Latest news with #Seddon
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Sale of land home to Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary raises concerns for big cats' future
News of the sale has sparked concern among Northlanders worried about what would happen to the animals if the park closed. The Northern Advocate has attempted to contact the directors of Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary to learn more about their decision to sell and the fate of the big cats but has received no response. The sanctuary's facility operator, Janette Vallance, said the new owner would be the one to decide what the property will be used for. 'In the meantime, we continue [as] usual.' General entry to the sanctuary is available Friday to Sunday and public holidays. Booked tours are possible every day except Thursday. Vallance did not shed any light on what may happen to the big cats if a new property owner opted not to continue with the park. The former wildlife park at 124 Gray Road, in Te Kamo, Whangārei, is up for grabs. Photo / Supplied via OneRoof The Northern Advocate approached the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to see whether it had any expectations for the big cats in the event of a change. The ministry, which plays a central role in overseeing animal sanctuaries and zoos in New Zealand, confirmed it was aware of the sale. MPI deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle said it had engaged with the sanctuary's owner and operator. 'To date, we have not been notified of any changes for the small number of animals remaining on site.' Arbuckle said if the new purchaser wanted to continue operating as a wildlife sanctuary, they would have to comply with rules that included the Animal Welfare Act and the Standard for Zoo Containment Facilities. 'We would consider any application on its merits.' In 2023, a conservation biologist provided some insight into what may happen to the big cats if the Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary closed. University of Otago professor Philip Seddon's comments to the Northern Advocate were made around the time the park temporarily closed as Big Cats Limited, the company that ran the sanctuary, was put into involuntary liquidation. Seddon shot down the possibility of the big cats being released into the wild because they had been raised in captivity so lacked the hunting and social skills needed to survive. He said a zoo or sanctuary or a suitably registered welfare centre had to be found but that was unlikely at the time because of the number of big cats involved. 'Otherwise, they can be humanely euthanised,' he told the Northern Advocate in 2023. When contacted this week, Seddon said his viewpoint was unchanged and he was still not aware of any New Zealand facility that could easily accommodate the animals. The sale has left people fearful about the big cats' futures. Photo / NZME The Northern Advocate contacted some zoos and wildlife sanctuaries known to house big cats to put to them the hypothetical situation of taking in the Kamo sanctuary's animals. Hamilton Zoo would not be able to take any of the big cats as it was not set up for lions and currently houses five tigers. Orana Wildlife Park chief executive Rachel Haydon said any decision to transfer an animal from Kamo to a wildlife park, zoo or aquarium involved multiple stakeholders. 'It's no one person's decision.' Haydon explained transferring animals between zoos was complex. 'Therefore any decision for next steps in relation to the animals in the care of Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary would take a multi-stakeholder approach.' Haydon said Orana Wildlife Park, in Christchurch, is a member of the Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA), which represents 98 zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across Australasia that operate to the highest welfare standards. 'ZAA has genuine regard for Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary and the animals currently in their care. However, Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary is not currently a member of the association and the animals in their care are not representative of ZAA programme species.' The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary has a well-documented chequered past that dates back to its beginning as Zion Wildlife Gardens, founded by controversial 'Lion Man' Craig Busch. The former Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, once home to Lion Man Craig Busch, is for sale. The park faced financial difficulties in 2006. Busch accepted a bailout from his mother, who became the sole director. Three years later, zookeeper Dalu Mncube was mauled to death by a white tiger named Abu. A temporary closure and safety upgrades followed. Busch's mother lost control of the park in 2013 to a finance company because of mortgage defaults. Auckland-based Bolton Equities bought the property in 2014 and invested $9m in upgrades to meet government requirements. The park reopened under new management in 2021 and was rebranded Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary. The park went into liquidation in 2023 but reopened for public visits and undergoes regular verification by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Arbuckle said MPI was satisfied that the operation continued to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bolton business helps its staff carve out a long and successful career
Seven employees have notched up a total of 160 years of service between at a Bolton-based business which prides itself at ensuring it lays strong foundations for its staff development. Six of he seven at Seddon are celebrating 20 years' service and one achieving an extraordinary 40-year milestone. The milestone are said to be even more cause for celebration, as Seddon say the construction industry is under increasing pressure to attract and retain young talent. The firm says its long-service anniversaries reflect a long-term proof of concept that early investment, through apprenticeships, mentoring and structured career development, creates sustained, rewarding careers and builds resilient businesses. 'Investing in young people isn't just about recruitment, it's about creating the conditions for a long-term career journey,' said Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon. 'At Seddon, we directly employ our people because we believe in standing by them, not just at the start, but every step of the way. Whether someone joins us as an apprentice, a graduate, or in a trade role, our job is to nurture their growth, give them structure and support, and help them build something lasting. We're proud to show what that looks like in practice and why it's vital to the future of our industry.' Peter Jackson with Vanessa Barlow The long-serving team members being recognised this year are: • Vanessa Barlow - social value manager began work at Seddon in 1985 as a junior PA. • Pete McKinley - commercial director, began work at Seddon in 2005 as quantity surveyor • Peter Jackson - managing director of Seddon Housing Partnerships & Seddon Engineering Services, began work at Seddon in 2005 as operations director • Karl Barraclough - Head of energy commercial services began work at Seddon in 2005 as an apprentice plumber. • Lee Makin - Operations manager, began work at Seddon in 2005 as an apprentice bricklayer • Matthew Cook - Company secretary and finance director began work at Seddon in 2005 as an accountant • Hector Lindo – began work at Seddon in 2005 Owners Jamie and Jonathan Seddon and Nicola Hodkinson celebrate with Vaness Barlow READ MORE: Seddon to represent 'Brand Bolton' at major conference Seddon wants to improve mental health in construction sector Seddon start work homes on old Radcliffe Riverside School site Social value manager, Vanessa said: 'At Seddon, it's the people who truly make the difference. Our culture is built on a supportive team environment where lasting relationships and trust form the foundation for personal and professional growth. For anyone starting in construction, my advice is to find joy in both the work you do and the place where you do it; that's key to a happy and fulfilling career. For employers looking to reduce staff turnover, remember that people are your greatest asset.' (Image: Seddon) Reflecting on 20 years at the company, Matthew Cook, company secretary and finance director, said: 'What's inspired me most to build a long-term career here is the satisfaction I get from feeling valued and trusted, being challenged, and working alongside people who share similar values and outlooks on life. It's about being treated with respect and having confidence in the strength and stability of the business. From my perspective, Seddon's culture comes down to personal relationships - working with and for good people who treat you as you'd expect, all backed by a company that's built on a solid foundation.' (Image: Anthony Parr) Matthew Cook Seddon says it approach proves that early investment pays off. Since 1937, more than 4,000 apprentices have started their construction careers with the company, and Seddon proudly maintains an apprentice retention rate of 93 per cent. Through its apprenticeships, mentoring, and clear development pathways, including progression into leadership roles, Seddon continues to show how businesses can turn first jobs into lifelong careers.
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
British Lions honour original skipper Robert Seddon at Australian gravesite
British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland, NSW on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter region, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond is, I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site ever since. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history." British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland, NSW on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter region, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond is, I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site ever since. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history." British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland, NSW on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter region, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond is, I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site ever since. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history." British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland, NSW on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter region, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond is, I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site ever since. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history."
The Advertiser
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
British Lions honour original skipper Robert Seddon, who died in 1888 in Maitland
British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. "We shine a very powerful beacon wherever we travel, and for this moment, it is on the Maitland Rugby Club and this graveyard where we pay respects to our very first leader. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond, is I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had ever since honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history." British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. "We shine a very powerful beacon wherever we travel, and for this moment, it is on the Maitland Rugby Club and this graveyard where we pay respects to our very first leader. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond, is I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had ever since honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history." British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. "We shine a very powerful beacon wherever we travel, and for this moment, it is on the Maitland Rugby Club and this graveyard where we pay respects to our very first leader. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond, is I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had ever since honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history." British Lions chairman Ieuan Evans and Australian Rugby Union CEO Phil Waugh joined in Maitland on Sunday to pay tribute to the first Lions captain Robert Seddon. Seddon, 28, tragically drowned in a boating accident in the Hunter River on August 15, 1888, and he was buried in Maitland the next day, with the funeral one of the largest held in the city to that time. The Lions returned to Maitland for the first time on the tour of 1899 and have continued a tradition in recent times with visits on the tours of 1989, 2001 and 2013. lining the streets in tribute. About 50 members of the rugby community, with representatives from the Lions, Rugby Australia, Rugby NSW, Hunter Rugby and individual clubs from across the Hunter, gathered at the Telerah cemetery for a moving ceremony on Sunday. The visit came after the Lions overcame a spirited NSW Waratahs to win 21-10 in Sydney on Saturday night. Evans said the British and Irish Lions were eternally grateful to the Maitland Rugby Club for their stewardship of Seddon's grave site. "It is a thrill to be here as Lion 616 and pay due respects to Lion 11, Robert Seddon. "He died so tragically but made such an awfully important contribution to our legacy. "Legacy is important for the game, but for Lions in particular. "We shine a very powerful beacon wherever we travel, and for this moment, it is on the Maitland Rugby Club and this graveyard where we pay respects to our very first leader. Waugh paid tribute to the Maitland Blacks for continuing to maintain Seddon's grave site. "Robert Seddon was the Lions' first ever captain, and he lost his life at the tender age of 28 in a sculling accident," Waugh said. "Robert was a remarkable athlete. Capped three times for England, he scored tries for the Lions against teams including Auckland and NSW and even kicked goals in Aussie Rules games against Bendigo and Port Adelaide. "He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013." Waugh said the rugby union community from opposite sides of the world was united at the cemetery. "To stand here 137 years later paying tribute to a lost member of the rugby family speaks to the remarkable bond we share. The universal bond, is I believe, our greatest strength," he said. Maitland Blacks president Pat Howard said the club had ever since honoured a pledge to maintain Seddon's grave site. "It's a poignant part of our history, the links between Robert Seddon and the Maitland Rugby Club," Howard said. "I've been hearing of so many former tours when the Lions have come out to visit their captain in Maitland, including the 1913 tour. "The story of Robert Seddon is one we hold dear to our hearts. We look after his grave in honour of that, and it's a really important part of our history."
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
To tackle housing crisis, planners threaten future of Aussie suburb no one knew existed
Just 6km west of Melbourne is a beautiful suburb few people actually know exists. When I moved to Seddon, I developed impostor syndrome. White picket fences and well-tended rose gardens stand in front of single-storey Victorian workers' cottages and Edwardian terrace houses. There's little traffic in this Melbourne suburb, so kids can play footy on the streets, and at local parks, pubs and cafes, you'll always bump into someone you know. The first sign that Seddon was set to be dramatically changed was a one-page pamphlet dropped in letterboxes by Victoria's planning authority. What alarmed residents like me is that the map it contained didn't even mention Seddon by name. With the stroke of a Sharpie, bureaucrats had drawn a line around the suburb, incorporating it into a high-rise development plan for neighbouring suburbs, sparking concerns that planners in Melbourne didn't even know we existed. Residents expectedly turned to their local Facebook group to debate the proposal. 'This is infuriating,' one person wrote. 'I don't want any high rises destroying the beautiful community feel we have created,' another said. But others seemingly backed the plan with one saying, 'Living inner city means inevitable change'. Related: 'Error' discovered in Melbourne's new housing plan Seddon has provisionally been zoned into an Activity Centre, as part of a program designed by the Victorian government to 'shake up' planning laws within 1km of designated train stations. Because Seddon is less than 1km in size, nearly all of the suburb fits into the Middle Footscray station zone, meaning some of it could be zoned at a whopping 12 storeys, while the fringes will likely be zoned for three storeys. Creating more housing close to public transport where people want to live has merit. Of course, not everyone agrees — protests broke out after residents in affluent Brighton learned they were getting an Activity Centre — and 60 suburbs have now been slated for the program. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny indicated she wants feedback from the community. But it's been a challenge to get specific information about how residents can appeal the plans, or if each suburb's character will be protected. When I contacted her department it refused to be interviewed, so I sent 10 questions about what the Activity Centre plan would specifically mean for Seddon. Two weeks and 15 emails later, it responded with a two-line statement that didn't mention Seddon by name. 'We've kicked off consultation this month on the next 25 train and tram zones — including for West Footscray, Tottenham and Middle Footscray stations,' it read. "We want to work with communities to ensure more Victorians have the opportunity to live close to public transport, their loved ones, and the things that matter to them.' Seddon was named in honour of New Zealand's premier Richard Seddon after his death in 1906, but it didn't become a suburb until 1999, and it still doesn't have its own postcode. It's a place that not many people know about, but it's always been very important to those who live Mulready This isn't the first time development has threatened to destroy the suburb. In the 1970s, there were plans to turn quiet Pilgrim Street into a busy freeway-like road. Local historian Pamela Mulready explained this would have resulted in the loss of hundreds of homes, and intersected the town. 'That had a terrible effect on the area, because it all became depressed. There was no future, so a lot of people moved out. Businesses wound up, and people sold their houses at reduced prices,' she said. The town has long been an ALP stronghold, and party-affiliated councillors successfully fought against the road plan. And the drop in house prices did have one positive — it opened up opportunities for migrants and today there's an abundance of languages spoken here, including Vietnamese, Italian, Chinese and Macedonian. Late in May, the planning department hosted an online meeting so community members could ask questions of their experts. But questions were grouped together by a moderator and many residents complained about a lack of specificity in answers. 'What we expected: a whole heap of clever avoidance, vagueness and no obvious signs of future accountability,' one person wrote. 'A lot of carefully planned and rehearsed answers telling you nothing,' another said. 'I asked directly about building heights, twice, on Victoria Street and they literally did not answer,' someone else added. It's not that I'm a NIMBY, a Not In My Backyard resident who advocates for change elsewhere but not where I live. Planning should be bold. But I fear change without detail. Melbourne's west already faces problems with pollution, overpopulated schools, a lack of parking and few green spaces. Seddon is relatively safe, although my copper pipes were stolen the week before we moved in and across the road, a house was burgled this week. There is a perception Melbourne as a city is struggling to combat crime, with machete attacks in shopping centres and aggravated burglaries making the news this month. Many residents are concerned about increasing density while the streets are unsafe. Plan to reintroduce wild animals into Australia's major cities Stark new divide emerges among homeowners Photos show huge problem facing Melbourne When I attended a follow-up community meeting at the West Footscray library, planning staff were writing down notes on Post-it notes, and adding them to a map. There were pictures on the wall of how they imagine the suburb could one day look — no Victorian cottages or rose gardens to be seen, only tightly-built modern townhouses. One staff member admitted they hadn't expected the uproar, admitting Seddon was only included in the map because of its proximity to Middle Footscray station, not because the suburb itself was somehow well-suited for an Activity Centre. Another said they'd heard the response from residents 'loud and clear'. Whether Seddon will even be included in the final Activity Centre plan for West Footscray, Tottenham and Middle Footscray stations is unclear. New housing around Melbourne's west is essential, but amenities are needed first. One project approved under the previous Liberal government was dubbed the worst development in Melbourne and planning laws remain problematic. Residents in the west want the character of their suburbs respected, and developers prevented from taking shortcuts. The vague suggestion that Seddon could be incorporated into plans for three larger suburbs has caused a panic. The government claims the changes will be gradual, but the planning department has revealed its being pressured to hurry through the process and work through any feedback from residents by the end of 2026. There is no doubt much-needed housing will be created, developers will get rich, some residents will make a fortune selling their rezoned land, and businesses will gain new customers. But whether the Activity Centre ultimately helps or hinders the community of Seddon will be revealed when details are eventually made available to its residents. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
