will Brock, left, and Riddell’s Josh Grabham take to the air in a centre ball up.
Jack Hammerling is on the receiving end of a Riddell centre clearance.
Wallan’s Brodie Gilchrist kicks on the run.
Cody Lynch marks at half back.
Patrick Mahoney and Josh Grabham at a centre ball up.
Wallan vice-captain Ricky Schraven sends the Magpies forward.
Corey Baker hangs onto opponent Oscar Besanko any way he can.
Wallan captain Michael Mannix spoils an opponent.
Wallan players huddle ahead of a big last quarter.
Corey Viani streams through the centre of the ground.
Steven Boyall attempts to bump Riddell’s Jordon Reardon.
Lachlan Inness sheds an opponent.
Daniel Couwenberg, right, lunges for a loose ball.
Ricky Schraven sends Wallan on a final foray forward in front of a crowd of onlookers.
Riddell players celebrate at the final siren.

Nolan’s message got through, with Wallan regaining control of the match in the third quarter to boot 4.3 to 1.1, coming back from 38 points down to be within 11 at the final change.

Forward Corey Grindlay, playing higher up the ground to create space for Perri and Nathan Fowler, helped turn the tide with a goal halfway through the term, giving Wallan a spark.

Although Riddell kicked the first two goals of the fourth quarter to re-establish a 23-point lead, Wallan never stopped trying.

Daniel Couwenberg’s tackle on the goal line to force a holding the ball decision gave him his second major of the game and the Magpies some faint hope, but Riddell was able to grind life out of the contest with repeated stoppages and possession football.

It was that ball control that Nolan said decided the game. He said Riddell’s second-quarter surge was not due to a drop in confidence by his side, but an inability to adjust to the state of the game.

“It was more about adjusting to the tempo of the game – getting it and holding onto it, and forcing repeat stoppages,” he said.

“They were able to keep playing their free-flowing game, which they’re good at. They run and carry and they’ve got some good outside runners.

“Late in the game it was in the balance for a little bit, and then I thought Riddell played slow play for a bit. When we were coming they were able to hold the tempo a little bit, and that’s something that we needed to be able to do in the second term.

“They were able to get extra numbers in our forward line and take the pace off the game. Full credit to them – they’re a good team.”

Wallan will now play Diggers Rest for the third time in four weeks after the Burras defeated Macedon 12.9 (81) to 10.4 (64).

Nolan said the Magpies still believed they could contend for a premiership.

“I said to the boys after the game that it’s not over. We’ll be disappointed, but it’s a different path to our destination,” he said.

“We know where the destination is that we want to get to, but now we’re taking a longer way to get there.”

Wallan’s reserves will play in the grand final after downing Diggers Rest 7.8 (50) to 3.6 (24) in on Saturday, earning a week off. The Magpies’ under 19.5 side was defeated 5.7 (37) to 8.10 (58) by Riddell and will play Romsey in Saturday’s preliminary final.