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January 13, 2026

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Fires wreak havoc

Ruddin Ardzi

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January 13, 2026

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By Ashok Verma

NORTH Central region residents and firefighters still reeling after battling 40-plus degrees centigrade scorchers last week can breathe some sigh of relief with much-desired cool change with temperatures down to 19 degrees on Sunday, and rain forecast tomorrow and on Thursday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast temperatures to be in the 20s until January 20.04

With 32 fires still burning across the state and hundreds of homes and buildings destroyed, the Longwood blaze in the North Central fire district 12 region has proved fatal and continues to be of concern.

Victoria Police said on Sunday afternoon one person has died in the Longwood bushfire that has destroyed dozens of property and livestock.

Police said they found human remains about 100 metres from a vehicle on Yarck Road at Gobur, a remote area east of Seymour.

^{_{UNDER CONTROL: CFA brigades battled hard in extremely hot weather to stop the grassfire at Beveridge and Wallan last week.}}

CFA brigades battled hard in extremely hot weather last week to bring a grassfire between the Northern Hwy and Hume Fwy at Beveridge under control.

About 60 people affected by the fires in the region have been staying at the emergency relief centre at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre. It is run jointly by Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie shire councils.

Premier Jacinta Allan, who on Saturday declared a State of Disaster for 18 local government areas and one Alpine resort, including Mitchell and Mount Alexander Shires, visited Seymour on Saturday and met fire-hit residents taking shelter there.

Ms Allan, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday, announced $19.5 million in support packages for fire-affected communities, in addition to the personal hardship grants announced on Friday.

CFA deputy incident controller and Kilmore Fire Brigade Captain Greg Murphy said the fire that started at Longwood on Wednesday has burnt 136,000 hectares. It’s got a perimeter of 172 kilometres and moved quite extensively over the last 48 hours to Saturday evening, with moderating wind and fire conditions.

“Our concern continues to be the eastern edge of this fire. It will continue to move while we attempt to contain it,” Mr Murphy said.

“The fire is a long way from under control as conditions are so dry. There are parts of it that have been contained and tracked, but there are also parts of it that are continuing to cause us some challenges. We will need to rapidly attack any new starts to make sure that we don’t have a second one of these coming our way.

“At the peak of the fire on Friday, there were probably close to 500 firefighters working on it, and more than a dozen aircraft. It was just an outstanding response from our firefighters.”

Mr Murphy said along with CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria and FRV, and emergency management partners such as police, ambulance, Agriculture Victoria, VicRoads, hospitals, power, water and telecommunications providers and municipalities including Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Mansfield are continuing to work very closely to minimise the impact on a community of the fire that is growing all the time.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor John Dougall said people staying at the Seymour relief centre had been provided mattresses, blankets, sheets, pillows, toiletry and hygiene packs and shower facilities.

The Salvation Army and community groups are providing food. Seymour Health officials have been helping people with prescriptions and medications.

About 350 people attended a bushfire information community meeting on Saturday at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre. People had a chance to hear from representatives from VicEmergency – Hume, emergency services and government agencies, community support services and Mitchell, Strathbogie and Murrindindi shire councils. The meeting was telecast live on Facebook. A similar meeting was held on Thursday night.

“Soon we are going to move into the recovery phase. We will be trying to make sure that we win our fair share of resources (from the government) that we can help distribute to the community,” Cr Dougall said.

For more information on the fires, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au, VicEmergency website, phone VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or follow CFA or VicEmergency on X (Twitter) or Facebook.

Whittlesea’s pulling power

News

The North Central Review

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January 13, 2026

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By Ashok Verma

IT’S full steam ahead as a long-held dream finally comes true with Whittlesea welcoming its first major event of the year on January 17.

Whittlesea Showgrounds is gearing up for the thunderous roar of the first Whittlesea Modified Tractor Pull as participants muscle up with their pulling power.

Down Under Modified Tractor Pulling Association president Brendan Cornfoot said he had been associated with organising such events across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia for the past 20 years.

The Whittlesea event, supported by the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, has been in the making for 10 years.

It is part of the Whittlesea Modified Tractor Pull and Truck & Ute Show on the day.

Explaining his group’s life-long love for tractor pulling, Mr Cornfoot said: “We travel around, we have a lot of fun, and it is a real family oriented fun sport. There’s 30-plus tractors. There are over 300 members in the association, with diverse backgrounds including farmers, plumbers, earth movers, doctors and cabinet makers”.

At the event, there will be no vintage tractors, just all modified, ranging from 350 horsepower to 5000 horsepower. Participants will come from all over Australia.

Cornfoot Bros has five classes of tractors, including Pro Stock, Limited Modified, Open Truck and Open Outlaw. Other competitors will have the same types of vehicles.

“At the Whittlesea event, we also have a junior mower class, with those taking part aged from eight to 16 years. They run a 16 horsepower engine only. They are the future of sport, these children. This is where they start and then they get to move on to the bigger ones,” Mr Cornfoot said.

Pull7 1068w WebRdy 1 — YOUNG GUNS: People have a chance to see future truck pulling stars as they display skills at junior mower class in Whittlesea. Photo: Brendan Cornfoot

The big attraction at the Whittlesea event will be Joe Cottam, 84, from Berrigan, New South Wales, who has been taking part in tractor pulling for more than 40 years. He plans to retire this year.

At the Whittlesea Modified Tractor Pull and Truck & Ute Show, there will also be 40 trucks and 20 utes. Organisers expect more than 4000 people at the event. It will be held at Whittlesea Showgrounds, 30 Yea Rd, Whittlesea. Gates open at 10am and the action will continue until 10pm.
Tractor pull starts at 2pm.

For more information, phone Brendan Cornfoot on 0429 815 825, or visit http://www.downundermtpa.com.au/

Community spirit shines at Broadford

Michael Thompson

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January 13, 2026

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WHILE the result didn’t quite go Broadford’s way, it was a memorable day for the club, who dressed up for the occasion for a special cause.

The club brought the style to mark Madi’s Day to kickstart the restart of the Gisborne District Cricket Association season, and while the club’s quest to avoid relegation hit a snag, the club put in an inspired performance to get as close as they did to one of the competition leaders.

Instead of rocking it is normal navy and red kit, the club took to the field in a special pink set, with the goal of helping Madi Ingham, wife of Broadford player James Ingham, who is going through the fight of her life.

Braden Hickey 1068w WebRdy — PINK FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Broadford brought the style with their pink uniforms on Saturday, with Braden Hickey looking to take a wicket.

Madi was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer late last year, and Broadford got on the front foot and immediately supported the cause with a fundraising event.

According to statistics, 58 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and nine people die from the disease.

Local communities responded in huge numbers to help donate raffle items.

Highlights included a special pink bike from Wheel House Bikes, a gym membership courtesy of Mitchell Shire Leisure Services, cricket kits from LP Custom Cricket, and unique items such as a large handmade Buffalo Wall Art from Cool Weird Wonderful, a Carlton Football Club jumper donated by the Blues’ Harry McKay, an Essendon jumper donated by Harry’s twin brother, Ben and a handcrafted quilt donated by Barbara Black from the Woodend Quilting Club.

A large crowd would pour into Harley Hammond Reserve throughout the day, many in support of the Ingham family, while also enjoying a quality game of cricket.

On the field, the game was played with great respect.

Broadford won the toss and elected to bowl first, but it was Romsey who put the pressure on almost immediately, with Benjamin Way and Matthew Milne putting together a big partnership right off the bat.

Milne was doing much of the attacking, while Way was biding his time and playing shots where it was there to hit.

Benjamin Way 1068w WebRdy — ON THE ATTACK: Romsey captain Benjamin Way pulls a shot to the leg side.

Romsey’s first wicket partnership was 156, but it was Riley Nolan who struck for Broadford, getting Way out to a shot straight to Dilsher Pal Singh.

Two more quick wickets followed, with Braden Hickey getting the wicket of Tim Dale, and Nolan getting Thomas Boyer, but Milne remained a constant.

In partnership with Chris Burkett, Milne scored a well-deserved century, finishing with 101 off 125 deliveries, while Burkett scored 27 to help Romsey set 216 for victory.

Matthew Milne 1068w WebRdy — TON UP: Matthew Milne made a brilliant 100 to help get Romsey over the line.

Nolan was Broadford’s best bowler, taking 2/30 off five overs.

While Broadford have had their struggles this season, it took to the chase with positivity, particularly through Nolan, who scored 40, and Hickey, who scored 33, helping the club get to 1/77.

There was a small middle order collapse, with Ingham, Jake Zerella, Sikanda Sharma and Singh all falling to leave Broadford at 7/128, but Ashley Wood had a good go at trying to close the gap.

His big hitting would see him score 40 off just 36 deliveries, but when he fell, the game was over, with Broadford all out with a brave 190.

Louis Moor took 3/32 off 6.4 overs, while Taylor Stevenson took 3/37.

While the result keeps Broadford anchored to the bottom of the ladder, they were big winners out of a memorable day which showed the community spirit remained very much intact.

DVCA back in action

Michael Thompson

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January 13, 2026

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DIAMOND Valley cricketers were back in the thick of things on Saturday afternoon as the season restarted following the Christmas and New Year break.

All grades from the Barclay Shield down to E grade kicked off proceedings, while F and G grade will make its return this week.

In Money Shield, Mernda will be hoping to continue asserting itself in the top four as it chases Plenty’s target of 192 next week.

The Demons got off to a terrific start, accounting for both Plenty openers for just one run apiece, and maintaining plenty of pressure on the Power’s batting lineup, with many struggling to get away.

However, Gordon Zull’s 86 helped the Power make 9/191 from its 80 overs, creating a contest this weekend.

Michael Edwards was the best of the bowlers, taking 2/29 off 19 overs, which included eight maidens, while James Baker (2/50 off 16) and Lachlan Taylor (2/55 off 24) also got among the wickets.

In Mash Shield, Laurimar require a further 248 runs to defeat Old Ivanhoe Grammarians, with the bottom-placed team enjoying one of its better days in its first season in the competition, making 9/259.

Cricket Laurimar Patrick Richardson 1068w WebRdy — CELEBRATING: Rian Boddy salutes as Laurimar gets another wicket on Saturday.

The Power struggled mightily against the Old Ivanhoe top order, but it would be the trio of Austin Welsh, Luke Richardson and Jonathon McAleer who would eventually slow down the Grammarians.

Welsh took 3/45 off 16 overs, while McAleer (2/21 off seven) and Richardson (2/52 off 18) also did their job.

Laurimar was 0/12 at stumps, with McAleer on eight and Justin Billing on four.

South Morang face a tricky task in defending 180 at Rivergum.

Karl Heckmann led from the front in scoring 85 runs, while Lachlan Gatherer added 40, but Rivergum got on top of the rest of the Lions’ batting lineup.

The Lions declared at 9/179 to get five overs at the Burra, but Rivergum managed 23 runs without loss.

In B grade, Mernda will face a big task to overhaul Plenty’s 7/245 on Saturday.

Only Jarmyn Marshall could get on top of the Power’s batting lineup, taking 4/57 off 21 overs. The Demons will need to chase down the target to remain in the frame for a position in the top two.

South Morang got itself into a terrific position in its C grade encounter against Bundoora, needing a further seven wickets to score first innings points.

With the bat, Paul Martin’s 50 helped anchor the top of the order, despite early struggles, but Nick Terpou’s 56 and Darcy McLean’s 59 helped provide crucial middle order resistance, eventually helping the Lions score 201 from 72 overs.

Joel Isherwood then did some significant damage with the ball to Bundoora’s top order, taking 3/10 off four overs to leave the Bulls wilting at 3/19 at stumps.

Laurimar’s D grade team struggled mightily against Panton Hill, facing a big mountain to climb with a further 385 runs to win with nine wickets in hand.

The Redbacks demolished the Power’s batting lineup to all parts of AE Cracknell Reserve, scoring 4/405 in just 67 overs, thanks to dual tons from Tom Rodgerson and Rick Ford.

Jake Abbey was the best of the Power bowlers, taking 2/80 off 20 overs.

The Power suffered an early blow, losing Aaron Dickson for eight, while Cooper Lawrenson was unbeaten on nine, and Thomas McCumber yet to score as Laurimar finished 1/21 at stumps.

Mernda had the bye in E grade, while South Morang travelled to Riverside.

Riverside’s middle order helped it get to 8/242 at the close of play, with Manoj Devedi the star for the Lions, taking five wickets, while Ansh Vara took two wickets.

Lovell stands down from parliament

Michael Thompson

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January 13, 2026

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LIBERAL Party member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has announced she will not recontest the Northern Victoria seat in this year’s state election, ending 24 years of service.

Ms Lovell has served a wide range of roles in her time in Parliament, serving as Deputy Leader for seven years in both government and opposition, while also serving as Minister for Housing and Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development.

Ms Lovell said it was a ‘surreal’ feeling to bow out.

“It feels very surreal at the moment. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life. I still really love this job. There’s still 11 months to go of this term, so I’ll be there until November,” she said.

“At Christmas, I was excited about going on for another term, as I was pleased with our new leader Jess Wilson, but when I was filling out the forms, I’d go to bed, lie there, and think whether I’m doing the right thing.

“I was asking if I was blocking younger people from coming in and having their term, and in the end, I thought this would be a commitment for five years, and how I would feel in about three years’ time, whether I would have as much enthusiasm for the job.

“I feel the time was right, but I truly love the region I represent and being able to represent the people of this area in parliament.”

Ms Lovell reflected on her time in parliament, saying there were highlights and challenges with the role.

“I’ve had a lot of personal messages on the phone, via text and on my emails that have said how sorry they are I’m going, but they’ve wished me luck and understood my decision,” she said.

“There’s lots of special moments and difficult moments, the 2009 bushfires and 2020 bushfires, the floods have been difficult periods.

“But there were highlights such as the implementation of the Education First Youth Foyer program. That provides supported accommodation for young people who can no longer live at home stable accommodation.

“I was proud to chair the ministerial council and lead the national reforms in early childhood, that raised standards in early childhood education and improved ratios of teachers to children.”

Ms Wilson said Ms Lovell could hold her head up high for her work across over two decades.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon Wendy Lovell MP following her decision not to contest the Victorian state election in November this year,” she said.

“I have known Wendy for decades, and throughout that time, she has been a steadfast champion of Liberal Party values, and a tireless and passionate advocate for her community.”

For Team Amuso: Third time’s a charm

Jo Kubeil

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January 13, 2026

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TEAM Amuso, of Kilmore, will represent Australia on the world stage for the third time at an event coined the Bricklaying Olympics.

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

Team Amuso’s Damian Amuso, a bricklayer with 27 years’ of experience, and Scott Law, his long-time leading hand and mason’s tender, will compete against 29 teams from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

_{^{Mason’s tender Scott Law and bricklayer Damian Amuso competed in the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 2025 World Championships}}

The competition places elite bricklayers under extreme pressure, giving teams just one hour to lay as many bricks as possible under strict judging criteria, where a single technical error can result in heavy deductions.

Team Amuso first made history in 2019, when Damian competed alongside his wife Tara, who became the first woman ever to compete as a mason’s tender in the event’s history, a record that still stands today. “Bricklaying competitions are treated as serious sport in the United States, complete with live audiences, cheer squads, and regional qualifiers. Most Australians are unaware that a world-class competition of this scale exists,” Mrs Amuso said.

In 2025, Team Amuso finished just seven bricks short of the winner. “The near-miss in 2025 has driven us to rethink our tactics, strategy, and preparation. Training has been approached like game day, with interval-style competition runs, performance stoppages, video review, and strict tracking of time gains and losses,” Mr Amuso said.

Team Amuso will spend just four nights in the United States before returning home to be with their youngest of two sons on his second birthday.

The Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 will be livestreamed from 10am Las Vegas time on January 21, which is 5am on January 22 Melbourne time, and it is sure to be intense.

Council rates at forecast

The North Central Review

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January 13, 2026

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COUNCIL rate increases will again be capped at the forecast Consumer Price Index for next year, according to the State Government.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos announced a rate cap of 2.75 per cent for the next financial year, a decision that aims to protect Victorian ratepayers under the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System.

The rate cap decision accepted the recommendation of the Essential Services Commission and this outcome limits the amount Victorian councils can increase their total revenue from general rates and municipal charges.

Councils across Victoria have also received revised guidelines for their use of waste management charges to combat rising levies across the state.

The new Minister’s Good Practice Guidelines for Service Rates and Charges are aimed towards fairer costing and better transparency when charging ratepayers for local kerbside waste and recycling collection.

The guidelines clarify that waste service rates and charges issued to residents should not be higher than the costs incurred by council for providing the kerbside service – including collection, transport, storage, processing and disposal of waste and recycling.

This year’s rate cap aims to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families, while still allowing councils to continue providing services to local communities.

In the decade before the introduction of the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system in 2016, council rates were increasing by an average of six per cent each year.

Since the introduction of the system, the average rate cap between 2016-17 and 2025-26 has been just 2.3 per cent, limiting steep successive increases for Victorian rate payers.

Councils may apply to the Essential Services Commission for a higher rate cap if they can demonstrate a critical need for spending on services or projects that would require a rate rise above the capped amount.

Mr Staikos said this would make a real difference to households.

“The rates cap has made a real difference to household budgets– and next financial year, the increase in council rates will again be in line with the inflation rate,” he said.

“Under the new guidelines, waste service rates and charges should better reflect the actual cost of these services and make them more consistent from council to council across the state.”

Council to test the waters

Ruddin Ardzi

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January 13, 2026

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RESIDENTS living close to a proposed office and takeaway food premises on the corner of High and Wallis Streets, Seymour, are concerned about additional traffic in an already densely populated residential zone.

Mitchell Shire Council’s planning department received a revised application on October 24 last year with its applicant, Happy Valley Two Pty Ltd, requesting a clause 63.08 or an alternative use of the land at 44 High Street, the site of McSwain’s Joinery, a kitchen and bathroom renovation store established in 1947.

The store officially closed in August, 2023, following serious flood damage.

The building is now owned by Mitchell Shire Councillor Ned Jeffery. He said on social media the building has been restored. “The preference now is for it to be re-established as a builder, renovator, joinery, glazier, furniture or cabinet maker (retail store, office and/or workshop),” he said.

The Review reached out to council’s communication department and learnt the application will go to the community questions and hearings meeting in February or March.

To date, there are 42 submissions to be heard with a majority of these against another takeaway food premises and especially a drive-through coffee shop.

GDCA goes ahead for return

Michael Thompson

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January 13, 2026

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A MUCH-DISCUSSED weekend of cricket went ahead in the Gisborne District Cricket Association, despite the impending threat of the Longwood fires. Conditions thankfully eased in time on Saturday, but the quality of cricket did not.

Wallan hosted Sunbury United, but in a blow to the Magpies hopes of clearing away from the bottom of the ladder, was no match for United, losing by nine wickets.

After losing two early wickets, things were looking positive for Wallan as Bryan Vance (30) and Hamish Mullavey-Clark (12) helped get the Magpies to 2/53, but the Magpies would soon collapse and lose 5/12 to regress to 7/65.

Some late hitting from Spencer Whittingham (16) and Scott O’Donnell (10) helped Wallan push to 100, but it was never going to be enough.

Despite the best efforts of the Magpies, Sunbury United chased down the target in just 17 overs.

Other McIntyre Cup results saw Romsey defeat Broadford, which can be seen on page 27, while Rupertswood and Woodend claimed victories over Macedon and Gisborne respectively.

Jacob Walton was the hero in Kilmore’s 57-run Johnstone Shield victory over Harkness.

Shaun Suttie (27), Darcy McNicholas (34) and Rhys Quinert (22) all got starts to help Kilmore along, but it was Walton’s unbeaten 66 off 71 deliveries which helped anchor the Blues, combining well with Marcus Davern (25), Stuart Partridge (25) and Ben Dawson (16) to help them make 9/246.

After that, Walton dominated with the ball, taking 5/48 off 8.3 overs, cleaning up the middle and lower order to send Harkness all out for 189 in response.

The win keeps Kilmore in third position on the ladder, closing in on second-placed Diggers Rest Bulla Village, who was defeated by Eastern Hill by 47 runs.

The Eagles had Billy Cox, Dean Fulco and Ollie Bryant all make above 20 runs as the Eagles made 9/132 on what seemed to be a tricky deck at Kings Park.

However, it was Nathan Fowler who anchored the Eagles with the ball, taking 5/31 off nine overs, while Daniel O’Sullivan’s 2/3 and Oscar Newell’s 2/20 helped roll Diggers Rest for 85 in response.

Lancefield has kept alive its finals hopes in its first season stepping up to Johnstone Shield, taking a 52-run victory over Sunbury Kangaroos.

Much of the Tigers’ top and middle order got starts but couldn’t quite go on with it. Trent McNamara’s 23 top scored, while Lachlan Mitchell added 20 and Ned Budde 17 as they made 9/142.

However, Andrew Richardt and Harvey Lehner combined beautifully with the ball, with Richardt taking 5/13 off nine overs and Lehner 4/18 off 7.3 overs as the Kangaroos wilted for 90 in response.

In the other Johnstone Shield result, East Sunbury defeated Eynesbury.

Broadford was no match for Romsey in its McIntyre Cup seconds’ match, with Romsey making 7/191 thanks to Xavier Webb’s 49 and Matthew Richardson’s 43.

Broadford started well in response, with Connor Stute scoring 37, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse which saw it all out for 75.

Wallan was defeated by Sunbury United by four wickets, despite the best efforts of Troy Jeffs, who scored 53 and took 2/25 with the ball. James Farrell also took 3/35, but Sunbury United scored 6/181 in response to Wallan’s 7/177.

Eastern Hill’s thrilling one-run victory over Diggers Rest Bulla Village was a highlight of Johnstone Shield seconds action.

The Eagles made 8/137, with Richard Grant top-scoring with 27 and Josh Speechley making 26.

Tim Rudd-Schmidt was the hero with the ball, taking 3/8, while Elijah Hoyne took the final wicket to spark scenes of delirium for Eastern Hill as Diggers Rest Bulla Village was bowled out for 136.

Kilmore was no match for Harkness, with the Blues making 134 off the back of Oscar Taig’s 35. However, they could not make inroads with the ball, with Harkness scoring 3/135 to win easily.

Lancefield struggled, bowled out for 51 against Sunbury Kangaroos. Despite taking four wickets, with Samuel Taylor and Patrick Shanahan taking two wickets apiece, the Kangaroos got the job done, scoring 4/54.

In Jensen Shield, Romsey was too strong for Trentham, recording a 116-run win, with Cam Armstrong (71) and Brendan Norris (55) strong with the bat, while Aaron Wright (5/35) dominated with ball in hand.

Wallan held on for a 20-run victory over Blackwood, with Harkanwar Singh Sandhu scoring 48 and taking 2/32, while Kerem Selek was unstoppable in taking 4/4 off 7.4 overs.

Kilmore lost its Jensen Shield game by 147 runs to Aintree, despite the best efforts of Adam Chalmers, who took 2/56, and David MacBean, who remained unbeaten on 51.

In Club Grade action, Lancefield recorded a 51-run win over Romsey, Eastern Hill lost by 106 runs to Malmsbury Gold, Kilmore lost a high-scoring game to Kyneton by 22 runs, and Wallan was successful, albeit via forfeit against Hanging Rock.