First gala day for Rangers

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March 24, 2026

MITCHELL Rangers Soccer Club held its inaugural Gala Day for its juniors against Doreen United Soccer Club, with club president Rebecca Rolfe hailing the day as a win for the wider community.

A big day of action on Sunday saw 23 games played with 27 teams, bringing together over 320 players from both Mitchell Rangers and Doreen United, and over 1000 people in attendance to catch a glimpse of the region’s promising future talent across boys and girls soccer.

The day saw both the main pitch and the Broadford high school pitches utilised, while Mitchell Majors Baseball Club also assisted in providing a pitch to warm up on before games.

The final game of the day saw a joint under 16s, seniors and thirds game, ending with a penalty shootout.

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was in attendance, as was Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall.

Rolfe said she was hoping to make the day an annual event between the two northern corridor clubs.

“The spirit and camaraderie between the two clubs is great. We’re hoping to start a yearly event, and this is the inaugural one, so the work that goes behind this is immense,” she said.

“Volunteers, club committee members and the kids themselves have just been amazing. We always look forward to a competitive game all in good fun.”

Rolfe revealed that a female-focused gala day between Mitchell Rangers and Macedon Ranges is in the works for next week.

“Next week’s one will be focused on the girls, we do need a few more female players, juniors especially, up to the senior women,” she said.

“The Matildas has created the biggest and best advertisement. It’s a great sport to be involved in. The camaraderie, the teams, friendships and everything that’s made in this sport is just amazing.

“With the girls, the interest is there. We’ve been able to create so many girls’ teams, and it’s really good. We applaud the Matildas for that, the interest in getting the girls on board is amazing, so it’s not only a boy’s sport.”

An All-Abilities gala day is also on the table, with the team ready to make its return for the season ahead.

“The All-Abilities teams have had huge interest with returning coach Paul Sirianni. We’re hoping to have another gala day for those guys too in the future,” Rolfe said.

Meantime, Mitchell Rangers’ men’s teams returned to the pitch on Saturday, hosting Old Trinity Grammarians.

The seniors fell to a 1-2 loss, with William Mulvey scoring Rangers’ goal, but it was a competitive return to a season where a restructure has seen them placed in the state league men’s 7 competition.

The reserves fell to a 1-3 defeat, but it was a successful first outing back in the competition.

Rolfe said a mixture of returning players and new players have given the club plenty of hope.

“The spirit is there. We would love to have some extra senior players around the club, but this season, there are a lot of returning players and some new players in the seniors and reserves,” she said.

The club hosts a second straight home game this Saturday, against Greenvale United.

Panthers return to action

Michael Thompson

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March 24, 2026

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IT was a mixed opening to the Big V season for Wallan, with two losses for the men’s team, but a big victory away from home for the women looking for a chance to bring a long-awaited premiership.

Wallan’s first trip was on Saturday night to Mornington, with the Panthers’ women tipping off first.

A dominant display in the last quarter helped the Panthers blow the margin out significantly over the Breakers, with a 26-5 last quarter turning a 20-point three-quarter-time lead into a 87-46 rout.

Returning point guard Ranika Guyton picked off where she left off from last season with a dominant display, getting to her spots with ease and shooting 12 of 21 to finish with 32 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Captain Emmie Gardiner again looks to be a walking double-double this season, owning the paint to finish with 19 points on nine of 15 shooting, while also collecting 12 boards, three assists, two steals and three blocks as she briefly flirted with a rare 5×5.

Mornington’s men were too strong for the Panthers in the following game, winning every quarter to take a 95-64 victory.

The Panthers struggled greatly to make its shots, shooting 23 of 67 across the night, while Mornington’s ability to draw fouls was also telling with 44 free throw attempts to 20 as the Breakers muscled their way into the paint.

Luke Cairns led all scorers for the Panthers, finishing with 14 points while shooting four of seven from three-point land, while Jayden O’Brien scored 13 points and Rhylee Leighton 10.

The men’s team returned on Sunday to host Mildura in its opening home game of the season, but despite the Jungle having the Panthers’ back, it was not to be as the Heat proved too strong, winning 120-77 and again winning every quarter.

Despite a promising first half, the Heat was able to overwhelm the Panthers as the game wore on.

Nathan Aikman had a good outing, finishing with 18 points, while O’Brien had 16, Cairns 12 and captain Lachlan Lombardo having 11.

Wallan’s youth league women were sadly no match for Surfcoast, losing 105-37 on Saturday afternoon.

Olivia Sweet led all scorers with 11 points for the Panthers, while Maleah Munokoa scored 10.

The youth league men had a good battle with Altona, but the Gators shot away in the last quarter to win 88-78 after leading by one at the last change.

Leighton had an incredibly efficient afternoon to finish with 25 points on 11 of 17 shooting, while collecting seven boards, while Kaleb Graham had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Wallan will host Shepparton and Sherbrooke respectively in Big V action on Saturday night.

A region showcase

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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MELBOURNE International Flower and Garden Show returns with bold new gardens, immersive floral installations and twilight experiences for all ages to enjoy later this month.

The five-day event features world-class landscape designs, floral displays, and workshops at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne between Wednesday, March 25, and Sunday, March 29.

As part of the show, Growers Avenue, presented by Dish the Dirt podcast, will feature Macedon Ranges growers and florists.

Bec Noble, host of Dish the Dirt podcast said: “This is about bringing a flower farm to the city. We are recreating the stories, the passion and the people behind the blooms, so visitors can connect directly with the growers themselves.”

“Across Australia, we are seeing a new wave of micro and regenerative flower farmers, many of them young families in regional communities, who are growing with sustainability and lifestyle at the heart of what they do. That’s something worth celebrating.”

Representatives and founder of the Macedon Ranges Flower Collective at the show include Erin Gray of Lombardy Farm, Liv Coutts of Pemberley of Malmsbury, Andrea Matthews of Malmsbury Flowers, Trudi Reilly of Fat Magpie Farm and Sarah Rogers of Bunch Farm.

A major new addition to the 2026 program is Wildplace Children’s Garden, an immersive play garden designed to reconnect children with the outdoors.

Additional highlights include the Balcony Garden Competition presented by Bunnings Warehouse, the Border Garden Competition presented by Yates and the Australian Unity Hanging Basket Competition, alongside the Challenger Achievable Gardens Competition showcasing 12 gardens by emerging landscape designers.

For more information and to book discounted tickets, visit melbflowershow.com.au

Still time to have a say

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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THE deadline for submissions to the parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s 2026 summer bushfires has been extended to Sunday, April 19, giving fire-affected communities more time to share their experiences and recommendations.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the extension would ensure those directly impacted by the fires have an opportunity to be heard.

“This summer has been one of the hardest our region’s firefighters have faced. From Goomalibee to Longwood and into the Strathbogie hills, families, farmers and volunteers have lived through devastating bushfires that have left a deep mark on our communities,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Our firefighters were tested in ways we have not seen in recent years. Despite their extraordinary efforts, a number of challenges were exposed, including ageing equipment, communications issues, pressure on volunteers and difficulties with infrastructure such as quick fill sites.”

Ms Cleeland said the inquiry was an important opportunity to turn the lessons of the fire season into improvements for the future.

Ms Cleeland encouraged anyone with experience of the fires to consider making a submission.

Ms Cleeland said her office could also assist residents who may need help preparing their submission.
Submissions can be made through the Victorian Parliament website www.parliament.vic.gov.au/2026firesinquiry before April 19.

Youth Council elected

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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THIRTEEN passionate young people from across the City of Whittlesea have officially begun their two-year term as the municipality’s 2026 Youth Council, taking over from the inaugural youth council.

The Youth Council reflects the diversity of City of Whittlesea’s young population, bringing together a mix of ages, cultures, genders, localities and interests. At the March meeting, Emma Fasciani and Gabrielle Charman were elected to lead the City of Whittlesea’s Youth Council for the next 12 months as Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor. The group will meet monthly to discuss matters referred to them by Council.

The Youth Council empowers young people to have a voice in local decision-making and actively shape initiatives that impact their community by advising Council on issues, policies and initiatives that impact young people across the municipality, championing youth voice by creating meaningful opportunities for young people to be heard and involved in civic life, advocating for the needs and aspirations of young people in City of Whittlesea, highlighting the opportunities and challenges they experience and providing insight and feedback on Council projects, strategies and decisions that affect young people.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said he was excited for the new council.

“I’m thrilled to welcome the 2026 Youth Council and look forward to seeing how their passion, creativity, and ideas will help shape our community. Their voices are vital in ensuring Council decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of young people across the City of Whittlesea,” he said.

“This Youth Council brings together a diverse group of young people ready to make a difference. I am excited to see them advocate for their peers, share fresh perspectives, and play an active role in shaping programs and policies that matter to the next generation.”

Youth Mayor, Cr Fasciani, said she was ‘grateful’.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as Youth Mayor in 2026. I am committed to ensuring all voices within our community are heard and look forward to working alongside the other Youth Council members. I am excited to work towards creating positive and meaningful change,” she said.

Hub location identified

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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THE City of Whittlesea resolved to organise its business case for a new Youth Hub, resolving to nominate a space south of the Civic Centre nearby to be the preferred site.

Exhaustive work from council officers found four points to recommend to council, approving the Civic Centre South as the preferred site through the business case, allocating $4-6 million through the 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 budget allocation for design and deliver, continue advocating to the Victorian Government for external funding to support delivery and use the Youth Hub as a hub-and-spoke service model, with added spoke locations activating in due course.

This came after endorsing the proposal for a business case in December last year, which advocated for the potential of four sites across Epping and South Morang for its new Youth Hub.

In moving for the motion, Councillor Alan Lenberg said the continued support from the State Government was needed.

“I think that this is an amazing report on the Youth Hub, and it is exactly what council fed back to the executives,” he said.

“It’s very important that we do build this Youth Hub, but I would also like to make sure that (Member for Mill Park) Lily D’Ambrosio and (Member for Thomastown) Bronwyn Halfpenny get their hands deep in their pockets, because, obviously, it’s gone up from looking at $4 million up to about $6 million.”

Cr Aidan McLindon, in seconding the motion, outlined his excitement for a dedicated youth centre.

“This always excites me when we do things for the youth. It’s part of the bread and butter of local government,” he said.

“If the youth development team do nothing else this year, they’ve achieved more than enough, although the CEO, I’m sure, will keep them working on another project.

“These options that were put before us, I think, is the most sensible one going forward. It’s an asset not a liability. I do believe that down the track, we will be forever grateful we did that.

“I do also resonate and echo the point that we do need to continue to lobby the state government, because as I say, the idle time is linked to crime and we have seen an increase across the state, a little bit locally, but I think we do need to really get the state to dig deep as well, so that we can make sure that this is a huge success as I’m sure it will be.

“I look forward to it opening and everybody’s welcome.”

Yan Yean Road upgrade on track

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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CONSTRUCTION works are ramping up on the Yan Yean Road upgrade Stage 2.

The upgrade between Kurrak Road and Bridge Inn Road will make the road safer and improve traffic flow for more than 24,000 drivers who use Yan Yean Road every day.

The project will also make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle around Plenty, Yarrambat and Doreen.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King visited the site on Thursday.

Crews are currently building the new intersection at Yan Yean, Doctors Gully and Bridge Inn roads.

Since the start of the year, workers have focused on major earthworks behind safety barriers to create the foundations for new lanes and shared walking and cycling paths.

The next phase of works will relocate and protect underground services including water, gas, electricity and telecommunications.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said the Yan Yean Road upgrade project will make a real difference for the community.

“This is an important investment that will improve safety and congestion for the thousands of locals who rely on this road every day.”

While this work takes place, there will be some disruptions for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on sections of Yan Yean Road, Bridge Inn Road and Doctors Gully Road.

Motorists are encouraged to follow all signage and directions from traffic controllers.

Planning is also progressing well on the remaining section of the project between Orchard Road and Kurrak Road. Major construction on this section is on track to begin in mid-2026.

The upgrade is a joint investment between the federal and state governments.

State Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said this upgrade will not only improve traffic flow, it will also make it safer for locals to walk and cycle around their neighbourhood.

Broadford joins the clean-up efforts

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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BROADFORD Secondary School students combined with Broadford Primary School students on Tuesday morning in the name of community, participating in Clean-Up Australia day.

Years 11 and 12 students at the school combined with students from Broadford Primary School to clean the town’s parks and streets, improving the streetscapes and environment, while also providing valuable lessons on sustainability.

The strong collaboration of the secondary and primary school students was a highlight, as was the ability to make the event a success with the community’s support.

There was strong leadership from both Broadford Secondary School leaders and Broadford Primary School leaders as they looked to get the community cleaned up and looking presentable.

Nestle also joined in the fun, donating boxes of lollies to share among students on the day, showing the importance of partnerships between schools and businesses.

Grants to help regions thrive

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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LOCAL community groups with a mission for the betterment of their towns have help to achieve their goals.

They can apply for Greater Western Water’s 2026 Thriving Communities grants designed to empower projects that unite communities, celebrate identity and create lasting positive change across the GWW service region.

GWW General Manager Strategy and Partnerships Kessia Thomson said the grants were an opportunity for community-led ideas to thrive.

“Our region is vibrant, creative and full of passionate people who want to contribute to making it an even better place to live, work and enjoy. These grants are about giving those ideas the support they need to come to life,” Ms Thomson said.

“We have seen some wonderful projects in previous years, including the Lions Club of Riddells Creek, who created a new pollinator garden in the Lions Memorial Park Garden to attract bees and butterflies, complementing the existing sensory and Indigenous plant gardens while capturing stormwater for sustainable irrigation.”

“We are especially keen to see more applications focused on sustainable water use and caring for Country this year, so if that’s you, we encourage you to apply,” she said.

Designed to support the region’s growing and diverse population, Thriving Communities offers two levels of funding: grants of up to $5000, and grants of up to $20,000.

Grants of up to $5000 are available to grassroots organisations delivering one‑off community events, activities or place‑making projects that promote equity and inclusion.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available to non-profit organisations operating in our region for initiatives that create lasting community benefit, build local skills or support sustainable water use.

GWW, a Victorian Government corporation, provides water and recycled water supply, sewerage and trade waste services. It operates across 3700 square kilometres, including Lancefield.

Both tiers of grants require projects to be started or completed between July 1 this year and June 30 next year.

Applications for the grants are open now and close on April 22.

To find out more and to check your eligibility, visit gww.com.au/grants

A generic response as WFH debate widens

The North Central Review

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March 24, 2026

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VICTORIA’S Treasurer and Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes has declined to directly address concerns raised by sections of the business community about the State Government’s working from home policy, instead issuing a brief, generic response through a government spokesperson.

The Review asked Ms Symes whether she believed the government’s position strikes the right balance between workplace flexibility and the economic health of small businesses that rely on workers returning to offices and town centres.

Rather than addressing that question, Ms Symes’ office provided a short statement attributed only to a Victorian Government spokesperson.

“Work from home is good for the economy, because it saves families time and money and it gets more parents working,” the statement said.

“If you can work from home for a small business, you deserve the same rights as someone working for a big bank.”

The response made no reference to the concerns raised by small businesses, regional communities or local economies, and did not explain how the government believes those competing interests should be balanced.

For critics, the statement illustrates what they say has been a persistent feature of the government’s handling of the debate: broad slogans in place of detailed answers.

Much of the public discussion around working from home has centred on the impact on Melbourne’s central business district, with business groups warning about empty office towers, reduced public transport patronage and declining weekday trade for city retailers and hospitality venues.

But others argue that framing the issue purely around the fortunes of the CBD risks overlooking the wider economic implications across Victoria.

Over the past several years, the shift toward remote work has dramatically altered where people spend their time and money.

The broader question, critics say, is not simply where work takes place, but how economic opportunity is distributed across the state.

Regional Victoria has long argued it receives a smaller share of major investment and employment opportunities compared with Melbourne. For some observers, the current debate raises familiar concerns about whether state policy continues to be shaped primarily with the capital city in mind.

Against that backdrop, the lack of a direct response from the Treasurer’s office has only fuelled frustration among those seeking a clearer explanation of the government’s thinking.

As the debate over working from home continues to intensify, many businesses and regional communities are still waiting for a straightforward answer: how the government intends to balance flexibility for workers with the economic realities facing local economies.

For now, that answer remains elusive.