Record ANZAC crowds
New Mayor appointed
Remembering ANZAC
Residents invited for budget feedback
Mobile pledge towards Whittlesea
Where to vote: Whittlesea
CCTV promise for Whittlesea
2026 Prep enrolments now open
Magpies record first win
Eagles back on track
Laurimar powers past Demons
Kilmore stay perfect
Wallan treks to the coast
Kilmore clips Hawks’ wings
Len Baker’s Sulky Snippets: April 29, 2025
From the Boundary with Ray Carroll: April 29, 2025
A PLEDGE of $1.5 million will see CCTV cameras installed across towns in the Mitchell Shire area
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government would strengthen community safety across communities in the electorate
Mitchell says it’s a pledge which would deliver greater safety
“Our community deserves to be safe,” he said
Donnybrook and surrounding areas feel safer and more secure
“This $1.5 million investment is about tackling the issues that matter most to people in McEwen.”
© The North Central Review Pty Ltd
Aircraft supported a number of CFA brigades to control a grassfire on Springridge Bvd
Crews were called to the scene around 1.45pm and managed to get the fire under control in about an hour
An emergency warning was issued to residents
however District 12 Rostered Duty Officer Brian Wright downgraded the warning to a Watch and Act
"The cause seems to be suspicious so we're working with Victoria Police to determine how the fire started," Mr Wright said
however crews were able to protect homes in the area."
View all stories
View more contacts
The Facebook feed is contained within an iframe and as such is not available via keyboard access. Please visit our Facebook page directly to view the latest feeds.
The Instagram feed is contained within an iframe and as such is not available via keyboard access. Please visit our Instagram page directly to view the latest feeds.
We are currently experiencing issues with our embedded Twitter feed
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land
Copyright 2025 CFA (Country Fire Authority)
McConnell Dowell will undertake track slew works within the rail corridor at the Wallan Station to create the horizontal track clearance required for double-stacked freight trains
Track slewing involves unclipping and cutting of the existing rail track
moving the track horizontally and rebuilding the relocated rail sections
For any concerns or enquiries phone 1800 929 244, email inlandrailvic@inlandrail.com.au
Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we carry out these works
All current works notices
Explore more:
The Project
Benefits
Opportunities
Inland Rail contractors will continue ground investigations
utility relocation and site establishment works near Broadford’s Short Street bridge during May
Inland Rail contractors will begin construction of the new vehicle underpass
which requires the closure of the Anderson Street bridge in May
Inland Rail contractors will establish project worksites and undertake surveys and investigations in Wandong during May
Inland Rail Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of Australian Rail Track Corporation
Upgrades to Donnybrook and Wallan stations are complete
safety and comfort for passengers in two of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities
Learn more about Donnybrook Station
Learn more about Wallan Station
The Reverend Prashant Bhonsle is leading a church plant to develop an Anglican presence in Wallan
He hopes to begin a worship congregation that will become a centrifugal force in the community
The plant is reaching out to potential members through information sessions in July
Church planting hadn’t been part of my story to this point
But I am finding it a real adventure becoming part of one in the making and remaking stage
Our church is recommencing the Anglican Ministry in Wallan – stopped during COVID in 2021 – in a new location that belongs to the diocese.
The previous congregation in Wallan was small
But this means the Anglican presence is not totally new
Even before we came to Australia we were told of the growth in the northern corridor
From the time I took the decision to come here
I prepared myself to unlearn and relearn in a new context.
As the son of a priest in the Church of North India I grew up around the church
and it’s been a beautiful gift passed down from generation to generation
Read more: Church planting is pivotal to our future. Here’s how it can flourish
My inner call came by observing my father reading
And over time a whole new avenue of learning
realising and understanding was slowly opening for me.
Much of my theology was shaped outside of my seminary when I was confronted with the real situations of the people in the caste-ridden Indian society
tribal and or due to their gender identities
All throughout the Bible we find God’s preferential option for the poor
Jesus began His ministry with Nazareth manifesto
As a program team leader with the Justice and Development wing of the Church of North India
I was able to work with local congregations to spark meaningful interventions across society
integrated issues of the community in their liturgy and practice
An insider’s view from a lay parishioner of the Melbourne diocese visiting Kolkata changed my perspective
I realised role I could play ministering in an evolving
I realised I could offer the gospel in this context
My wife the Reverend Dr Satvasheela Pandhare – now leading the Hume parish – was also convinced she had a role to play as an ordained priest and chaplain.
the “no need of God” in our life attitude of people
And these people have diverse needs and real struggles in life
bound in genuine love and concern for each other will always thrive
I therefore call upon people to come together
have fellowships in a safe and sound environment
Here we together can sustain in mutual love
understanding of each other and thereby share joy and peace
Worship goes hand in hand with the service work we do
having understood the community’s felt needs
together we can collaborate more with Anglican agencies
city council and other likeminded agencies
our work has a simple vision: to be inviting
welcoming and replenishing. I am sure God who offers life abundant continually to all without discrimination will help us be an inclusive and inviting community.
I also humbly acknowledge the Anglican presence of our former congregation in Wallan
I hope those who were part of that story will participate with their experience and wisdom in this new chapter for an Anglican presence in Wallan
Read more: Thinking about planting a church? Don’t underestimate the recruitment phase
It is one thing to minister in an organised set up of church ministries
altogether another to co-create a community that drives its mandate of engagement and service in the world
while being firmly rooted in faith and spirituality.
changing and challenging context we are in
diverse ideologies and orientations coming and joining us every day
The projected demographic change for Wallan itself is a case in point
belief systems and faith practices to contribute to the fabric of society in Wallan
We need to engage daily and build bridges across the society and know that truly we are a “Land of the Spirit”
God is already at work here and we simply need only to participate in His mission here in Wallan
I hope to be part of His work in this area to bring positive social change in the community so all will be able to flourish
I thank the Hume Anglican Parish for their role in Wallan’s church growth story.
you can join an information session on 16 July at 7pm and the Wallan Neighbourhood House to talk about the possibility of relaunching an Anglican presence
More than 40 people attended the kintsugi workshop where they repaired cracked plates while reflecting on how Christ’s sacrifice mends human brokenness
Refugee advocates renew calls for a Royal Commission and an end to offshore detention amid ongoing health concerns
Anglicans will take a stand against domestic violence in homes
Iranian refugees Hass and Mahi were granted permanent residency after over a decade of visa uncertainty
You must be logged in to post a comment
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a surprise visit to Wallan on Monday afternoon
to see first-hand the benefits of working from home
Enjoying the hospitality of Matthew and Milly
Mr Albanese and Mr Mitchell discussed the importance a flexible working situation has had for the family
Wini and Laurance for welcoming us all to their home and sharing with us how working from home has been a game changer for them and the work life balance of their family,” Mr Mitchell said
“Matthew and Milly have been able to find a balance between raising their two gorgeous children and maintaining their careers all thanks to the flexible working arrangements they have been able to arrange with their employers
“Before Milly was employed as a nurse educator with TAFE
working night shifts and sleeping while her children were in care
Matthew was travelling to the city and missing notable events at school and sport
“Now they share the load working from home on days the other travels to work.”
The visit coincided with the Coalition’s announcement on Monday that they would review their policy to return public servants to the office for five days a week
as well as removing 41,000 public servants from the workforce
family and friends were joined by Interim CEO Robyn Harris and Acting Commander Paul Brislin at the Wallan Bowls Club for the annual Wallan Fire Brigade presentation dinner
Captain Tim Benetti thanked members for their tireless commitment to the brigade and acknowledged the family support that enables CFA volunteers to do what they do
"You are the lifeblood of the brigade and I’d like to thank all of you for the time you’ve given to helping protect our community over the past 12 months," Tim said
"I'd like to thank the unsung heroes - the wives
a heartfelt thank you from a captain who's job would be much more difficult if it wasn't for your support."
Tim also spoke about the incredibly busy year for the brigade
responding to 336 calls last financial year - the busiest year in the brigade's 87-year history - and the brigade's achievements including the delivery of the new heavy tanker in May
Interim CEO Robyn Harris and Acting Commander Paul Brislin presented CFA service awards to Kacie Graham (five years)
Hayden McMennemin (20 years) and John Meldrum (35 years)
National Emergency Medals for the 2019-20 bushfires were presented to Andrew South
National Medals were presented to Justin Cardiff
Deb Hanson (1st Clasp) and Colin Prentice (1st Clasp)
Deputy Group Officer and Brigade President Peter Roylance
was presented with the CFA's highest internal award
the Outstanding Service Medal to recognise his more than half a century dedicated to the protection of life and property from fire and other emergencies
Peter joined Epping Fire Brigade in 1971 at age 15 and has maintained an exceptional level of commitment to CFA throughout his volunteer service
He has held an elected leadership role in a brigade or group (often at the same time) for the past 49 years and has mentored countless volunteers on their CFA journeys
Peter thanked his family and brigade members for their support and reflected on his years of service
"These things don't happen without family support and that's been a big part of my achievement throughout the years of service," Peter said
"I just love being there and listening to the different opinions and the conversations
from the newest member of the organisation to the 70-year-old member
It all means something in the big mix of things
"The fire brigade became my real passion at age 15
because in those days you could become a senior firefighter at 15
I was just totally dedicated totally to CFA and it has just been there all that time
The evening's formalities concluded with the presentation of internal brigade awards to Captain Tim Benetti
Firefighter Edward Martin and Firefighter Chris Answer
and the unveiling of a new Brigade Life Members honour board
Live music and raffles entertained members into the night
WALLAN travelled to Surfcoast on the weekend in a pair of crucial matches for the Panthers
The women’s team were up against a high-flying Chargers team who had only lost one game in the early portion of the season
The opening stanza suggested it would be a close contest
with the Chargers scoring 18 points to 14 to lead by four
the Panthers started making their move and closed the gap to just a single point at the main break after scoring 20 points to 17
Wallan made their move with a superb close to the third quarter
scoring eight unanswered points in the final 90 seconds of the term to deliver a sucker-punch to the Chargers hopes of winning
with the Panthers leading 48-41 at the final change
The Panthers continued on with their momentum into the final term
scoring the first 12 points to silence the Surfcoast crowd
and ensuring they would control the rest of the game
six assists and four steals as she did it all
while Emmie Gardiner added 13 points and 17 rebounds
and Maddison O’Nial had 12 rebounds and a team-high six steals
While there was success for the women’s team
the men’s Panthers were blown away by Surfcoast across the final three quarters on Saturday night
A tight opening term saw the Panthers well in the mix throughout the opening term
it was all Surfcoast as they continued to build their lead throughout the rest of the half
scoring 22 points to 13 in the second term as they took a commanding 46-32 lead into the main break
Wallan did everything they could to bring the margin back
but every time they asked questions of Surfcoast
and they scored 25 points to 18 to lead 71-50 at the final change
The Chargers managed to clear away even more from Wallan
who are still seeking their first win of the season
scoring 32 points to 16 to record a runaway 103-66 win
But with only six assists for the entire game
Wallan were unable to create enough shots to trouble the Chargers
Wallan’s Youth League men’s team were able to come back and defeat Western Port after a slow start
trailing by 12 points at the opening change before roaring back into the game to win 86-81
Kaleb Graham and Hunter Graham scored 27 points apiece
Wallan’s Youth League women were no match for Sherbrooke
The first and last quarters saw the Suns pile on the points
despite Wallan putting in a decent effort in the middle two quarters
Chloe Mott scored 11 points and had 11 rebounds to lead the way for the Panthers
A FREE art exhibition featuring local artists will be held across Saturday
April 12 and Sunday April 13 at the Wallan Multi-purpose centre from 10am to 3pm
both framed and unframed will be on sale at the Wallan Country Art Show at affordable prices
and also yummy refreshments including scones with cream and jam
The Visual Arts Community (VAC) Inc is a vibrant new group dedicated to fostering creativity through cultural heritage and supporting emerging artists in the north regional corridor of Mitchell Shire
and they also hold paint and sketch classes every Monday at the Wallan Multi-Purpose Centre
The fun-loving group welcomes all artists of all levels to paint
and aims to enrich the local community with art shows
‘Come and explore the creative possibilities with VAC Inc
and together we can nurture talent and celebrate the beauty of art!’
For more information phone Mari 0409 933 595
It was a surprising Saturday morning for Wallan’s Janet Laffan
who had no idea what to expect when Benjamin Gregory presented her with a $4000 cheque in her living room
Ms Laffan was prepared for a photoshoot with ‘Joseph’ from ‘Photography4Life’
it was Mr Gregory’s good friend and musician Aydan Calafiore who was behind the lens
capturing B-roll footage of the special moment
which will appear on Mr Gregory’s show Coming Together Christmas
The moment captured saw Ms Laffan in shock
shedding a few tears as she was surrounded by family
who have stood by her side since she was diagnosed with stage four cancer in February
wanted to make this Christmas special for their mum
Ms Laffan expressed that the surprise meant the world to her and her family
“I had no idea what was going to happen,” she said
“It was so good to have the family all together
getting to the hospital appointments … that’s hard
The cheque was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Hilltop Caravans
with Love in Action Wallan and Mr Gregory selecting Ms Laffan as the recipient
Love in Action Wallan President Sarah Brewer said Ms Laffan was an obvious choice for the kind gesture
“We knew that Janet was starting more treatment
and that the treatment she was on—the chemotherapy—had made her really sick
so she was trying something else,” she said
“We knew that it was such a special time and a really important time for her family to get together this Christmas.”
Mr Gregory said it was his favourite time of the year to give back to a deserving person
“Christmas is normally a time where sometimes you can be a little bit indulgent
she’s the complete opposite of that,” he said
“To be able to give back to someone who’s really passionate about family
and the people that [she] surrounds herself with is really important
Bendigo Bank’s community carols event will screen the heartfelt moment to audiences this Saturday in Hudson Park
Coming Together Christmas will be broadcasted statewide on December 22 at 8pm on Channel 31
Wallan Police would like to welcome recently appointed First Constable Rose Halse to the team
As Community Crime Prevention Officer (CCPO)
Constable Halse will engage with local stakeholders to prevent crimes and share preventable crime strategies such as Fortify
Constable Halse said she was excited to work collaboratively and positively with Mitchell Shire Council
and local businesses and community groups such as the South Mitchell Neighbourhood Watch
It’s good to see some thing positive happening
More than 800 community members braved the wet weather on Saturday to attend Wallan Police Station’s open day and commemorate its new 24/7 schedule
Diving deep into the support that Victoria’s emergency services provide
attendees spoke with Victoria Police specialist units
and the CFA while excited children participated in station tours and fun activities such as a scavenger hunt and plaster painting
While local police have always been on duty around the clock for patrols
the new opening hours will ensure the station’s reception is always open to the public
Senior Sergeant Heidi Twining said the event piqued the community’s interest
“We had in approx of 870 community members attend the open day which is epic
and for which we are truly grateful,” she said
Community organisations on hand to support the event included Mitchell Shire Council (MSC)
Southern Mitchell Neighbourhood Watch (NHW)
along with two of the group’s 15-strong volunteer army
was also on hand to promote crime prevention strategies such as the UV marker pen
which can be used to record an ID on personal property and assist police to recover and return any stolen items to their owners
The organisation’s monthly newsletter is sent to schools and made available at MSC’s four major libraries and customer service centres
Ms van der Ree expressed the group’s interest to start a network in Beveridge
and invited interested residents to reach out via their Facebook page
“We need to start a NHW in Beveridge,” she said
“They have their own unique issues like theft from building sites
Crime prevention strategies can prevent community members from becoming a victim of home and property thefts.”
In addition to the importance of marking valuable property
NHW also recommended that vehicle owners have a one-way anti-theft screw fitted to their vehicle registration plates to prevent the plates being removed once stolen
We are going to team up with the Kilmore SES open day next year
and we’ll fit the one-way screw for a gold coin donation,” Ms van der Ree said
Firsts Wallan Wallan Scouts Assistant Group Leader Erin Petrucelli supported recently-appointed Crime Prevention Constable Rose Halse with the attendance photo activity
“We’ve had our joey scouts do a tour though [the police station] which was really fun,” she said
A number overcame their fear by coming which was wonderful
and the officers were so lovely and supportive
and they realised that these people are here to help.”
The Wallan Police Station is located at 100 Watson Street
THE second round of the Riddell District Football Netball League saw Wallan finally get their season underway
while the Magpies were out to get their season underway with a small side of revenge on their grand final conquerors
and their movement with the ball once they forced turnovers inside Wallan’s forward 50 meant they were able to slingshot from one end to the other with ease
The Bombers would ensure they would lead throughout the day
with Wallan’s sole effort coming on the siren through recruit
leaving the Magpies down 12 points at the first change
The Bombers kicked the final four goals of the first half to earn a six-goal lead at half time
Wallan got their offensive game going in the third quarter
and were rewarded with four goals throughout the term
But the Bombers had every answer for the Magpies
kicking four of their own to maintain their six-goal cushion
While Riddell got the margin as high as 51 points at one stage
Cloke kicked three goals in the last term to keep the margin at 44 points by the end of the game
with the Magpies kicking 9.7 (61) to Riddell’s 16.9 (105)
Cloke’s five goals meant he was named as the Magpies’ best
Chris Stewart and Micallef were also named in Daniel Nolan’s better players
who fell to a 38-point defeat to Diggers Rest
The Redbacks were unable to get their game going in the opening term
with Diggers kicking the opening four goals to lead 25-2 at the first change
Diggers kicked the first two goals of the second term to increase the margin to 34 points
but Romsey fought hard to ensure the margin wouldn’t get out of control
scoring two of the last three goals of the term to trail 15-45 at the main break
The Redbacks had plenty of chances in the third
Diggers kicked two goals to ensure the game was over at the final change
Romsey had their best quarter of the day in the last
but it wasn’t enough to eat into the margin as they lost 5.12 (42) to 12.8 (80)
Callum Lever and Jack Jedwab were named as their best players
The second and last quarters were the difference for Seymour in their 38-point loss to Shepparton Swans at Kings Park on Saturday
The Swans led by one point at the first change
before putting their foot down in the second term to score four goals to two to increase their lead to 16 points at the main change
Seymour looked to do everything to cut into the margin as they kicked five goals
kicking six of their own as they were able to increase the margin to 21 points at the final change
The final term saw the Lions’ charge snuffed out
with the Swans kicking four goals to two to increase the margin by the end
Jack Murphy and Nathan Beattie gave their all for the Lions
who will be seeking their first win when they travel to Mansfield over the Easter weekend
Wallan lost all four quarters to Riddell in their 11-goal loss on Saturday afternoon
The Bombers opened up a four-goal lead in the opening term as they were able to restrict Wallan’s scoring
Wallan went goal-for-goal in the second quarter
Riddell made another move in the third quarter
scoring 15 goals to 11 in the third term to essentially seal the game
It was another goal-for-goal affair in the final term
Maeve Donegan scored 26 goals to lead the way for Wallan inside the goal circle
Romsey had a terrific second half to score an 18-goal victory over Diggers Rest
The Redbacks were able to increase their margin at every change to make sure they bounced back in the best way possible
the Redbacks made another good move in the second term to score 12 goals to nine to lead 25-19 at the main break
But the Redbacks ran away with the game in the third term
scoring 14 goals to seven to lead 39-26 at the final change
before scoring 15 goals to 10 to finish up with a 54-36 win
THE Wallan Bowling Club Division Six Section Three side won all rinks against Rosanna over the weekend
It is the club’s seventh grand final win in the past seven years
the unit attended brigade training and spoke to Junior members about the many roles carried out by VICSES and how the emergency services work together during emergencies
Juniors were given the opportunity to look over the VICSES vehicles
and see what equipment they carry on board
Terry Ouroumis from CFA’s Vegetation Management Team visited the brigade with the simulation table
This gave Juniors an opportunity to see and explore how fire behaviour is affected by different weather conditions and terrain
a simulated fire was ignited in the Wallan response area
with Juniors working as a team to manage a response and extinguish the fire – learning about the key role of CFA in protecting life and property
Our thanks to Kilmore VICSES and Terry Ouroumis for visiting and engaging with Wallan Junior Fire Brigade
Kids First Australia has recently been announced as the service provider for the new Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name)
The kindergarten site will be established at Wallan Secondary College as part of the State Government’s Best Start
the project shared in $1.3 billion allocated to build around 100 new kindergartens to support the reform
Locating kindergartens on or near schools helps children get the most out of their early learning
while also providing a smoother transition from kindergarten to school for children
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said she looked forward to having a new kindergarten which would support many families in the community
“I know just how difficult the double drop off can be for busy parents and families
which is why I’m so excited that Kids First Australia has been appointed as the service provider for Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name),” she said
“We’re now one step closer to delivering this brand-new state-of-the-art kindergarten in Wallan
Mitchell Shire Council is managing enrolments through their Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme, which can be found at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/community/children-and-families/kindergartens
This Saturday will witness the inaugural Gisborne and District Cricket Association (GDCA) women’s seniors 20/20 cricket match between Wallan and Kilmore
played under the lights from 5pm at Greenhill Reserve
The men’s first XI Wallan V Kilmore two-day match will be played earlier
It is hoped that the double-header will become a regular part of the season fixture
attracting community support for all teams
While the women’s competition is a recent addition to the local cricket calendar
women have been playing cricket in the district for over 100 years
with occasional matches documented in the local press
a Wallan Ladies Cricket Club was officially formed with sponsorship from the Bonds Hotel in Wallan East
the club made history by causing a huge upset
defeating the Wallan men by an innings and 46 runs
Wallan District Cricket Club President Robbie Fowler said he was keen for community members to support the event
“Our club is really looking forward to both games this Saturday
in particular the women’s twilight game,” he said
“We are proud of getting a women’s side going this year
and this clash with our cross-town rival Kilmore is highly anticipated
We hope this innovative twilight game straight after the men’s game sets a precedent for others to follow in the GDCA.”
Wallan Women’s Captain Felicity Vance echoed Fowler’s sentiment about the upcoming twilight game
“This is a really exciting way that we feel that the men’s and women’s fixtures can work together to help promote the game not only at both clubs
“The support of the GDCA and both clubs to be able to organise this has been great
and I hope it will become a regular event each season
“The women are really looking forward to playing in this game and I encourage people to come along and cheer us on.”
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time
A vast swath of land on Melbourne’s northern fringe should be locked away for a new park before it is snapped up by developers for new housing and industry
Victoria’s environment department has urged the state government
the state Labor government committed to investigating a proposal to create a regional park on rural land used for generations for farming but which could be developed over the next 10 years into housing and industrial estates between Craigieburn and Wallan
Wallan Environment Group president Norbert Ryan (left) and former presidents Cr Claudia James and Rob Eldridge on Green Hill
with the drained Hernes Swamp and the Wallara Waters housing estate behind them
The proposed park would potentially be the largest in Melbourne’s outer north
providing a refuge for native wildlife and an expansive outdoor escape for hundreds of thousands of residents of booming outer suburbs such as Kalkallo
But the government was warned three years ago that the window of opportunity to secure the land was closing
as the area being proposed for the regional park is mostly in private hands and likely to increase in value
Environment and Climate Change has urged the government to apply a public acquisition overlay on the land “as soon as is practicable” to avoid a blowout in costs
as property values rise due to demand from residential and industrial developers
The park could span up to 2888 hectares – about 76 times the size of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens – taking in the headwaters of Merri Creek
Kalkallo Creek and four volcanic cones that are landmarks for travellers on the Hume Freeway
long a landmark for Hume Freeway travellers
Local environmental volunteers hope the park would encompass a network of drained swamps that would be revived into a healthy wetland
They point to work conducted by Yarra Valley Water that restored a small part of Hernes Swamp as an experiment in 2020
The area exploded with native birdlife within one season
becoming a breeding ground for black swans
Campaigner and former local councillor Rob Eldridge said the swamps and creek lines were degraded after many years of being drained and used for agriculture but could be restored in a short time
“You’ve only got to walk along Merri Creek
You don’t have to do a lot to bring it back.”
Eldridge was instrumental in developing the park proposal, dubbed the wallan wallan Regional Park
but now fears the push is losing momentum as the state government advances its plans for new housing in the area
The Andrews government committed in the 2018 election campaign to complete a feasibility study for the wallan wallan Regional Park as part of its $150 million promise to create a 6500-hectare “ring of new parkland in our growing suburbs”
The environment department completed the study in 2022 but did not release it until last week
following a freedom-of-information request by The Age
It has made no other commitments towards the park
The released report advises the government that any delay in putting an acquisition overlay on land that would be turned into a public park would probably increase costs to the state
This has already happened in some places identified in the report as suitable parkland which have since been designated for future housing
Mitchell Shire councillor Claudia James said the government needed to swoop quickly to secure the land for the park
as it would probably face a fight from developers over land use
The land for the proposed park forms part of a number of undeveloped precinct structure plans that are due to be developed as part of Melbourne’s urban expansion over the next 10 years
“There is a window of time available,” James said
“It would have been better if it happened two years ago
A spokesperson for the Allan government said the feasibility study would be used to guide future planning decisions on land use in the area
The spokesperson did not answer a question on whether the government had moved to apply a public acquisition overlay on any land within the proposed park’s boundaries
“We are creating and upgrading 6500 hectares of open space across Melbourne through the Suburban Parks Program and delivering more open spaces for families in Wallan with the new Wallan Central Cycle and Nature Trail Project and upgrades to the playground at Greenhill Recreation Reserve,” the spokesperson said
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter
A vast swath of land on Melbourne\\u2019s northern fringe should be locked away for a new park before it is snapped up by developers for new housing and industry
Victoria\\u2019s environment department has urged the state government
The proposed park would potentially be the largest in Melbourne\\u2019s outer north
Environment and Climate Change has urged the government to apply a public acquisition overlay on the land \\u201Cas soon as is practicable\\u201D to avoid a blowout in costs
The park could span up to 2888 hectares \\u2013 about 76 times the size of Melbourne\\u2019s Royal Botanic Gardens \\u2013 taking in the headwaters of Merri Creek
the Maribyrnong was degraded,\\u201D he said
\\u201CYou\\u2019ve only got to walk along Merri Creek
You don\\u2019t have to do a lot to bring it back.\\u201D
Eldridge was instrumental in developing the park proposal
The Andrews government committed in the 2018 election campaign to complete a feasibility study for the wallan wallan Regional Park as part of its $150 million promise to create a 6500-hectare \\u201Cring of new parkland in our growing suburbs\\u201D
The land for the proposed park forms part of a number of undeveloped precinct structure plans that are due to be developed as part of
\\u201CThere is a window of time available,\\u201D James said
\\u201CIt would have been better if it happened two years ago
The spokesperson did not answer a question on whether the government had moved to apply a public acquisition overlay on any land within the proposed park\\u2019s boundaries
\\u201CWe are creating and upgrading 6500 hectares of open space across Melbourne through the Suburban Parks Program and delivering more open spaces for families in Wallan with the new Wallan Central Cycle and Nature Trail Project and upgrades to the playground at Greenhill Recreation Reserve,\\u201D the spokesperson said
Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories
The Wallan Classic Vehicle Club (WCVC) is gearing up for its 10th annual Show ‘n’ Shine and Swap Meet
with over 300 classic cars competing for a trophy this Sunday at the Wallan Secondary College oval
and fellow car enthusiasts come from near and far to meet up and find rare car parts for their restoration projects
they are expecting more than 12,000 wheels to cruise through the gates
The trophy presentation for the best Holden
and will be followed by the highly anticipated People’s Choice award
Sponsor Rare Spares will present the Real Streetcar and the Real Restoration award
Club President Kerry Walton said he was excited for the upcoming event
“This year the swap meet sites are nearly sold out
and we are introducing the Best Motorcycle and Best Truck award,” he said
Public entry on the day will be from 8am–3pm
while children under 16 and show vehicles can enter for free
The Watson Street Interchange upgrade is one step closer
with the business case for the project now complete
which will see the addition of an inbound and outbound ramp
works are unable to commence until final approvals have been made
the business case includes detailed considerations of traffic modelling
Planning work will continue to progress as the project team undertake detailed environmental investigations
and prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and State Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage celebrated the milestone
both stating they were looking forward to the project moving ahead
“Our community is looking forward to the realisation of this significant investment,” Mr Mitchell said
AFL premiership player Heath Shaw is headed to Wallan this weekend
The former Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney player will pull on the Wallan jumper for the club’s Riddell District Football League clash with Kyneton
Magpies coach Daniel Nolan said it’s an exciting opportunity for the community to have some of the calibre of Shaw at the club
won a premiership with Collingwood and was a two-time All-Australian
“He has a connection with a few boys at the club
in particular Chris Stewart from playing together last year at East Keilor,” Nolan said
“We have a strong junior program at Wallan and the kids in the town are really excited to see Heath play
“We have a fairly young side and are still developing
so to have the experience and leadership of Heath
it will be so valuable on and off the field
“He is also planning on coming back later in the year for a sportsman’s night and to give some advice to the players-coaches in the lead up to finals.”
who are new to our competition and are still a bit of the unknown,” Nolan said
“They are well coached by Ethan Foreman and have talented players such as Harrison Huntley
Caleb Fisher and mid-season recruit Josh Smith
“It should be a great contest and hopefully a big crowd at Greenhill Reserve
A trio of boys have been charged and arrested following an alleged stabbing on a bus in High Street
In the issue following the incident on June 4
the Review had reported that charges were yet to be laid
with the exact circumstances surrounding the incident yet to be determined
Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives will now allege that the altercation took place on a bus just before 5pm
leaving a 17-year-old with non-life-threatening injuries
A 17-year-old Wallan boy was charged with intentionally cause injury
assault with a weapon and assault in company
and was remanded to appear before a Children’s Court this afternoon
and was bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date
A 15-year-old Wallan boy has been charged with intentionally cause injury
It is believed the parties are known to each other
Residents have been reassured that safety remains paramount in the area with Red Suburbs reporting that the township has a very low crime rate of 14 per cent
Wellington Square Shopping Centre stated management took security seriously
with personnel working seven days a week to ensure customers feel safe and comfortable
A 34-year-old man has died after being shot on a suburban Melbourne street
with Homicide Squad detectives now probing the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack
Homicide Squad detectives are probing how a man ended up dead about 60km away from his home following a shooting on a suburban street
The fatal shooting unfolded about 9.10pm on Friday in Burnside Heights in Melbourne's north-west
with police believing it was not a random attack
Emergency services had received reports a man was outside a home on Tenterfield Drive with gunshot wounds
Police said the 34-year-old male died at the scene
a town which is located about 45km north of Melbourne
and an almost one hour drive from Burnside Heights
A crime scene was established at the scene
"The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined at this stage
however police do not believe this was a random attack," Victoria Police said
Anyone with information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL) kicked off at the weekend
with all teams returning to play after taking the King’s Birthday break
Loyal Wallan supporters walked through the Greenhill Reserve gates
knowing former AFL player Heath Shaw was in the lineup for Wallan’s home game against Kyneton.
The hype for the former AFL player – who played for Collingwood Football Club and the Greater Western Sydney Giants – matched the game
as both sides took the field with ambition after returning from the break
Most kicks in the first quarter were behinds from both sides
but a few more behinds and goals from Wallan placed the side in front
kicking the first goal in the second quarter
including three more and a behind to make up for the first quarter
but Kyneton brought on the challenge for the side
with only four points behind at the end of the second quarter.
The Magpies put a stop to the challenge during the last two quarters which led the side to be victorious with an 94-46 win
Assistant Coach Spencer Mathieson said Wallan responded well after half time
“I thought Kyneton were playing better footy than us in the first half
but we lifted after half time and had 17 scoring shots and won the game by 48 points,” he said.
“The club were lucky enough to have Heath Shaw play for us which was a great experience for the boys and a great day for the club.
“Next week we play Riddell away who are on top and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Wallan is still third on the ladder under Romsey who also had another win at the weekend but experienced a struggling start against Diggers Rest
The Redbacks fell to Diggers’ dominance in the first quarter
only producing three behinds and a goal at the end of the first quarter
It was not until the second quarter Romsey put on a battle
Romsey were unstoppable in the last quarter
producing all the kicks while Diggers Rest were powerless
Romsey took home a 47-79 win and will host Kyneton in round 10 this weekend
Lancefield did not meet its target to take home a win against Riddell – a side that is currently on top of the leaderboard
The opening minutes of the first quarter were quite slow
The game picked up within the second quarter
but once again Lancefield could only make a behind
Lancefield tweaked its football in the third quarter
Wallan assembled another win against Kyneton on Saturday
Wallan Coach Lucas Bennett-Hullin said newcomers Kyneton played a similar game to Wallan
“It was a tough battle for three terms on Saturday
we were fortunate to have an incredibly strong first quarter that set us up for the game,” he said
“Maeve Donegan continued her great shooting and captain Genevieve Carboon led from the front in the midcourt to secure the win.”
Romsey netballers were also in high spirits with an 48-64 win against Diggers Rest
Lancefield was not far from the winning side
Wallan will travel to Riddell while Lancefield will go to Melton
The three-day 2024 Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR) Karate World Cup was held at Sydney’s Olympic Park last month
and six members of the GKR Karate Dojo in Wallan were among 1440 competitors representing Australia
and she won a gold medal for her Kumite performance and a silver in the Kata event
while Kata is an individual performance that highlights a sequence of movements
and is taught in a non-contact environment by a Sensei
Mr Eberbach said Allanah is an inspiration and her World Cup achievements are incredible
Allanah’s Sensei Glenn Eberbach also won a gold medal for his performance in the Men’s Kata
and Sensei Michelle Butler won a silver medal in the Women’s Kumite
and Sensei Colin Thomson at the GKR Karate World Cup
but has already come so far in her journey
Her focus and dedication are beyond her years
and she’s just a shining light in the Dojo,” he said
“She’s really taken to karate and it’s just lovely to see a young student bloom.”
The weekend was a medley of losses and wins in round 12 of the Riddell District Netball Football League (RDFNL)
Wallan was in position to embark on its upcoming challenge
who are currently second on the ladder behind Riddell
while Wallan is fourth below Romsey.
The football was going both directions in the first quarter
with Diggers and Wallan equally firing goals and behinds to make up 15 points
which meant the game was still in fate’s hands
It took a while for either side to make any form of score in the second quarter up until Diggers kicked a behind during the eight-minute mark
and another behind between Wallan’s own – with the final score of the second quarter at 18-29
the Magpies made a difference within the third quarter
But fate landed in Digger’s hands after all
Assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said Diggers Rest thoroughly deserved the win at the weekend
they executed and had a bit more polish on the day,” he said
“We had a good third term and got back in the contest
but we gave up six goals in the last quarter which was a disappointing finish and unlike us
Mathieson said he looked forward to the game against Woodend-Hesket at home
Woodend have got some players back and their results have improved so it’s going to be a good contest
The Redbacks were the only side to put a figure on the scoreboard
however the game progressed when Melton scored two goals
helping the overall score to reach 12-14 – with Romsey still ahead
The two-point advantage went a long way for Romsey in the third quarter
Romsey pushed its 27-point lead from the third quarter into a 32-78 win in the last quarter
while the Lancefield Seniors will return from its bye and head up to Diggers Rest this Saturday
Wallan was on top of its game in the last term to make the 52-50 win against Diggers Rest
giving the opportunity for the Under 19 players to take the court
The Under 19s got the real A Grade experience
Wallan coach Lucas Bennett-Hullin reminded the team about lifting intensity
and getting the turnovers down the defence end – which the side acted on
Wallan’s centre player Maddi Wallmeyer said the team made a real effort to make a return in the last term
team effort to do that all the way down the court and got a couple of good turnovers and then made sure we were patient in attack,” she said
Bennett-Hullin acknowledged the endeavours of the team
“It was such a great game … and their poise throughout the game was
“Big call out to Haylie Baker coming from Under 19s to play goalkeeper and Natalie McDonald
allowing Melton Centrals to be victorious with a 62-58 win
the ball kept going in the basket for players including Charlize Bellette with 28 goals
followed by 16 from Emma Grech and 14 from Hope Hamilton
Wallan and Woodend-Hesket netballers were dressed in Indigenous design in round 13 of the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL)
was delivered by Wurundjeri Elder Colin Hunter Jnr
at Wallan’s home ground before the game commenced
the Magpies powered through the first period
Woodend absorbed Wallan’s power in the second period
producing many baskets to attempt a takeover
Wallan is now behind Woodend on the ladder
and will play away against Macedon in round 15 – a side that is just below the home side on the leaderboard
displaying an incredible team effort against Diggers Rest in an away game
The match started off fairly well between the sides
with the Tigers producing a three-point lead
but Diggers were not prepared for what to expect in the next two periods
extending its three-point lead to a 17-point lead by the end of the second period
but the Tigers clenched on to their extensive lead for the last two periods
Lancefield’s Shanae Brundell had a fantastic shooting game with 41 goals
as well as Darcee Ellard in goal attack position
Lancefield netballers will host Romsey in round 14 on Saturday
Wallan recovered from its loss the other week against Diggers
and showed up to its home game with Woodend-Hesket on Saturday
Although the side were not the leading team by the end of the first quarter
Wallan committed to taking the lead during the second quarter
Motivation was the tickle behind Wallan’s shoulder during the third quarter
while Woodend only produced a goal and a behind in the mix of Wallan’s goals
the scoreboard was presenting a 35-point lead from Wallan
With another three goals and the same number of behinds
Assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said it was pleasing to take the win after last week’s challenging performance with Diggers
It was pleasing to see us bounce back after our indifferent performance against Diggers,” he said
“Our players have a lot of pride in their performance
and were keen to atone for last week and they did
but we had a lot of contributors this week
“Next week we play Macedon away who have been in good form and play well at home
so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Lancefield confronted Diggers Rest on Saturday who are currently second on the ladder
It was a hard game to watch for Lancefield supporters
considering Diggers only let the side make one point in the first quarter
But the stretched lead did not stop Lancefield to restrict its own game
firing a few more goals and behinds in the third quarter – the biggest quarter for Lancefield in the challenging match
The final score saw a major win from Diggers
Lancefield will go up against its ancient rivals Romsey
while Wallan footballers will take on Macedon away in round 14 of RDFNL
We're getting on with the job with delivering the Structures Rehabilitation Package
with motorists now able to use the new Wallan Road bridge north of Whittlesea
The work was carried out day and night throughout July and August to strengthen the small watercourse bridge to service the community for years to come
Construction crews worked approximately 2,400 hours during a 2 week construction blitz to demolish the existing bridge
installing 14 new precast culverts and safety barriers while also improving drainage and laying new asphalt
each weighing up to 6 tonnes and measuring up to 2.4 metres long – manufactured in Wangaratta - have been moved into place by a crane weighing up to 120-tonnes
More than 6,000 drivers rely on Wallan Road each day with the existing 2 lane bridge reaching the end of it’s natural lifespan
requiring renewal to ensure it continues to operate in a safe and optimal condition
is a critical link for traffic travelling between Wallan
Upper Plenty and the growing surrounds of Whittlesea
It’s the first bridge to be strengthened as part of the Structures Rehabilitation Package
with crews this month also completing around-the-clock works to upgrade the busy Barry Road bridge
over the Craigieburn rail line in Broadmeadows
Bridge upgrade works are being delivered throughout metropolitan Melbourne to ensure all road users including heavy vehicles are being catered for across our ever-changing transport network
Nine other bridges and culvert structures around metropolitan Melbourne make up the Structures Rehabilitation Package funding for works at Yan Yean
The Structures Rehabilitation Package is scheduled to be completed by 2023
A proposed aquatic and leisure centre will be located at 300 Northern Highway
but the project may not go ahead without external funding
Mitchell Shire councillors voted unanimously in support of the recommendation to endorse 300 Northern Highway
Wallan as the site for the aquatic and leisure centre
noting the timing for the delivery of the centre is unknown with the project only proceeding if substantial financial contributions from external sources are secured
Cr Rob Eldridge said it had been a long road with the planning of the centre
but now we’re at somewhere we can think about building the aquatic centre,” he said
“The feasibility that has been proposed is outlining three sites that could be used but [300 Northern Highway] is the only practical one.”
the project was estimated to be $85 million
Upgrades to roads or provisions of authority services infrastructure external to the site
The figure is only indicative and will adjust as planning proceeds and construction timing is known
Once planning is complete council will begin an advocacy campaign to attract funding
“It is worth noting that this project is dependent on external funding and you’ll note it’s estimated to be about $85 million
and obviously with our budget this isn’t something we’re going to be able to tip in and support,” Cr Eldridge said
“Now we’ve got a site we can very strongly advocate for
A community consultation and engagement program were undertaken between June and September 2019
Ninety-three per cent of respondents believed the proposed aquatic and leisure centre is important and more than two-thirds of respondents indicated they would like a centre five to 15 minute from home
Respondents said the centre must be of sufficient size to cater to current and future populations and must have adequate carparking
An assessment of the appropriate configuration of the aquatic facility was undertaken with the preferred option chosen to appropriately manage construction expense and operating costs
and inclusion of outdoor leisure water can significantly increase construction and operational cost
The proposed facility will therefore include an eight-lane
25-metre indoor heated pool; 800m2 of internal leisure water; a 20-metre x 15-metre warm exercise pool
sauna and steam room; 700m2 gymnasium; 250m2 group fitness room; 150m2 mind
190m2 occasional childcare/program room; a café with seating for 50 people; and a 10m2 prayer room
It’s interesting that the community consultation was held in 2019 and it’s now 2023,” Cr Eldridge said
“I understand COVID has been a factor in that but it’s also interesting to note that 93 per cent of respondents from the survey thought the leisure centre was an important item for the community
It has very strong community support and that will come as no surprise to anybody.”
Cr Bob Cornish said he hoped residents read the report from the council’s agenda
“I hope everyone down south and from surrounds take time to look at pages 10 and 11,” he said
“I hope people take the time to read it and provide feedback to council so we can finally move forward and get a start on this very important project.”
Is that different from a hydrotherapy facility
Another long wait for the residents of Wallan and the surrounding area
A major interchange on the Hume Highway on Melbourne’s fringe is set for an upgrade to improve transport connections for all modes
Wallan is a rapidly developing community an hour by train from Melbourne
The Hume Highway carves through the middle of the area
with many residents living in new suburbs on the other side of the highway from the railway station
Major Roads Projects Victoria (MRPV) is currently planning an upgrade to the interchange of the Hume with Watson Street
which bridges over the Hume and connects Wallan to the Station
There is already an off-road bike path along Watson Street to connect the communities on both sides of the highway
Concept plans show the new interchange connections slicing through this path
and the path connecting Wallara Waters Boulevarde and the residential neighbourhood to the south
It is important that these vital links to the station are not compromised in any way by these new road connections
And there are other Strategic Cycling Corridors (SCC) planned for the Wallan area in the future that also must be taken into consideration by this upgrade
and there will be a new SCC on the west side of the Hume along the Northern Highway from Beveridge to Wallan
And Wallan will eventually be the endpoint of the Merri Creek Trail
which will run along the rail line to Wallan from Kalkallo
MRPV is developing the business case for the upgrade
It will consider options to create a full diamond interchange at Watson Street and the Hume Freeway
by adding south facing ramps (an outbound exit ramp and an inbound entry ramp)
as well as upgrading Watson Street to improve capacity and safety
and unless a convenient bike network is created for local trips
Wallan will be a community 50km from Melbourne yet choked by traffic
The Great Victorian Bike Ride is set to return in 2025 on 24–28 November
offering an exciting new format while keeping the spirit of this beloved event alive
Bicycle Network Memberships offer benefits to all kinds of riders
The Peaks Challenge Ride2School fundraiser is on again for this year's epic event on Sunday 9 March
The City of Adelaide will undertake a speed limit review to understand the need for reducing speeds to support business and residents and create a safer city environment
Work on the much-anticipated $38.9 million Sydney Harbour Bridge ramp upgrade has begun
the bike lane will link the country's most famous bridge to the bike network in Milsons Point
we launched our Affiliate Membership program
specially designed for cycling groups and clubs
Orange in New South Wales is in line for a nice new stretch of bike path
one that will expand the off-road network and improve access to schools
Work has kicked off on a key Canberra bike route
setting the wheels in motion for safer and more pleasant journeys through the city’s northern suburbs
In a submission to the federal government’s draft National Urban Policy
Bicycle Network and seven other Australian bicycle organisations have called for active transport infrastructure funding to be increased to 10% of federal transport investment
Many of our best bike journeys are along coastlines
or up and down the creeks and rivers that meet the sea
But with rising sea levels some of this vital infrastructure is at threat of inundation
erosion and from changes in groundwater chemistry
This website uses cookies to ensure you get a better experience
Students in Wallan and surrounding areas now have a TAFE campus to call their own
La Trobe University and GOTAFE celebrated the High Street campus opening this week with Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney.La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said the new campus will further study options for regional students with courses set to commence this month
“La Trobe and GOTAFE share the same commitment to giving every student with ability and aspiration the opportunity to go on to further study and rewarding careers after secondary school
regardless of where they live,” Professor Dewar said
“We want to help communities in fast-growing regions like Wallan to build a local workforce that has the skills and knowledge needed for careers that meet industry demand and the challenges of population growth.”
Students will be able to choose from courses in areas such as Early Childhood Education
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney said: “Local centres such as Wallan are crucial links in Victoria’s growing TAFE network
opening new pathways to jobs and changing people’s lives for the better
Local access to training and jobs is vital for a growing and thriving community and that is what GOTAFE Wallan will offer.”
GOTAFE Chief Executive Travis Heeney said: “The new Wallan campus is critical to GOTAFE providing the skills necessary to meet the growing industry demand as the population expands over the coming years.”
Media Contact: Kathryn Powley – k.powley@latrobe.edu.au – 0456 764 371
L-R: Vice Chancellor Progressor John Dewar AO
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
GOTAFE CEO Travis Heeney and GOTAFE Board Chair Diana Taylor
Shepparton campus transformation responds to workforce needs
La Trobe doubles capacity to train more healthcare workers
Wallan passengers are now enjoying better access around the station as a result of car park upgrades and a new bus interchange completed at Wallan Station last week
The newly opened bus interchange and reconfigured car park separates bus and car traffic entering the station precinct
Work to integrate the new bus interchange and car park with the rest of the station will continue in the coming weeks
reinstate street access and paint car parking spaces
The car park works will be complete early next year and all car parking spaces at Wallan Station will be reinstated
Local suppliers benefitted from the construction of the interchange
with the new bus shelters supplied by Brunton Engineering
additional bicycle parking and an extension of the waiting room with new toilets will continue into early 2020
Work is also continuing to upgrade nearby Donnybrook Station with a platform extension and new car park with 150 additional car parking spaces
To find out more, see Donnybrook and Wallan station upgrades
Being awoken by sewage gurgling up through drains
flooding a home with foul-smelling liquid destroying everything seems unimaginable
But this was a reality for some Wallan residents on early January 8
Joel Michael was in Queensland when a phone call from his mother-in-law at 2.30am informed the family of multiple SES calls for assistance in their court
[She] attended our house and informed us the house was again under sewage water which was again emanating from the shower drains,” he said
knowing what the process was ahead of us.”
Immediately changing flights at significant cost
Mr Michael headed home to ensure cleanup was done to prevent his children returning home to ‘what upset them so much the first time’
“The smell was horrendous…I spent the rest of the day and night cleaning and calculating the loss of contents
this time Christmas presents were destroyed as well,” he said
The home previously flooded with sewage October 13
My wife and children – then six and seven – were at home,” he said
“They were panicked not knowing what to do to stop the sewage emanating from the shower
They frantically tried to salvage toys and personal items.”
SES attended the site removing an IS cap at the rear of the property
relieving pressure through the house but destroying the backyard
Youi insurance covered the first incident classed as a ‘catastrophic incident’ quickly
Reclassification has slowed the process the second time
The family sought emergency accommodation both times
Extensive damage and content loss totalled about $100,000 each flood
“My children really struggled with the constant changes and instability of the situation – their schooling was affected for most of 2023
My daughter has now been diagnosed with anxiety because of the incident
Mr Michael thanked Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell for his support
“He ensured we received emergency funding and was prompt and supportive to our needs,” he said
Mary* awoke to flooding at 2am on January 8
“We could just hear gurgling noises and bubbling noises,” she said
“My partner got up and noticed bubbles coming out of the ensuite toilet and I went to check on my daughter who is afraid of storms
“It was coming up through the toilet so there was a mixture of stormwater and sewage…there was a little bit of poo and things
Mary was ‘overwhelmed’ and used her wet/dry vacuum and bleach to attempt to decontaminate
assessor visited Mr Michael’s property stating a YVW pump broke under the deluge of rain
agreeing to pay his excess without admitting blame
The same assessor visited his home on January 8 however stating the pump did not break
placing blame on Mitchell Shire Council citing overflowing stormwater entering the sewer lines as the cause
Council refuted this to Mr Michael blaming YVW
YVW acknowledge a broken pump was identified as the cause however said this was inaccurate with no pump failure at the Wallan Treatment Plant site reported during the flood events
YVW acting general manager of distribution services Natalie Foeng encouraged affected residents to get in contact
“We’re sorry some residents have experienced wastewater spills as a result of January’s severe wet weather and we’re encouraging anyone who’s been impacted to get in touch,” she said
severe weather events put significant pressure on our sewer system’s capacity
which is not designed to withstand extreme circumstances such as a one in 20-year storm
“We’re working directly with impacted customers
and we’re planning several upgrade projects to increase the local sewer network’s capacity for higher sewer flows in the longer term.”
After the second flood the YVW loss adjustor offered to pay Mr Michael’s excess and fix backyard damage through a landscaper
He heard from the landscaper once and never again
Mr Michael also requested a formal investigation into the problem and information to compliance with a 2014 report
“I asked what investigation or works they had completed since the first incident to ensure this didn’t happen again and I asked what the cause of the event was at the time,” he said
“I was met with legal talk and refusal to answer my questions without an approved Freedom of Information application
I just want to know what the issue is so it can be fixed so this doesn’t happen again
is the possibility of diminuition of property value
family commitments and fighting for answers
“I feel like I’m going up against City Hall by myself.”
Initially YVW told Mary they would not cover her excess as they were not at fault however after continuous contact and informing YVW about multiple properties flooding
She is currently trying to find permanent accommodation for her family of five
Anyone impacted by sewer overflows can contact YVW on their 24-hour number 13 27 62
A new primary school is on the way for Wallan East
It is one of five schools across Victoria funded through a $280.1 million State Government investment
Given an interim name of Wallan East Primary School
the school will cater for the growing population of Wallan East and be located at 268 Wallara Waters Boulevard
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said the government was focused on delivering for families and residents in Wallan
“This new school will provide world class facilities for 525 local students and will mean less travel time for young families and busy parents,” she said
“We have also invested in Wandong Primary School where planning has begun
and architects have been appointed to upgrade and modernise their facilities
we have funded a competition grade gym and learning spaces
The 2021-22 State Budget provided $276.4 million to acquire land for 14 future schools
including Wallan East Primary School at the southern end of the Wallara Waters development
Tenders to build the new schools are currently open and construction is expected to begin from the middle of this year
Minister for Education Ben Carroll said it was important to provide families with options close to home
“We’re proud to be giving students and their hard-working families in growing communities across our state the world-class schools they deserve
“These new schools will give children and teachers the modern facilities to set them up for success – and give families of children with additional needs a choice about their education.”
Wallan East Primary School will join other primary schools in Wallan
Upper Plenty and Wandong as options for families in the area
Details on how to enrol and enrolment boundaries will be published in the year before the school opens
the traffic is dire now this will make the situation horrendous
unless more infrastructure is updated it will be a nightmare
MAYBE THE MACSFIELD OVER PASS WILL BE OPEN BY THEN?
I hope Watson St upgrade is finished by then the traffic is horrendous at times when people are dropping of and picking up their children and that’s for only one school imagine what it will be like for two schools
THE official opening of Wallan Community Services Hub on Thursday was hailed by health services and politicians as a big step towards combating and preventing family violence in the region
The $1.284 million hub repurposed a former childcare centre at 42-80 Bentinck Street
and will now serve as an access point for family violence support service The Orange Door
The Orange Door network is a free service for adults
children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence
as well as families requiring extra support caring for children
The Orange Door will have 17 locations across Victoria by the end of 2022
The access point will also host several other community service organisations that specifically respond to family violence issues
Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and Family Safety Victoria
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said the facility would help address the high rates of family violence in Mitchell Shire
with statistics showing the municipality has the 11th-highest rate of family violence incidents of any in Victoria
“Our figures on family violence are far too high
Behind every figure is a person and a family member needing support,” he said
“This building brings together a number of services to help people in our community to access services and programs that focus on intervention and prevention
“Council has worked in partnership with these services to create a new space with consulting rooms
“The location provides strong links to the multi-purpose centre next door … which also includes the Wallan Youth Room and Wallan Neighbourhood House.”
Cr Chisholm said services like The Orange Door were important to help break a cycle of harm in growing communities
“We’re at the heart of the Melbourne growth corridor and it’s vital that we have services that people can access,” he said
“We hear time and time again that people can’t access services outside our area because they can’t get to them
Having these services close to home is absolutely critical
“We’ve advocated for these services over many years
and in recent times we have started to see results.”
The Orange Door Goulburn area manager Mary D’Elia said the Wallan hub was the first Orange Door site in Victoria to be hosted directly by a council
“We had clients walk in the door the first day Orange Door in Goulburn opened in Shepparton in April
and within the first few days of us having staff on site here the same thing happened
“In the Mitchell and Murrindindi shires there are more than 1200 people who have been directly supported by the Orange Door network since April this year.”
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said the new hub was a fantastic result for relatively little expenditure
“Mitchell Shire is really good at setting that example,” she said
“For $850,000 from the Victorian Government and $434,000 from council
“Places like this are about bringing families together and making them feel safe
Proposed changes to Victoria’s electoral boundaries would move Wallan out of the Yan Yean electorate and from a regional to metropolitan Melbourne upper house seat as of the next state election in 2022
If the proposed electoral changes are adopted
Wallan would move from Yan Yean to a new electorate called Kalkallo
Craigieburn and the surrounding northern fringe of Melbourne
It would also move from the regional upper house seat of Northern Victoria into the Northern Metropolitan region
Wallan East would remain in the Yan Yean electorate and Northern Victoria
Labor’s Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes would no longer represent Wallan despite her office currently being located there
only the eastern fringe of Wallan would continue to be represented by Danielle Green
Labor MP Ros Spence’s electorate of Yuroke would also dissolve and largely be replaced by the Kalkallo seat
but Ms Spence declined to comment until the changes were finalised
Ms Symes confirmed she intended to run in the next election
but said the proposed electoral boundary changes were disappointing
She declined to comment on whether her office would move out of Wallan
“I’m disappointed the proposed boundaries don’t include Wallan in Northern Victoria – a community I’ve been proud to serve for the last six years,” she said
“I want to reassure the Wallan community that a Labor government will continue to deliver for them
no matter who their future elected MPs may be.”
Under the changes Wandong and Heathcote Junction would also be affected
led by deputy Nationals Party leader Steph Ryan
“I’m a little bit sad that they have recommended taking Wandong out of my electorate,” Ms Ryan said
“I’ve built some really great relationships with the community in Wandong and I feel like I have unfinished business there
I will continue to work hard for the people of Wandong right up until election day.”
Ms Ryan said the changes to Euroa were minimal
and that she was hopeful for a win when she stood in the next state election
“I think the changes will make it easier for us to reclaim the Northern Victorian seat that we lost at the last election,” she said
Ms Green said she was excited to build on her existing relationships in Wandong should she retain her seat in 2022
“I’ve always put people in my community first and I’ll continue to put my community of Yan Yean first until the election
but I’ll also take a greater interest in the new areas,” she said
She said adding a new electorate to the rapidly growing Wallan area was a win for residents
“There are six [Mitchell Shire] councillors that now
and I think two lower house MPs that have an interest in Wallan – two’s better than one,” she said
It would be Ms Green’s third electoral boundary shift during her tenure
Victoria’s Electoral Boundaries Commission conducts realignments every two elections for both houses of state parliament to ensure each vote has an equal value and each elector is represented equally
The proposed changes address population growth north of Melbourne
The proposed new state electoral boundaries are now open for public comment following an initial consultation period
Electoral commissioner Warwick Gately called for Victorians to have their say
“The EBC in December 2020 invited submissions from the public
and received 58 submissions – five from political parties
15 from organisations and community groups and 38 from individuals,” Mr Gately said
“Anyone interested in providing comment on the proposed boundaries should lodge a written submission before 5pm Friday
The commission will prepare final boundaries by late October
which will take effect at the 2022 state election
Submissions can be made and proposed electoral maps can be viewed at www.ebc.vic.gov.au/CurrentRedivision/ProposedBoundaries/Maps.html
WALLAN Secondary College’s student leadership team has called for Mitchell Shire Council to allocate greater attention and resources toward Wallan’s youth
Wallan offered minimal activities and social settings for young people to enjoy
“There’s not much to go to unless you want to go to Wellington Square and sit around there all day … [or] it’s just Maccas,” Wil said
shopping precincts and public pools located at other towns or suburbs
the school captains said finding activities to do with friends was difficult without licences
The captains said unreliable and infrequent transport made allocating time for socialising difficult amid their VCE studies
“We may as well go to the city if we’re going to spend this much time [travelling] anyway,” Wil said
“It’s insane when you really think about it – there should be buses going from Wallan to Craigieburn way
the trains would be less packed and [the buses could be more regular].”
The leaders said they had dropped hobbies they otherwise would have pursued due to the travel to other towns
The group also raised access to the town centre and school as being an issue – as there were no footpaths from Wallara Waters
“Someone tried to play chicken with me because I was walking on the road
They literally tried to hit me with their car because they wanted me to go onto the grass,” Ivy said
The captains and prefects said Wallan’s sports programs proved a great outlet for many of their peers who could commit multiple days a week to out-of-school activities
But they said the cost of uniforms and memberships deterred many students from signing up
highlighting the need for free and accessible activities
we’re really below the threshold of income around here
[and] we have some dual-income households that are barely scraping by,” Ivy said
The captains said the lack of entertainment left many with few alternatives but to crowd at local fast-food franchises
“If you were to find the same teenagers in the inner city or whatever
they would have more stuff to do and activities to go to
[Here they are] instead finding themselves wanting to hang out of home … so they go to Maccas and cause amok,” Wil said
“You’d imagine if there was other stuff to do
Mitchell Shire chief executive Brett Luxford said Mitchell Youth Services worked with people aged 12 to 24 years to promote the wellbeing of youth across the shire
“Mitchell Shire is one of the fastest growing local government areas and we understand there is a lot of work to be done to provide for that growth,” he said
“We need continued support from the Victorian Government to make the education and sports facilities
transport links and commercial precincts a reality for young people now and in the future.”
Council listed a range of programs available to youth across the shire including after-school program UKREW
Council has also recently sworn in a new youth council
But Wallan Secondary College leaders said council’s strategies failed to target the needs of their demographic adequately
The prefects and captains dreamed of a shopping centre in town with a cinema
food court and activities that were offered to youth in neighbouring municipalities
The students said a ‘more realistic’ safe destination for youth
was needed for young people to meet up with friends
“We just need somewhere else to go – to physically hang out and do something,” Wil said
More information on council services can be found at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au