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New Mernda respite house in the works

Lauren Duffy
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New Mernda respite house in the works

The Mernda Social Support Centre is near completion with the care facility reaching a major construction milestone.

The centre will be for people who experience memory loss, limited mobility and are aged over 65 to access respite day support and help with social isolation.

The $2.7 million project, jointly funded by the City of Whittlesea and the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, saw progression in July, with the building’s steel frame and roof built.

The facility, located next to Mernda Village, will include three activity rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor area, consulting and quiet rooms and a unisex public toilet.  

The project includes a Changing Place facility, which provides people with high support needs and carers with a safe accessible toilet and change space.

City of Whittlesea administrator Peita Duncan said the centre would be run by council in conjunction with partners and service providers, offering respite closer to residents.

“The Mernda Village Social Support Centre, expected to be complete by early 2023, will make a difference to the day-to-day lives of our city’s older residents and provide carers with crucial respite,” she said.

“There has not been a service like this available in our region, which means people have had to travel to access day respite.”

To accommodate residents, the centre also features an environmentally sustainable design, solar panels, and a water tank to re-use rainwater.  

It is expected to open in late 2022 or early 2023. 

For further information visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/mernda-ssc.  

‘Reward for effort’ as Broadford Roo netballers grand final-bound

Lauren Duffy
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‘Reward for effort’ as Broadford Roo netballers grand final-bound

BROADFORD’S A and B Grade netballers are one win away from capping a fairytale 2022 season with premierships after rousing Outer East Football Netball preliminary final wins at the weekend.

Broadford supporters turned Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve into a sea of blue and white on Sunday, with all four of the club’s netball sides playing for grand final berths.

While the 17 and under and C Grade sides were defeated – by one goal and 11 goals respectively – the A Grade side completed a stirring comeback against Powelltown to win 41-34 and book a date with Warburton-Millgrove in Saturday’s grand final.

After Broadford fell behind by nine goals in the early going, club president Bonnie Cavanagh said a change came over the players.

“They switched into another gear. It was as if they put their foot down and said ‘no, we are not losing this game’,” she said.

“You saw the hunger in their eyes, and all of them played amazingly.

“Amanda Rothwell dominated the defence with Ebony Heers and Ally Black was gliding through the midcourt and sending it straight into either Renee [Sari] or Alyssah [Chibnall], and they were on fire.”

The B Grade team followed up the performance with a win of its own, downing Warburton-Millgrove 42-32 to lock in a grand final meeting with Powelltown.

Cavanagh described the grand final appearances as ‘reward for effort’ by all involved with Broadford.

“The word I always use is resilience. We’ve been through a lot as a club and a netball department after not being in finals for 14 years,” she said.

“We’re so united as a group and we’ve worked so hard to support each other, so this is an amazing reward for effort.

“For [the A Grade side] to come from fourth on the ladder, knock off third and then knock off second to make the grand final is an incredible achievement.”

The A Grade win was made all the more remarkable by the loss of leading goal-scorer Caitlin Hinrichsen, who injured her knee during Broadford’s first final against Alexandra and will be unable to take part in the grand final.

Cavanagh said the team refused to let the setback deter it.

“We’ve had injuries and everything thrown at us throughout the year, but we’ve just come back stronger and stronger,” she said.

“We’ve had significant change and we’re trying to do things differently in the best interests of our members and our players. Everyone has stuck by us, and the ones who have are now getting rewarded.

“We’re trying to keep a lid on it, but I’m so excited for our players and our coaches.”

Improving accessibility at Seymour Racing Club

The North Central Review
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Improving accessibility at Seymour Racing Club

Seymour Racing Club will soon have a new lift in its grandstand to improve accessibility for patrons and staff.

Jointly funded by a $74,000 State Government investment and $37,000 from the club, the lift will provide safe access to the Bar Landy Restaurant and function space on the first floor for people with a disability, parents with prams, or staff carrying heavy items.

The lift will feature a 400kg capacity, sliding glass doors and a backup battery.

Racing Minister Anthony Carbines said the project would help improve the experience at the club.

“Our investment will help ensure all patrons and staff can safely access all the facilities and venues the Seymour Racing Club has to offer, further enhancing its ability to host events for the local community,” he said.

“We’re committed to the health and safety of race day officials, staff and patrons.”

The State Government has invested more than $4.9 million to support racing infrastructure projects and events at the club, with support from both Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria also helping to fund the lift project.

Seymour Racing Club chair Stephen Clifton said the club was excited to be able to use the lift for race days and functions.

“We’re very grateful for the government’s support – it’s a win for our staff and a win for people wanting to enjoy our first-floor restaurant and function space.”

Work on the lift installation is already underway and is expected to be completed next month. 

After a long stint of being unable to host races due to the state of the track, racing will return to Seymour Racing Club on November 11.

Friendships continue through bowling tri-series

The North Central Review
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Friendships continue through bowling tri-series

Wallan Bowling Club members were joined by their Kilmore and Broadford counterparts in a tri-series event during the first three weeks of August to help each club members practice ahead of official practice matches in early September and the season proper in October.

Members of each club are most familiar with each other, as the three clubs had memorable battles during their years in the now-defunct Central Bowls District, which disappeared as a result of Bowls Victoria’s decision to re-distribute region boundaries.

While the battles were competitive, the underlying friendship that evolved among members of all three clubs during this time was always noticeable.

Upon the disbandment of the Central Bowls district in 2021, Kilmore and Broadford ventured into the Central Highlands Bowls competition, while Wallan entered the Northern gateway metropolitan competition.

With the locations of each club relatively geographically close, and the fact that members from all three clubs still play in each others’ social competitions and tournaments, the bowlers regularly cross paths and friendships are maintained.

All three clubs welcome membership enquiries from both new and experienced bowlers.

Seymour to host fishing clinic

The North Central Review
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Seymour to host fishing clinic

Seymour’s Goulburn Park will next month host a free introductory clinic to give newcomers a chance to try recreational fishing.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority, VFA, will run VicFishKids and Fishing For All clinics targeted at people who are looking at getting into fishing for the first time, with filleting and cooking demonstrations, as well as general tips presented at each event.

The clinics at Seymour, Lilydale, Shepparton and Bendigo are part of the State Government’s Go Fishing Victoria plan, aimed at encouraging more people to go fishing more often.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said the clinics were a good opportunity for people to take up a new hobby.

“These free introductory fishing clinics are a terrific way to help children give fishing a go for the first time in a safe and educational environment with help from experts,” she said.

“Recreational fishing provides the perfect opportunities for people to get outside and spend time with friends and family.”

VicFishKids events are designed for children who are keen to learn the basics of fishing in a safe and supportive environment with help from experts.

Fishing clubs will also help to teach children about knots, casting, bait selection and what to do when they first catch a fish. Catchable-sized rainbow trout from VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery will be stocked at the locations prior to the event.

Fishing For All clinics are open to people of all ages and abilities and are designed to get newcomers introduced to fishing.

VicFishKids will run from 10am to 4pm on September 18 at Seymour’s Goulburn Park,

Children who pre-register will receive a free fishing rod to take home, with 120 up for grabs at each event.

To register, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingforall. For more information on both event series, visit vfa.vic.gov.au.

‘No regrets’ as Kilmore senior football coach Phillips bows out

Lauren Duffy
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‘No regrets’ as Kilmore senior football coach Phillips bows out

By Colin MacGillivray

FORMER Kilmore senior football coach Nathan Phillips says he has ‘no regrets’ as he steps down after six years at the helm of the Blues.

Kilmore Football Netball Club announced earlier this month that under 19s coach Paul Derrick would replace Phillips as senior coach next season, with Craig Micallef to continue as a senior assistant.

Phillips said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time leading the Blues but wanted to concentrate more on his family.

“My kids are at an age now where they’re starting to play a lot of sport. They play three games of netball on a Saturday, and things are a bit hard logistically to be able to get them to where they need to be,” he said.

“I’ve spent six years putting my family and my work second to footy, and I felt it was a good time to focus a bit more on supporting my kids with their sport and what they choose to do.”

While Kilmore only announced its coaching change on August 18, Phillips said the succession was a long time coming.

He said the Blues targeted the experienced Derrick, who has senior coaching experience at Essendon District club Roxburgh Park and fellow Northern Football Netball League, NFNL, division three team Mernda, as a potential replacement three years ago.

Phillips said the fact Derrick’s sons Ethan and Bailey played at Kilmore made it a natural fit.

“At the time when we got him across to coach the under 19s, we knew his boys were coming up from the juniors to the seniors,” he said.

“We thought it was an opportunity to get him to the club, because obviously he’s got a lot of coaching experience at senior level.

“I was only going to do it for five or six years anyway when I initially took over, so [he didn’t know] at the time … but we were hoping he would be keen to take over when I was done.

“It’s turned out that way, which is good. He’s had three years at the club now and all the players know him and love him.”

Phillips took over at the Blues in 2016 – their first season in the NFNL, during which they won only two games.

The Blues improved steadily under his leadership, playing finals for the first time in nearly two decades in 2019.

Phillips said he rued seasons lost to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 – two seasons in which he expected Kilmore to compete for a premiership.

“Our list was probably primed for what we thought would be our biggest opportunities in 2020 and 2021 to win [a flag],” he said.

“A few of the guys are getting a bit older now and getting to that point where they’re starting to retire, so it’s probably a good time for ‘Desi’ to come in as a new voice and rejuvenate the list a little bit and change things up.”

While a finals win eluded Phillips, he said he had plenty of good memories and ne regrets from his tenure.

“Beating St Mary’s by one point at home [in 2017] was a good one, and Panton Hill at home when we had 12 blokes out and played a lot of reserves and young kids. They were two good wins,” he said.

“Making finals was a big one for the first time in 20-odd years at the club.

“But the mateships that I’ve forged over the years with guys have been the main highlight.

“I would have loved to have won a final, but that’s not something you can change. I can’t say I didn’t give it everything from a coaching perspective.”

Phillips said he would remain connected to Kilmore ‘behind the scenes.

“I’ll help ‘Desi’ where he needs it. I’ll be helping with recruiting and sorting contacts, but nothing on game day,” he said.

Wallan primary school kicking goals for life skills

Pam Kiriakidis
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Wallan primary school kicking goals for life skills

By Pam Kiriakidis

Wallan Primary School and Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School students broke down barriers while participating in a Soccer COPPS Program last week.

About 20 police members and representatives from Football Victoria, Football Australia and Bully Zero coordinated the day, strengthening bonds with students from grades three to six at Wallan Football Netball Club.

Grade three and four students were the first group to kick soccer goals with the Victoria Police Soccer Club and other sporting organisations, enjoying the sight of a police chopper flying by.

Coordinator and Acting Sergeant Vincent Manno said the program had great potential, incorporating sport and life skills to prevent risk-taking behavior, especially from a young age.

“Sport is a vehicle; sport is the key and we’re using that basically to get that message across. Whilst kids are doing something they are enjoying, their ability to learn and their ability for their mind to be open to be educated is incredibly important,” he said.

“Bottom line is we’ve got to start them young. Kids are like sponges, and if you teach them the right way from the word go, they will take on the positive messages.”

Acting Sgt Manno founded the event in 2001 when he organised games for youths from different cultural backgrounds and marginalised groups.

The games eventually developed into an opportunity for Acting Sgt Manno to use his police skills and knowledge of soccer as a key learning model.

The program has since involved more than 14,300 students, and partners with Victoria Police Soccer Club.

Senior Constable Ryan Coleman spoke to students he had bonded with in their classrooms through his work as a youth specialist officer for Victoria Police.

“We do a lot of educational discussion in their classrooms about bullying, the laws, what you can and can’t do,” he said.

Sen Const Coleman said the day focused on students asking questions and creating memories with their peers.

“If it’s just us kicking the ball with them and having fun then that’s a successful day for us,” he said.

Football Victoria schools program manager Bradley Atholwood conducted clinics for two hours, running soccer games that allowed students to find their voice and confidence.  

“The whole point of the soccer clinics is pretty much to show teamwork, show comradery, and reinforce what Vincent told them … about their social responsibilities,” he said.

The non-profit organisation works alongside government sectors during the year, hosting events in Victorian schools that needed sporting outlets.

Mr Atholwood said the session established further connections with the police, collaborating to spread good messages.

Wallan Primary School’s grade three teacher Rebecca Spadijer said the students enjoyed kicking soccer balls with peers from another school and police officers.

“It’s such a great message that students can see and always being reminded about the positive aspects, and how the Victoria Police help the community,” she said.

Broadford Secondary College to celebrate diamond anniversary

The North Central Review
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Broadford Secondary College to celebrate diamond anniversary

By Colin MacGillivray

A call is out for past students, teachers and families of Broadford Secondary College to contact the school as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

On October 8 the school will throw its doors open to the public with a special anniversary ceremony that will include a welcome to country by Taungurung elder Aunty Jo Honeysett, an address from the principal and school council president and speeches by past students and staff.

Current students will cater with a barbecue and Devonshire teas, and attendees can contribute to a visitors’ book on arrival.

The school also plans to unveil a plaque from its original opening, as well as a new logo.

Assistant principal Cathy Coppinger said she hoped to have one speaker from each of the past six decades, and called on school alumni to make contact before the event.

“We’re hoping to have representatives from each decade say a few words about their experience at the school. They might be ex-students or ex-teachers or other staff members,” she said.

“We’ve already got one of the original staff members coming from Gippsland, and she’s agreed to say a few words. She was one of the 1961 staff, and I think there were only five staff members at the time.

“We’re putting a call out for any former students, staff members or parents and families who have spent time at the school over the years. We’re opening the school up so they can have a wander around and see how it’s changed.”

Broadford Secondary College opened at its current site on October 5, 1962.

For two years prior, a Broadford Higher Elementary School operated out of the town’s Masonic Hall, incorporating year seven and eight students.

Ms Coppinger said she had worked with Broadford Historical Society to create a display of photos and other memorabilia that would include items from the higher elementary school.

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People can email broadford.sc@education.vic.gov.au for more information.

Bolinda duo combine for win

Lauren Duffy
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Bolinda duo combine for win

By Len Baker

Bolinda part-owner and trainer Brent Lilley produced an ex-Kiwi filly by the name of Luella to register a first-up success in Australia by taking the Jet Roofing Pace at Kilmore trots on Thursday.

Having her first outing since June 19, Luella, a daughter of Sweet Lou and Stella Franco, was driven by neighbour Chris Alford and led easily from the pole, defying all challengers to score by 1.3 metres from Coveffe Hustler and Regality third 2.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.5.

Kilmore-based Ben Yole, a former Victorian who now lives in Tasmania, added another winner to his impressive CV in Victoria when Montana Flash, a four-year-old gelded son of Art Major-Classic Malibu was victorious in the Momentum Gaming Pace over 2180 metres.

Driven by Cody Crossland, Montana Flash came from last at the bell, three wide in the straight, to blow his rivals away and score by 7.2 metres from the pacemaker Bronski Moment and Shallow Beach, which trailed the leader easing outside him on the final bend to finish a head in arrears. The mile rate 2-03.4.

Another Bolinda winner on the night was five-year-old Art Major-Mes Cullen entire Major Mal for Vince Vallelonga in the 2180-metre Beraldo Coffee Pace.

The race was to change complexion approaching the home turn when the leader hung out badly allowing Steve Cleave’s Blazin Cracker trailing to receive a fluke inside passage to lead on turning.

But it was those out wide that swamped their rivals with both Major Mal, five wide, and Arden Roanoke inside him drawing clear.
In a punishing finish, Major Mal scored by a head in 2-00.1, with Heaven Attracts third, 9.5 metres back.

It doesn’t happen all that often, but Monegeetta based Nick Beale, attached to the David Miles stable, snared a winner at his first race drive when Priddy Sublime scored in the New Life Laser Therapy Pace over 1690 metres.

Beale’s win with the four-year-old Art Major-Our Priddy Diva mare, trained by Miles for the Pridmore family and friends, gave him a thrill of a lifetime.

Scorching away from outside the front line, Priddy Sublime led virtually throughout to reach the wire 2.9 metres clear of Good Feelings, which trailed using the sprint lane, and Gauci third, two metres away. The mile rate 1-59.2.

Cranbourne training duo Craig and Tony Jamieson brought two wins in the space of two days when Mojito Madness snared the Buds and Branches Florist 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres, giving Chris Alford the first of two winners on the night.

Ardmona’s Donna Castles landed the TAB Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres with honest six-year-old mare Dances in a rate of 2-05.6.

Extricated to be three wide on turning, Dances ran on best to gain the day by 1.4 metres over Mystic Chip from last, who’s driver Monique Burnett was deserved of the drive of the night after never leaving the markers.

Lemnos trainer Russell Jack combined with Leigh Sutton aboard Captaintreacherous-Precocious Stride gelding Bravo Stride to capture the 2180-metre Carlton and United 2Y0 Pace.

The Grays Bendigo 3Y0 Pace over 2180 metres gave Russell Jack and Leigh Sutton a double when Heston Blue Chip-Miss Elvira gelding Will He Pike scored in 2-01.3.

Mt Cottrell part-owner and trainer Ian Caruana was successful with most consistent Jemstone Glory in the MC Security Pace over 2180 metres, in a mile rate 2-00.6.

The next Kilmore harness races are on Thursday, September 8.

Seymour FM move supported by Broadford Secondary students

The North Central Review
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Seymour FM move supported by Broadford Secondary students

Broadford Secondary College senior students are transforming 103.9 Seymour FM, as the community radio station plans to move to Chittick Park Precinct.

Year 10 and 11 students undertaking the Vocational Education and Training Building Course are leading the construction – building two broadcast studios and undertaking a few minor works to implement a common room and training space for the 40-plus Seymour FM volunteers.

Work is being completed under the watchful eye of teacher and Seymour FM vice president Greg Sharp.

The new Pollard Street location will allow the community radio station to extend its broadcast offerings.

The building, owned by the Mitchell Shire Council, was the former site of a maternal and child centre and had not been in operation for many years.

Part of the construction was funded by the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program and further money will be sought to help the relocation.

After an arson attack in 2020, the radio station had to rebuild its transmitter, and president Ruth Yeatman said moving to a new building would begin the next phase of the community station’s growth.

Ms Yeatman said the move later this year would bring exciting new plans, focusing on the celebration of 21 years the community station has been delivering.

“We are still so humbled by the generosity shown to us after the fire and we wish to share this good news story to the community to inform our supporters of where we are now and where we hope to be in the future,” she said.

“It’s a fitting time for us to relocating as we also celebrate 21 years of delivering community radio to our region this year. More exciting plans will be announced when Seymour FM moves into their new premises later this year.”

Seymour FM covers stories from Seymour and beyond, with access to the Community Radio Network catalogue of programs.

With the new facilities on the horizon, Seymour FM encourages more residents in Mitchell and Strathbogie shires to become involved with community radio.

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