Planning for new tractor pull

The North Central Review

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January 20, 2026

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THE Tractor Pull Truck and Ute show scheduled for Saturday at the Whittlesea Showgrounds has been postponed.

The Whittlesea Agricultural Society and organisers of the tractor pull made the announcement last Tuesday.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances the Whittlesea Tractor Pull, Truck and Ute Show has been postponed,” a statement read.

Down Under Modified Tractor Pulling Association president Brendon Cornfoot said the event has been postponed for 12 months.

He said the association would like to thank Whittlesea Agricultural Society and all sponsors and volunteers for all their time and effort.

He said: “We have a couple of new venues to have a look at and get some more information. We will keep all updated. We are working with Whittlesea Agricultural Society, Melbourne Water and Whittlesea Council”.

While a blow to the operations at the Whittlesea Showgrounds for the season calendar, there is the Whittlesea Rodeo coming soon, scheduled for Friday, February 13.

In the meantime, the Whittlesea Agricultural Society is not sitting on its toes, providing much-needed support for residents affected by the recent bushfires.

The society has helped residents with fodder delivery, organising a run of feed and supplies.

Making the third age a fun age

Jo Kubeil

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January 20, 2026

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KILMORE U3A group held its annual registration day on Friday at JJ Clancy Community Hub and the turnout was impressive.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a self-help movement run by retirees for retirees and the bell will ring for classes next month thanks to many helpful hands working together to ensure the new program is stimulating to help keep our senior citizens’ minds and bodies active across the new year and beyond.

Vice President Cheryl Spencer 1068w WebRdy

Vice President Cheryl Spencer said: “[Mitchell Shire] Council have given us permission to use the breezeway for a pickleball court. We have brought concrete tape to start with and hopefully we’ll get a proper court in due course”.

Deirdre Bolland serving Jazzminton 1068w WebRdy

New activities will also include weekly Jazzminton with Deirdre Bolland and a monthly cinema outing with Chris Hollingworth.

Former Assumption College English teacher Mary Elliott, who has registered for history classes, gardening and luncheons, said: “I’d do more if I could still read”.

Craft tutor Glenys Crome, who has also registered for gardening, said: “Tuesday craft is about knitting, crochet, patchwork, and embroidery. The ladies bring what they are working on at the time. It saves us money on going to a psychologist. It’s a friendship group really”.

Kevin Hitchman Stephen Moir 1068w WebRdy

Kevin Hitchman and Stephen Moir are volunteering their skills in creative writing and computers.

Mr Hitchman said: “You keep learning all the time. I started creative writing because of my grandchildren, I want them to pick up a book, so I’m writing one that features them as the protagonist”.

Mr Moir is returning to teach his students how to approach computers confidently and he will facilitate learning for all levels of experience.

What’s exciting is the associate member offer across the Kilmore and Wallan U3As as for an extra $5 per person, class options are doubled.

Wallan Secretary Brenda Nicholas told the Review that they have a general meeting in early February to determine their registration day and on this day all their enrolments will be open. The annual membership is $35 for an individual, or $60 per couple.

In the meantime extra-curricular activities and course ideas are always welcome.

For more information, email secretary@u3awallan.org.au

Farmers’ market open this long weekend

The North Central Review

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January 20, 2026

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THE Lancefield and District Farmers’ Market will return this long weekend. Open from 9am to 1pm, it brings fresh local produce and community spirit to the heart of Lancefield.

“Established in 2003 by members of the Lancefield Neighbourhood House, the aim of the project was to enable local consumers to connect and purchase from local producers in a regular event hosted along the historic Centre Plantation of High Street,” market manager Meggs Hannes said.

This year marks 23 years of trading for the market. Summer is one of the best times to visit, with a wide variety of fresh seasonal produce available.

Highlights this month include Blackwood Orchard, offering fresh cherries grown in North Harcourt, and Stirling Blueberries, grown near Lancefield. Spring Creek Organic returns after a two-month break with vegetables grown near Ballarat. Landscape Hill Garlic will have new-season garlic from Tallarook. Mount Macedon Honey will be a new producer at the market.

These traders are among more than 85 stallholders expected on Saturday, January 24.

Shoppers can choose from meats, dairy, seafood, honey, plants, cool-climate wines, spirits, craft beer, sourdough bread, French pastries, fresh flowers, preserves, pies and much more. Livestock feed, live poultry and healthcare items are also available.

There will be a variety of lunch options. Visitors can also dine locally at the Lost Watering Hole Brewery, Lancefield Hotel, Lancefield Bakery and Aspy.

Live music will be provided by local performers, The Sunset Singers. Pass-the-Parcel is providing free face painting for children sponsored by the Lancefield Neighbourhood House.

Grant boost for High Camp

The North Central Review

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January 20, 2026

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THE High Camp Rail and Flora Reserve is set to receive a significant boost following the announcement of a $38,252 Tiny Towns Fund grant from Regional Development Victoria (RDV). The funding has been secured by the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT) on behalf of local community groups, and will support the revitalisation of the important local site.

The project will celebrate and share High Camp’s rich Indigenous, railway and settler heritage. Located on Taungurung Country, High Camp was once a key railway service point, and the initiative aims to restore pride of place while strengthening community connections and caring for valued local assets.

Additional support includes $6500 from Mitchell Shire Council, which manages the reserve, along with $14,880 in ‘in-kind’ contributions from participating community groups.

FBKRT planning team member Tim Budge said: “This Tiny Towns Fund grant is a wonderful vote of confidence in our community and in the future of High Camp. We are extremely grateful to Regional Development Victoria and Mitchell Shire Council for their support. This project brings together Indigenous heritage, railway history and the natural environment, and most importantly it brings people together. Locals and visitors alike will value this outcome for years to come”.

The grant will fund rehabilitation and beautification works, a new picnic area on the former station platform, heritage and nature interpretation through displays and online content, a Taungurung yarning circle, a public celebration event, and promotion of High Camp as a nature-based destination.

The project is expected to foster volunteer engagement, support local businesses from Pyalong to Kilmore, and encourage recreational activities such as walking and cycling. It is delivered through strong collaboration coordinated by the Mitchell Alliance for Tracks and Trails, and support from participating local groups.

Vines lost but hope remains

Milla Webster

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January 20, 2026

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FOWLES Wine vineyards in the Strathbogie Ranges has been devastated by the January bushfires, and the family has described it a heartbreaking loss.

Catastrophic fire conditions on January 8 saw a blaze originating near Longwood move rapidly into the property. By mid-morning, the fire had torn through both the Upton Run and Billi’s vineyards, destroying all 300 acres of vines across the family’s 1800-acre farm and resulting in significant livestock losses.

During the initial fire front, winemaker Matt Fowles remained on site alongside CFA crews and friends, successfully protecting the family home. However, with worsening conditions forecast that evening, the difficult decision was made to leave. Ongoing ember attacks the following day ultimately claimed the Fowles family home of 20 years.

“It is with heavy hearts that Fowles Wine confirms our vineyards in the Strathbogie Ranges have been devastated,” the family said, while expressing gratitude that the winery facility itself was saved by the CFA.

Further damage was reported at the family’s Killeen property at Creighton’s Creek, where about half the land was burnt. The historic homestead and stables were spared, and no livestock were lost.

As a result of the fires, the 2026 vintage will be 100 per cent crop failure. Despite this, the family says the business remains on stable footing, with its winery, warehouse, cellar door and restaurant in Avenel unaffected.

“As a farming family we pride ourselves on resilience. And it is that resilience that will see us rebuild,” the family said. “The loss is hard to fathom, but we’re extremely grateful that our family and the Fowles team are all safe.”

The Fowles family also acknowledged the overwhelming support from the community and emergency services, and extended their thoughts to others affected by the fires.

Within the region, the losses have been felt widely, with many in the community rallying behind the Fowles family as recovery begins.

The family says there are three key ways people can lend their support:

1: Purchase wine through Fowles website;

2: Join their wine club; and

3: Visit the Cellar Door.

Call for nappy donations

The North Central Review

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January 20, 2026

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MEMBER for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has thanked the community for supporting families doing it tough, while renewing her appeal for nappy donations.

Ms Cleeland said rising costs of everyday essentials have placed significant pressure on households, making items such as nappies an ongoing financial burden for young families.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has already donated nappies … your generosity has made a difference for families across our community.”

Ms Cleeland’s office participates as a collection point for The Nappy Collective, Australia’s only non-profit dedicated solely to collecting and distributing nappies to families in crisis. Through local generosity, 1610 nappies were donated, supporting 53 families, with all donations distributed via The Salvation Army – Benalla Corps. The local effort was part of a national campaign that has redistributed more than nine million nappies since the Collective began in 2013.

“Nappies are a daily necessity, and many families still struggle to provide enough for their children. By donating, you are helping ensure no child goes without this basic need,” Ms Cleeland said.

Donations are distributed locally through neighbourhood houses and The Salvation Army, ensuring families access support discreetly and with dignity.

Being one of 653 collection points across Australia, Ms Cleeland’s office continues to accept nappy donations of all sizes during normal business hours. “Every pack of nappies donated makes a difference and sends a message of care and support to families who need it most,” she said.

According to information from Love in Action, a Mitchell Shire group supporting homeless and struggling families, some families, trying to stretch their budget, have been reusing disposable nappies, which can put children at risk of health issues such as urinary tract infections.

Country Week brewing for GDCA and SDCA

Michael Thompson

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January 20, 2026

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COUNTRY Week cricket is on the horizon again, with the junior divisions participating in the week and the senior divisions gearing up for February.

The Gisborne District Cricket Association competed for the Central Highlands AJ Martin Shield in the under 13s competition and the JDH McKenzie Cup in the under 15s competitions, while play got underway in the Kirton Shield yesterday for the under 17s.

Gisborne performed strongly in both of the divisions in the under 13s competition, with Gisborne Green winning two of their three games, and Gisborne White achieving a similar result.

Both teams were unable to play their grand final against Ballarat due to the scorching hot conditions experienced two weeks ago.

Harrison Wood and Ashton Way performed strongly for Gisborne Green, finishing second and fourth for most runs, while Lochie Freeth, Way and Joshua McCarthy all held the top three spots for most wickets.

Gisborne’s under 15s team had a slightly tougher time. Despite taking a big seven-wicket win against Grampians first up, losses to Ballarat and Castlemaine meant the team finished third out of four teams.

Hamish Peggie scored the most runs for the week, while Austin May took seven wickets to lead the team.

Earlier in the year, the girls played in the Northern Rivers competition, recording some strong results ahead of their Central Highlands Country Week campaign in February.

The under 14s girls played off in the final, with Gisborne Green scoring 4/99 to win by six wickets over Gisborne White, who scored 8/97.

The top six runscorers were dominated by Gisborne cricketers, with Freya Dodd, Chloe Watt, Lily Malone, Eloise Arnup, Indigo Shanahan and Quinn Barnett all performing strongly, while Samantha du Kamp took four wickets to lead seven Gisborne cricketers in the top wicket takers in the competition.

The under 17s cricketers fell just short in the final against Bendigo, losing by 22 runs.

Despite that, Breanna Lane had a great tournament with the bat, leading all runscorers, while Eden Boland took the most wickets for Gisborne with four.

The Seymour District Cricket Association played in the Northern Rivers Region 5 competition, but it was a tough week all round for the competition.

The under 13s had two competitive outings, but lost to Shepparton by eight wickets, and to Murray Valley by 25 runs, while another loss to Bendigo by eight wickets hurt its percentage.

Archie Armstrong led all runscorers, while Campbell Smith and Rafferty Clydesdale took two wickets each.

The under 15s had a tougher time of it, losing all three games by big margins. The best performance the SDCA had was its eight-wicket loss to Murray Valley.

Tyler Caddie led all runscorers, while Nathan Wilkins took the most wickets for the SDCA.

Similarly, the under 17s had no luck in its competition, with its eight-wicket loss to Bendigo its most competitive performance of its three games.

Thomas White performed strongly to score the fourth most runs in the competition, while Patrick Shanahan took the most wickets for the SDCA with three.

Meanwhile, the senior men’s competition is gearing up for Melbourne Country Week, with Gisborne picking its squad, and Seymour getting ready to make a big return to the competition.

Romsey’s Ben Way will be the captain of the squad, and is one of six Romsey players picked in the squad, alongside Louis Moor, Chris Burkett, Aaron Peterson, Thomas Boyer and Taylor Stevenson.

Eastern Hill run machine Benjamin Bryant is also in the squad, as the only Johnstone Shield player selected.

Seven locals were selected in the GDCA women’s squad.

Broadford captain Brooke Jeffery was selected, while Kilmore’s Taylah Logie will also make an appearance.

Lancefield duo Luzanne De Kock and Meaghan Lyons were selected, as was the Wallan trio of Megan Farrell, Kia Montgomery and Terrie Haydon.

The Seymour District Cricket Association will have its selection finalised shortly, but there will be a practice match against Emu Valley on February 8 to warm up for its return to Melbourne representative cricket.

More services from February

The North Central Review

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January 20, 2026

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COMMUTERS catching trains to and from Wallan, Donnybrook and Wandong to Southern Cross Station will benefit from extra weekday V/Line services from next month, giving them more flexibility during the busiest parts of mornings and evenings.

The new morning peak service will depart Wandong at 6.30am, Wallan at 6.38am, Donnybrook at 6.46am, arriving at Southern Cross at 7.35am while the new evening peak service will depart Southern Cross at 5.57pm, arriving at Donnybrook at 6.46pm, Wallan at 6.55pm and Wandong at 7.02pm.

These new services are supported by minor timetable adjustments to existing trains, helping spread services more evenly across peak times.

To support local travel, bus and coach services will also be re-coordinated from the start of February to better line up with train arrivals and departures.

Member for Yan Yean, Lauren Kathage said: “This extra service gives more options for people heading into the city for work and study – but more than that, it means we have more seats across the peak services.”

“We are investing in lots of rail, road and bus services across Donnybrook: the 501 shuttle to Craigieburn Station, the 524 from Donnybrook to Kalkallo shops, the new dedicated school buses and of course Stage 1 of the Donnybrook Road upgrade.

“My priority is making life easier for Donnybrook families.”

Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said: “Local residents have raised the need for more services during peak travel times, and that is what we are doing.”
“These additional services will provide more flexibility, relieve pressure on peak services and improve travel for commuters.”

These improvements are announced alongside the broader timetable changes made possible by the Metro Tunnel, which has freed up capacity across the network.

Infrastructure works on the Shepparton line have created 600 jobs, delivered upgraded stations at Murchison East, Nagambie and Mooroopna, improved 59 level crossings, with VLocity trains now running all the way to Shepparton. The 10 additional weekly services between Melbourne and Shepparton support increased passenger capacity on the Seymour Line to add these additional services.

The Victorian Government has continued to invest in the Seymour line since 2024 to better meet growing demand, with 68 weekly services switched from two-carriage Sprinter trains to larger, modern and fully accessible VLocity trains.

Passengers are being urged to check the latest information before travelling.

Fast paced round in SDCA

Milla Webster

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January 20, 2026

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THE Seymour District Cricket Association saw another entertaining round played over the weekend, with Tallarook continuing its strong A grade form and several competitive contests across both grades.

In Seymour Club A grade, Tallarook produced a commanding performance to defeat Avenel by 58 runs. Batting first, Tallarook made an impressive 1/147 from its 20 overs, built on a dominant unbeaten partnership between Joshua Rudge and Lachlan Watts.

Tallarook got off to a rapid start, with Mitch Itter blasting 27 off just 16 balls to set the tone. From there, Rudge and Watts took control, combining for a 103-run stand. Rudge finished on 61 not out, striking eight fours and a six, while Watts remained unbeaten on 45, which included six boundaries, as Tallarook posted a challenging total.

Avenel made a promising start in reply, with Sam Marshall (29) and Travis Stefanos (21) providing early resistance. However, Tallarook’s bowlers soon asserted themselves. Matt Archibald delivered a decisive spell, taking 3/24, while Kalon Winnell bowled with great control to finish with 2/7 from his four overs. Avenel was ultimately restricted to 8/89.

At Puckapunyal, Pyalong held its nerve to record a narrow six-run victory. Batting first, Pyalong posted 5/103, led by opener Matthew Wilkins with 38, including four boundaries. Jamie Pryor added valuable late runs with a brisk 23 off 18 balls. Benjamin Kingston was the standout for Puckapunyal with the ball, finishing with 2/10.

In reply, Puckapunyal’s chase was anchored by Cody Deegan (26), with James Voogt (24) and Charles Davies (19) also contributing. Despite wickets in hand, the run rate proved too slow, and Puckapunyal finished on 4/97.

The A grade match between Seymour and Yea was postponed.

In Atmos Renewables B grade, Avenel edged out Tallarook in a closely fought contest. Tallarook made 6/93, with Brendan O’Donnell top-scoring with a well-made 53. Avenel’s bowlers were well served by Jared Smith (2/5) and Campbell Smith (2/21).

Avenel chased down the target to reach 5/96, with J Smith leading the way with 36, while Ben Trezise earlier took 2/22.

Puckapunyal’s B grade side enjoyed a convincing win over Pyalong. Puckapunyal posted 4/129, highlighted by a superb 70 from Jacob Nipperess and strong support from David Grundell (32). Pyalong was then restricted to 8/88, with Nipperess completing an excellent all-round display by taking 3/14.

Broadford scores big bowls win

Jo Kubeil

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January 20, 2026

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AT Broadford bowling clubs first Saturday pennant game for the year, visitors Kyneton Golf were treated to some country hospitality at its picturesque bowling green near Sunday Creek.

In division one a refreshing cool breeze arrived around 2pm for a friendly round thirteen.

Rink one was skipped by Broadford’s David Ellis with Wayne Turner at his side.

Weekend sport David Ellis 1068w WebRdy 1

Lead bowler’s, Darryn Lee matched off against Ricky Turner, while Mark Jones and Joy Godbolt were seconds. Luke Gleeson and Richard Buckley were thirds and in a nail biter, across 21 ends, the home-side were victorious by three points, 22 to 19.

Weekend sport Luke Sherman rink two 1068w WebRdy 1

Skips for rink two, Daryl Kelly and Barry Godbolt were hard at it and enjoyed a friendly match which ended with points in favour of Broadford, 27 to 13.

Lead, Luke Sherman is the club’s second best on the players ladder equal to player selector Kelly on 110.98 per cent shot percentage, at positions 34 and 33 respectively.

Kelly said Sherman has been playing for a short time; two years and he also spoke highly of his junior recruit Layla Brown.

Ms Brown told the Review she got involved in Friday night barefoot bowls and enjoyed it so much she decided to play competitively.

Broadford Skip for rink three Robert Chapman hoped to win the day. However, Anthony Barker led the way with his team consisting of Josie Turner as lead, Stephen Taylor as second, and Adrian Plowman as third. Taylor is the 29^th player on the ladder with a 117.11 shot per centage and his experience helped the visitors win, 21 to 16.

Kilmore played away against Diggers Rest, and they were victorious on rink one with former Carlton footballer Lance Whitnall skipping its team.

David Langeweg played lead against Kamlesh Tathed, seconds Stephen McNamara and Raymond Campbell and thirds Josh Whiffen against Shame Crimmins played a nailbiter with victory Kilmore’s way, 22 to 21.

Rink two also had a thriller as Kilmore’s skip Daniel Noonan was up against Phil Robinson. Noonan is listed on the players ladder as another of Kilmore’s best at number 14 with a 128.16 per cent average, after Whitnall who is at number eight with 117.92. While it wasn’t Kilmore’s win, the game was exceptionally close, 17 to 16.

On rink three Diggers Rest sent Kilmore away with a sore defeat, 28 to 16.

Around the region, Trentham were cleanly defeated by Woodend 16 to 0, and Kyneton defeated Lancefield 16 to 0. Gisborne defeated Romsey in two rinks, with rink two a draw.

Going into round 14, Gisborne are fourth on the ladder and Kilmore is third while Romsey is second and Kyneton are first.

Division two commences this weekend with a home game for Broadford against Kilmore commencing at 1pm. Broadford are hoping to lift from the bottom position on the ladder while Kilmore is currently in sixth. In division three, Gisborne are the team to beat, which kicked off on the weekend, Kilmore had a bye. On its ladder, Romsey are the team to beat, and Kilmore is in seventh place; there are nine teams in the competition.