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March 17, 2026

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NCR (2026-03-17)

North Central Review

ncreview.com.au

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March 17, 2026

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WR (2026-03-17)

Whittlesea Review

ncreview.com.au

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March 17, 2026

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Draft plan in demand

Michael Thompson

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March 17, 2026

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THE people’s wish list has been heard by the Mitchell Shire Council as it continues work on its Draft 10-Year Capital Works Program.

The draft, which was supported in December, received 90 individual submitters up until the end of February which presented 133 proposals. Of those 133, 98 related to Capital projects.

Making up 84 per cent of the themes were four key issues.

Upgrades to recreational leisure and community facilities presented as the most pressing issue for Mitchell Shire submitters, with 35 submissions received.

Eighteen submissions related to upgrades to existing footpaths and trails, as well as construction, while upgrades and refurbishment of road infrastructure was presented in 17 submissions. Finally, 15 submissions related to upgrades to Council buildings.

Kilmore and Seymour represented 50 per cent of the proposals, with 26 proposals based in Kilmore and 23 based in Seymour, while 10 proposals were also based in Wallan.

Twenty-two submissions were heard last Monday night, with Mitchell Shire councillors required to put on their thinking caps to best position themselves on gathering information for key concerns.

A number of potential projects were put up for discussion.

Most notable was the multiple submissions from the Kilmore Golf Club and Kilmore Cricket Club looking for assistance to help put together works on their existing clubs while on crown land.

Kilmore Golf Club president Bea Lay submitted a proposal to seek help for the golf club in its continued “distressing and disheartening” fight against corellas, ducks and crows attacking the greens, which Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall confirmed he would put some thinking into the issue.

This was followed by Kilmore Cricket Club’s Lawrie Boyd, who spoke in support of the golf club, with both clubs sharing the land, outlining how corellas had been at its most problematic for the cricket club this year.

Also representing the Kilmore Cricket Club was David Mac Bean, who sought support for the club’s “well past its use-by date” cricket nets, with a focus on expanding the girls’ and juniors’ cricket program and being compliant with Cricket Australia standards.

Another notable potential project was the idea of bringing forward a second recreation reserve to complement JJ Clancy Reserve in Kilmore, which was presented by Kilmore Football Netball Club president Leigh Irons.

Mr Irons’ proposal drew on the fact that the club, as well as Kilmore Little Athletics, were starting to cap numbers due to the available space on JJ Clancy Reserve, centring around a proposal to match other clubs in the region, such as Wallan, Mernda and Laurimar, in having a second oval to spread resources and clubs to obtain more home games.

Notable environmental proposals came from Tim Budge on behalf of the Mitchell Alliance for Tracks and Trails, who wanted council support for a trail stretching from Wallan to Heathcote; Mitchell Bicycle Users Group’s Pauline Duff, who sought support for completion of the Kilmore Creek Linear Trail; and Paul Macgregor, president of BEAM, who sought a broad approach to environmental issues.

Roads issues were raised by Geoff Winnell, who sought support for speed humps on Ferguson Street and Govett Street in Broadford; Denis Grose, who asked for footpath improvements and construction in Hidden Valley; Bernadette Bell and Brian O’Dwyer from the Broadford Residents Action Group, focusing on missing link footpaths in Broadford; Ruth Hall, who focused on missing link footpaths, signage and roads in Seymour and Jessica Hockley, who also requested consideration for a missing link footpath on Redbank Road in Seymour.

Notable sporting projects included Bronwyn Allen focusing on the Seymour Bowling Club’s needs for new lights at the precinct, the Northern Football Netball League’s Lauren Theodosis talking to the need to establish a new sporting club in Beveridge focused on netball, Caitlin Gibson, who spoke on a submission to find a new home for the Hidden Valley Calisthenics Team, Stephen Shephard, who spoke to the need for Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve to earn a new toilet block for young families, and Michael Easton, who was looking for greater support to help the Seymour Junior Netball Association earn more courts for growth.

Grahame Thom presented his concerns for council-owned Whitburgh Cottage, which included the lack of bathroom facilities, which could assist in landing a user group for the building.

Finally, Mandy McCracken presented her case to receive more funding for the Get Started Disability Support Workshops, which has been designed to help newly disabled people receive support to navigate their newly acquired disability.

Honouring Mernda’s hero

Michael Thompson

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March 17, 2026

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A COMMUNITY still hurting from the loss of Mernda’s ultimate hero came together on Friday night to pause, mourn and reflect for Aidan Becker.

Aidan Becker died a hero. Coming to the aid of a 14-year-old schoolboy who was attacked by a group of youths, Becker was then allegedly punched, kicked and fatally stabbed by the group on Friday, March 6.

Since then, four teenage boys have been charged with murder and armed robbery.

Last Friday, an estimated 3000 people came together as the emotions overflowed for a shocked Mernda community, while the following day, the Bridge Inn Hotel held a fundraiser.

Aidan Becker Vigil 2 — FOR AIDAN: Hundreds of flowers were laid at the Mernda train station for Aidan Becker.

Mourners laid flowers and candles beside a photograph of Aidan at the station, while police and emergency service personnel also mourned alongside the public.

The footy jumpers of Mernda and Yarrambat – the two clubs he represented – were also on display, as was a jumper of his beloved North Melbourne Football Club.

Mother, Nathalie Becker, bravely spoke about her son, while also paying tribute to people who helped Aidan in his final moments and thanking the community for their wider support.

“We stand here tonight as a broken family, I don’t know how we are here, and I don’t know what tomorrow will look like. But I know my beautiful boy would’ve done it all again in a heartbeat, because that’s the boy he was. And the only reason we are here tonight, and not curled up in a ball somewhere, is because of each and every one of you,” she said.

“We’ve read your letters, we’ve read your comments, we see the flowers every night, and we thank you.

“We’ve been in Mernda a long time, but we don’t know a lot of people, this is overwhelming. And I’m so, so very thankful.

“I also wanted to thank Anthony, who helped try to save my boy’s life before the paramedics got there. Anthony, you are my hero. There was another gentleman, I’ll know you when I see you, because I’ll never forget your face and the shock, and his wife, and I thank you for trying.

“I thank you Anthony for telling my boy his family loved him, because those would’ve been the last words he heard. So, from me to all the families, thank you for your kindness.”

Fellow family member, Emad, urged the public to not forget Aidan’s actions of heroism.

“Tonight we stand here with broken hearts, Aidan was someone’s son, someone’s friends, someone who was deeply loved. A life like his should’ve never been taken too soon,” he said.

“We stand here for Aidan, for his family, and to promise that his name and his life would never be forgotten. When we see the amount of people here it makes my heart warm.

“As a father of two teenagers, I need to remind them that there are so many good people left in the community, it gives me faith for our children. Rest in peace Aidan, a real hero.”

Community organiser Farrell Paton spoke to Aidan’s courage following a minute’s silence: “Aidan showed a level of courage and selflessness that will not be forgotten. The way he lived, the way he cared for others and the way he stepped forward when someone needed help are a part of the legacy he leaves behind.

“To Aidan’s family, and to all his loved ones and friends, this community stands beside you, we honour Aidan with you, and we hold you in our hearts. and to everyone who came, we thank you. Your presence shows that Aidan’s life mattered deeply, and that his memory will continue to live on in this community.”

With Milla Webster

A grandstand finish

Michael Thompson

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March 17, 2026

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THE grand finals of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association more than delivered on its promise of electrifying, close cricket throughout the weekend.

Mernda had the opportunity to play off for a premiership in E grade, while Whittlesea also had an opportunity in F1 grade. Both teams played off against Banyule on their home decks respectively.

At Waterview Reserve, Banyule batted first on Saturday afternoon.

Opening duo Rob Corrigan and Kyle Reece put pressure on the Banyule top order, and was handily rewarded early in the piece, with Reece claiming the wicket of Liam O’Connor for three, and Corrigan claiming Tom Braddy for nine and Steve Pinner for a duck, leaving Banyule in a precarious position at 3/26.

However, the Bears had a strategy to get their way back into the game, and it was good middle order batting which was the order of the day.

Hayden McMurray made 34 and Paul McMurray 45 before David Taylor struck to remove the latter, while Reece had his second wicket when he caught Hayden off his own bowling.

But the Bears carried on, and Darcy Pinner made 30, while James McIntyre’s 23 and Oliver McGillion’s 41 also provided handy runs.

Eventually, Banyule would be all out for 205 late on Saturday.

Corrigan bowled strongly to claim 4/48 off 17.1 overs, while Taylor took 2/25 and Reece 2/37.

Come Sunday, the Demons knew what was required – 206 runs for a premiership.

However, it was not the start they wanted, with Rob Virtue bowled for eight, before Corrigan was caught out for four.

Darren Mercuri worked hard for his 28, while Andrew Edwards also played hard to make 43, but the pressure was well and truly on when both were dismissed to leave the Demons 4/109.

Bryce Campbell continued on to give the Demons a sniff of victory, making 36, but wickets were falling around him, with the Demons struggling to 7/172.

When Campbell was run out, the Demons still needed another 23 runs to win, but they made another 11 runs before Banyule took the final two wickets.

The end result was that the Demons were a gutwrenching 12 runs short of victory, all out for 194.

In F1 grade, Whittlesea fought back admirably many times on Saturday to give itself a big chance of winning the premiership.

Banyule started strongly throughout the afternoon, with the top four all getting starts.

A brilliant piece of fielding from Nathan Heaney allowed the Eagles a pathway into the game, with Simon Adair ran out with the score on 41.

That brought the likes of Kevin Satharasinghege Don into the game, and he would also claim two wickets, coupled with a run out from Nawodya Vithanage, to ensure Whittlesea started to get on top with the score 5/84.

A 48-run partnership would cause some concern throughout the middle stages of the day, but Thomas Watt and Heaney had the final say by claiming two wickets apiece to bowl the Bears out for 161.

Watt took 2/5, while Heaney’s 2/20 and Don’s 2/43 was also crucial.

Come Sunday, and it was Tharindu Harith Withana and Mohamed Isam Rafeek who helped Whittlesea get off to a good start, making 41 before the first wicket fell.

For a time, it looked as though Whittlesea would have a big wobble, losing 4/15 to sit at 4/56, which included the big wicket of Lathindu Kandage for three.

However, it was Susipsara Dehigaspitiya who played the crucial hand when it mattered the most.

Dehigaspitiya made a classy 70 off 102 deliveries to guide the Eagles, and despite cruelly not being able to be there for the winning runs with just three to get, his job was critical to the Eagles’ premiership push.

Watt hit the winning runs, a four, just two balls later to ensure the Eagles would take out the premiership, and spark scenes of jubilation at AF Walker Reserve.

Farrell-led Wallan take cricket crown

Josh Squire

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March 17, 2026

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WALLAN has won the Gisborne District Cricket Association’s Women’s A grade competition thanks to an incredible performance from its captain Megan Farrell on Sunday.

Facing off against Gisborne, Wallan won the toss and chose to field but found themselves behind early.

Openers Brianna Woodburn and Emily McDonald helped Gisborne to 54 without loss before Emersyn Castle struck in the 14th over, removing McDonald for 29.

Woodburn, the most prolific batter in the competition with an astonishing 581 runs across the season, continued on to a well made 50 but couldn’t find a partner to go with her as Wallan did their best to contain the scoring rate.

The Magpies were elated when they dismissed the Gisborne captain, caught by Terrie Haydon off the bowling of Farrell for 61, and quickly removed the bottom order after that.

From 5/119, Wallan took the next five wickets for just 14 runs to leave Gisborne all out for 133, giving them great momentum for their batting innings.

Farrell ended with 4/18 while Haydon snared three wickets of her own. Castle, Lara Vecchie and Kia Montgomery shared one each.

It was a shaky start to the chase for Wallan when they lost Emily Telford in the first over, however Farrell’s presence at the crease meant that the target was still well within reach.

Accompanied by Charli Laity, the pair batted steadily, putting on 76 together before Laity was bowled for 30 with Wallan still needing a further 52 runs.

Kia Montgomery 1068w WebRdy — Always on fire, Kia Montgomery run-a-ball 15 brought Wallan closer to victory.

Macy Geisler for Gisborne 1068w WebRdy — Macy Geisler bowled for the Gisborne Dragons in Sunday’s grand final at Greenhill Reserve, Wallan.

Kia Montgomery’s run-a-ball 15 brought Wallan closer to victory, as did supporting cameos from Kasey Lennox and Renee Kelly, but it was always going to be Farrell’s wicket that proved the difference.

Meg Farrell pulls it into the deep 1 — Wallan’s Women’s Captain Megan Farrell pulled the ball into the deep on Sunday in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association grand final on Sunday at Greenhill Reserve in Wallan.

In what turned out to be a decisive 24th over, Farrell hit back-to-back boundaries, the first picked up nicely off her pads and over square leg and the second plastered through cover, to bring them within 20.

With ten balls to spare, she pushed a single to mid-on to go past the target and clinch the win for the Magpies, the first women’s premiership in their history.

Scenes of jubilation ensued. The crowd cheered and Kelly threw her bat in the air while the ever cool Farrell looked like she’d just finished after another day at the office.

She was awarded Player of the Match for her 63 not out and four wickets.

“I was confident as long as we got the wickets and had the batters at the end,” she said.

“I’ll be back next year … I love playing with this team.”

GDCA secretary Callum Jackman said: “This has been a high quality A grade grand final. Both teams played it out and I commend you all on that.”

In the B grade final, Lancefield Yellow were beaten by a rampant Melton Centrals at Lancefield Park.

Set 172 to win off just 20 overs, the Tigers batted well but didn’t have the fire power to chase it down, falling 46 runs short.

Emily Consiglio once again posted a half century, while Molly Consiglio (27 not out) and Megan Richardt (23) offered strong support.

Destinee-Jayde Montalto was the best with the ball picking up two wickets for the minor premiers.

Finals fever hits GDCA

Michael Thompson

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March 17, 2026

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FINALS time arrived for the Johnstone Shield over the weekend in the Gisborne District Cricket Association, while the conclusion of the McIntyre Cup provided great excitement.

Johnstone Shield Firsts

Eastern Hill will take on Diggers Rest Bulla Village for the right to earn promotion to the McIntyre Cup after disposing of Kilmore with ease over the weekend at Kings Park.

Batting first, the Eagles meant business right from the opening ball as they immediately set about batting the Blues out of the game, yielding an 88-run opening partnership before Jacob Walton struck for the first wicket of the day, luring Billy Cox (56) into a shot straight to Dale Tassone.

However, the dangerous Benjamin Bryant came to the crease, and it was his influence which allowed the Eagles to pile on the runs, alongside Dean Fulco, with the pair getting the score to 165 before Josh Squire managed a wicket, with Fulco dismissed for 55.

Kilmore had a little sniff when it removed Bryant for 71 through Tassone, who trapped him in front, before Walton caught Oscar Newell off his own bowling for 10 to leave the Eagles 4/204.

However, the Eagles got back on track thanks to Ollie Bryant’s 41, while Nathan Fowler added 24, as the Eagles would eventually make 7/307.

Ben Dawson worked hard to take 2/23 off six overs, while Walton toiled away for 2/87 off 18 overs.

Kilmore needed a good start to give itself a chance, but a ball that kept low from Benjamin yielded the first wicket of the day, with Squire removed for seven.

To the Blues’ credit, they worked hard to build a solid 55-run partnership for the second wicket, with Tassone continuing his recent good form alongside Walton, who scored 21.

However, Walton’s dismissal triggered a collapse, and it was Oscar Newell who soon had the Blues in a spin as he rattled through Kilmore’s middle order with ease.

Newell claimed seven wickets in 11 wild overs, while giving up just 16 runs, as the Blues lost 9/34 to be all out for 102, with the Eagles earning the right to host the final.

Their opponents, Diggers Rest Bulla Village, claimed a 98-run victory over Sunbury Kangaroos.

McIntyre Cup Firsts

Wallan will remain in McIntyre Cup for the 2026-27 season after claiming a tense three-wicket win over Broadford at Harley Hammond Reserve.

Starting at 4/30, the Magpies needed a partnership, and it was Campbell Fowler and Kavindu Ratnayake that delivered to get them on the front foot for the afternoon.

Ratnayake was aggressive in scoring 51, but his afternoon was undone by Riley Nolan, who gave Broadford its first look at perhaps keeping itself in the top division with Wallan 5/96.

However, Bryan Vance was able to carry on from Ratnayake’s big innings, adding 37 to help basically control the pace of play for the Magpies, despite losing Campbell for 24.

Vance was removed for 37 with nine runs still to get, but Spencer Whittingham’s 15 helped get the Magpies home.

Taylor Shell finished with the best figures for Broadford with 2/22, while Braden Hickey took 2/27.

Broadford’s Michael Mirabella, on relegation, said: “Too many missed opportunities. Too many drops.

“We needed six wickets (to win our first innings) unfortunately, we only got three, resulting in losing points.”

Mirabella said there was still plenty of positives for the club.

“I think the biggest highlight is the development of the women’s team,” Mirabella said.

“From where they started to where they have ended up was an astronomical improvement. Their enthusiasm has made coaching them enjoyable.

“Our under 13 side will play in their grand final against Wallan on the weekend.”

In the semi-final against Woodend, Harrison Wood made 75 not out and his brother Logan followed suit with 30 runs.

Romsey finished its season in third but will need to improve greatly to make its mark in the finals to compete with minor premier Woodend after losing by 165 runs.

Chasing 291 for victory, Romsey, through Thomas Boyer’s 34, was in a reasonable position at 2/69, before Woodend’s pressure was simply too much, and Romsey eventually was dismissed for 125.

Romsey will now travel to Gardiner Reserve to take on Gisborne in its semi final.

McIntyre Cup Seconds

It was better news for Romsey’s second XI, however, taking a three-wicket win over Woodend.

Chasing 207 for victory and set up by multiple wickets from a hard-working Chris Marienfeld (3/78 off 24 overs) and Nathan Hoy (2/24 off 10 overs), Romsey started well enough with the bat, with Jack Rees making 27, as did Matthew Richardson.

From 4/87, however, it was a swashbuckling innings from Adam Frost which gave Romsey the advantage, scoring 73 off 70 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes.

Despite a late wobble, Samuel Alford (10) and Darin Jewell (18) got Romsey home, where they now travel to Salesian College to take on Rupertswood.

Johnstone Shield Seconds

Eastern Hill’s bid for a double is alive by the skin of its teeth after a thrilling three-run win over East Sunbury.

A brilliant century from Harvey Hager, who scored 113, helped give the Eagles a terrific start, ably assisted by Tayte Hoefchen, who added 59, as the Eagles piled on the runs, making 7/275.

East Sunbury, however, recovered after a slow start, and there were some nerves when the Thunder was able to get to 4/185.

However, two wickets in three balls from Brayden Speechley got the Eagles back on track, including the key wicket of Ashish Shukla, who made 78.

East Sunbury kept fighting, however, and despite needing a further 27 runs for the last wicket after sitting 9/249, made an almighty fist of the chase.

Fraser Lewis was the hero, taking the final wicket with the score on 272, and allowing the Eagles into the grand final, where, like their senior counterpart, they will meet Diggers Rest Bulla Village.

Grand finalists set for SDCA

Michael Thompson

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March 17, 2026

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TWO grand finals, four teams. That’s the equation for the Seymour District Cricket Association after a thrilling weekend of cricket.

An unbelievable conclusion to the season sees the top two teams fighting it out in A grade, while it’s a different story for B grade, with third playing fourth for glory.

In A grade, Tallarook flexed its muscle as minor premier, proving much too strong for Alexandra at Tallarook Recreation Reserve.

Batting first, Alexandra never truly recovered from a start which saw it 3/17 thanks to two quick wickets from Blake Munari-O’Dwyer.

While the Redbacks did well to make the score 3/61, Lachlan Watts came on, and his pressure was just too much, taking three quick wickets to get Tallarook well and truly back on top.

Kalon Winnell did the rest as he cleaned up the tail, taking 4/21 to ensure Alexandra was bowled out for 94.

Watts was impressive with his 3/14, while Munari-O’Dwyer finished with 2/7.

Joshua Rudge was an anchor at the top of the order, making 30 runs, while Matthew Archibald combined well to make 27 as Tallarook chased down the target with just over 16 overs to spare, and earning hosting rights to the grand final.

They’ll take on Seymour, who stamped its ticket with a 58-run win over Yea at Chittick Park.

Seymour batted first, and while there were a number of starts, none could really go on with it, with Cameron Evans firstly scoring 26, before Brett Gordon provided some valuable lower-order runs to allow the tail to wag, scoring 30 as the Maroons made 9/168 off its 45 overs.

However, some brilliant team bowling was the key for the Maroons as they combined beautifully to slow down Yea’s run rate.

A hot start from Daniel Bergowicz saw him claim two quick wickets, before Lachlan Drummond and Braidon Horkings took two quick wickets to help restrict Yea to 5/59.

The Tigers tried to catch the target, but it was to no avail as Evans and Drummond struck to leave them 8/91, before Hugh Smith finished the job with two quick wickets to roll Yea for 110.

Smith had the best figures of 2/7, while Drummond (2/11 off seven), Evans (2/16 off four) and Bergowicz (2/31 off five) also performed well.

In B grade, Pyalong took a 29-run win over Tallarook at Yea Recreation Reserve to progress to the final, knocking out the minor premier in the process.

A brilliant innings from Daniel Sowden was the key, with Sowden making an unbeaten 90 to anchor Pyalong’s knock of 7/162.

Aiden Winnell took 2/12 to be Tallarook’s best bowler, while Brendan O’Donnell took 2/33.

Tallarook was behind the eight-ball from the outset, with Tyler Caddie striking early to leave it 3/13.

David McCullough did what he could to try to get Tallarook to fight back, scoring 28, but it appeared it was Pyalong’s day as constant wickets fell at crucial stages.

Caddie confirmed it by taking a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/40, while Peter Reynolds (2/17) and Samuel McDonald (2/26) also struck late to dismiss Tallarook for 133.

Puckapunyal’s chances of B grade success evaporated through Alexandra breaking down its middle order and lost by five wickets at the Puckapunyal Cricket Ground.

Pucka made a handy start through David Grundell, who scored 23, while Pieter Murtagh (13) and Shane Chisholm (15) also got starts, but soon, Alexandra would take constant wickets to leave Pucka in trouble and was eventually bowled out for 109.

Pucka needed quick wickets, and Jacob Nipperess gave them hope, but Alexandra had too much power in the middle order to eventually chase down the target, despite Nipperess’ 2/18 and Christopher Fing’s 2/25, eventually scoring 5/114.

The grand finals will be played this week, with Tallarook hosting Seymour at Tallarook Recreation Reserve, while Alexandra play Pyalong and Leckie Park.

Call to stop panic petrol buying

Jo Kubeil

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March 17, 2026

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ROB Mitchell, in between parliamentary business and question time, spoke with the Review for a brief interview from Canberra on Thursday last week.

Mr Mitchell said the fuel supply issue has been at the forefront of parliamentary business this week, and he is keen to stop the spread of misinformation.

“Petrol stations are telling me they’ve sold a week’s supply in one day,” he said.

“Fuel supplies are better than they been in a long time. It’s like anything in a free market, if we weren’t panic buying, routes would continue to do their job. Our supplies have not hindered. Once it starts it snowballs into everything else — panic purchases at supermarkets, toilet paper — we should have learnt. Crude oil prices are already coming down a little.”

The government has acted to ensure a fair go for consumers refuelling at the petrol station by working with industry to increase fuel supply to service stations, including helping the fuel sector to secure ACCC authorisation to coordinate supply and unlock bottlenecks.

“We worked with the ACCC to give them more powers to issue on the spot fines for price gouging by doubling penalties for false or misleading conduct or cartel behaviour (to a maximum of $1000M (per offence) across the country”

Mr Mitchell advised of repercussions of storing fuel in make shift containers.

“Careful about storing fuel, [upon a claim] you may find your insurance is void and potentially facing EPA fines … and it’s a waste of money if it goes off.”

On McEwen projects of importance, Mr Mitchell highlighted: “Extra funding for schools, the Watson Street project in Wallan, the mobile black spots in Beveridge and opening up the Yan Yean Reservoir for recreational fishing.”

Mr Mitchell and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas have collaborated to support a local volunteer, Jack Bamford, in his Fishing for Mental Health Initiative since last year. The events were held at Lauriston Reservoir near Kyneton.

“Sealing Old Sydney Road is important and I’ll be pushing Mitchell Shire Council hard to get this under way,” Mr Mitchell said.

On the vigil for 22-year-old security guard, Aiden Becker, who was killed on March 6 while trying to protect a 14-year-old male from a robbery at Mernda train station, Mr Mitchell said: “Devastating. I’m hoping to get home [from Canberra] in time to go as a community member, it is not a political thing.”