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Christmas choir for Probus

The North Central Review
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Christmas choir for Probus

THE Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea celebrated the festive season in grand style at its recent Christmas meeting, welcoming the internationally acclaimed Melbourne Lithuanian Choir Dainos Samburis for a special performance that left members deeply moved.

Thirteen of the choir’s 24 singers made the journey to the Whittlesea Bowls Club, arriving with their piano, traditional Lithuanian costumes and an abundance of enthusiasm. The Bowling Club prepared a separate dressing room and increased seating capacity to accommodate the special occasion, reflecting the excitement surrounding the visit.

Formed in 1949, Dainos Samburis is now in its 76th year and remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Lithuanian community. Based at Lithuanian House in North Melbourne, the choir regularly performs at national and cultural commemorations, as well as festivals across Australia and abroad. Their history includes performances in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Poland, and multiple appearances at Lithuania’s iconic Song Festivals — most recently in 2024.

As the choir entered the meeting room resplendent in traditional dress, an audible ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd. What followed was a unique multilingual concert featuring Lithuanian, English, Latin and German pieces. The six-song program included Silent Night, Christmas Hallelujah, Aussie Jingle Bells, and other carols reflecting the joy, reverence and cultural richness of Christmas.

Audience members, many with musical backgrounds, watched intently as conductor Birutė guided the choir through each piece, sharing stories about the songs’ origins and the choir’s long-standing traditions. The blend of voices, languages and festive sentiment made the performance a standout moment for all in attendance.

The meeting concluded with heartfelt applause before members made their way to their annual Christmas dinner and the choir returned to their everyday routines.

For the Probus Club, the opportunity to host a choir of such calibre, donating their time purely for the joy of sharing music, was considered a true Christmas gift — one that will be fondly remembered for years to come.

Dumping blitz

The North Central Review
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Dumping blitz

THE City of Whittlesea is sending a firm message to anyone considering illegally dumping rubbish: you will be caught, and you will face significant consequences.

Council has intensified its targeted patrols, surveillance operations and enforcement activities, with recent cases demonstrating that offenders are increasingly being tracked, identified and fined. The Victorian Government’s recent $21.5 million investment in the state’s Illegal Dumping Taskforce is expected to further boost these efforts, and the City of Whittlesea has welcomed the funding as a strong step toward a long-term state-wide approach.

Council is also urging the Victorian Government to strengthen laws so that penalties for illegal dumping are tougher and act as a greater deterrent.

Recent investigations highlight the effectiveness of Council’s approach. In Wollert, illegal dumping across three separate sites was traced back to the same offender using CCTV footage, community reports and a well-timed photo from a local resident. The result: fines totalling $3,555.

In another case, Council cameras captured a person dumping rubbish from a vehicle onto a nature strip and roadway. The registered owner of the vehicle failed to respond to a Waste Information Gathering Notice, leading to a $407 infringement for failing to respond and a further $1,221 penalty for illegal dumping. Council says the case highlights that both drivers and vehicle owners can be held responsible.

A third incident involved e-waste, a bike frame and furniture panels abandoned inside a Mernda bus shelter. The same items had been previously sighted on a nearby property. After the offenders ignored a Waste Abatement Notice requiring them to remove the rubbish, Council issued two infringements of $1,221, one for the dumping itself and another for failing to comply.

Between July and October 2025, Council investigated 681 reports of dumped rubbish, issued more than 200 compliance notices and directions, handed out 80 infringements under the Environment Protection Act 2020 and Community Local Law totalling $107,823 in fines, and completed 10 prosecutions in the 12 months to May 2025, resulting in a further $22,202 in fines.

Council continues to remind residents that illegal dumping costs the whole community — yet disposing of unwanted items responsibly can often be done for free or at low cost. Waste vouchers, community recycling stations, repair and reuse programs and Council’s online A–Z recycling guide all provide simple alternatives to dumping.

Community reports remain crucial. Residents can report dumped rubbish through Snap Send Solve, at whittlesea.vic.gov.au/litter, or by calling 9217 2170.

Club marks a milestone year

The North Central Review
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Club marks a milestone year

THE Whittlesea VIEW Club has capped off a remarkable year of achievement, generosity and community connection, celebrating with a festive Christmas lunch at Hogan’s Hotel in Wallan.

The highlight of the day was the presentation of a $650 cheque by Hogan’s Hotel managers Jess and Darren Freestone, donated on behalf of hotel owner Jim Hogan.

The club says the contribution will go directly toward supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, which provides vital educational assistance to disadvantaged children.

For a club that is just two years old, Whittlesea VIEW has punched well above its weight. Formed with modest expectations, the club now proudly sponsors eight children through The Smith Family, an extraordinary achievement in such a short time.

“Two years in, who would have thought our little club would excel like this? Supporting eight children is something we are incredibly proud of,” President Julie Burgess said.

VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is a national women’s volunteer organisation with more than 15,000 members across Australia. Its mission is to exclusively support The Smith Family in improving educational outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.

Throughout 2025, the Whittlesea branch has been especially active, building a strong, supportive network where women come together to enjoy social activities, hear engaging speakers, develop skills, foster friendships and unite around their shared purpose of helping Australian children in need.

This year also saw the club celebrate its second birthday in style at the Epping RSL, where 68 women — including visitors from VIEW Clubs in Heidelberg, Greensborough, Eltham Evening and Epping Plenty Valley, enjoyed an afternoon of fun, friendship and colour.

With momentum growing and membership thriving, the club is looking forward to another year of empowering women and supporting children through education.

Whittlesea VIEW Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Whittlesea Bowls Club, 10.10am for a 10.30am start, with a guest speaker at every meeting. New members are always welcome.

Gift making grand return

The North Central Review
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Gift making grand return

SEYMOUR will host top-level athletics when the Seymour Club Gift returns to Kings Park on Saturday, December 13, with Mitchell Shire Council proudly supporting the event and helping attract athletes and spectators from across Victoria.

The program will feature a full Victorian Athletic League (VAL) card, including the Men’s and Women’s Gifts, each offering $3000 in prize money.

A major highlight is the Caffeine Bistro 300m Masters, believed to be the richest Masters race in the world, with athletes aged 35 and over competing for a $3500 prize pool.

Racing will run from 11am to 6pm, with 13 events across the day and plenty of food and hospitality options available to suit every taste.

Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the Seymour Club Gift was a welcome boost for local sport, local clubs and local businesses.

“Bringing the Seymour Gift back to Kings Park is a great win for Seymour and the Goulburn Region,” Cr Dougall said.

“We’re pleased to support an event that showcases local talent, puts Seymour on the map for visiting athletes and their families, and encourages people to spend time in our town before and after the racing.”

The event is being organised by the Seymour Running Club, which was formed in 2024 by local residents passionate about revitalising track athletics and putting the Seymour Club Gift on the athletics calendar.

Seymour Running Club President Blair Collins thanked Mitchell Shire Council for its support of the Seymour Gift.

“Mitchell Shire Council has been fantastic in supporting our Gift and helping us showcase Kings Park, our town, and the broader region,” Mr Collins said.

“The Gift attracts people from right across the state, boosting local accommodation and hospitality businesses while providing an incredible spectacle for our community.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Mitchell Shire Council to continue growing the Seymour Gift, encouraging more people to be fit and active, and showcasing our beautiful region.”

Supported by the strong interest generated through the Kelfit training group, coached by VAL Trainer of the Year Kelvin Lubeck, the club is working to build the Gift into a flagship annual event for the region.

A big day of cricket at Wallan

The North Central Review
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A big day of cricket at Wallan

GREENHILL Reserve will play host to a cricket extravaganza with the Wallan Cricket Club to hold its inaugural quadruple header this Saturday.

Four games of cricket will be played across the venue’s two ovals between 10.30am and 7.30pm as the Magpies do battle with Gisborne in a suite of Twenty20 matches to conclude the first half of the Gisborne District Cricket Association season.

Wallan’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI men’s teams and the women’s side will all play in what shapes as one of the biggest days in the history of the club, according to president Robbie Fowler.

“The Wallan District Cricket Club has made immense progress in recent seasons with the introduction of a women’s team and promotion back into the McIntyre Cup competition and we feel that this is a great way to showcase what the club has to offer,” Fowler said.

“We are grateful for the support of Gisborne, who are keen to foster the concept and we look forward to hopefully working with them and building on it in years to come.

“All of the club’s sponsors and life members have been invited along and crowd participation is encouraged with rewards for crowd catches, bar and canteen facilities available and live music.

“It should be a fantastic day of local cricket.”

Gisborne musician Darcy Nolan will perform from 7pm, the bar and canteen will be open, while there is $100 on offer to anyone who takes a crowd catch in the 1st XI men’s match.

Action begins at 10.30am with the 3rd XI on Oval 2, the 2nd XI will commence its match at 11am on the main oval, which will also be the scene for the women’s match from 2pm and the 1st XI McIntyre Cup clash starting at 4.30pm.

Successful tournament at Kilmore

The North Central Review
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Successful tournament at Kilmore

THE Kilmore Golf Club recently held its club championships, with a wide range of winners across men’s and women’s competitions.

John O’Neill took out the A grade overall championship in a hotly contested competition, while Gary Davey, Rick Campbell and Cyril Anderson took B grade, C grade and D grade respectively.

In the women’s competition, Sandy Wicking was the champion in A grade, while Sophie Banon was the B grade scratch champion. The May Ryan Cup for C grade went to Dianne Dixon, while Banon took the Wilson Cup for the overall best handicap score. Helen Dennett won the seniors’ trophy.

As part of the competition, the Ladies Bowl was also held on Thursday, November 20, with Kilmore winning thanks to a score of 106. This was largely thanks to Andrea Boland, who scored 41, followed by 32 and 33 points, while Robyn McPherson won the C grade competition in her first Bowl.

As part of the overall Saturday tournament, which was a four ball better ball competition, the winners on the day were Banon and Darlene Baker, Ian Wood and Wicky McDowell and Anderson and Ulli Popovic.

On Sunday, the scratch winner was Mt Macedon’s Jim Hynes, while handicap winner was Matt Murray, with Mark Boland runner-up. Eight different clubs were represented.

Shock bowls results

Michael Thompson
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Shock bowls results

RAIN shook up the bowls complexion on the weekend as a number of shock results meant a big shake up of ladders.

Romsey made a big move up into third position in division one, taking care of Kyneton Golf 59-52, with Cameron Austin taking a 16-15 win over Wayne Turner and Damien Ely taking a 24-18 win over Peter Linehan. Aaron Young and Anthony Barker’s rink ended 19-apiece.

Kilmore’s match with Trentham was washed out, meaning Kilmore slips down to fourth on the ladder.

Bottom-of-the-table Lancefield took a win over Broadford, delivering a blow to the latter’s chances of playing finals.

Jeff Holmes took a 21-14 win over Robert Chapman, while Trevor Young scored a 23-17 win over David Ellis. While Daryl Kelly scored a 21-19 win over Andrew Brandolin, it wasn’t enough for Broadford.

Broadford was also luckless in division two, losing to Romsey, 57-66.

Kevin Inness scored a 26-13 win over Andy Laing, but it was all Romsey on the other two rinks, with Lloyd Dyamond winning 29-16 over Allan Cowen and Gary Gilligan scoring a 24-15 win over Richard Frost.

Kilmore was far too good for Macedon, winning 66-45.

Andrew Cassidy scored a 24-13 win over Ian Matthews, while Stephen McNamara won 26-13 over Ian Guymer. Kilmore’s only slip up was Colin Hodgson’s 16-19 loss to Gary Dickenson.

In division three, Kilmore stayed alive with a stirring win over Kyneton, sweeping aside the third-placed team.

Carol Wright scored a 20-17 win over Susan Fenton, while Sandra Bloomfield’s 21-15 win over Jamie Epps and Kevin Tootell’s 22-14 win over Ellie Kennedy completed a memorable day.

Romsey scored a solid 72-39 win over Woodend, with Hazel Rose’s 19-15 win over Judith Jewell and David Culpan’s 40-7 win over Trevor Sturt more than enough to do the damage.

Lancefield’s game with Trentham was washed out.

Local rivals to meet in decider

Michael Thompson
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Local rivals to meet in decider

IT’S a Mitchell Shire extravaganza in the Country Basketball League North East Men’s final, with Seymour and Wallan both winning through to the decider on Saturday night.

Seymour will come into the decider in the hottest of hot form, taking care of Albury by a whopping 43 points.

The Blasters’ home crowd was on its feet for a large proportion of the game as they ran wild, outscoring the Cougars by double-digits in each of the first three quarters, before easing to a 96-53 win.

Sitting 14 points up at the first change, the Blasters’ defence was on show in the second term, holding the Cougars to just nine points as the game was effectively done by the main break, with Seymour leading 49-25.

William Stewart erupted for 28 points, while Harry Stones also contributed strongly with 18 points. Tyler Best (13 points) and Robbie Sartori (12 points) also scored in double digits.

Wallan also secured a comfortable victory, putting its foot off the gas in the final term to ease to a nine-point win over Shepparton.

After a tight first quarter which saw the Panthers lead by three points, they erupted in the second term and left RB Robson Stadium rocking with a 32-12 second quarter to lead 49-26 at the main break.

The Panthers continued on their way in the third term to turn for home with a 71-47 lead, and while the Gators roared back to put some respectability on the scoreboard, it was not enough to prevent Wallan from taking an 84-75 victory.

Ryan Philippe scored 24 points, while Jayden O’Brien’s 17 points, Lachlan Lombardo’s 15 points and Dion Stacey’s 12 points ensured the Panthers had too much scoring power.

It opens up an exciting grand final matchup between the two teams, who met in round seven, with Seymour running away with the game in the last term to take a 15-point win after trailing at the last change.

Seymour’s women also took part in the finals, but the Blasters were simply overwhelmed by Albury, restricted to just 27 points as they lost by 48.

The table-topping Cougars was not in the mood to give the Blasters a look in, leading 25-5 at the first change and 50-10 by half time, before easing to their 75-27 win.

Chloe Dimkopoulos led the way against the tide, scoring nine points, while Kasey Lennox added eight.

Success on the Green

The North Central Review
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Success on the Green

THE Kilmore Bowls Club held a Women’s Tournament last Thursday with sixteen teams competing for prizes and notoriety.

Secretary Lesley Hodgson organised enthusiastic players from nearby clubs; Wallan and Broadford and of course the Kilmore Composite. Regional clubs included Yea, Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey, Seymour, Trentham, Whittlesea, Kingsbury, Rochester/Elmore and Tongala.

“The comradeship and friendships exhibited by the players towards each other was very evident and all players played with good sportsmanship and thoroughly enjoyed the day,” Ms Hodgson said.

“We would like to thank our sponsors; T J Scott Funeral Directors, Nutrien Harcourts and a number of local businesses who donated gifts and prizes, and also our members who donated prizes.

“Congratulations to all our teams but especially to Whittlesea Team 1 who won all three games to total 47- points.”

Kyneton were the runners up, with two games and a draw to total 40 points and the best ‘last’ game was won by Tongala by seven points.

At the end of proceedings, Ms Hodgson also thanked all the volunteers who contributed to the days success and Grace Tavener for filling in for Whittlesea who were a player short.

Houses on the table in McEwen

Ruddin Ardzi
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Houses on the table in McEwen

FEDERAL Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell welcomed the Federal Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil to the region this week to highlight the needs of Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.

The roundtable brought together representatives from local government, industry and service providers to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

Mr Mitchell said the visit highlighted the commitment to working in partnership with communities to unlock more housing supply, improve affordability, and support sustainable growth.

“Mitchell Shire is growing at an extraordinary pace, and we need a coordinated approach to ensure families can access the housing they need,” he said.

“Minister O’Neil’s visit shows that the Government is listening and that community voices are helping shape national housing policy.”

Participants provided feedback on key issues including the need for enabling infrastructure to support new housing developments; improving coordination between all levels of government and the development sector; ensuring affordable and social housing keeps pace with population growth; addressing workforce shortages across planning, building, and community services and the continued support for lending schemes that support first home buyers and young people.

Mr Mitchell said the discussion confirmed the strong appetite for practical solutions and ongoing collaboration.

“The feedback today was clear: our region is ready to grow, but we need the right tools, the right investment, and the right partnerships to make that growth sustainable,” he said.

“It was a pleasure to have Minister O’Neil visit our community. Addressing the decades long housing crisis has been an absolute priority.

“Getting these valuable insights from the stakeholders in the room was incredibly important and showed how the Federal Government recognises this input will play a key part in implementing our $43 billion housing package.

“A huge thanks to those that attended for their honest and constructive contributions.”

Minister O’Neil reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering more homes, supporting first-home buyers, expanding social and affordable housing through the Housing Australia Future Fund, and backing local councils to plan and build for the future.

Mr Mitchell said he looked forward to continuing the work with the community and all levels of government to ensure local families can access safe, secure, and affordable housing.

“Today’s roundtable was an important step forward — and I’m proud to keep advocating for the people of McEwen so they get the homes, services, and infrastructure they deserve,” he said.

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