Northern Football Netball League Round eight’s big day out

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June 3, 2025

Northern Football Netball League Round eight’s big day out

It was an extremely successful day for the Whittlesea region’s teams in round eight of the Northern Football Netball League.

Whittlesea got back on track after two straight losses, clearing away in the second half to record a six-goal win over Panton Hill.

It was a tight contest in the first half, with the Eagles leading by three points at the first change and 12 points at the main break, but a five-goal to one third quarter broke the game open at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, with Whittlesea eventually finishing with a 17.9 (111) to 12.3 (75) victory.

Clayton McCartney and Angus Smith kicked four goals apiece for the Eagles, who were also well-served by Mitchell Andrews, Taidhg Bland, Zane Anderson and Riley Carter.

In division three, Laurimar were much too strong for Lalor at Laurimar Town Park.

The Power were dominant in every quarter, leading by 56 points at the main break, before a nine-goal third term meant the margin was extended beyond 100 points by three-quarter-time.

A further six goals to no score in the last term meant the Power recorded a 26.17 (173) to 4.4 (28) victory.

Patrick Fitzgerald maintained his lead in the division three goalkicking charts with his second haul of 10 goals for the season, while Bailey Macleod was again instrumental. Cooper Cusinato, Jake Francis, Luke Wilson and Joel Lawson completed the best players.

Mernda, in the meantime, had to hold off a late Reservoir charge at Waterview Reserve.

The Demons led by as much as 44 points during the second term, and 41 past the 20-minute mark of the third term, the Mustangs stormed back into the game with four goals in seven minutes to close the gap to a goal, before the Demons settled, winning 16.7 (103) to 13.8 (86).

Josh Mazzarella was the key for Mernda with a number of inspirational moments, while Jayden Bell, Dayne Kellett, Billy Morrison, Lachlan Evans and Brayden Plant provided support.

In division one, South Morang remain winless after falling to Banyule.

The Lions were no match for the balance of the day, although won some respect in the last term with a five-goal to one quarter to reduce the margin to 28 points, losing 15.12 (102) to 11.8 (74).

Joshua Lansfield was best for the Lions with four goals, while Tyrone Leonardis, Kobe and Teague Van Zwienen, Davin Cameron and Liam Failla were in the best for the Lions.

Women’s

Whittlesea held off a fierce battle from Diamond Creek Women’s 2 to maintain its spot in the top four.

The Eagles led for a large majority of the day but had to repel every Diamond Creek challenge in the last term before eventually winning 2.7 (19) to 2.4 (16).

Ashley Fitzpatrick, Leah O’Dell, Olivia Hodgson, Ivana Pecanac, Tara Jenner and Tahlia Brander played well for the Eagles.

Laurimar was unable to score a second victory in succession, falling to Heidelberg West by 80 points, 12.9 (81) to 0.1 (1).

No best players were selected at the time of production.

In division two, South Morang had a spirited affair with Kilmore, before the Blues proved too strong in the second half to win by 59 points.

The Lions had a number of opportunities in the first half but had two goals from 12 scoring shots to show for it.

Eventually, Kilmore kicked eight goals to two in the second half, with the Blues winning 14.12 (96) to 4.13 (37).

Hailey Cordova again starred for the Lions, while Rhianna and Mikayla Bennett, Ruby Failla, Ella Pinney and Isabella Chessler were also best for the Lions.

Netball

Whittlesea 1 took a strong win in the division one netball competition, scoring a 59-33 win over Heat.

Whittlesea 2 wasn’t as lucky in division three, going down 30-41 to Kinglake, their first loss of the season.

The Eagles would also finish with a win and a draw from their four matches across Friday night.

South Morang 1 kept their division three chances alive with a decisive 42-30 win over Heat.

It was a strong Friday night for the Lions, who recorded five wins from their seven games.

Laurimar 1 had a tight affair against Kilmore but would eventually go down 30-35.

The Power finished their night with two wins from five games across the divisions in the competition.

Country Football, Hitting the halfway point

Michael Thompson

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June 3, 2025

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Country Football, Hitting the halfway point

It was a mixed day for the region’s clubs as the football season hits the halfway point.

Riddell District Football Netball League

Wallan was the only successful football team in the region, recording a 77-point win over Melton Centrals in the perfect bounce-back performance after its loss to Melton South last week.

The Magpies made a flyer at Arnolds Creek Recreation Reserve, kicking six goals to two behinds in the first term and were unrelenting throughout the balance of the afternoon.

While it was a little closer after quarter time, with 10 goals to five kicked, the afternoon belonged to the Magpies, who won 16.17 (113) to 5.6 (36).

Captain Steven Boyall led from the front with a best-on-ground performance, while Sean Morris, Nash King, Brodie Gilchrist, Corey Viani and Shaun Stewart were all named in the best. Matthew Perri kicked four goals in the win, which moves the Magpies back into fourth place.

Lancefield had a tough day out at ladder-leaders Diggers Rest and was unable to contain the scoring power of the Burras.

The Tigers were only able to find the big sticks three times throughout the day, while Diggers torched them by kicking five goals in three of the four quarters throughout the day, recording their 18.22 (130) to 3.7 (25) victory.

Riley O’Meara did what he could against the tide, while Reuben Schembri, Ben Sankey, William Wright, Ned O’Connell and Max Taylor were also named in the best for the Tigers.

Romsey had the first of two weeks off with the bye and will also sit out the King’s Birthday weekend along with the rest of the competition.

Goulburn Valley Football League

After the weekend off with the Goulburn Valley’s interleague match against the Ovens and Murray, Seymour returned to action.

However, their winning streak would be put to a stop, with Mooroopna proving much too strong for the Lions.

There were danger signs early on when the Cats were able to enjoy nine scoring shots in the first term, despite only converting on two occasions.

The Cats then made the most of their chances in the second term, kicking four goals to two to extend their lead to 27 points by the main break, before three goals to one meant they were 39 points ahead at the final change.

A further four goals to two in the last term meant Mooroopna enjoyed the spoils all afternoon, scoring a 13.12 (90) to 6.4 (40) victory.

James Wooster, Dylan Scopel, Thomas Martin, Jack Murphy and Nathan Fowler were all best for the Lions.

Northern Football Netball League

In the battle of the Blues, Kilmore was made to play catch up all day against Epping after a slow start and could not reel them in.

Epping controlled the pace of play right from the outset, kicking five goals in each of the first three quarters, and leading by 37 points at half time.

Kilmore had an almighty crack in the third term in kicking six goals, but was never able to recoup the big deficit at any stage, eventually taking a loss which sees them fall to seventh position, 13.4 (82) to 17.13 (115).

A positive was the form of Blake Munari-O’Dwyer on debut as the 23^rd man, earning a mention in the best with two goals, while Chris Barton, Liam Monaghan, Joe Barry, Grant Paxton and Zack Ferguson also played well for Kilmore. Jared Crosbie led the line with three goals.

Women’s

Kilmore continue their stunning run

Kilmore have continued to announce themselves as a genuine threat in the Northern Football Netball League division two senior women’s competition, moving well clear in third position thanks to a dominant second-half performance against South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.

The Blues made a flying start on Sunday, kicking the opening four goals of the contest, with Chiara Nardo in particular making a huge impact, while another highlight was Jade Ventura kicking her first goal in Kilmore colours after a long wait to get onto the park due to injury troubles.

Kilmore led by 16 points at quarter time but did have to weather a storm in the second quarter from South Morang, who had the better of the play.

Still, the Blues had some terrific highlights, with Nardo kicking the goal of the day—an effort which saw her handball, gather her own handball, before finishing from a tight angle.

That helped Kilmore lead by 18 points at the main break.

The Blues then secured the win by playing a dominant third term, kicking five goals to one to take control of the contest, leading by 43 points at the final change.

Another three goals to one in the last term meant that the Blues were able to enjoy a terrific day out, winning 14.12 (96) to 4.13 (37).

Jessica Vilinskis was named Kilmore’s best, while Ella Stewart was also key to the win. Nardo kicked five goals for the afternoon, while Sienna Shinners, Jenaya Stewart and Macey Kubeil completed the best players for the Blues.

The Blues have now won three games in succession, and have moved up to third, with only Lower Plenty and Fitzroy Stars ahead.

Kilmore will now travel to AE Cracknell Reserve after the King’s Birthday break to take on Panton Hill.

Wallan suffered a significant blow in their quest for the division three finals with a 43-point loss to North Heidelberg at home at Greenhill Reserve.

The Bulldogs got the jump on the Magpies on Sunday, scoring three goals in the opening term to clear out by 21 points at the opening change.

However, Wallan played some good football in the second quarter and were rewarded with the only goal of the term through Melanie Hope.

Despite pushing hard to close the gap, the Magpies could not do so, and the margin was 14 points at the main break.

In what was a repeat of the first quarter, the Magpies were powerless to stop the Bulldogs from scoring three goals for the quarter, and it meant that it was a 35-point lead to the Bulldogs at the final change.

There was no avenue for the Magpies to respond in the final term, with the Dogs kicking the only goal of the term, eventually recording a 7.8 (50) to 1.1 (7) win.

Kelly Lennox was named the Magpies’ best, while Chelsea Paton, Olivia Gibb, Melanie Hope, Bec Turnbull and Charlie Rice were also in Wallan’s better players.

The Magpies face a must-win game at Greenhill Reserve following the King’s Birthday break when they host Diamond Creek Women’s 2.

Netball

Lancefield bounced back strongly from its first loss of the season last week, scoring a 10-goal win over Diggers Rest.

Despite the Tigers sitting second and the Burras sitting last, the Tigers had to work for their win, leading by two goals at half time, and three at the final change, before scoring 13 goals to six in the last term to eventually clear away.

Shanae Brundell was strong for the Tigers, scoring 38 goals from 42 attempts, while Darcee Ellard added 16 goals.

Wallan and Melton Centrals could not be separated on Saturday afternoon, with both teams taking a share of the points in a 42-all draw.

The Magpies led by five goals at the main change, but Centrals slowly reeled in the Magpies, before a winner couldn’t be decided.

Maeve Donegan scored 29 goals to lead the way for Wallan.

In the Northern Football Netball League competition, Broadford and Kilmore took strong wins in the division four competition.

The Kangaroos were much too strong for Hazel Glen, scoring a 29-17 win, while Kilmore finished full of running against Laurimar, scoring a 35-30 win.

The Blues’ win was a highlight of a night where they would otherwise score two wins and a draw across their remaining eight outfits, while Broadford went at a perfect clip, scoring three wins from their three games.

Panthers women knocks off leaders

Michael Thompson

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June 3, 2025

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Wallan Panthers had two different results in their Big V matchups across the weekend in round 10.

The Panthers had a huge breakthrough in the women’s competition, inflicting ladder-leader Keysborough’s first loss of the season to close the gap to just two games between the two teams on top.

Wallan made a positive start to the game at Rowville Secondary College on Saturday night and were well in the contest with the Cougars at the opening change, despite sitting three points behind after scoring 18 points to 21.

There were danger signs for the Panthers early in the second quarter when the Cougars opened up a nine-point lead, but pleasingly for Wallan, it had a response.

It was Emmie Gardiner and Ranika Guyton who stood up as they have all season long to draw the Panthers level late in the term, before two late free throws meant the Cougars still held a two-point lead at the main break, 35-33.

Again, the Cougars looked to break the game open in the third term, going on a six-point run to open the term and extend the lead to eight.

But in a familiar theme, the Panthers certainly had plenty of fight in them and hit the front late in the term, before a couple of late buckets meant the Cougars still held a 48-46 lead as both teams turned for home.

Impressively for Wallan, its bench provided a huge spark in the final term, scoring the first 10 points of the term to turn the game on its head.

While the Cougars would again go on a run to hit the front late in the game, the Panthers held their nerve to score 13 of the last 16 points of the game to take a significant win in the context of their season.

Guyton finished with 25 points after playing every second of the game, and also recorded six rebounds and three assists, while Gardiner again had a strong outing with 17 points and 19 boards.

Wallan’s men, however, remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder after a 25-point loss to Mildura at RB Robson Stadium.

A fast start from the Heat in the first term proved to be a bridge too far for the Panthers, who were not able to respond throughout the balance of the day.

Trailing 14-27 at the first change, the Panthers stopped some of the bleeding in the second term as they played well defensively, but couldn’t quite impact on the offensive glass, scoring 12 points for the term as they trailed 26-45 at the main break.

In a high-octane third quarter, Mildura continued to have every answer for Wallan as it led 70-47 at the final change, before eventually running out 91-66 winners.

Jayden O’Brien provided plenty of ammunition off the bench for the Panthers, scoring 19 points, while Lachlan Lombardo, with 14 points, and Jon Bailey, with 12, also scored in double-figures.

Wallan’s men’s Youth League team held on for a one-point win against Craigieburn.

The Panthers made a fast start to lead by 11 points at the opening change and still held a 14-point cushion by the last term, but a furious Craigieburn comeback saw the game on the line with just seconds to play.

A last-ditch effort from the Eagles fell short, and Wallan held on for an 84-83 triumph.

Jamal Abbas led all scorers with 16 points, while Brody Thrum and Hunter Graham scored 15 points apiece.

Wallan’s women’s Youth League team made a late charge at Craigieburn, but it was too little, too late on Saturday night as the Panthers fell to a nine-point loss.

The Panthers fell 20 points behind in the final term, but despite outscoring the Eagles by 11 points in the final term, Craigieburn had enough in reserve to eventually cruise to its 84-75 victory.

Olivia Sweet led all scorers for the Panthers with 18 points, while Kendra Reukers scored 16.

The Panthers will sit out this weekend with the King’s Birthday break before reconvening the following week.

Rangers put up a fight

News

Michael Thompson

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June 3, 2025

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Despite a positive start from Mitchell Rangers on the weekend, they were unable to get their first win of the season against Alphington FC in the Victorian Premier League State League Men’s 5 North competition.

Rangers had a terrific start on the home confines at Broadford Secondary College, and hit the front in the 26th minute, with Jacob De Battista breaching the Alphington net.

However, Alphington had a response and scored two goals in eight minutes to go into half time 2-1 to the good.

Mitchell Rangers fought hard to stay in the game for 20 minutes after the main break, but it was Alphington which broke the game open in a 13-minute period to give themselves a comfortable 5-1 victory in the end.

The Mitchell Rangers’ women’s team was unable to withstand a first half flurry from Darebin Falcons in their State League 3 North match at WH Robinson Reserve.

The Falcons scored four goals in just over 20 minutes to lead 4-0 at the main break, and despite a much-improved second half effort, were unable to stop the Falcons adding another goal to eventually win 5-0.

Farmers’ reprieve – but for just 12 months

The North Central Review

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June 3, 2025

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Farmers’ reprieve – but for just 12 months

FARMERS across the Mitchell Shire region, and across Victoria, have been spared for 12 months from the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy, and will be capped to pay the same amount of tax as they did in 2024/25.

The levy hike is now expected to be applied from 2026/27, but in the meantime, a drought package has been applied by the State Government.

The new $37.7 million commitment will see farmers be able to access grants which can support drought management and mental health support, which are worth up to $5000.

The move comes after thousands of farmers and CFA firefighters protested against the levy in Melbourne over the last two weeks.

A new taskforce will be commissioned, which will include 13 members from various communities and political parties.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, who is sitting on the taskforce, said the move would allow farmers to focus on recovering over the next 12 months.

“By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery,” she said.

Premier Jacinta Allan spoke about expanding support across Victoria.

“The increasingly devastating effects of drought aren’t confined by postcode or region – its impacting farmers across Victoria. It’s why we’re expanding support statewide,” she said.

“The new taskforce will bring together Victorians from different communities, different backgrounds and different political parties. Most importantly, it’ll be focused on delivering real relief for farming communities.”

However, the state opposition has attacked Ms Allan’s announcement, saying it was too late to make a discernible difference.

Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was particularly scathing of the cutting of funding over the next year.

“Labor promised this new tax would improve emergency services—but the numbers don’t lie. Funding is going backwards, and our local CFA brigades are bearing the brunt,” she said.

“This is a blatant cash grab. The government is growing bureaucracy while leaving volunteers without the tools, trucks, or basic facilities they need to protect our communities.”

Ms Cleeland claimed the CFA was left in limbo as a result of recent announcements.

“This is not how you treat the people who put their lives on the line for us,” she said.

“Every dollar from this tax should be going to the frontline. Instead, Labor is using it to plug budget holes and prop up bureaucracy while leaving our volunteer brigades to beg for scraps.”

Likewise, Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said the package needed to provide more support for farmers as the current drought continues.

“Numerous members raised concerns about the level of drought assistance and joined my call for the Victorian Government to extend the support package to all municipalities in the Northern Victoria region,” she said.

“The package announced will offer some assistance for water cartage, and will extend support to all farmers statewide, including in Northern Victoria.

“But the package will not provide any direct financial assistance for feed or fodder delivery, nor subsidise water supply for agricultural purposes.

“Prolonged protests by CFA volunteers and farmers have forced the Allan Labor Government to accept that tripling the emergency services tax on farmers is cruel and heartless—but they had to be dragged kicking and screaming to this backflip, and the pause on the tax increase will not last forever.

“The current support package, which requires farmers to make a co-contribution toward on-farm infrastructure for water and grain storage, is a package to prepare for future droughts—but farmers need support for this drought.

“I will keep fighting to scrap the tax for good, and to get substantial direct assistance to farmers in need right now.”

Whittlesea: Home to Australia’s best sausage roll

The North Central Review

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June 3, 2025

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Whittlesea: Home to Australia’s best sausage roll

Want to try Australia’s best sausage roll? Well, you can try one (if you haven’t already) at the Whittlesea Bakehouse.

The crowd favourite among customers was named Australia’s best sausage roll at the South Australia Bakery Show on May 25, beating over 60 hopeful entrants.

The family-owned business took home the award in its first time entering the competition, and followed its win of Victoria’s best sausage roll at the Victorian Baking Show in March.

Manager Adrian Caporetto flew over to Adelaide for the awards with his sausage roll and a pasty in a small cooler-bag. His very important assets were the only thing he carried with him on the plane.

The pasty took home third place in its category.

A secret family recipe, Mr Caporetto said the sausage roll hasn’t changed in 18 years, other than a couple of minor tweaks. The savoury favourite is filled with a considerable amount of beef and flavored with carrots, onions, salt and pepper.

He said however the secret to the sausage roll was using good quality ingredients and loving the baking process, while customers praised the perfect meat-to-bread ratio.

Whittlesea Bakehouse now has its eyes on the ‘Triple Crown’: seeing if it can take home Australia’s best pie and pasty awards at the Baking Industry Trade Show in Sydney next month.

Whittlesea Bakehouse opened in 1979 and has continued its operations as a bakery since Mr Caporetto’s mother-in-law purchased the business.

You can try the award-winning sausage roll and other bakery favourites at Whittlesea bakehouse, 34 Church Street, Whittlesea.

Fundraiser for Xavier Dimasi

The North Central Review

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June 3, 2025

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THE Whittlesea Football Netball Club and wider Northern Football Netball League community has rallied for Whittlesea captain Xavier Dimasi’s ongoing recovery after a facial injury early in the season.

Mr Dimasi has needed facial and dental surgery over the last six weeks, following an incident which saw him crunched running back with the flight of the ball in Whittlesea’s round two victory over Watsonia.

A GoFundMe has been organised by Whittlesea teammate Jaron Murphy, which has already raised $38,960 at the time of production.

“Recovery from the traumatic accident has been extremely painful, drawn out and debilitating for Xavier, whilst placing enormous pressure on his partner, Brigid,” the GoFundMe description read.

“As a result of the extent of Xavier’s injuries and pain, he has been unable to work since the accident and isn’t expected to return to work for a least another month. Brigid has been providing Xavier with full time care, requiring her to rely on her own sick leave to ensure Xav is cared for.

“With mounting financial pressure and all available leave utilised, Brigid has had to return to work, taking breaks throughout the day to care for Xavier. With medical and dental appointments continuing for the next few months, they are under significant pressure to balance health and the costs of recovery.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe by visiting gofundme.com/f/support-xavs-ongoing-recovery.

Olivine celebrates Volunteers Week

The North Central Review

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June 3, 2025

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THE Olivine Community Group had a successful celebration of National Volunteer Week on Saturday morning, which was supported by Wise Healthcare and held at Shared Cup Cafe.

The gathering started with a presentation from Wildlife Rescuers Inc., a volunteer organisation, which discussed how volunteers can help wildlife on a daily basis, how to spot injured wildlife and steps to take. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer visit their website for the next training dates.

This was followed by the Donnybrook Repair Corner Volunteer Awards presented by Wise Healthcare, with members recognised for their important work for the Donnybrook community.

If you have skills you’d like to use such as sewing machine repairs or knife sharpening, please contact Helen Franks on 0425781294.

Parkland adopts new name

The North Central Review

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June 3, 2025

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QUARRY Hills Parkland will now be recognised as bunjil nganga Parkland after the name was approved by Geographic Names Victoria.

The name, meaning ‘eagle view’, was recommended through a Cultural Values Study delivered in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

In early 2024, residents were invited to have their say on the proposed name with the majority of respondents supportive of the change.

To support the transition, the new name bunjil nganga Parkland will be used with Quarry Hills for the next five years.

The parkland is loved for its natural beauty, walking and cycling trails and incredible views and will soon be home to two exciting new additions.

Opening later this year, the Aboriginal Gathering Place will be a culturally safe and welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community to connect, celebrate culture and share knowledge.

Meanwhile, the Granite Hills Major Community Park will also open in 2025.

It will feature slides, swings, flying fox, lawn maze, boardwalk, nature play and other attractions, as well as public toilets, picnic and barbecue areas, shelters and a Changing Places facility for visitors with higher care needs.

Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor said Council was proud to adopt the name.

“This name invites all of us to connect more deeply with the landscape recognising its beauty, respecting its cultural history, and embracing its future significance for generations to come,” he said.

“Our community warmly welcomes this meaningful change. The name bunjil nganga reflects the enduring connection between the Woi-wurrung people and this significant landscape, acknowledging their custodianship and the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape our shared identity.”

Whittlesea business excellence recognised

The North Central Review

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June 3, 2025

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Whittlesea business excellence recognised

DPV Health has taken home the City of Whittlesea Business of the Year award at the Council’s business awards held last Thursday.

Now in its third year, the awards night was held at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre in South Morang to recognise outstanding achievements by businesses in the community.

The awards are exclusively to members of the City of Whittlesea Business Network, and this yer, received more nominations than in previous years, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the local business landscape.

DPV Health impressed judges across all award categories with their outstanding performance, community impact and leadership, making them a shining example of business excellence in the City of Whittlesea.

Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor congratulated all the nominees and winners on their achievements.

“These awards are a celebration of the hardworking, passionate, and diverse businesses that contribute so much to the vibrancy of our local economy. You help make the City of Whittlesea a dynamic and thriving place to live, work, and invest,” he said.

“You are not only the backbone of our economy, you are also central to the strength and success of our community. Your commitment to excellence inspires others and plays a vital role in shaping a prosperous future for our municipality.”

Award winners

City of Whittlesea Business of the Year:
DPV Health

Start-Up Award:
Joanne’s Temple Colonics & Wellness Centre

Customer Service Award:
Fastflex Heating & Cooling Supplies

Innovation and Enterprise Award:

Iconyx

Sustainability and Environment Award:
Eriez Magnetics

Community Contribution Award:

DPV Health

Workplace Diversity Award:

NLA Logistics

Small Business Award:

Lashes On Point Salon