Council’s campaign starts

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December 2, 2025

THE Mitchell Shire Council has marked the start of its 16 Days of Activism campaign with its Seymour Parkrun event, draping the track around the Goulburn River orange in partnership with Seymour Rotary Club, Victoria Police, Zonta and the Brotherhood of St Lawrence.

Approximately 70 runners made the trek to mark the fourth annual walk around the river, with a multitude of trees and the catchment area draped in orange to mark the 16 Days campaign.

Mayor Councillor John Dougall addressed runners prior to the start of the event, highlighting how important the 16 Days campaign is to the Mitchell Shire Council.

The event is the fourth annual run held between Seymour Parkrun in conjunction with the Mitchell Shire Council, Zonta, Rotary, Victoria Police and the Brotherhood of St Lawrence.

Grant to make history

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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THE Wandong History Group has secured a significant boost for its newest storytelling venture, receiving $9,405 from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to create an intergenerational documentary titled Moments That Matter.

The project will see local schoolchildren work with the History Group to capture Wandong’s past and present on film, a creative bridge between generations designed to preserve community memory while fostering youth engagement. Once completed, the documentary will be shared with the wider community, ensuring Wandong’s stories continue to be told well into the future.

Formed in 2001, the Wandong History Group has spent more than two decades preserving the rich social, industrial and environmental heritage of Wandong and Heathcote.

The grant is part of FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program, which this round will support 78 locally led projects across the country. FRRR, the only national foundation focused solely on remote, rural and regional Australia, received 331 applications, highlighting the growing demand for grassroots investment.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s Head of Granting, said the projects funded reflect both the resilience and the immediate needs of regional communities.

“Grassroots organisations are the backbone of rural Australia. They deliver vital services, create opportunities for connection and respond to local needs with creativity and commitment. These locally led efforts result in tangible improvements and build stronger, more inclusive communities,” Ms Karena said

For the Wandong History Group, the funding marks another milestone in its long-running mission: ensuring that the stories that shaped the township are never forgotten, and that the next generation understands the place they call home.

Wandong’s heritage showcase

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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WANDONG took a thoughtful look back at its history last Friday when residents gathered for the Wandong History Group’s anticipated “then-and-now” exhibition at St Michael’s Catholic Church.

The display brought together an engaging mix of archival photographs, written accounts and modern-day images, allowing visitors to trace how the township has transformed over the decades. Attendees were able to wander through the collection at their own pace, comparing familiar landmarks and learning about the people who shaped the early character of the area.

Held alongside the Wandong State School’s 154th birthday celebrations, the exhibition added to the festive atmosphere in the community, creating a shared moment of reflection on both heritage and progress.

The event ran for four hours on Friday, November 28, with a well-attended PowerPoint presentation at 5.30pm offering additional insight into key milestones in Wandong’s development. Many visitors commented on the depth of local knowledge showcased throughout the afternoon.

A nostalgic display of school memorabilia, featuring old photographs, classroom materials and past students’ work, provided an endearing reminder of how education in the district has changed over time.

By the end of the evening, the exhibition had clearly struck a chord with the community, sparking conversations, shared memories and renewed appreciation for Wandong’s unique story.

Emergency services get $30m grants

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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Emergency services volunteers across northern Victoria will receive more trucks, equipment and modern facilities to help keep communities safe.

This year’s round under the State Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) delivers more than $30 million in grants – the largest ever – across the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue, and other emergency service organisations.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes congratulated the recipients of this year’s VESEP grants, which will deliver new vehicles, equipment and facility upgrades across Victoria.

Funding for this round includes almost $20 million for more than 40 vehicles, more than $5 million to update 15 facilities and more than $1 million for operational equipment across the state. Seymour Fire Brigade received $445,000 for a medium tanker.

Seymour SES received $1253 for equipment. District 12 Headquarters received $4739 for a generator replacement. Strath Creek/Reedy Creek Fire Brigade got $101,500 for a field command vehicle.

CFA has welcomed more than $22.6 million in grants. The VESEP funding been spread across 168 projects which included a range of facility upgrades and replacement vehicles for brigades including 14 medium tankers, 12 ultralight tankers and 31 field Command vehicles (FCV).

Macedon Ranges elects new mayor

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has ushered in new leadership, with West Ward Councillor Kate Kendall elected Mayor and East Ward Councillor Cassy Borthwick appointed Deputy Mayor during a scheduled meeting in Gisborne on Tuesday, November 25.

Both roles will be held for a one-year term, marking the second mayoral and deputy mayoral appointments within the current four-year Council term.

Cr Kendall, who served as Deputy Mayor over the past year, said she was honoured to take on the top role and committed to strengthening engagement and trust across the community.

“Following a year of listening and action in my role as a Councillor and as Deputy Mayor, I’m really pleased to be given the opportunity to lead as Mayor for the coming year,” she said.

“I aim to build trust, transparency and tangible progress on priorities for the benefit of all ratepayers and residents of our amazing shire.”

With a professional background spanning journalism, digital leadership, business advisory and community building, Cr Kendall brings extensive experience to the mayoralty. She has founded three companies and established Atto, a start-up accelerator supporting women founders and backed by the Victorian Government. Holding degrees from the University of Melbourne and RMIT, she also serves as President of Business Kyneton.

Her stated priorities continue to centre on getting the basics right including roads and core services, while improving community consultation, communication, organisational efficiency and performance in Council’s annual satisfaction surveys.

Newly appointed Deputy Mayor Cassy Borthwick said she was grateful for the confidence shown in her by fellow Councillors.

“In my first year as a Councillor, I’ve eagerly learnt the ins and outs of the role, listened intently to residents, and stood for what I believed in,” Cr Borthwick said.

“As Deputy Mayor, I’ll continue to build on these initial stepping stones and advocate strongly on behalf of my community to action meaningful change.”

Cr Borthwick’s professional background is anchored in tourism, hospitality and community leadership. She established and operated a local café for several years, steering the business through the challenges of the pandemic and the 2021 storms before selling it. She later undertook the LEAD Loddon Murray Community Leadership program and is now studying mental health while working in addiction recovery.

Her focus as a Councillor includes amplifying local voices, strengthening community participation and fostering a more inclusive, connected and resilient Macedon Ranges.

The new leadership team will guide Council through the coming year as it works to deliver key services, advance strategic priorities and deepen engagement with residents across the shire.

Ex-mayor takes six-month leave

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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MACEDON Ranges Shire Councillor and former mayor Dom Bonanno has been granted a six-month leave of absence following an October drink-driving incident that has sidelined him from public duties and prompted him to step back from leadership roles.

At the November council meeting, councillors endorsed Cr Bonanno’s request for personal leave through to May 2026, the duration of his six-month driving disqualification. The South Ward councillor, who did not attend the meeting, will forgo his full councillor allowance during the period.

The leave will also see Cr Bonanno and his family travel overseas, with the former mayor planning an extended trip to Europe during the first half of 2026. The journey will include time in Italy, fulfilling a long-standing promise to his seriously ill father to take his children back to their family’s origins.

The leave follows an incident on October 31, 2025, when Cr Bonanno was stopped by police in Gisborne South while driving the mayoral vehicle. He was found to be speeding and over the legal blood-alcohol limit. The offence resulted in an immediate loss of licence and a wave of public scrutiny.

Cr Bonanno stepped down as mayor and did not seek re-election to the position. He began personal leave almost immediately after the incident became public.

In a statement released shortly afterwards, he issued an unequivocal apology, saying he had let down his family, the council and the wider community.

Cr Bonanno is expected to resume his role as a councillor in May 2026.

Blasters and Panthers perform

Michael Thompson

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December 2, 2025

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IT’S finals time for the Country Basketball League North East competition, with Wallan and Seymour finishing its home-and-away seasons on a mostly good note.

The men’s competition sees Seymour the team to beat after completing its campaign on top of the ladder, and with a dominant 61-point demolition job of Myrtleford.

The Blasters bolted away from Myrtleford from the outset, holding the Saints to just five points in the first quarter as they established a 19-point lead at the first change, before scoring 30 points to nine to lead by 40 at the main break.

Seymour scored 44 more points in the second half to eventually record a 98-37 victory.

Tyler Best scored 25 points in the victory, while five other Blasters scored in double digits.

Wallan came from behind to earn a home final with a stirring five-point win over Shepparton in Shepparton.

The Gators stole a march in the opening quarter, scoring 26 points to 18 to lead by eight points.

However, led by Ryan Philippe’s 26 points, the Panthers slowly started to claw their way back into the game, cutting the margin by two points to trail 42-36 at the main change, before erupting in the third quarter.

The 28-16 run meant the Panthers led 64-58 at the final change, before a see-sawing final quarter saw the Panthers in front when it mattered most, winning 78-73.

Wallan’s women had a positive end to the season, scoring a six-point triumph over Shepparton to ensure it avoided the wooden spoon.

The Panthers got away to a seven-point lead at the opening change, and despite a Shepparton fightback which saw the margin whittled to two points at half time, the Panthers had all the answers.

They extended their lead back to eight by three-quarter-time, and in a thrilling, high-scoring final term, the Panthers held their nerve to win 79-73.

Carley Cranston had a night, scoring 30 points to help guide the Panthers to their second win of the campaign.

Despite a good start, Seymour couldn’t go on with it, and it will head into finals on the back of a 22-point loss to Myrtleford.

The Blasters started on a tear, scoring 20 points to seven in the first term, but the Saints got the game back under control in the second term, trailing by just two points by half time.

The Saints then cleared away, outscoring the Blasters by double digits in both the third and last quarters to eventually win 77-55.

Chloe Dimkopoulos scored 24 points, while Alex Martorella added 11 in the loss.

This weekend, Seymour will host Albury, while Wallan host Shepparton in the men’s competition, while Seymour’s women face a tough semi-final against minor premier Albury.

Tallarook and Seymour clear out

Michael Thompson

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December 2, 2025

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A COMPETITIVE day of cricket saw all three games in the Seymour District Cricket Association completed.

A big gap between the top two and the rest has now been established thanks to Tallarook’s eight-wicket win over Pyalong.

A good team performance from Tallarook was full of disciplined bowling, not allowing any Pyalong batsman to get away to a good start, with Matthew Wilkins’ 33 the best of the Pyalong batsmen.

Blake Munari-O’Dwyer, Xavier Arandt and Kalon Winnell each took two wickets as Tallarook held Pyalong to 9/108.

After that, Lachlan Watts guided Tallarook home as his 49 off 62 deliveries was more than enough to do the job.

Seymour sit in second, but had plenty of work to do to eventually secure a win over Avenel by five wickets.

It looked as though Seymour would have a dream day after Brodey Pointon scored a wicket with the second ball of the day, but Avenel worked hard to eventually score 7/147.

Pointon took 3/25, while Cameron Evans claimed 3/32.

In response, Seymour struggled to start with as it fell to 2/2, but Evans was the star of the show throughout the entire day as his unbeaten 81 was the key to Seymour finishing the job, ending on 5/150.

In the other result, Alexandra survived a thrilling affair against Yea, winning by two wickets, 8/82 chasing 81.

Tallarook scored a comfortable win against Pyalong in B grade, winning by seven wickets.

Pyalong had a great start with Peter Reynolds scoring 33 and Damien Zoch scoring 35, but Samuel Manchester would run riot through the Pyalong batting lineup, taking 4/28.

Pyalong looked to be in the game as it took three quick wickets to leave Tallarook 3/24, but Matt Whitfield’s 39 and Brendan O’Donnell’s 47 guided Tallarook home.

Seymour was no match for Avenel, losing by 38 runs.

Kharl Sison’s 3/24 led the way for Seymour with the ball, while Christopher Kemp, Braxton Tucker and Damian Murphy took two wickets apiece to roll Avenel for 113.

However, Seymour could not respond with the bat, with Murphy’s 24 and Doug France’s 17 the only scores in double figures as Seymour was bowled out for 75.

The other game saw Alexandra take a comprehensive six-wicket win over Yea, with the Tigers all out for just 24, and Alexandra 4/26 in response.

Historic launch for SDCA

The North Central Review

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December 2, 2025

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THE Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever All Girls Cricket League, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at inspiring more female participation in cricket across the region.

The competition will kick off at Puckapunyal on Wednesday, December 3, with six action-packed rounds scheduled over the first three Wednesdays of December and February.

The league will feature four teams: Puckapunyal, Tallarook, Yea, and a composite SDCA All Stars team.

In an exciting twist, all games will be played simultaneously, ensuring a fast-paced and engaging experience for players and spectators alike.

Matches will follow the popular Master Blaster format, using a soft ball to keep the focus on fun, inclusivity and skill development. The 12 over a side games will see every player bat in a pair for four overs and bowl two overs each. Double runs are on offer in a Power Play Zone and players hit the ball of a tee following a wide or no ball.

This format emphasizes teamwork, fast scoring and continuous action, making it perfect for introducing new players to the game while keeping the intensity high.

“This is a historic moment for the SDCA,” SDCA President Mitch Itter said.

“Our All Girls League is just the beginning of our commitment to growing female participation in cricket.

“We’re incredibly excited to see these young athletes take to the field, develop their skills, and build a lifelong love for the game.”

“It’s all about having fun while learning the fundamentals.

“Master Blaster cricket allows everyone to be involved, and the energy around this league is already electric.

“We can’t wait to see the competition unfold over December and February.”

The SDCA is encouraging any girls interested in playing to contact their local cricket club or SDCA president Mitch Itter directly at pres.sdca@gmail.com.

With this inaugural season, the association hopes to lay the foundation for a vibrant, long-term pathway for girls in cricket across the region.

Big wet slows down cricket

Michael Thompson

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December 2, 2025

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ONLY a handful of games could be completed across the Gisborne District Cricket Association on the weekend.

McIntyre Cup

Broadford was unable to take advantage on the field, rolled for 110 against Romsey, and will return on Saturday leading by 28 runs, but needing seven wickets.

After losing a wicket with the third ball of the day through Samraat Sharma, Riley Nolan helped steady the innings with 33, while Jake Zerella scored 35, but it was not enough as Romsey opening bowler Louis Moore did the damage by taking 4/11 off nine overs.

In response, Broadford got off to a good start with the ball, with Matthew Hoyt and Benjamin Way falling quickly to leave Romsey 2/11, but Thomas Boyer’s 20, Corey Day’s 29 and Jed Richardson’s 21 helped Romsey settle, and they will begin day two on 3/82.

Wallan’s match with Sunbury United will be converted into a one-dayer, with no action on day one.

Johnstone Shield

In Johnstone Shield, some late hitting allowed Kilmore to make 190 against East Sunbury.

Five batsmen scored above 20 runs, led by Rhys Quinert who made a fighting 34, while Josh Squire provided valuable lower order hitting with 32.

Meantime, Eastern Hill quickly dispatched of Lancefield to score first innings points.

Save for Mitch McLean’s 46, the Tigers were no match for the Eagles in their first innings, with Oscar Newell taking 4/7 off six overs, Benjamin Bryant 3/20 off 15 overs and Fraser Lewis 2/20.

Eastern Hill will return next week seeking an outright victory, sitting on 3/104 with Oscar Newell 33 not out and Ollie Bryant unbeaten on 30.

Kookaburra Women’s

Only Lancefield took part across the weekend, with Kilmore forfeiting against Wallan in A grade, while Broadford’s match against Melton Centrals was abandoned.

Lancefield Black fell to Bacchus Marsh by 42 runs, with Bacchus Marsh batting first and scoring 2/135.

In response, Ebony Penny led the Tigers with 32 runs to leave them 4/93.

In B grade, Lancefield Yellow held on for a four-run victory.

Batting first, Emily Consiglio’s 53 helped the Tigers make 4/120, before a tense run chase saw the Thunder give it a good run, but eventually finish on 4/116, with Olivia Goodes leading the way for the Tigers with 2/21.

McIntyre Cup Seconds

Wallan’s McIntyre Cup seconds’ team will begin day two on 6/121 against Sunbury United at home, with Zac Bell an anchor at the top of the order after falling to 2/0, scoring 51, while Bradley Regan will begin unbeaten on 39.

Broadford and Romsey’s match at Harley Hammond Reserve was washed out on day one.

Johnstone Shield Seconds

Brayden Speechley’s unbeaten 103 was a highlight of Eastern Hill’s 5/374 against Lancefield, while Richard Grant scored 89 off just 49 balls in a whirlwind innings, and Peter Speechley 72 off 57 as the Eagles ran riot across the first 62 overs.

After declaring, Riley Graham took two quick wickets to leave Lancefield sitting on 2/22 at the end of the day’s play.

Kilmore’s seconds match with East Sunbury was washed out.

Lower Grades

Wallan’s Jensen Shield game was washed out with the Magpies sitting on 5/197, with Bhupraj Pangeni earlier making a terrific 97 off just 80 balls.

A number of Jensen Shield games were washed out, including Kilmore and Romsey’s, while Kilmore’s Club Grade game with Eastern Hill was also washed out.

In Club Grade North, Broadford took a five-wicket win over Woodend.

Martin Egan was chief destroyer in claiming 4/12 off seven overs, holding Woodend to 148. Blake Jones scored 43 in getting Broadford home.

Despite a strong top order performance, Wallan fell to Malmsbury by five wickets.

Andrew Bingham and Jason Dodd scored 39 and 34 respectively, but Malmsbury would soon close the gap and restricted Wallan to 5/137, before chasing down the target.