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Winners heading to Royal Melbourne

Josh Squire
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Winners heading to Royal Melbourne

WINNERS from the 2025 Whittlesea Show travelled to Kyneton on Sunday to compete in the Victorian Agricultural Society (VAS) Central and Upper Goulburn Group Final.

The Whittlesea representatives were joined by more than 100 people from groups from Seymour, Lancefield, Mansfield, Yea, Alexandra, Kyneton, Sunbury and Lilydale with members vying for a spot in the VAS state finals to be held later this year.

The event, hosted at the Kyneton Showgrounds, offered a display of some of the best craft in the region, showcasing woodwork, baking, knitting and more, with Whittlesea Agricultural Society and Whittlesea Show representatives turning out in healthy numbers.

Their expertise was well received by the judges, who awarded four first place prizes to Vicki Anceschi (VAS Patchwork), Georgina Creed (VAS Sewing), Charles Scicluna (VAS Photography – Open) and Hannah Young (Three Decorated Cup Cakes/Muffins).

Vicki, who has now won four consecutive Central and Upper Goulburn Group Finals for the VAS Patchwork category, will be looking to take the state title this year after third and second place finishes in the past two finals respectively.

But for Georgina, it will be a whole new world as a first-time entrant.

Her design, boasting several embellishments sewn onto a small tote bag, will sit alongside Vicki’s “Tea Time” patchwork and Charles’s staircase photography, taken at Werribee Park Mansion, when the state final rolls around.

Second place prizes were given to Mark Proctor for his sponge cake, Elywn Wesley in the VAS Cross Stitch category, Alasdair Mackenzie for his impressive woodwork design of a globe stand, and Heather Mulready in VAS Hand Embroidery.

The winners of the VAS categories now advance to the state final which will be held at the Royal Melbourne Show starting on September 24.

Council reaffirms commitment to supporting family day care

The North Central Review
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Council reaffirms commitment to supporting family day care

THE City of Whittlesea will continue to support local families as a Family Day Care service provider following an independent review.

Council analysis of the review led to a resolution at its March 17 meeting to continue delivering Whittlesea Family Day Care Service and to expand its provision with plans to accept more educators into the Whittlesea Family Day Care service as the review captured local options available to families and a snap shot of council’s ongoing role.

The review found that further expanding the service would provide benefits to the local community such as local employment opportunities, ensuring choice for families, extending access to areas with lower availability of family day care or long day care and supporting the service’s long-term financial sustainability.

In good news, it found that council’s service has a strong history of compliance (46 years), and responded effectively to regulatory changes in the sector. On another positive front, the review found that the service has consistently been rated as exceeding the national quality standards as regulated in Victoria by Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority.

City of Whittlesea Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox said: “Council is proud to support delivering such a high-quality service for our local families. This comprehensive review of Council’s Family Day Care service has given us the confidence to know that we can move forward with an expansion and still ensure we are being financially responsible in these tough fiscal times.”

Council also resolved for officers to report back annually until 2028 outlining the progress of the service expansion, financial sustainability, service performance and regulatory compliance requirements.

Anyone interested in becoming a Family Day Care educator can contact the Family Day Care Coordination team at familydaycare@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 9217 2170 to learn more.

Fire restrictions lifted

The North Central Review
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Fire restrictions lifted

THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) in Mitchell Shire ended on Monday, March 30, at 1am.

Fire restrictions have also been lifted in the neighbouring municipalities including Strathbogie and Murrindindi.

But CFA has warned people that there is still heightened fire risk, with dry weather expected for many more months.

CFA has urged residents to remain alert as the current and continued conditions can still lead to fast-moving grassfires even in cooler weather.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer for North East region Gavin Thompson said the easing of restrictions was due to a number of favourable factors in some areas.

“Recent fires in these areas have shown less intensity due to some recent rainfall,” Mr Thompson said.

“Nights are becoming increasingly cool, and we are seeing dew in the mornings that further reduces our fire risk.”

CFA Deputy Chief Officer for West region Steve Alcock said while the FDP has ended in these municipalities, people should remain vigilant.

“Even with milder weather we still want landowners to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before burning off, and that someone is in attendance at all times to monitor the burn,” Mr Alcock said.

“Some of our neighbouring municipalities will still be under FDP restrictions, so it is important to always check your local restrictions before burning off to see if a permit is needed.”

Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant and to check the fire danger periods that are in place in the region.

With the end of the FDP, some landowners may choose to resume burn-offs, but it’s essential to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.

Landowners must register their burn-offs. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response. Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.

Burn-offs can be registered online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.

New shopping centre on the way

The North Central Review
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New shopping centre on the way

MICKLEHAM will have a new shopping centre.

The 6000-square-metre Botanical Village shopping centre, opening on Saturday, April 11, will have 26 specialty retailers including a gym, pharmacy, medical centre and a range of food options, creating a one-stop-shop experience.

It’s co-located with a new Aspire Early Learning & Kindergarten facility that offers 142 places to support local families.

The centre, owned by a fund managed by industry superannuation owned IFM Investors, will be officially launched with a grand opening weekend on April 11 with a community day featuring live music, entertainment and $10,000 in prizes to be won.

Centre Manager Andrew Gibson said Botanical Village will play a key role in connecting the growing local community, particularly residents in Satterley’s Botanical Estate.

“Botanical Village represents more than just retail convenience – it’s about creating a genuine community hub where locals can shop, connect and access services all in one convenient place,” he said.

“Mickleham is one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs, and this centre has been thoughtfully designed to serve the everyday needs of families who’ve made this area home.”

Located on the corner of Ellscott Boulevard and Brossard Road, Botanical Village’s first retailers include Coles, Direct Chemist Outlet, Anytime Fitness, Dominos and Blue Hippo Laundry.

The new Coles delivers 75 new jobs to the local community, with 25 of its staff first-time job holders. The modern supermarket includes an open-front bakery, full-service deli and seafood counter. It also features an Indian grocery aisle.

Coles Mickleham Store Manager Taz Afzal said: “This store is about more than groceries, it’s about creating a community hub for Mickleham locals and giving them a convenient one-stop shopping destination closer to home, especially as the area continues to grow.

As part of the centre opening, an art installation consisting of two unique rickshaws transformed by local art collective Future Cultures formed by artists Katira and Lucy Lucy will be on display.

Racing News

Mary Hackshaw
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Racing News

Sulky Snippets with Len Baker – March 31, 2026

Len Baker
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Sulky Snippets with Len Baker – March 31, 2026

IT was a wet and wild night last Thursday, March 26 when Kilmore harness took place in wintery conditions, however the track was prepared beautifully with good times in most races.

The JC Windows Pace over 1690 metres opened the eight-event card which went the way of local Darraweit Guim trainer/driver Lisa Miles’ 6YO Art Major-Classic Malibu gelding Percession.

Raced by a huge syndication including members of the Susan Murray Racing Group No. 2, Full Count Group and CBW Racing Group, plus dozens of others, Percession enjoyed a sweet passage from the pole trailing Return Serve (gate two) before running home best along the sprint lane to record a 1.8 metre margin over My Ultimate Luigi, also along the sprint lane from four pegs after starting from inside the second line, with Indi Party Mood (gate three second line – one three) holding on bravely for third a neck away after going forward to race exposed from the bell. The mile rate was 1.59.8.

The Kilmore Ford Maiden Pace over the long distance of 2690 metres saw Cardigan trainer Sam Barker combine with Allan McDonough aboard lightly raced 10YO Village Jasper-Sheer Magnifique gelding Lazenby when having start number 18.

Given a lovely trail from gate four on the back of the leader Son Of A Broad (gate three), Lazenby gained a ‘flukey’ inside passage prior to the home turn to lead on turning, accounting for Son Of A Broad which came again in the straight to go down by a head. Whirily Maurz (three pegs from gate three on the second line) was third 11.6 metres away. The mile rate was 2.06.3.

Newstead area breeder/owner/trainer Brad Angove snared the 1690 metre Hip Pocket Castlemaine Maiden Trotters Mobile with a filly by the name of Beau Truscott, a daughter of Sundons Courage and Yankees Avenger returning a mile rate of 2.04.8.

Driven by Jordy Leedham, Beau Truscott (gate two) after crossing the poleline leader One More Move led for most of the journey to just last by a head from a death-seating Woman To Love and Miss Holly Red (three pegs from inside the second line) who was third 3.7 metres away after using the sprint lane.

The Broadstead Kilmore Pace over 1690 metres was a ‘stroll in the park’ for Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham and James Herbertson.

Raced by Ross’ partner Emily Holmes, Top Hat Johny led throughout from gate two, winning in a breeze by 9.1 metres from Precious Bell (outside front line – last at the bell which flashed home late. Atomic Glory (gate six) after being given every opportunity (one/three – three wide trail last lap) by Sean O’Sullivan was third a half head back. The mile rate was 1.59.6. It was Tophat Johny’s 29th victory in 237 race appearances.

Lexton trainer Ashleigh Herbertson landed the 1690 mere O’Briens Electrical Pace with 5YO Vincent-Allgood Babe gelding Allgood Vinnie.

With son James (Australia’s leading reinsman) in the sulk, Allgood Vinnie enjoyed a cosy trip one/one from the extreme draw as polemarker Archaa led. Sprinting sharply approaching the home turn to lead into the straight, Allgood Vinnie recorded a three-metre margin in 1.58.6 from Glenline (gate five – one/two) which ran on late with Archaa holding down third 4.6 metres back.

The MC Labour Pace over 2180 metres was taken out by Woodvale trainer Brett Cole’s 7YO Metropolitan-Franciselizabeth gelding Metro Memory who’s last victory had been at Kilmore on November 11 last year.

Driven by George Chamouras, Metro Melody was given a perfect passage from gate two following the pacemaker Hez Harrywho which exploded away from outside the front line. Using the sprint lane to perfection, Metro Memory reached the wire 5.8 metres clear of Hez Harrywho and Regal Rock (one/one from a solo second line draw) recording a mile rate of 2.00.9.

“Herbie” Herbertson was to chalk up a treble after guiding Balliang trainer Tyrone Abela’s 4YO Skyvalley-Dreamscape Aurora mare Kiss At Midnight to land the 2180 metre C&M Build Group Trotters Mobile.

Raced by the family’s Evolution Lodge Pty Ltd, Kiss At Midnight (gate five) was given every chance after trailing the leader Bumper Service (outside front line) momentarily before moving around him to coast to the wire 12.7 metres in advance of Alabama May (three pegs from gate two) which ran home late after being inconvenienced when Bumper Service dropped out sharply. Attracted (gate four – one/one at bell) after galloping away as the start was effected was third 1.4 metres back. The mile rate was 2.04.1.

Racing concluded with the 1690 metre Picklebet ‘Get Your Pickle On’ Trotters Mobile which saw speedy 6YO Kvintet Avenger-Ourlittlelil gelding Patnwill in a mile rate of 2.05.2.

Trained at Heathcote by Michael Mannix and driven by Ashley Manton, Patnwill began fast as usual from gate five to lead throughout and score by 4.9 metres from Mista Walker (gate six – one/three – three wide last lap) and Kalarney Prince (gate three – one/one) who was 5.1 metres back in third place.

Kilmore race again on Thursday.

Champion Bolinda reinsman Chris Alford is recovering at home from back surgery and will be off the scene for almost six weeks – best wishes for a speedy recovery are extended.

From the Boundary with Ray Carroll – March 31, 2026

The North Central Review
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From the Boundary with Ray Carroll – March 31, 2026

HIGH STANDARD

Wallan’s triumph in the GDCA women’s A-grade grand final was a highlight occasion for the female game. Magpies’ skipper Megan Farrell produced a stellar performance but there were fine contributions from players on both sides. The Wallan-Gisborne clash for the title was played out in front of a large crowd on a sun-drenched afternoon at the picturesque Greenhill Reserve. There has been a great increase in women’s club and school teams across Australia in the past decade and the game in Wallan showcased all that is good about the women’s game and how much fun it can be. There is no doubt the standards at the elite level in Australia are now very high.

ROVER 2026 03 31 Girls Cricket

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VARIA

Good to note Pyalong police officer Daniel Sowden still scoring runs for the club in the SDCA. His unbeaten 90 steered Pyalong into the B-grade grand final. Daniel was a good leader of ACK First XI a couple of decades ago and it looks as if he hasn’t lost his form.

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Year 10 student Zach Wynd top scored for Assumption in the AGSV semi-final recently. He looks a pretty handy player and should be prominent over his final two college years. Zach’s dad Paul attended ACK and his uncle, Scott Wynd, the Bulldogs Brownlow Medallist, played a key role in Assumption football for eight years. If it’s true that First XI coach Luke Hamilton is bowing out after several summers at the helm, he deserves praise for keeping the dark and light blues competitive and guiding them to the finals several times.

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Former student Luke Shannon is back at ACK with a key role in the boarding home. Luke represented the First XVIII and XI and was the latest in a line of the Shannon family to attend Assumption. His dad, several uncles, and also his grandfather were fine highly regarded students at ACK. Shannon is a revered name in the Riverina.

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RULES EVER CHANGING

Australian Rules grew popular from the time it was founded on a basic sheet of rules (like the Ten Commandments) and for many decades three great pillars of the game were long kicking, high marking and the often one-on-one classic duels which were a feature. The game today is vastly different to the one enjoyed by previous generations. Sure, it is faster and attractive to the “moderns”. Many fans of all ages have said to me that today’s AFL is far too riddled with confusing rules and unless the score-ines are close it can too often be “quite boring”. Finals provide an often much higher standard of play.

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ROVER 2026 03 31 Big Mark

The accompanying picture shows Collingwood’s champion full-forward Dick Lee taking a “speccy” way back in 1917. I wonder how the champion goal kickers of the past would fare today when there is hardly a direct route to goal. Names such as Lee, Coventry, Coleman drew extra thousands to the games. As a prominent scribe wrote recently, players from the past If they returned from Valhalla they would recognise rugby, cricket, soccer, tennis and many sports but they would struggle to recognise their beloved Australian game.

Crossword 11×11 (31/03/2026)

The North Central Review
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Crossword 11×11 (31/03/2026)

11×11 Crossword puzzle of the day

How to play 11×11 Crossword

You can solve the clues in any order. Click or tap on either a clue or a box in the grid to start entering an answer. You can also use the arrow keys, enter/shift-enter or, tab/shift-tab to move around the grid. The clues for words that have been entirely filled in are marked gray, whether the answer is correct or not.

Play 11×11 Crossword together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this crossword puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)

Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

Sudoku – Hard (31/03/2026)

The North Central Review
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Sudoku – Hard (31/03/2026)

Sudoku (Hard) puzzle of the day

How to play Sudoku

The objective of Sudoku is to fill each row, column and sub-grid with exactly one of the possible entries (usually, the numbers 1-9). A conflict arises if you repeat any entry in the same row, column or sub-grid.

Play Sudoku together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this sudoku puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)

Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

Sudoku – Medium (31/03/2026)

The North Central Review
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Sudoku – Medium (31/03/2026)

Sudoku (Medium) puzzle of the day

How to play Sudoku

The objective of Sudoku is to fill each row, column and sub-grid with exactly one of the possible entries (usually, the numbers 1-9). A conflict arises if you repeat any entry in the same row, column or sub-grid.

Play Sudoku together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this sudoku puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)

Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

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