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MITCHELL Shire Council (MSC) found itself in an apparent ‘no-win’ position last Monday night regarding the decision of a permit for a drive-through coffee shop, before sticking with a common theme of the meeting to grant business in Seymour an opportunity to thrive.
Despite hearing 38 applications against the proposal, as well as a recommendation from council officers to refuse to grant a permit, an amendment, proposed by Councillor Andrea Pace, allowed the proposed coffee shop to live on.
Earlier in the evening, a permit was granted for a cinema complex on Tallarook Street, as was a decision on the future Hilldene Employment Precinct – both carried unanimously.
However, the coffee shop for 44 High Street – heard by eight councillors, with Cr Ned Jeffery excusing himself due to a conflict of interest – generated much discussion.
Cr Pace proposed amendments which would boost safety for drivers and pedestrians, while also addressing previous residential concerns.
“This application has raised understandable concerns from both council officers and members of the community, particularly around residential amenity and traffic safety,” she said.
“The officer recommendation before us is for refusal, primarily due to concerns about the potential impact on nearby residents, and the location of the site entry point within the roundabout.
“Having carefully considered the report, the submissions receive and the planning issues involved, I believe there is a responsible and balanced pathway forward that addresses these concerns while still allowing the business to operate.”
Amendments proposed included the installation of an acoustic barrier, traffic safety to manage entry and exit, a no-left-turn restriction onto Butler Street and a convex traffic mirror.
“The amendment also proposes reducing the height of the fence near the entrances to improve pedestrian visibility and sightlines for both drivers and pedestrians,” Cr Pace said.
“It allows a local business the opportunity to operate, contribute to our local economy and provide employment opportunities.”
“Our role as councillors is to weigh these matters carefully and determine whether reasonable conditions can create a better overall outcome.”
Cr Riley Evans agreed with Cr Pace, saying he wanted to welcome small business, not price them out of the shire.
“It’s great to see employment and money coming into our shire, so I want to reiterate what I said before. If people are listening or keeping an eye on where to invest, we are open to business. We want your money; we want your employment,” he said.
Cr Nathan Clark had concerns about how council might be perceived as a result of this decision in speaking against the amendment.
“We have a refusal by officers, the experts and it carries 38 objections from the community as well, so there’s a significant level of concern with it,” he said.
“The test here is not just legal compliance, that we’re trying to make sure it matches the planning scheme and if it fits in, it’s really a test of public confidence, which is quite a concern for me.
“I think that a reasonable observer might not see this as a neutral process, I think it’s a no-win scenario for council. If we refuse, it looks like it’s personal and political, but if we approve, it might give the impression to the community that people are doing things for their mates.”
In response, Cr Pace said she was making this decision for the betterment of the town, not to satisfy councillor needs.
“Firstly, I don’t do things for mates in here. I’m here for the community, not for anybody else,” she said.
“I didn’t know any of you prior to sitting in this seat, and I do not socialise with any of you. So, everyone can clear that out of their minds straight away.
“I am purely here for the town of Seymour … It’s just a straight-forward, business proposition, a business wants to start in my town, I want to make it as easy as possible so I can help my town.”
A vote followed, with Crs Pace, Evans, Bob Humm, Bob Cornish and John Dougall voting for it, Cr Claudia James and Clark voting against it, and Cr Timothy Hanson abstaining, which was a no vote.
Seymour resident Peter Malane outlined his dismay at the result.
In a statement to North Central Review, he said: “People of Mitchell Shire who may feel their representatives are elected to represent ratepayers, carefully review relevant documents and uphold codes of conduct may like to look very carefully at the outcome.
“Professional planners and directly affected residents have been overruled by colleagues of the applicant.”
A DEEP commitment to doing good and keep doing it well has earned the top laurel for a long-time Whittlesea local.
Well known for energetically spreading the message of good oral and environment health, Dr Swati Sharma has been saluted with the Whittlesea Council’s Citizen of the Year title.
A dentist, with 25 years’ experience in the profession, Dr Sharma has been practising in Epping for 15 years.
“I was actually pretty thrilled (to win the honour) because I wasn’t expecting to win. To be very frank I thought there must be lots of other people who have done lots of bigger things, so it was quite unexpected,” Dr Sharma told the Review. “It was pretty awesome feeling. I was grateful to the council, and if what you do in the society, if that’s recognised, it kind of boosts you to do more.”
Dr Sharma is not alone when lending a hand for various community projects in Whittlesea.
“I worked on quite a few projects in Whittlesea with my daughters – Hansikaa and Tanya. They have been doing a lot of more work.”
Dr Sharma delivers talks on maintaining good dental health at schools, temples and community gatherings. She has organised free dental camps for children, families and the elderly.
She has supported initiatives such as No More Balloons, No Butts About It, and Cycle of Change, focusing on environmental harm and promoting sustainable, dignified choices for young girls and the broader community.
From 2018 until last year, Dr Sharma served as the founder and secretary of the Sanskriti Community Group for Women, organising yoga, dance and cultural activities. She is Vice President of the Whittlesea Interfaith Network.
She has contributed to the Whittlesea Community Festival through the World Kitchen program and has been involved in the Carols by Candlelight celebrations.
Asked what motivates her for the prolonged community work, Dr Sharma said: “My greatest driving force is my kids. I wanted them to grow up not just hearing about values, but living them. That’s why we started community work when they were very young, so they could see firsthand what it means to give back. Whether it was environmental initiatives or supporting charities, the goal was always to lead by example.
“Also, I am proud of my Indian heritage, and I want to represent that in a positive way.”
At the heart of Dr Sharma’s work is a belief in karma. “I believe in doing good without expecting anything in return. It is about responsibility, giving back and making a positive difference wherever you can.”
Dr Sharma’s daughters have done her proud, reflecting the same spirit of community service. They have been recognised for their work. Hansikaa won the City of Whittlesea Young Citizen of the Year honour in 2022. The same year, Tanya received recognition as the Sustainable Citizen.
RELIEF and jubilation were the words on the minds of Eastern Hill after it delivered a comfortable seven-wicket win in the Gisborne District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield grand final, and with it, promotion to the McIntyre Cup.
After three years of trying, the Eagles finally broke through, set up by a dominant bowling performance on Saturday, before making every shot count with the bat on Sunday.
Diggers Rest elected to try to put the pressure on at Kings Park by batting first after winning the toss.
However, it was Nathan Fowler who delivered the perfect start for Eastern Hill, claiming the wicket of Jordon McDonald with the second ball of the game.
MARATHON STINT: Benjamin Bryant bowls in what was a lengthy first spell for Eastern Hill on Saturday.
Fowler and Benjamin Bryant did a number on the Diggers Rest batting lineup, not allowing the top order easy runs, and Fowler claimed another wicket when he took the wicket of Nathan Crosland for 15.
Diggers Rest had a decent patch, with captain Evan Long making 20 and Jacob Grant making 29, but it was hard work making runs, with Fowler and Bryant putting in a marathon stint.
DAY TO REMEMBER: Tim Rudd-Schmidt’s efforts to take four wickets on Saturday helped him claim the best on ground medal.
When the Eagles finally made a change, their plans had come off to perfection, with the fresh legs of Tim Rudd-Schmidt delivering in spades.
Rudd-Schmidt took four quick wickets to make mincemeat of the Diggers Rest middle order, who lost 5/30 after his rapid spell, which also saw Oscar Newell in the wickets with two of his own.
Bryant finished off the tail with two wickets.
Rudd-Schmidt finished with 4/22 off 13 overs in a spectacular spell, while Bryant (2/19), Newell (2/21) and Fowler (2/37) all contributed heavily.
Still, the Eagles needed to bat.
They faced 20 overs at the end of Saturday’s play, and were steady as they could get, making 29 runs for the loss of one wicket, that of Billy Cox for three.
On Sunday, Bryant helped Dean Fulco pick up the pace, and it ensured that the Eagles would always have the upper hand, despite Diggers Rest getting a small look at putting pressure on after claiming Bryant’s wicket for 24.
Newell came to the crease and started putting together some good shots, and despite Fulco departing for 26, it never looked likely that the Eagles would lose.
Newell and Fowler finished off the job, with Newell unbeaten on 24, and Fowler making 23 off 18 to get the job done.
A relieved Eagles’ captain Seamus Feery said they finally got the one they wanted.
“I’m somewhat relieved after missing the last few, but I’m really excited about going up into McIntyre Cup next season. To ace the season, a lot of things have to go your way, and some guys had incredible seasons, so to get that win, I’m ecstatic,” he said.
“The young guys have stuck together, they are eager and it wasn’t a true reflection of their talent or how they’d go in seasons. Last year was fantastic, and Wallan and Tallarook have been deserved winners against us in years prior.
“You get yourself into a big dance and you never know what will happen, but to get yourself in that position is important, but it’s more important to have groups that stick together with some good leaders that have really matured.
“I think it was important for them to get to the other side and know they can win these.”
Feery paid tribute to his team, in particular, best-on-ground Rudd-Schmidt.
“The depth of talent has allowed us to play a far more aggressive and free-flowing game than we otherwise would be able to, but to have Oscar Newell come over from England, having Nathan Fowler in, having a great deal of depth and blokes having career-best seasons across the board, it’s great,” he said.
“Credit to Tim, he is relentless with what he does every week. And it’s why he’s in the squad, you know exactly what you’ll get with him, he makes it uncomfortable for batters and he’s ever dependable.
“It’s beautiful for Tim to get that best-on, it’s just desserts for him, he travels up the highway from Brunswick every single week and has done it for a long time because he loves this club, loves this place and just wants to come here and be a part of it. It’s really fitting.”
Rudd-Schmidt reflected on his efforts in victory.
“I travel an hour and a half every week and shirk all my other responsibilities, so it’s nice to go play cricket and go home again,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have got the four wickets if it wasn’t for the pressure than Nathan and Ben put on early, and then the batsmen are looking for the first-change bowler to think they have to have a crack, so I benefit from them being aggressive towards me.
“We bowled them out for 104, but I was still very nervous, so it was great to get it done early.”
Feery said he was looking forward to bringing McIntyre Cup cricket to Kings Park next season.
“We think if we can keep this group together in McIntyre next season, we’ll be more than competitive, and it’s driven the group along to play better cricket, and the boys get another opportunity at that,” he said.
“I know the association and teams come over and look forward to playing on our facility, a lot of voluntary hours go into making this place what it is.”
A great day for Eastern Hill was made even better by an epic victory in the Johnstone Shield seconds’ competition.
AT THE DOUBLE: Peter Speechley hits a shot in the Eagles’ epic B grade premiership win.
Batting first, Eastern Hill negotiated a ferocious early spell from Diggers Rest bowler Jason Storey, with Tayte Hoefchen making a composed 48, while Brayden Speechley’s 33 and Peter Speechley’s 27 also gave the Eagles good impetus.
Eric Loweke’s crucial 31 helped the Eagles make 178 on the first day’s play.
TUCKED IN: Hayden Szczykulski plays at a shot that nipped up to his bat for Eastern Hill.
For much of the second day’s play, it looked as though Diggers Rest would have the ascendancy, but a mighty marathon effort from Fraser Lewis saw him almost single-handedly turn the tide.
Lewis claimed wickets at crucial times to make a mess of Diggers Rest’s top order, middle order and the tail, including the key scalp of Michael West for 74, as he took 6/42 off a scarcely believable 30.3 overs.
This ensured Eastern Hill would bowl Diggers Rest out for 168, claiming a 10-run victory in a memorable contest.
THE Whittlesea Pacers are back in action for the Big V basketball season, but it was a tough start for the men, while the women had a first-up bye.
The men’s Pacers had the opportunity to kickstart their season at home on Saturday night as it hosted Chelsea at the Mill Park Basketball Stadium.
An even start in the first quarter saw both teams essentially go bucket-for-bucket in the opening stages, with Chelsea eventually building up a four-point lead at the first change, leading 27-23.
After Whittlesea made a promising start to hit the front after scoring the first two buckets of the second quarter, Chelsea started to make its move, going on an 10-2 run to lead by nine midway through the term, before finishing on a 21-3 run to pull away and lead 59-42 by the main break.
The Pacers desperately needed a response, and the early stages of the third quarter suggested they would look to make a move, again scoring the first five points of the term as they did in the second quarter.
But Chelsea had plenty of scoring ammunition and it came to pass throughout the third term, taking control of the game and extending the margin to a game-high 30 points.
The Pacers had a good finish to the term to reduce the margin to 23 points, trailing 61-84 with one term to play.
Whittlesea was hoping for a good finish, and it did reduce the margin to 19 points at one stage, but Chelsea was able to score for fun in an entertaining last quarter which saw it score 37 points to the Pacers’ 31.
Matthew Fennell was sensational for the Pacers, scoring 26 points and collecting 10 rebounds as he looked to crash the glass on every opportunity, while Jalen Salon scored 12 points, and Brendon Young and Oscar Percy 11 apiece.
Whittlesea’s youth league men had no luck on Saturday night, lowering its colours to Darebin by 21 points.
The second quarter was all the difference for the Phoenix, who went on a 30-9 run to turn what was a two-point deficit into a 19-point lead at the main break, before holding firm throughout the rest of the night to win 81-60.
Riley Dorsett was Whittlesea’s best scoring option, going at a perfect seven for seven from the field to finish with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Lachlan Hoobin, Petar Talevski, Joshua Pratt and Hayden Lucas-Gunn scored seven points apiece for the Pacers.
Whittlesea’s youth league women also took defeat, losing to Western Port by 33 points.
The Pacers lost every quarter as Western Port proved much too strong, eventually losing 97-64.
Amy Temos led from the front for Whittlesea, scoring 16 points, while Peyton Burns scored 11. Shanai Hale flirted with a double-double with seven points and nine rebounds.
The Pacers women will travel to Camberwell for its first game of the season, while the men’s team travels to Bulleen this weekend.
WHITTLESEA Council handed out 2026 community awards to the municipality’s high achievers at a recent function.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said the awards recognise and shine a light on the many wonderful people who go above and beyond for others in the community.
“Congratulations to our 2026 City of Whittlesea community award recipients, and to all those who were nominated. Your commitment to our community and helping others reflects the values of so many within our community, and we thank you for helping to make the City of Whittlesea an even better place for all.”
Senior Citizen of the Year: Barrie Stewart
Barrie’s involvement in developing and running the Big Man’s Luncheon is a testament to his commitment to helping others in the community. The program provides meals and encourages mateship between participants, helping those in need. Barrie also volunteers his time at the Whittlesea Community Garden and Whittlesea Community House, helping with gardening, maintenance and a range of other activities.
Young Citizen of the Year: Mia Llewellyn
Mia, 18, has been a volunteer firefighter at the South Morang CFA since she was 16 years old. She has attended more than 150 call-outs and recently spent three days at the Longwood bushfire with the Yarrambat Fire Brigade. Mia also recently joined the Mernda CFA.
Access and Inclusion Citizen of the Year: Ahmed Abumeis
As a Youth Councillor and active member of the Cultural Connections Group and Amplify programs at the City of Whittlesea, Ahmed advocates for young people from diverse and multicultural backgrounds. As a youth leader and soccer coach, Ahmed trains and mentors players of all abilities.
Sustainable Environment Citizen of the Year: Liz Buckley
A retired teacher, Liz volunteers at Wollert Community Farm and plays an active role in conserving the Curly Sedge Creek. She is also a founder member and pioneer of the Whittlesea Climate Action Network and volunteers at Mernda Neighbourhood House.
TOTAL criminal offences rates rose in Macedon Ranges and Whittlesea local government areas in 2025 as compared to the previous year, new data released by Victoria Police last Thursday shows.
In Mitchell Shire, recorded crimes fell down by 0.8 per cent in 2025 – 3692 – as compared to the previous year – 3720 (per 100,000 people).
But some areas recorded red marks, with Kilmore’s criminal tally rising to 479, compared with 408 the previous year. Beveridge has the worst tally, rising to 524 from 384.
Street offences recorded tally rose to 537 from 484. Family order breaches in Wallan rose to 420 from 416.
Macedon Ranges had a 3.4 per cent rise in criminal incidents – 1958 in 2025 compared to 1894 the previous year. The worst tally was in Kyneton, rising to 536 from 483.
In the Whittlesea LGA, total criminal incidents had a 7.7 per cent increase – 13,890 in 2025 compared with 12,892 in 2024. Epping tally rose to 3353 from 3029, Lalor 1174 from 1103, and Mernda 1142 from 1024. Thefts from motor vehicles in Epping rose to 2453 from 1891.
Mitchell Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Darron Huffer said even with the rapid population growth across southern Mitchell, it is reassuring to see that the focused police response – bolstered by Wallan being a 24-hour station with increased patrol numbers – is yielding tangible, positive results for the community.
“The data shows a pleasing 5 per cent drop in crimes against the person and a 28 per cent decrease in residential and aggravated burglaries,” Insp Huffer said.
“However, while these reductions are encouraging, they also remind us that staying safe is a partnership. Police are rightly urging homeowners to remain vigilant by locking doors and windows and advising car owners to consider preventive measures like on-board diagnostic port lock and off-street parking to deter increasingly tech-savvy thieves.
“Perhaps most significantly, we are also seeing a vital shift in how we address family violence. While breaches are a growing concern statewide due to the misuse of technology and social media, the dedicated work of specialist family violence detectives is building the trust and confidence for victims to come forward and report. Seeing these dedicated resources assigned to support affected family members is a major win for our community’s wellbeing.”
In Victoria, there were 630,592 criminal offences recorded last year – an increase of 25,250 or 4.2 per cent.
The crime rate, which factors in population growth, rose by 2.4 per cent (8885.5 offences per 100,000 people).
Car theft has reached its highest levels in a calendar year since 2001, with more than 32,000 cars stolen last year. Over the past three years, the number of cars being stolen has risen by 96.9 per cent.
Retail theft offences last year were 41,547 – a rise of 2393 offences.
Aggravated home burglaries were down for the first time since 2020, falling by 4.1 per cent, 7151 offences, down from 7458.
Police said while this is positive, aggravated burglaries remain at the second highest levels in history, with significant ongoing police work required to achieve sustainable reductions in home break-ins.
Overall offences committed by child offenders increased (23,690 offender incidents, up 2.3 per cent).
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said while it’s heartening that crime appears to be stabilising, it will take time before offending reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria.
“With 230,213 different victims of crime, we are seeing far too many innocent community members harmed.
“This is simply not acceptable as we want Victorians to not only be safe but feel safe in their community. Our officers are remarkably efficient at holding prolific and dangerous offenders accountable, with thousands of youth gang arrests, record knife seizures, and family violence offenders locked up every half hour.”
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said there is more work to do to keep the community safe, but “we can already see the tougher bail laws are working and offending by young males is now falling.”
“Crime is still unacceptably high and there are too many victims in the community. That’s why we delivered ‘Adult Time’, toughened bail laws, and backed Victoria Police with more powers.”
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said: “Labor has abandoned residents in Epping, Mernda, and Whittlesea by closing local police stations on nights and weekends, while crime keeps going up.”
THERE is a famous video that every once so often does the rounds on YouTube. In it, Curtis Strange interviews a young Tiger Woods about what he wants to achieve at his first tournament, with Tiger telling Strange “I want to win”. Strange, essentially shrugging aside Tiger’s ambition, replies: “You’ll learn”.
History goes on to tell people that Tiger becomes arguably the greatest golfer of all time. Eighty-two PGA Tour wins; 15 major championship wins and a hall of famer to boot. Indeed, he learned.
Over at Broadford, the Kangaroos know they won’t become an overnight sensation like Tiger. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But, similar to Tiger, they have their open doubters.
Those ambitions to learn, get better and put together a solid footprint in its first season in the Bendigo Football Netball League similarly being met with ambiguous, metaphorical “you’ll learn” statements from people outside the inner circle.
Broadford knows there will be tough days ahead on the field as it starts back up.
But Broadford’s faithful aren’t shying away from the challenge, either.
The club, through a very-welcoming president Bonnie Cavanagh-Welch, has had a unique challenge – and opportunity – to rebuild after two years in recession.
Cavanagh-Welch has worked hard to bring Broadford back to life, bringing together a policy of driving youth through the club both at junior level and senior level.
Former AFL player and Bendigo Football Netball League coach Nathan Thompson is in charge of the seniors, while a recent appointment – former Calder Cannons talent ID Ian Kyte – will be the Kangaroos’ Head of Development and Pathways.
Clearly, the club has identified the need to keep the juniors around long-term to succeed first and foremost – the future of the club.
GOOD VIBES: Broadford footballers warm up ahead of an eagerly-awaited round one matchup against South Bendigo.
Talk to anyone around the club, and they know it’ll be a long build, but they’re just excited to come back to Saturday afternoon football and netball at Harley Hammond Reserve.
Thompson is seeing first-hand the impact of bringing the community back its Saturday afternoon winter pride and joy.
“The club and the community have been so welcoming. It’s a passionate thing for me to be involved in community football, especially a small community like Broadford,” he said.
“They are very much a footy town, a sporty town and it’s something that I think is very important to make sure we have this hub, this network and this sporting club as a big part of their town, and we know that everyone from a community point of view is excited to come down.”
Thompson acknowledges there are off-field challenges on top, particularly trying to ensure there’s enough to keep the Broadford community playing sport.
“There’s infrastructure being worked on, the town needs it. We will need more grounds. It’s been so hard to find a ground to train on, but with the amount of junior football clubs, cricket, soccer, the town does need more grounds. It’s not just about footy, it’s about all sports, getting the kids outside, getting players outside to train on,” he said.
“It’s amazing to see the kids train before us, plenty of under 12s, 14s, 16s becoming a part of it. It’s what it’s all about, small clubs will not survive without the kids coming through, and what we need to provide is an enjoyable, fun, healthy environment for them to come and play sport and enjoy themselves. That’s the bigger picture.”
Cavanagh-Welch’s husband, Jayden, is excited about the prospect of pulling on the blue and white stripes once again.
“It’s good to finally get here. A mountain of work has been done behind the scenes over the last couple of years,” he said.
“It’s been big around the town. You run into people down the road and they’re always talking about it. The town’s missed it, we’ve missed it.”
Jayden put into perspective the challenges Broadford face, compared to established Bendigo powerhouses such as Sandhurst and Eaglehawk.
“To implement a game plan to 60-70 blokes on our list, structures, it’s been a mission. Most teams are teaching four or five players structure, but we’re teaching 60-70. It’s a big job. We won’t have it downpat from day one, it’ll take half a year to get it right,” he said.
The new-look Broadford have made an impact on new recruits too – one that is headlined by gun recruit, and former AFL player Quinton Narkle – while also luring a number of local football stars from within and out of town too.
Take Seymour local Oliver Lubeck, who made the move from Northern Football Netball League club Banyule over the off-season.
“I’m originally an out-of-towner from Seymour, moved to Melbourne for a year, but I came back to the local area and it’s awesome to see the community. It’s not my community, but to put smiles on faces of the local legends you’ve heard about growing up, it’s inspiring and pushing the group to do it for them and the town. It’s greater than just the 22 out there on gameday,” he said.
Lubeck has been won over by the community in quick time.
“In a strong league like the Bendigo Football Netball League, it’s inspiring and it gives us a real pleasure to put on for the locals. It’s a special feeling to wear the jumper with pride and showcase what the team has been working on week-to-week,” he said.
“For me, there’s no limit. It’s the first year, it’s the unknown, so it’s scary, but for us, we’re buying into that.”
Newly appointed team manager Graham Milner is one of many who’s just excited to see Saturday afternoon footy back at Harley Hammond.
“We know things will be tough in this league, but you have to make a start somewhere. But they’ve made their start and we hope the players put up a reasonable performance, maybe a few wins,” he said.
“The exciting thing is that the town has their football club back, and it’s the talk around the town, that they can’t wait to come over and see the opening game as they have their football back. It’s been open since 1890; there’s a lot of history behind it and a lot of premierships.”
It’s not just the footballers and community who are benefitting from the town getting to enjoy the club’s return as well.
After two years of playing on Friday nights as part of the Northern Football Netball League, the club gets to enjoy Saturday afternoon netball at home once again.
READY TO RETURN: Broadford’s netballers are relishing a return to their home court at Harley Hammond Reserve.
A grade coach Jaimie Hooper says the club is ready to challenge what is a strong competition.
“It’s fantastic. The league has been good and supportive. We feel supported, our teams are ready to rock, and they’ve been training since November with a lot of conditioning and strengthening,” she said.
“It was exciting the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL) gave us the opportunity to continue playing when the club went into recess. It was hard times for the club as a whole, but working with them was great. We had multiple teams in finals, we won a premiership, we even played over summer.
“I’ve been at the club 21 years this year. To have new courts and the new ones coming up, plus the progression at Harley Hammond itself, the committee of management are doing a brilliant job with the council.
The netball side of the club have also confirmed they’ll remain affiliated with the NFNL throughout summer as a means of keeping fit.
So, on to March 28.
The club plays South Bendigo first up – a team that finished fourth with 11 wins on the football field last season as it shot up the ladder with smart recruiting, while also managing to finish fourth in the A grade netball competition as well.
So sure, Broadford might have to learn in the early days. But they are certainly hoping they will offer a point of difference very soon to prospective recruits who want to challenge themselves in the Bendigo league.
A SEYMOUR District Cricket Association A grade grand final from the top shelf has delivered Tallarook a victory which truly came from the clouds, nullifying a gallant Seymour at the death to win by 12 runs at Tallarook Recreation Reserve.
The men in red and blue have now won four premierships in a row, but clearly, this was the hardest of the lot to win, given Seymour, for much of the day, had the upper hand.
Sending Tallarook in, Seymour clearly had a plan to put the opening partnership under pressure, and for the first half of the innings, the Maroons executed their plan to perfection, with runs coming at a premium.
The score got to 63 for Tallarook before Seymour got its first breakthrough, with youngster Hamish Melville making a composed 24 before hitting a Hugh Smith ball straight to Luke Woolan.
The dangerous Lachlan Watts came to the crease, and he was able to release the shackles somewhat for Tallarook by delivering a run-a-ball 43 off 45 balls.
That helped get the score to 128, before Braidon Horkings trapped him in front.
Tallarook still needed bulk runs, and it was Leigh Irving which provided some entertainment in a short stay at the crease which delivered 24 runs off 13 balls.
A constant was Joshua Rudge for Tallarook. He carried his bat throughout the innings and was rewarded handsomely with 53 as Tallarook made 3/171 off its 45 overs.
Considering Seymour’s bowling efforts, it was an excellent effort from Tallarook to make 171.
FANTASTIC 50: Brett Gordon’s 61 gave Seymour a big chance of winning, with some terrific shots in a classy innings.
What it did do was make Seymour play aggressively right from the start of their innings, and it was Brett Gordon who wasn’t shying away from the challenge, hitting 10 runs in the opening over to send a message that the Maroons were going to give it everything.
Tallarook got its first little look when it dismissed Hugh Smith for 10 through Ben Trezise, before Watts caught Cameron Evans off his own bowling to leave Seymour 2/47.
Cameron Evans plays a shot for Seymour.
The reliable Lachlan Drummond came in and helped Gordon pick up the pace, and for a long time, it looked as though it would be Seymour who would cruise to the target.
That was set up by Gordon, who had made a composed 50, playing some magnificent shots to the boundary along the way.
At one stage, the Maroons were 2/124, needing a further 48, but it was youngster Blake Munari-O’Dwyer who would come in and inspire his teammates against the tide.
BEST ON: Blake Munari-O’Dwyer’s four-wicket haul gave him best-on-ground honours.
While Munari-O’Dwyer had conceded a number of runs in his first short spell, his ability to trap Drummond in front for 39 was a gamechanger.
At the start of the 34th over, Munari-O’Dwyer also delivered the key ball of a match with many twists and turns, one which nipped up and clattered into Gordon’s castle for 61.
It was still up to Tallarook, who desperately needed wickets and dot balls, with Seymour needing 31 off the last 10 overs and in front of the game.
Watts bowled a maiden to put the pressure on, before Munari-O’Dwyer delivered two wickets in five balls, claiming Daniel Bergowicz in front for LBW, before bowling Harvey Smith.
PACEMAN: Matthew Archibald was seeking wickets early in Tallarook’s bowling innings against Seymour.
When Matthew Archibald chipped in with the wicket of Jason Brown, the Maroons had suddenly lost 5/17.
Archibald took the wicket of Damian Murphy for six, before Tarkyn Dundon finished off the job with the final two wickets, and Tallarook had come from the clouds to claim a classic, winning by 12 runs, bowling Seymour out for 159.
Munari-O’Dwyer’s game changing spell brought figures of 4/38, and with it, the best-on-ground medal.
Relieved Tallarook captain Kalon Winnell paid tribute to the challenge from Seymour, as well as his young bowling attack which delivered a memorable win.
“It was probably the hardest fought one we’ve had out of the four premierships, but the pleasing thing was really our young fellas who brought it home. They are all under 21, which shows we have a good future,” he said.
“We’ve invested heavily with our kids, and we have some experienced players, but it was great to see the young players carry it. Seymour was very good competition.
“We’ve been in this position before when it was two-day cricket, the depth of our side is what we pride ourselves on, and all 13 players contributed.
“Seymour had great plans and were really disciplined, but the depth of our order got us going in the end.”
Winnell said there were big plans for Tallarook with a youth-driven future.
“The comp has picked up. You can see that by the standard of the grand final and the B grade, and we went back-to-back in the under 13s, and there’s some good young kids coming through there,” he said.
“Hamish Melville, a young 16-year-old opening the batting and batting well past drinks was really good.
“We’re hoping to get an under 16s up next year and have all sides back, and that would be a good thing for the league if we have more kids playing.”
Munari-O’Dwyer said it was the efforts of the other bowlers which allowed him to claim wickets at the death.
“The first spell wasn’t too great, but the second spell brought it back. It wasn’t just me that did it, Tarkyn Dundon finished it off well,” he said.
“Cricket is a funny game, we have to keep playing to the last ball, as you never know what happens, and it played in our favour.
“It’s good that all the young boys get a go, including Hamish Melville opening, he got a good 24, so there’s a lot of trust in the young people.”
Munari-O’Dwyer is setting sail for England and is hoping he takes his match-winning form with him as he prepares for a sojourn with the Duke ball.
“I’m hoping to carry my second spell through to my time in England, but it’s a new experience and a new challenge, we’ll see what it brings,” he said.
In the B grade grand final, Pyalong delivered a 44-run win over Alexandra.
Batting first, Damien Zoch’s 41 and Jamie Biagioni’s 42 helped get Pyalong to 148, before a constant stream of wickets helped it get the job done, bowling Alexandra out for 104.
Paul Dugard took 4/30 off six overs, while Samuel MacDonald claimed 3/38 off nine overs.
Zoch was awarded the best on ground medal for his leadership and his 41, helping anchor the Pyalong batting innings.
JEFF Swain, who joined the Australian Army in 1968, has witnessed first-hand the battlefield devastation having been to the Vietnam War in 1969-70.
Mr Swain, now 78 and retired after a 41-year career with the defence force, including 16 years at Puckapunyal, had to face another battlefront when his beloved mud-brick home of 20 years in Highlands, near Seymour, was totally destroyed in the January 9 bushfires.
The house, which luckily escaped the 2006 Victorian bushfires because of a late favourable wind change, ran out of luck this time. Despite the big loss, Mr Swain keeps up the true soldier spirit of a realistic perspective with eyes on goal of rebuilding his life.
“It was only a house, with possessions that can be built again. The big thing is that myself and Geordie (his beloved pet kelpie) are safe. Bushfires remind you how quickly life can change. One moment you are at home, the next you are out and starting again,” he said.
“What makes the difference is knowing there are people and organisations who step in and help.”
Mr Swain is thankful of the “commendable support” of all locals, State Government and local organisations, including The Highlands Caravan Park, Middle Kinglake Primary School, the Vietnam Veterans Association (Goulburn Valley and Diamond Valley), the Defence Force Welfare Association, RSL Victoria, and various RSL sub-branches, including Seymour, Kilmore and Yea-Kinglake.
Now Mr Swain has another veterans’ group saviour. To ease Mr Swain’s pain, Vasey RSL Care has provided him a home at its newly completed ex-service accommodation site in Bundoora.
“I am thankful for the timely and thoughtful support (of Vasey RSL Care). The one-bedroom unit is modern and in a very convenient location close to amenities. I have not made long-term plans yet, but it is a great re-start in life to think about future plans and rebuild life.”
Vasey RSL Care Chief Executive Officer Janna Voloshin said providing safe and secure housing in times of crisis is central to the organisation’s mission.
“At Vasey RSL Care, we exist to serve those who served,” Ms Voloshin said.
“When veterans experience hardship — whether through bushfires, housing stress or other crises — our focus is on offering practical support that helps them recover and rebuild.
“Secure housing is fundamental to recovery and wellbeing. We are proud to provide Jeff with a permanent home after such a significant loss, and to ensure he and Geordie have not just a roof over their heads, but a supportive community around them.”
Completed in late December last year, the Bundoora development includes 20 new single-storey housing units designed to meet growing demand for secure, long-term housing for veterans.
Vasey RSL Care’s ex-service accommodation program provides affordable, secure, long-term housing to veterans and their families across Victoria.
