Local books, global impact

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January 27, 2026

A LOCAL book drive is giving residents a chance to support students thousands of kilometres away, with preloved books now being collected for village schools in Papua New Guinea.

Member for Euora Annabelle Cleeland has opened her Benalla electorate office as a drop-off point, encouraging families, schools and community groups to donate children’s and educational books.

Many remote communities in Papua New Guinea still face significant barriers to education, including limited access to basic learning materials.

Ms Cleeland said: “Something as basic as a book can make a huge difference to a child’s education.”

According to international education agencies, Papua New Guinea has some of the lowest literacy rates in the Pacific, particularly in rural and isolated areas where schools often lack libraries and teaching resources.

The Benalla office is accepting good-quality children’s books, early readers and educational texts suitable for both primary and secondary students. All donations will be distributed to village schools where resources are scarce.

Ms Cleeland thanked the community for its early support, saying the response reflected the region’s generosity.

Donations can be dropped off at 25 Bridge Street, East Benalla, during business hours. More information is available by contacting the office on 5762 1600.

Protect yourself, regional Victorians urged

The North Central Review

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January 27, 2026

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Protect yourself, regional Victorians urged

REGIONAL Victorians are far more likely to be diagnosed with, and die from, melanoma than people living in major cities, new data reveals.

Figures released by SunSmart from the latest Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) report show 3179 Victorians were diagnosed with melanoma in 2024, the deadliest form of skin cancer. More than one-third of those cases, 1150 diagnoses, occurred in regional Victoria.

Overall, people living in regional areas were 51 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than in major cities, and 35 per cent more likely to die from the disease compared with residents of greater Melbourne and Geelong.

Director of the Victorian Cancer Registry, Professor Sue Evans, said the data exposed a clear equity gap.

“From towns along the Victorian coastline to agricultural plains and the goldfields, our regional areas are known for their beautiful outdoors and unique outdoor lifestyle,” she said. “But data we are spotlighting today shows these communities are also harder hit when it comes to melanoma.

“Regional Victorians are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than those living in major cities and face poorer survival outcomes too. This gap raises serious equity concerns.”

While melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, Medicare data highlights the broader scale of the problem. An estimated 170,743 treatments for non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were recorded in Victoria in 2024, up from 164,736 in 2023 and 151,355 in 2022.

Head of SunSmart Victoria Emma Glassenbury said about 95 per cent of melanomas and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

“While the exact causes are still being understood, it’s possible the higher melanoma burden in regional communities is partially due to greater UV exposure from outdoor work and lifestyle, as well as barriers to early detection,” she said.

“But we must remember skin cancer isn’t inevitable; it’s one of the most preventable cancers.”

Regional Victorian Louise Bibby, now living in Swan Hill, said skin cancer has affected three generations of her family.

“My first skin cancer appeared on my hairline at the age of 22,” she said. “Nowadays, you won’t catch me outside without sun protection gear.”

To stay safe, Ms Glassenbury urges Victorians to check UV levels daily and, whenever the UV is 3 or above, follow the five SunSmart steps: slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF30+ sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.

Birrell clarifies Nationals’ stand

The North Central Review

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January 27, 2026

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FEDERAL Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has made his position clear about the recent Nationals’ resignations from the Coalition frontbench.

Mr Birrell said he had formally advised the Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley of his decision to resign as Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Education and Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health.

“My position was untenable in the circumstances. The Nationals’ Party Room had reached a principled position on the Combating Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws Bill 2026),” he said.

“The Nationals abstained from voting against the legislation in the House of Representatives until we could move amendments in the Senate to address our concerns. When those amendments were defeated my Senate colleagues acted in accordance with the decision of the Nationals party room and voted against the bill.

“While I, and my National Party colleagues fully supported the intent of the legislation, the process was shambolic, rushed and ultimately unsatisfactory. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shoulders the blame for the management of this important legislation in the wake of the terrorist attack at Bondi.

“The Bill continued to change, and the Nationals could not come to an agreement in full with our Liberal Party colleagues.”

Mr Birrell said the Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud had advised the Opposition leader in writing that should the offer of resignations from the three shadow cabinet ministers who voted against the Bill in the Senate be accepted, the entire National Party ministry would resign to take collective responsibility.

Time to put bricks down

Jo Kubeil

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January 27, 2026

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TEAM Amuso, of Kilmore, represented Australia on the world stage for the third time at Masonary Madness Day, an event coined the Bricklaying Olympics, last Thursday (Australian time).

The Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 was held in Las Vegas, and it is the world’s largest and longest-running bricklaying competition since 2003.

Damian Amuso and his long-time leading hand Scott Law as his mason’s tender competed against other teams to build the highest brick wall in an hour.

The craftsmanship award also matters and following a brief spell while the cement dried, the next part of the competition was to trowel the excess mortar off the wall.

Technical errors, such as uneven bricks, can result in heavy deductions.

On social media Tara Amuso, Damian’s wife, said: “Damian had some deductions due to tipped bricks, as did most walls. The bricks were not soaking up the mortar quickly, but everyone worked under the same conditions.”

Competing in 2025, Damian laid 721 bricks and this year, 737, but lost due to deductions. However, the competition was won by the team working beside them, Grant Helms and Keith Helms from North Carolina, with 726 bricks.

The winners collected a cash prize and also a new 4×4 Chevrolet truck.

Tara said: “Their wall was one of the best and Damian proved himself over the years to be a serious contender. We know that at home when we were doing practice walls, his numbers were higher than what the winning score was. The boys are both keen to compete again, now it’s just whether or not they’ll get the opportunity again.”

Local poet digs deep

Jo Kubeil

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January 27, 2026

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DID you know that Kilmore East resident Joshua Rask has a hidden talent? Well, now you do.

“At an early age I was taught how to express my emotions through writing and poerty,” he said.

“I am passionate about the help our Country Fire Authority Volunteers have given and I wanted to say thanks.”

Mr Rask told the Review that his family felt the fear of bushfires on Black Saturday, 2009.

“The fires were close to our house in Butlers Road [Kilmore East] and I know the feeling of relief when the CFA comes. We have SES volunteer friends. too.”

The poem below is a tribute to firefighters.

We thank you deeply

by Joshua Rask

When the world feels fragile, shaking at its seams,

And nightmares replace our ordinary dreams,

You rise without question, without delay

Running toward danger while others turn away.

Through choking smoke and walls of flame,

Through twisted wreckage and pouring rain,

With hearts trained steady and spirits strong,

You step into moments where things go wrong.

You carry the weight of lives unknown,

Each call a story, each cry a tone,

Of someone’s worst day, a moment of fear,

And still you arrive, fully present, right here.

You face what we hope we’ll never see,

The cost of chaos, humanity’s plea,

Yet beneath the armour, the lights, the gear,

Is a beating heart that feels every tear.

Long after the sirens fade from sound,

And quiet once more settles the ground,

You carry the echoes, the losses, the pain,

Then stand back up and do it again.

You miss the dinners, the warmth of home,

The moments we take for granted alone,

Trading comfort for duty, rest for resolve,

Choosing to serve, to protect, to solve.

So thank you, brave souls, for the lives you defend,

For stranger and neighbour, foe and friend,

For risking tomorrow to give us today,

For holding the line in every way.

Our words may fall short, our thanks feel small,

But know you are seen, honoured by all.

Your courage is written in smoke and light,

Guardians of life, in the darkest night.

Mr Rask posted the poem onto the Kilmore, Wallan and local community page on Thursday last week and a community member shared it with the Review.

Major moves as final month starts

Michael Thompson

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January 27, 2026

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WITH just a month to go in the season, things are getting tight at the top for all bowls divisions in the Highlands competition.

In division one, Lancefield took a big step towards potentially avoiding the wooden spoon with a comprehensive victory over Woodend to move within four points off the bottom.

Jeff Holmes’ 37-5 win over Stephen Pickles did the trick, while Aaron Andrews’ 30-15 win over Geoff Symons helped matters. Woodend took two points back with Norman Bickerdyke’s 30-15 win over Andrew Brandolin, but the damage was well and truly done.

Romsey maintain a hold on second with a strong 85-31 win over Diggers Rest.

It was a clean sweep for Romsey, with Damien Ely scoring a 32-8 win over Kylie Stafford, Aaron Young saluting with a 21-12 win over Phil Robinson and Cameron Austin scoring a 32-11 win over Rod Treweek.

Kilmore put in a decent effort against Kyneton, but it wasn’t enough as the ladder-leaders won 70-46.

Lance Whitnall continued his good form with a 20-14 win over Gregory Podesta, but it was all Kyneton on the other rinks as David James Thomas defeated Daniel Carroll 32-15 and Anthony Mathison defeated Matthew McMaster 24-11.

Broadford’s game against Trentham was left incomplete due to the heat rule being enforced.

This was also the case for the much-anticipated local rivalry clash in division two between Broadford and Kilmore, which was not completed due to heat.

Romsey fell just short of defeating Macedon, losing 58-63, and fell out of the top four as a result.

Gary Gilligan scored a 21-15 win over Gary Dickenson, but it was Macedon’s day with Ian Guymer defeating Lloyd Dyamond 27-20 and Ian Matthews too good for John Beaumont, 21-17.

In division three, Lancefield and Kilmore’s game was heated out due to the weather.

Romsey continued its dominant run, scoring a 65-36 win over Gisborne.

John Fryer scored a 19-11 win over Sean Lawless, while David Culpan won 23-15 over Chris Butterley. Mick Gilligan completed the sweep with a 23-10 win over John Hunter.

Meantime, in the Tuesday pennant, Kilmore gave Kyneton a run for its money.

The final result went Kyneton’s way, 61-51, also taking all three rinks in the process.

Conrad Dawson defeated Stephen McNamara 21-16, while Jerry Richmond was just too good for John Coates, 19-17. Anthony Mathison finished the job off with a 21-18 win over Mark Hodgson.

Despite winning two of the rinks, Romsey fell to Gisborne, 59-55.

Simon Mayger took points for Romsey with a 16-15 win over Tim Rogers, while Nick Williamson scored a 23-18 win over Russell Walker. But it was Alan Higgins’ 26-16 win over Greg Taylor which proved to be the difference.

In division two, Broadford’s only game of the week saw it beat Trentham 59-34.

Rodney Campbell defeated Rodney Justice 19-15, while Barbara Goddard won a low-scoring game over Robert Dobinson 15-11. Allan Cowen finished the job with a 25-8 win over Max Hinneberg.

Romsey continued its unlucky run in the Tuesday competition, losing to Macedon 57-63.

Guymer was too strong on his rink for Hazel Rose, and the 34-14 win was enough to see off Romsey’s challenge, despite Culpan winning 20-18 over Steven Graham and Gilligan defeating Barry Swan 23-11.

Kilmore struggled mightily against Woodend, losing 37-101.

Mike Dornau was too good for Kevin Tootell, winning 37-14, while Geoff Symons was even more dominant, taking a 48-4 win over Leighton Bloomfield. Joan Grindlay ensured Kilmore wouldn’t go home empty-handed with a 19-16 win over Bickerdyke.

Lancefield was far too good for Gisborne in division three, winning 69-15.

Frederick Shipcott took a 33-5 win over Florence Roche, while Trevor Young scored a 36-10 win over James Leach.

Country Music Festival returns

The North Central Review

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January 27, 2026

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DUST off the country boots, because the Whittlesea Country Music Festival is returning for 2026 at AF Walker Reserve.

The free, family-friendly event will run from 3.30 to 9.30pm on Saturday, February 7, continuing a tradition that has lasted for the last 25 years, and one that is incredibly community driven.

A great range of local talents with international influences will make up the program, with the headliner for this year Scarecrow with its performance, The Mellencamp Show, which is directly influenced by John Mellencamp.

Scarecrow has performed for more than 35 years now, led by vocalist Gary Young, and the band has received acclaim worldwide, including from John Mellencamp himself.

Also performing are the Wild Dreamers with the Linda Ronstadt Show, featuring Liso Mio, while local country acts The Mason Boys, The Smith & Western Jury and Iain Archibald Band will also be on the cards after great success in Tamworth.

A number of sponsors have jumped on board to provide support for the event, including the City of Whittlesea, Light and Sound Solutions, Whittlesea Bowls Club, Stone Real Estate in Whittlesea, Curly Spuds, Green Power Solutions and the Rotary Club of Whittlesea.

Season opening for PRACC

The North Central Review

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January 27, 2026

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THE City of Whittlesea is thrilled to announce the return of the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC) Performance Program in 2026. This program brings people together to share experiences, create lasting memories and celebrate community stories through arts and culture.

Following the huge success of the first program in 2025, the 2026 season offers a larger program with more performances. A wide range of shows is planned across different styles, including music, comedy, children’s theatre, visual art, workshops and dance, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Tickets for the 2026 PRACC Performance Program are now available. Audiences can enjoy talents of some of Australia’s favourite singers including Bobby Fox and Rhonda Burchmore. Fill yourself with laughter with some great comedy nights featuring household names and talented new comedians. Children will be entertained as they follow the adventures of wallabies, echidnas and farmyard animals. The Victorian State Ballet will follow up their sell out 2025 performance with their dazzling interpretation of the beloved fairytale, Beauty and the Beast.

The new program of workshops encourages everyone to be creative, no matter their age. Each school holidays, PRACC has workshops for young people to get their hands dirty, learn new performance skills and express themselves, and also have The Australian Ballet visiting to run ballet classes for older people.

The program also includes two nights of extraordinary musical performances through the Next Verse program, showcasing talented community artists. Crescendo Screen Classics offers the perfect outing for lovers of classical music and the magic of film.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said it was set to be a bumper season at PRACC.

“The City of Whittlesea is proud of the 2026 PRACC Performance Season – it exemplifies the municipality’s commitment to fostering creativity and community spirit,” he said.

“PRACC’s 2026 Performance Season is more than just a line-up of shows; it’s an invitation to connect, celebrate local talent, and create cherished memories. This program reflects the heart and soul of our community.

“The arts play a vital role in enriching our lives. Through these performances, we aim to inspire creativity, celebrate diversity, and bring people together. We encourage everyone to explore this extraordinary program and find a show that speaks to them.”

PRACC is the City of Whittlesea’s flagship cultural venue, offering a diverse program of performances, events, and workshops. It’s a place where creativity thrives, providing opportunities for the community to explore their artistic side, celebrate local talent, and enjoy world-class entertainment.

To discover more about PRACC’s 2026 Performance Program and to book your ticket, visit www.pracc.com.au.

Faster care for families

Milla Webster

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January 27, 2026

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FAMILIES in Mernda, Doreen, Plenty and nearby suburbs will soon benefit from faster, more accessible emergency care.

Construction has started on the expanded Austin Hospital Emergency Department, with works announced by Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage on Tuesday.

“This expansion is about making the experience better for everyone – patients, families and the health workers who care for them.

“Just like the upgrade of the Northern Hospital ED, this expansion is about easing wait times and providing more care, when families need it most. More treatment spaces and a dedicated paediatric area will make a real difference,” Ms Kathage said.

The new three-storey emergency department will treat an extra 30,000 patients each year. It will include 29 additional treatment spaces and an upgraded short stay unit, helping patients receive care sooner and allowing patients to return to the road faster.

A key feature is a dedicated paediatric emergency zone, creating a calmer, family-friendly space for children needing urgent care, closer to home.

Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines said: “this expanded ED will be a game changer for the local families, with a dedicated paediatric zone and more treatment spaces helping deliver care sooner.”

The project will also deliver improved staff amenities and clinical administration species, supporting frontline health workers caring for a rapidly growing population.

During the first phase, workers will establish sit sheds, demolish entrance facades at both Austin and Mercy Hospital for Women, and build access to tunnels so patients and visitors can move safely between hospitals while construction continues.

The existing main entrances will be closed temporarily, with wayfinding, signage and volunteers in place to guide visitors. Both Austin and Mercy will remain open throughout the project, with the delivery team working closely with hospital staff to minimise disruption.

Member for Eltham Vicki Ward said that: “not only will the new ED help to drive down wait times for locals, it will also get our paramedics back on the road sooner where they are needed most.”

The project forms part of a broader investment in Victoria’s north, alongside $813 million redevelopment of the Northern Hospital. That upgrade will deliver a new emergency department, including a mental health and AOD (alcohol or drug) hub. New patient beds, acute behaviour treatment spaces and a paediatric zone.

Construction on the Austin Hospital expansion is scheduled for completion in 2028. The State Government is funding the project through a $275 million investment in the 2024/25 Victorian Budget.

The upgrade will expand one of Victoria’s busiest emergency departments, helping meet rising demand in Melbourne’s north and north-east regions while also supporting staff and families.

“The new Austin ED will support so many people across the community, delivering world-class care on their doorstep,” said Colin Brooks, Member for Bundoora.

Pet of the Week – January 27, 2026

The North Central Review

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January 27, 2026

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THIS week’s Pet of the Week is four-year-old Liebchen! Shy and secretive throughout the day, Liebchen uses her powers to battle invisible supernatural forces and protect her family during the night. Thanks to Laura for sending through this week’s Pet of the Week.