Kilmore bounces back

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January 19, 2021

KILMORE is back atop the Seymour District Cricket Association ladder after cruising to a 10-wicket win over Eastern Hill at home on Saturday.

After winning the toss and batting, Eastern Hill was all out for 103 after 36 overs on the back of Brett Buttler’s 4/20.

Kilmore struck early when captain Josh Buttler skittled Eastern Hill opener Regan Gardner for a duck.

Wickets continued to fall with regularity, as Brett Buttler dismissed Eastern Hill’s other opener Brayden Speechley, caught by Shane Topham, for 11 and Corey Dennehy sent Billy Cox packing, caught behind by Matt Rose, for 8 to have the visitors 3/34.

Eastern Hill was able to steady the ship somewhat, putting on a 36-run partnership before Dale Tassone took a great catch falling to his left to dismiss Eastern Hill top-scorer Ben Bryant for 22 off the bowling of Ben Trezise.

Trezise followed up quickly, dismissing Seamus Feery for 21 to have Eastern Hill 5/76.

Eastern Hill’s tail fell like dominos, with the final four wickets taken for just two runs.

Brett Buttler took 4/20 from nine overs while Ben Trezise finished with figures of 2/13 from four overs.

Kilmore openers Dale Tassone and captain Josh Buttler did not have much trouble chasing down the small target, getting the job done in just 24 overs without losing a wicket.

Buttler made 52 in the chase while Tassone made 48.

The win comes after Kilmore suffered its first loss of the season at home to Yea last week, going down by six wickets despite Dale Tassone’s 94.

Broadford is nipping at Kilmore’s heels, behind only on percentage, after a 98-run win over Pyalong on the road.

Broadford got themselves off to a solid start with a 51-run opening partnership between captain Ash Wood and Riley Mason, which ended when Wood was caught by Jarryd Ruddick off Damien Zoch for 25.

Mitchell Collier (64) and Liam Collier (75) put on 63 together, to take Broadford to 5/188 before Liam, scoring at better than a run a ball, put on another 47 with Jeremy Bradshaw (11) to take Broadford to 6/248 at the end of its innings.

Pyalong started well, getting to 2/60 before a middle-order collapse, losing 4/13, left the hosts in some strife.

Pyalong was behind the eight ball from that point forward and, despite strong innings from Daniel Snowden (33) and Sean Delaney (28), could not play catch up fast enough, finishing the innings 7/150.

The win continues Broadford’s strong run of form after a century from captain Ash Wood led them to a 133-run win over Seymour last week.

Tallarook scored a close win over Yea, bowling the Tigers out with seven balls left to prevail by six runs.

Dan Fisher made 55 before he was run out while Blake Coyle and Lachlan Watts took three wickets each.

Seymour made very quick work of Alexandra at home, taking only 20 overs to bowl out the visitors before completing the run chase in just nine overs.

Roadside risks raised

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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By Jackson Russell

TOOBORAC and Pyalong residents’ concern about the fire risks created by overgrown roadsides along the Northern Highway is growing, with some taking it upon themselves to clean up the roadsides.

Following a small fire at the intersection of the Northern Highway and Majors Line Road, the amount of growth on the roadside increased dramatically and was estimated to reach up to five feet in height.

The same intersection has been the location of several high-speed collisions, including one fatality, in recent years due to the lack of a turning lane, with cars often having to move almost into the roadside to see oncoming traffic.

Tooborac Fire Brigade member Andrew Thompson said a community working bee attended by two dozen volunteers made the corner much safer.

“We put a tractor and slasher down there and some whipper snippers and cleaned it up and it’s a lot safer corner now than what it was, but it shouldn’t have to be that local persons do that out of their own generosity,” he said.

“[Regional Roads Victoria] said they’ve slashed hundreds of kilometres of roadsides for fire risks, but they slash about a four-foot cut on the side of the road and in a normal year, it regrows, and they don’t even slash hard at the ground. It’s virtually bloody useless.”

Pyalong Fire Brigade Member Pat Ryan called the roadsides along the Northern Highway from the Pyalong Recreation Reserve to Mollison Creek ‘disgusting’ and a fire risk.

“It’s going to come in from the north-west, through [the pine plantation], down the highway and it’ll just work like a wick like it did on Black Saturday when the freeway took the fire virtually into Broadford,” he said.

“A lot of people on these five-acre blocks, they’ve all got to get their blocks slashed, they get an order from the shire every year to slash their blocks… but you look at the government agencies and it’s disgusting that they don’t do their side of it.”

Tooborac farmer Bill Chisholm questioned the lack of action despite a horrible summer of bushfires last year.

“I’ve been on council for nine years and I think Pyalong now is probably nearly the worst I’ve ever seen it,” he said.

“It’s just a mess, but especially down in front of the school and near the pine plantation. It’s a real disaster waiting to happen.

“We’ve had the biggest fires last year we’ve ever seen and no funding increase from any of these government agencies.”

Regional Roads Victoria said it regularly inspects its road network to identify defects, treat any hazards and maintain arterial roads in a ‘safe and acceptable condition’ and undertakes roadside grass slashing, weed spraying and tree maintenance to help reduce potential fire risks and ensure detour routes and vital entry and exit points are clear of obstacles.

A RRV spokesperson said its responsibility for grass cutting extended to three metres of roadside vegetation from the guideposts that lined arterial roads, unless a roadside identified was a priority area, in which case it cuts boundary to boundary to provide a strategic fire break.

In Tooborac, RRV is responsible for the 100km/h sections of the Northern Highway with Mitchell Shire Council responsible for the sections in the 70km/h zone. RRV is also responsible for slashing along the entire Pyalong stretch of the highway.

RRV crews slashed grass along the Northern Highway in Tooborac and Pyalong from the end of November to the beginning of December, with a second cut to be carried out in the coming months.

Acting Department of Transport director for Loddon Mallee Barry Green said the safety of all Victorians was a priority for Regional Roads Victoria.

“Each year, we mow tens of thousands of kilometres of grass and our crews have been out in force over the past few months grass cutting across the Mitchell Shire,” he said.

“Safety is our priority and anyone undertaking work on arterial road reserves must be permitted and suitably trained to do so – to ensure not only their safety, but the safety of everyone on our network.”

Traditional Owner agreement creates new jobs

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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Traditional Owner agreement creates new jobs

NEW local jobs are set to be delivered as part of a formal agreement recognising the Taungurung people as Traditional Owners of central Victoria.

The formal agreement between the State Government and the Taungurung people will see 17 new jobs created with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, including a range of natural resource management roles such as park rangers and field services officers.

Two of the new roles are based in the Taungurung Land and Waters Council’s Broadford office, with applications currently open for a recognition and settlement agreement administration officer and a community programs manager.

With some positions starting this month, the new rangers will work in partnership with Parks Victoria as joint managers of the nine parks and reserves the Taungurung people have Aboriginal Title over, under the Traditional Owner agreement.

The agreement is the outcome of more than three years of negotiations, and covers an area stretching from Rochester and Kyneton in the west to Bright in the east, and Euroa in the north to Kinglake in the south.

The additional resources aim to help ensure the parks and reserves are well looked after so all Victorians can explore that part of the state for years to come.

Signed in 2018, the agreement recognises the Taungurung people’s Traditional Owner rights to access Crown land to hunt, fish, camp, and gather natural resources.

The agreement was negotiated under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010, which allows for out-of-court settlements to recognise the rights of Victorian Traditional Owners.

The agreement has delivered around $26 million to support the Taungurung peoples’ economic and cultural development, participation in natural resource management, and other self-determination initiatives.

It also provides the Taungurung people with an avenue for their culture and connection to country to be supported and promoted.
Taungurung Land and Waters Council chief executive Matthew Burns said while the agreement was to be celebrated, those that paved the way for it were to be acknowledged.

“In celebrating the commencement of our Agreement, we acknowledge the Taungurung Elders and community who have paved the way to our self-determination – a long hard fight to challenge policy and law that tried to deprive us of our Country,” he said.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the agreement would provide new jobs and vital maintenance and conservation works on Aboriginal Title Lands.

“We stand proudly with the Taungurung People – supporting them to continue to protect and preserve their Traditional Owner rights while creating more jobs in central Victoria,” she said.

Geothermal tests underway in Wallan

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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PROPERTY developer Crystal Group has begun the introduction of renewable geothermal energy to the Mitchell Shire, with tests taking place in Wallan this month.

Tests have been conducted at Wellington Square Shopping Centre, Wallan, and a Taylors Lane property to assess the feasibility of utilising the technology for heating and cooling.

Geothermal energy experts DirectEnergy Australia are conducting the tests, with a thermal response test bore hold being dug at the Wallan South property on Friday.

The tests will determine how much heat can be rejected into the ground to cool homes in summer and how much heat can be extracted to heat homes in winter.

Aerial footage of a geothermal testing site at Wallan.

DirectEnergy Australia managing director Marcus Wearing-Smith said geothermal energy was one of the most energy efficient methods of heating and cooling and could be used for air conditioning, hot water services, hydronic floor heating, radiator panels and swimming pools.

“Geothermal is a huge component of what we do. It can pull down the energy offtake of houses, estates or buildings by around 50 per cent for cooling and heating,” he said.

“The heat goes into a heat pump, which is like an air-conditioning unit, but it doesn’t have a fan. These take that water out of the ground, go through a heat exchanger inside that unit which it produces your hot or your cold.

“You don’t have any air requirements, so these systems can be behind closed doors in your garage, they don’t need to be stuck on the outside of your home.”

Should the tests be successful, plastic pipe would be inserted into a series of bore holes, creating a closed loop of condensing water, which is then kept at suitable temperatures for heating or cooling requirements.

Crystal Group plans to use the technology in its 6500-home Wallan South development, St Hilaire, which is the largest land holding in the fast-tracked Wallan South Precinct Structure Plan and is expected to break ground by the end of the year.

Australia Day celebrations to go ahead

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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IT is business as usual for Broadford’s annual Australia Day celebrations, with the open-air event taking place at the Rotary Rotunda on the Island Reserve at High Street.

The event has been operating for decades and is one of the town’s most-anticipated annual events.

After a long, tumultuous year, it is a great opportunity to reconnect and catch-up with family, friends and the community.

While there will be no entry fee or visitor limits, COVID restrictions will be in place with patrons required to register upon entry and encouraged to maintain social distancing and hand-hygiene measures.

To celebrate and include everyone at the start of the new year, all of the Kids’ Corner activities are free of charge, including face painting, a jumping castle, a pet farm, and this year’s new attractions, pony rides, and a ‘snake safe’ display and demonstration.

There will also be new and interesting market stalls with locally-made outdoor iron works, outdoor blinds, an array of garden tools, large and small garden plants, leather goods, and bric-a-brac.

Several community groups will be represented, including Scouts, CFA, SES, Victoria Police, Landcare, Rotary, and sporting clubs.

The food court stalls will offer a wide range of choices for lunch and snacks, from traditional sausage sizzles, to Vietnamese dishes and calamari in a cup.

As usual, Stute’s Australia Day Pies will be served at the Landcare truck, brewed coffee, soft-serve ice-creams and a new confectionery range will also be available.

The Broadford Historic Precinct buildings will also be open to the public, with Broadford Historical Society members providing expert information and displays in the buildings there. This year’s display includes photos and memorabilia about the early years in Broadford.

The day starts early with the Lions Club again providing their traditional barbecue breakfast from 7am to 9am in Lions Park, available to all for a gold coin donation.

Festivities will then move to the Rotary Rotunda from 9am to 3pm for live music from local musicians Van-Yt and a range of other entertainment. There will also be the traditional flag-raising at 10am, along with the announcement of the Outstanding Citizen Award.

Wallan

Mitchell Shire Council’s annual celebration and citizenship ceremony takes place in Wallan this year at the Wallan Free Library and Mechanics Institute Hall at Hadfield Park.

The day kicks off at 9am with a flag raising, before council welcomes its new citizens from 9.30am, followed by the annual Australia Day Community Awards.

Wandong

Wandong Heathcote Junction’s annual Australia Day breakfast is also going ahead.

The Wandong Heathcote Junction Community Group, assisted by the Wandong Wallan Lions Club and on behalf of the LB Davern Reserve Committee of Management, will provide a free hot breakfast from 8am on Australia Day.

The breakfast will be at the community centre at LB Davern Reserve, Dry Creek Road, Wandong, followed by the flag raising ceremony and presentation of community awards to two deserving local citizens at 9am.

Seymour

Seymour’s Australia Day celebration kicks off at 8am at Kings Park, with a cooked breakfast and is headlined by an art display from the Seymour and District Art Society.

The society will host a workshop for the duration of the event and artwork will also be available for purchase.

The Seymour District Car Club will have a full display of their vehicles while the SES will demonstrate their vehicle rescue equipment and Riding for the Disabled is bringing horses to pet.

The flag raising will take place at 10.15am, with the Australian Army sending a contingent of soldiers from Puckapunyal to take part.

The event is expected to wrap-up before 1pm.

For more information, call Seymour Rotary on 0492 862 039.

Glenaroua

Glenaroua CFA has been forced to cancel its annual Australia Day weekend Woolley Cup fundraiser.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, January 23, has been operasting annually for more than a decade, but will be missed in 2021 due to COVID-19.

For more information, call Glenaroua CFA secretary treasurer Pam Burns on 0427 516 863.

MPs promoted in cabinet shake-up

The North Central Review

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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By Jackson Russell

MEMBER for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has returned to where her political career started after being promoted to Attorney-General late last year.

Ms Symes takes over the role after the sudden resignation of Jill Hennessey in December.

Ms Symes will remain Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and Minister for Resources, but will drop the agriculture and regional development portfolios she had held since Labor’s 2018 state election win.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas has taken the reins from Ms Symes as Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development after previously serving as cabinet secretary.

Ms Symes holds a law degree and previously worked as a policy adviser in government and opposition across the Attorney-General and other justice portfolios.

Ms Symes said the Attorney-General portfolio was the one that got her involved in politics.

“[The portfolio is] one that can deliver big reforms that support all Victorians,” she said.

“I’m fortunate to be stepping into a portfolio where so much work and significant reform is already underway.

“Ultimately, I want to ensure that Victoria’s justice system is fair and accessible – that it delivers the access to justice Victorians need and supports them through what can often be the most challenging times in their lives.”

Ms Symes said she loved being the Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development and her electorate duties would not be affected by the added responsibility.

“It was a great role which was made even better by the people I worked with – but I know I’m leaving it in good hands and Mary-Anne Thomas is going to do a terrific job as the new minister,” she said.

“I’m still a country MP before any other title and I’m no stranger to balancing the need to be in Parliament or Melbourne with being in my electorate and available to our community.

“Living in Broadford and having my office in Wallan ensures I’m particularly aware of the needs of the Mitchell Shire.”

Ms Thomas said it was an honour to be sworn in.

“Having grown up in regional Victoria, and representing the Macedon electorate for more than six years, I’m excited about the opportunities to work for country people and regional and rural communities across our great state,” she said.

“Our agricultural and regional industries are a cornerstone of the Victorian economy, and will be crucial in helping us build back better following this challenging year. I can’t wait to get started.”

The Nationals Leader Peter Walsh has called on Ms Thomas to ‘hit the ground running’ and offered a list of expectations from Victorian farmers, including reversing the native timber ban, ensuring a full duck season and investing in country roads.

“A lack of leadership on key challenges affecting our farmers and regional communities has seen the problems getting worse,” he said.

“Our fruit and vegetable growers and food processors desperately need access to a seasonal workforce to make sure they can harvest crops and meet high demand for our high-quality meat and food in the future.”

Wandong winners share in lotto prize

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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TEN Wandong residents have had a lucky start to 2021 after sharing in a million-dollar division one prize from a $30 million mega draw.

The store syndicate held one of the 19 division one winning entries, sold at Wandong Post, News and Tatts, drawn Saturday, January 2, with each player taking home a share of the winnings.

The group’s total prize was boosted to $1.584 million after their System 7 entry also won division three six times and division six 12 times, leaving each player to walk away with more than $158,000.

Wandong Post, News and Tatts owner Bhavik Barot said he was excited to see some of his customers have a rewarding start to 2021.

“We’ve been spreading the news and letting everyone know. We’re celebrating with our customers, who are excited and glad to see a win here,” he said.

“This is the first division one winning entry we’ve sold. To all our winning syndicate members, we say live your dreams.”

The Lott spokesperson Matt Hart said he urged anyone who purchased an entry in the TattsLotto $30 Million Megadraw to check their entry.

“While many of the syndicate members registered their entries to a player card, others may have yet to discover they’re part of this winning group,” he said.

“After the twists and turns of 2020, could there be any better way of starting 2021 than sharing a division one prize? We can’t wait to unite all the syndicate members with their prize, so today’s the day to check those tickets lying around the home, car and anywhere else.

“If you think you’re part of this winning Wandong group, contact us immediately on 131 868 to start the prize claim process.”

The winning numbers in TattsLotto draw 4117 on January 2 were 7, 5, 16, 44, 14 and 17, while the supplementary numbers were 26 and 31.

COVID rules ease again

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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VICTORIA’S staged return to office work has resumed this week as COVID-19 restrictions ease again.

Rules around mandatory mask wearing also changed as of yesterday, Monday, returning to the settings that were in place at Christmas time.

Masks are now only mandatory on all domestic flights, at airports, in hospitals, on public transport, in commercial passenger vehicles, at supermarkets and other large indoor retail locations, including shopping centres.

It’s also recommended that Victorians wear a mask in other situations if physical distancing is not possible.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced last week that with no current evidence of community transmission in Victoria, and a new permit system providing confidence that any interstate outbreaks can be appropriately managed, the Chief Health Officer recommended that it was safe for Victorians to continue heading back to on-site office work.

Starting yesterday, Monday, the Victorian Public Service were able to return to on-site work at 25 per cent capacity at each site and all other office workplaces were able to increase to 50 per cent capacity.

Record-keeping requirements for workplaces will remain unchanged, which means that an employer must keep a record of all workers and all visitors who attend the premises for longer than 15 minutes.

Mr Andrews said while many Victorians would be happy to see an easing of restrictions, it was vital that workplaces maintained and enforced their COVID-Safe plans to protect staff and the broader community.

“We know this will be disappointing for many but the current health advice has also meant Brisbane City and surrounding LGAs, and Greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Blue Mountains will remain red zones until further notice – we simply cannot take the risk in lifting the classification at this point, particularly with the transmission of the UK strain in Queensland’s hotel quarantine system,” he said.

Mr Andrews said Victorians had made an ‘incredible effort’ in getting tested and continued to urge everyone to be tested and stay home if they had any symptoms.

“This will be a massive boost not only for the office workplaces in the heart of Melbourne, but the cafes, restaurants, bars and shops that rely on their business – it will be fantastic to see the city coming alive again,” he said.

“We know there are many Victorians currently north of the border who want to come home and the public health team will continue to assess the situations in New South Wales and Queensland on a daily basis. As soon as it is safe to downgrade the risk in any of the current red zones, we will.”

Nillumbik businesses unite for ‘Back in Business’ summer season

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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Nillumbik businesses unite for ‘Back in Business’ summer season

YARRAMBAT Park Golf Course, Golden Hills Brewery, and Yield Specialty Coffee Roasters are uniting to celebrate the summer season and being back in business, following a tumultuous year of COVID-19 related restrictions and closures.

The special two-week long ‘Back in Business’ summer launch, from January 15 to 29, will coincide with the official launch of Yarrambat Golf Course’s new, multi-million-dollar upgrade, which includes Belgravia Leisure’s signature Goanna Golf mini-golf course and Grasslands restaurant.

The golf course, a Nillumbik Shire Council leisure facility, is operated and managed by Belgravia Leisure.

The exciting new 18-hole mini-golf course is part of the premium hospitality offering that includes upgrades to the traditional course and Grasslands, a premium new cafe and bar offering that transforms Yarrambat Golf Course into a family destination.

Grasslands will launch with a tap takeover by Golden Hills Brewery featuring a range of craft beers, brewed in Diamond Creek by their onsite expert and head brewer Steven Matthews.

Patrons can also enjoy Yield Specialty Coffee’s seasonal blend, from local roasters Piccolo Meccanico.

For younger members of the Nillumbik community, the new mini golf course will entertain.

The course complements the local landscape, encouraging an appreciation of the wildlife and vegetation of Nillumbik.

There is an educational component to the game with each mini golf hole themed around a native animal, with information and facts about the species. The course has trick holes and secret passageways to challenge players.

Nillumbik Mayor Peter Perkins said it was great to see the new Grasslands restaurant partner with other local businesses to further showcase local produce.

“This is a wonderful example of our business community working together,” Cr Perkins said.

“The new mini-golf course will complement the upgraded restaurant well and introduce more families to the world of golf.

“Getting outdoors, being active and supporting local businesses has never been more important after the year we have just had.”

The newly-opened Grasslands bar and restaurant has two liquor licenses, allowing patrons to consume alcoholic beverages at the bar or takeaway to enjoy on the golf course.

Belgravia Leisure chief executive Nick Cox said changes to Yarrambat Golf Course would provide new opportunities for the Nillumbik

Shire community to connect and engage in the great game.

“With the large number of families that already enjoy the precinct for picnics and recreation, there is a huge opportunity to engage new users to get into golf through an inclusive family destination,” Mr Cox said.

For more information about Yarrambat Park Golf Course, visit www.yarrambatgolf.com.au.

Upgrades commence at Kilmore East Station

Roads & Transport

The North Central Review

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January 19, 2021

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Upgrades commence at Kilmore East Station

WORKS have commenced at Kilmore East Station as part of a $1 million State Government upgrade project.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said the first stage of works had begun at the station on December 30 and would continue into 2021.

Among the works set to be completed are a repainting of the station’s façade and landscaping works around the station precinct.

Upgrades will be made to the car park for passengers with accessibility needs to help improve access to and from the station.

The station’s lighting is also set to be upgraded and planning is underway for an upgraded shelter, improved public announcement system on the station platform, and refurbished bathroom amenities.

The full package of works is expected to be completed later this year once detailed design work is completed.

Mr Carroll said the project was part of the government’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government has committed $328.4 million towards public transport and roads maintenance and upgrades across the state.

“We’re hitting the ground running with these important projects – supporting regional communities that need it most and ramping up our response to the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Carroll said.

“We continue to see growth in the north-east area so we’re delivering upgrades that passengers have asked for to help improve their travel experience.”

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said crews would continue to follow strict COVID-19 protocols, as set out by the Department of Health and Human Services, while completing the works.

“These improvements are about helping to provide a more comfortable, accessible and safer journey for passengers and will also help keep our local economy moving as we recover from the coronavirus crisis,” she said.

“It’s important we look after our station precincts so they continue to serve the needs of passengers, and communities can also feel proud to welcome visitors to the region.”