Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 28th September 2021 by Star Weekly

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28 SEPTEMBER, 2021

Back in the pool Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions at midnight Friday, September 17, both the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Gisborne Sports Centre welcomed back patrons for the first time in months. With density limits heavily restricting the number of patrons allowed in each venue, Macedon Ranges council aquatics and fitness coordinator Luke Beattie said council chose to reinstate a booking system. “One thing we’ve noticed through these staggered interruptions is just how important our facilities are to people’s physical health and wellbeing,” Mr Beattie said. “There are members of the community who rely on the facilities we have to maintain an effective lifestyle, and it can be challenging to maintain their mental health and wellbeing when we’re closed. Due to the requirement of a COVID-19 marshall in the facility at all times, Macedon Ranges council has modified each centre’s opening hours. For more information, visit: https:// www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ Gisborne Aquatic Centre has finally reopened and the Hewitt family was among the first to dive in.

(Damjan Janevski) 250641

Aged care controversy By Oliver Lees Macedon Ranges council has endorsed a proposal to develop a 120 bed aged care facility outside the Romsey town boundary, following a debate on the issue which divided councillors. The development is proposed on land at the corner of Melbourne-Lancefield Road and Hutchinsons Lane West, one kilometre north of Romsey’s township boundary. The land is classed as a ‘rural living zone’. Following a discussion of the proposal at a meeting last week, a majority of five councillors threw their support behind converting the site

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into a residential aged care facility. The decision went against the officer’s recommendation, which advised the location was inappropriate for an aged care facility given its remoteness from services and its zoning. But Cr Geoff Neil said he supported the application given the benefits “far outweigh the negatives”. “The opportunity to replicate a facility in the east of the shire should be pursued with vigour,” Cr Neil said. “It enables our elderly residents to downsize within an area that they have made their home... who have no desire to move away from

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a place they have come to love and enjoy,” Cr Neil said. Cr Neil said the facility would also create up to 130 jobs for the shire. The proposed aged care facility would offer 120 beds and include 44 car parking spaces. Cr Mark Ridgeway said although he did have concerns over the location, he supported the proposal as an aged care facility was “desperately needed” in the east ward. Cr Rob Guthrie said the application “failed miserably” in protecting the land’s fertile soil, which he argued should be used only for agriculture.

“Everything I’ve seen over the last 18 years that I’ve been involved in council has said that this area must be protected, and that’s what the community has always wanted,” he said. Mayor Jennifer Anderson cited the 2018 Romsey Issues and Opportunities Paper as the reason for her objection, which included community consultation that indicated that “no new growth should be located north of Hutchinsons Lane”. The application is subject to a VCAT appeal after council failed to determine the matter within statutory timeframes.

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Community satisfaction wavers A survey of residents has found a four point decrease in community satisfaction with Macedon Ranges council in the past year, placing it “well below” other participating large rural councils in Victoria. The survey was conducted by Local Government Victoria on behalf of all participating councils, which includes 16 other Victorian councils classed as large rural councils, such as Surf Coast and Southern Grampians. A minimum of 400 residents from within the Macedon Ranges shire were selected for

said council was committed to addressing the community’s dissatisfaction. “We take these results very seriously and staff and councillors are working strongly together to identify and action improvements across the board, focusing on the themes of culture, community, customer service and communication,” Mr O’Sullivan said. Mr O’Sullivan specified key areas in need of improvement included roads and road side slashing, maintenance, emergency management, town planning, sustainability, and waste management.

an interview conducted over the phone, which probed ratepayers’ approval of council in six core performance areas. According to the data, there was an overall decrease in satisfaction in each core performance area including the new categories of ‘COVID-19 response’ and ‘business and community development’. Macedon Ranges council’s overall performance of 54 (out of 100) was seven points behind the state average (61). Speaking at a meeting last week, Macedon Ranges chief executive officer Bernie O’Sullivan

Of the 29 individual service areas listed, only ‘family support services’ (63) and ‘disadvantaged support services’ (63) recorded an improvement in community satisfaction. Macedon Ranges council mayor Jennifer Anderson said council values all forms of feedback. “We’ll analyse them [the findings] and try to find solutions together and with the community, because that’s what council is all about,” Cr Anderson said. He encouraged residents to continue to submit feedback to council at Mrsc.vic.gov.au

Slight easing of restrictions

One of Rafiki Yangu’s founding members Matthew Baird with Yoga101 proprietor Michelle Caldwell.

(Damjan Janevski)

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Stretching out with a helping hand A not-for-profit organisation set up by a group of mates is helping Sunbury families get back on their feet. Rafiki Yangu, which means ‘my friend’ in Swahili, was established earlier this year by Sunbury resident Jack Sullivan and five of his longtime friends. Several years ago Mr Sullivan and some of his peers travelled to South Africa, where they were inspired by the words of humanitarian Nelson Mandela, who used the term ‘rafiki yangu’ in describing the importance of helping other people. Rafiki Yangu is now working with multiple local schools and support groups, with the aim

of helping anyone at a disadvantage by tailoring support to the specific needs and interests of those individuals or families. “We’re just a local not-for-profit trying to support individuals that have fallen on hard times,” Mr Sullivan said. “From there, we sit down with a family. We discuss their current situation, their goals and interests, and find the areas where we might be able to help. “Recently we helped a mother and daughter who were interested in yoga. We went down to Yoga 101 and through the foundation we were able to purchase a membership. This was right when we started and we had nothing, so

Michelle [from Yoga 101] also donated an extra six month membership to the family.” Now officially registered as a charity, Mr Sullivan said he’s hopeful the organisation can continue to grow. “There’s a lot of times where people are coming to us and although we can’t do too much, we help point them in the right direction,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re just six ordinary guys who want to provide a bit of joy and for people to know that there’s someone thinking about them.” Rafiki Yangu has created a GoFundMe Page, with all proceeds going directly toward its work in the community.

Restrictions on outdoor activities are set to ease this week for Victorians still in lockdown, as the state draws nearer to its vaccination targets. The state recorded 705 cases in the 24 hours to Monday morning. From midnight Tuesday the permitted radius for travel will be extended from 10km to 15km and outdoor activities including tennis and golf will be allowed. Personal training can begin again with up to five people and a trainer, provided they are all fully vaccinated. The easing comes as the state is expected to meet its first vaccination target, with 80 per cent of eligible residents receiving their first jab. Speaking on Sunday, Premier Daniel Andrews said hospitalisation statistics indicated that the situation was becoming a “pandemic in the vaccinated”. “That is not a point of criticism,” Mr Andrews said. “It is a point to motivate everyone to come forward and get vaccinated as quickly as possible.” As of Monday morning there were 14 active cases in Macedon Ranges and 2962 in Hume. The number of exposure sites in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges has grown over the past week, with five sites listed in Sunbury and seven in Kyneton. This includes New Garden Chinese Restaurant in Kyneton, which has been listed as a tier one exposure site. Exposure sites: exposure sites: www. coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites For vaccine bookings, visit: https:// www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au Oliver Lees

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Level crossing removal delayed By Oliver Lees Works to remove Sunbury’s Gap Road level crossing have been put on hold as a two-week shutdown of the construction industry in parts of Victoria has brought many infrastructure projects to a standstill. The shutdown, which applies to metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and the Mitchell shire, was put in place on Monday last week following violent protests outside the city office of construction union CFMEU’s. The protesters gathered in opposition to the

state government’s mandate which required all construction workers to have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by September 23 if they wished to continue working. Star Weekly reported last week that the Rail Infrastructure Alliance had been awarded the contract to soon begin the major works involved in replacing the level crossing at Gap Road in Sunbury. This includes using piling rigs to dig beneath the existing tracks in order to create a road under the train line. Sunbury Line Upgrade and Gap Road Level Crossing Removal package director Damian

Brizzi said the construction ban will impact the works in Sunbury. “Like all metropolitan Melbourne construction sites, the Gap Road level crossing removal site will be temporarily closed for two weeks from 21 September to help keep our workers, the construction industry and the broader Victorian community COVIDSafe,” Mr Brizzi said. “People might notice some limited activity on the project site while our crews work to shut the construction site down safely and maintain the ongoing security of the area.” Master Builders Victoria chief executive

officer Rebecca Casson said the construction shut down was a bitter blow to the industry’s workers. “We understand the position the Victorian Government is in. However, we can also see the frustration that this decision brings, especially shutting down our industry one day after announcing a roadmap to COVID-normal,” Ms Casson said. A Rail Projects Victoria spokesperson said the Gap Road level crossing work site will reopen on October 5 and that any cost implications were still being worked out with the project’s contractors.

Facelift for Mt Macedon gateway

Kyneton Little Athletics’ 2020 club champions Hailey Stubbs, Isla Munro, Hayden Edmonston and Angus Hoyne.

(Supplied)

Little athletes ready to hit the track Kyneton Little Athletics is gearing up to get its kids back on the track. If lockdown restrictions permit a return to community sport, the athletics club will start its season on Saturday, October 9, with registrations now open for all kids aged five to 16. Kyneton Little Athletics president Ashley Fraser said he was looking forward to providing a way for young people to keep active and enjoy themselves. “Athletics is a sport that you can continue to

be involved in for your whole life,” Mr Fraser said. “Many elite athletes only started in their mid-teens and we have lots of former club members who have gone on to join one of the many senior clubs in the region to continue their training. “Our main concern is the safety of the children, however we are hopeful with the correct COVID protocols and with the cooperation of our members that we can get the kids outside and running around in the

beautiful Kyneton spring weather.” Ms Fraser said Kyneton Little Athletics Club experienced a 24 per cent increase in membership last year, earning them an award from Little Athletics Victoria as the highest growth club in the northern country region. The registration fee is $132 with discounts available for family purchases. The season will run until March 2021. To register, visit: lavic.com.au

Macedon Ranges council has received $80,000 from Regional Roads Victoria to improve landscaping works at the roundabout at the entrance to Mt Macedon. The landscaping efforts will include planting of flora native to the Macedon Ranges as well as stone mulch sourced from local areas. The trees along the adjacent roadway will be retained, with more intended to be planted. In a written statement to council, GBLA Landscape Architects, who is responsible for the works, stated that the design was influenced by artist Louis Buvelot (1814-1888), who in his time made paintings of Mt Macedon’s landscape. “The new concept preserves important existing trees including Oaks, Desert Ash, Conifers, Manna Gums and other native vegetation,” a spokesperson for the architecture firm said. “The picturesque qualities of these trees are further enhanced by new tree and shrub planting to screen the foreground and frame the traveller’s attention on the mountain as the backdrop to this journey of arrival.” Macedon Ranges council acting director of assets and operations Simon Finlay said the new project will welcome residents and visitors with the area’s natural beauty. “This project is the outcome of several years of working with members of the community who believed Mt Macedon deserved its own special entrance treatment as the gateway to the shire’s ‘jewel in the crown’,” Mr Finlay said. Oliver Lees

Oliver Lees

Macedon Ranges counts the cost of June’s wild storm An analysis of the aftermath of the extreme weather that tore through the Macedon Ranges in June has found that almost 1000 homes suffered damage across the shire. The Secondary Impact Assessment (SIA) was carried out by Macedon Ranges council’s recovery team, who have been engaged with the clean-up effort since the storm occurred on June 9. The extreme rain and weather event uprooted many trees and took down power lines which caused outages in parts of the shire. Recovery team staff have been phoning

residents and landowners since the beginning of September. According to the data, approximately 200 households had not previously reported damage on their property before receiving a call from council. Macedon Ranges council municipal recovery manager Tony Grimme said it was important for council to have a full picture of the damage in order to plan for future emergency situations. “This [data] indicates many local property owners have been tackling debris on their own properties or securing contractors and

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

activating claims through their insurance companies, without accessing other support,” Mr Grimme said. “This shows admirable community resilience but we are aware some people may only just now be recognising some tasks are beyond them,” Mr Grimme said. “They may still need extra on-ground resources or personal support and counselling to help them recover and get on with their lives. “Consolidating the information on the damage caused to private properties will give us a clearer picture of what work still lies ahead as part of long-term recovery across the

shire.” Mr Grimme sid landowners could in future landowners should register damage with Bushfire Recovery Victoria or through council directly. “Not only can we help people with organising Bushfire Recovery Victoria’s site assessments and referrals to social support services like Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, we can identify gaps in the delivery of recovery services to help plan for the next major incident in our community,” he said. Oliver Lees

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Why the Ranges is hot property By Oliver Lees A lead researcher at a national real estate service group expects the Macedon Ranges’ property market to continue to boom as buyers look for options outside of Melbourne. “It’s not just people seeking a regional lifestyle, but COVID-19 has made us think a lot more about work-life balance and technology access has been a key driver of that,” Oliver Hume head of research George Bougias said. “First home buyers have found it difficult to buy in metro areas as prices have gone up over the last year or so. Regional areas like Geelong, Macedon and Warragul have seen strong

‘‘

Macedon Ranges have a competitive advantage in landscape scenery

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- George Bougias demand for new houses and land. “But the Macedon Ranges is interesting because the market is not like Geelong’s which has been strong for a while.” Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) data released in July found that the average time that properties in Woodend and Gisborne spent on

the market was cut by more than two weeks in the year to May, 2021. Meanwhile, house price data released by REIV the same month found a 10.2 per cent increase in house prices in Kyneton in the three months to June. Mr Bougias said the demand for housing had soared because buyers have been drawn to the region’s “unique competitive advantages”. “The Macedon Ranges is an easy commute distance to Melbourne. Any regional location that offers a regional lifestyle but with an easy commute to the city have strong interest,” he said. “The other part is that the Macedon Ranges

have a competitive advantage in landscape scenery. People are tempted by a bit of a tree change, and there are distinctive country towns like Kyneton.“ Mr Bougias said the state government’s recent investment in affordable housing as part of the Big Housing Build will be important to keeping the market affordable. “As we come out of lockdown restrictions and we see migration return we’re going to have to rethink real estate,” he said. “I think what we’re seeing is a further sliding of interest into more regional areas. It’s more than a trend, it’s a structural shift and we’re not going back to the way things were.”

Funding boost for waste education

Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury members taking part in a first aid course before the pandemic.

(Supplied)

Mental health boost for men’s shed The Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury has been awarded a grant to help improve mental health outcomes for its members in Sunbury. The $5100 in funding is part of Australia Post’s 2021 Community Grants Program, which has provided grants of up to $10,000 to 76 organisations across Australia. Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury will use the grant to facilitate its Health Literacy Knowledge project. The project will include a series of four workshops, covering topics such as anxiety and depression, the effects of drug use and

emotional safety in a shared environment. The workshops will be delivered over the next 12 months. Having previously run mental health courses in the past, Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury president Ted Riley said he was looking forward to putting the funding to good use. “There were about 13 of us discussing mental health and it was really eye-opening,” Mr Riley said. “It more or less taught you what to look for, what questions to ask and what help you can actually give to a person, which for us old

blokes is quite helpful.” Australia Post head of community Nicky Tracey said the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury’s application embodied the spirit of the grants program. “This has been another challenging year for many Australians, and we know that when we connect with others, we feel better, which is why the Community Grants program is so important – helping communities build better connections and mental wellbeing,” she said.

Macedon Ranges council will receive $68,000 toward educating residents on how best to dispose of their waste. The funding boost is part of a Sustainability Victoria initiative which will see a total of $1.1 million awarded to 16 recipients across the state. Macedon Ranges council acting director of assets and operations Simon Finlay said the grant will contribute to council’s Let’s Get Sorted waste education campaign. “The campaign will continue to promote good recycling and waste sorting habits in the home and encourage waste minimisation and bring materials in line with the state-wide campaign,” he said. “Macedon Ranges Shire has seen fantastic uptake of the FOGO [Food Organics Garden Organics] service within the community, with extremely low contamination rates, below one per cent. “The funding and campaign will continue to support the FOGO service which was rolled out to all remaining properties across the shire in July 2021.” According to data provided by council, 11,715 tonnes of organic waste has been diverted from landfill and turned into nutrient-rich compost between February 2020 and June 2021. “This would provide enough electricity to power 4,148 houses for one year,” Mr Finlay said. A further 2735 tonnes of glass from landfill has been recovered from the shire and used in Victorian infrastructure projects. Mr Finlay said with the four bin service rolled out shire-wide there is no plan to introduce any new services with the funding. Oliver Lees

Oliver Lees

Gisborne and Kyneton to benefit from more road funding Macedon Ranges council will receive $588,716 to fund road maintenance across the shire. The grant comes from the federal government’s Roads to Recovery program, which is distributed in a fixed four-year block ending in 2023-24. Macedon Ranges council assets and operations director Shane Walden said the money will go directly toward critical infrastructure works. “This funding will be used across the shire for improving access for heavy vehicles, improving the safety of road users, pedestrians

and cyclists, and improving roads that are in poor condition,” Mr Walden said. Council’s thoroughfares have benefited from the federal funding in the past, with works on Beauchamp Street and Kyneton Metcalfe Road in Kyneton and Schaw Street in Woodend coming from the 2020-21 allocation of the Roads to Recovery program. Mr Walden said this year’s money will focus on the suburbs of Kyneton and Gisborne. Lauriston Reservoir Road, Kyneton-Springhill Road and Edgecombe Street in Kyneton will all have improvement

works carried out, while Mount Gisborne Road in Gisborne will also be addressed. According to the Australian Road Safety Foundation released earlier this month, two in three road deaths happen in regional areas. Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie said the funding will contribute to improving safety conditions across the country. “This Roads to Recovery funding will allow Macedon Ranges Shire Council to progress work, using local knowledge to deliver the best roads,” Ms McKenzie said. “This forms part of our

government’s unwavering commitment to get Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.” State government road rehabilitation works are also expected on Melbourne-Lancefield Road in Clarkefield and Bolinda later this month. A further 30 resurfacing works will be carried out across the Calder Highway, Kilmore-Lancefield Road, LancefieldTooboorac Road, Lancefield-Woodend Road and Mount Macedon Road.

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 5

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Free mulch Macedon Ranges council will offer free mulch to residents until December 31. Council has been providing free mulch to residents since heavy storm damage in June created a large amount of tree debris in the shire. Council is urging residents to visit their local transfer station to claim up to one cubic metre of free self-loaded mulch. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/transfer-stations

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Gisborne VET Champion Chris Mallon with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.

Vocational champion Gisborne’s Chris Mallon has been named among the first cohort of VET (Vocational Education and Training) Champions by the state government. With the backing of a hands-on education that included a motor mechanics apprenticeship, Mr Mallon worked in a wrecking yard, before using his skills in data and analytics to transition to a warehousing role. Mr Mallon now serves as national sales manager of motor vehicle parts supplier ACM Auto Parts and is responsible for managing 14 staff and millions of dollars in export goods. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said Mr Mallon is a positive example of the benefits of pursuing a vocational education. “I congratulate Chris on his fantastic achievement. It’s exciting to put the spotlight

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6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

on our inspirational local VET Champion to illustrate the life-changing possibilities of VET training in schools and the types of futures our local students can aspire to.” The state government invested more than $38 million into vocational and applied learning as part of the 2020-21 Victorian budget. Minister for Training Gayle Tierney said the investment will help provide further avenues for people to pursue their professional interests. “Our world-class VET system helps Victorians get rewarding jobs and happy lives – and the VET Champion program will make sure it’s the first choice for secondary students as they plan their future,” she said. Oliver Lees

Sunbury is one step closer to receiving a multi deck car park. Last week Sunbury MP Josh Bull opened expressions of interest for construction of the car park project, which has been slated to improve parking and access to public transport. The project will include a four-storey structure fitted with 428 commuter car spaces and a further 265 short-term activity centre spaces. Construction is expected to comment in the coming months. Interested contractors must submit before Thursday, October 7. Details: eprocure.com.au/hume

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Life lessons during a pandemic Star Weekly asked year 12 students from Salesian College Sunbury what it has been like to study for their VCE amid a global pandemic. These are the responses of students Michaela, Tilly and Riley . Michaela As I sit here and reflect on my Year 12 on day 200-and-something of this pandemic, and in the middle of another long-term lockdown, I still don’t know how we’ve gotten through it. I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been hard. The motivation to study has been at an absolute low. After spending 8:30am - 2:40pm behind a screen each day, studying each night after that has simply been unrealistic for many of us. We’ve done what we can, taking each day at a time. Unfortunately not much has really been able to distract us from the reality of the situation; we’ve just had to push through what’s been a gruelling year. However, we’ve still had things to be grateful for. Attending chemistry classes from bed, or telling teachers we were doing maths when we’re really out getting Maccas, or having English teachers ask us to read from the book while we’d be frantically texting mates asking them what page we’re on, and making the most of Google to help find the right answer to things (without the teaching knowing). Our teachers have been absolutely amazing, giving up their weekends to help us with our studies, but more importantly, just being available to check in on us and have a chat. For this, I’m so grateful. It really has made a world of difference. Our school has done so much to help us with our wellbeing and to maintain a sense of normalcy in a year that has been anything but normal. To all the year 12s, well done for keeping your heads held high. I’m looking forward to our final eight days of school together, before we head into these exams and say goodbye to an era of schooling with an ending we’ll never

Salesian College Sunbury year 12 students Michaela, Tilly and Riley.

forget. Just wait for when we never have to hear “y=mx+c” ever again!

Tilly Learning from home and studying during a pandemic isn’t the most ideal situation to be in as a year 12 student. It has been challenging needing to be dependent on my own self-motivation to remain accountable, while my wellbeing has been impacted by not being able to socialise as regularly with friends. For myself, the most challenging part of the pandemic has been the ongoing lockdowns in having to change routine from one week to the next to adapt to the new circumstances. But being able to persevere through these difficult times has also been made easier, as I know I have this end goal of completing my

(Pictures: Supplied)

schooling with my year 12 peers. This, along with some personal goals, has helped me to get through and recognise how it will all be worth it. There have been times throughout the year where I have mentally struggled, however, being at home provided me with the support of my family who helped me get through and recognise how to change and use the pandemic to my advantage. The pandemic, while having its challenges, has overall helped me improve myself to make the most of year 12.

Riley The past two years have unquestionably been unstable, providing continuous hurdles for students to compete while undertaking studies and trying to maintain a social circle.

These years have presented me with academic and social complications, but I have learnt vital lessons which a conventional classroom environment couldn’t foster. I remember being quite taken back with the announcement of school closures and stage four lockdowns. Since then, undoubtedly I am a changed student, community member and person. Off campus learning and lockdowns have nurtured a new type of learning, a learning which is more than understanding of content, but rather understanding of self. At times I felt frustrated that my learning was being undertaken in an unconventional manner. But I can now see that this was an opportunity to explore who I want to be and what I want to achieve. It taught me resilience, strength in uncertainty and hope for what is to come.

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‘‘

improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of - Josh Bull our community

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improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of - Josh Bull our community

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Concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing. (Supplied)

By Jessica Micallef The first concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury has been released. Gap Road will be lowered under the rail line to preserve the character of the heritage-listed Sunbury station. Construction on the project was brought forward to begin this year, with the level crossing expected to be removed by late 2022, and the remaining works completed in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 completion date. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Gap

Road level crossing each day, with the number expected to reach 27,000 in 2026, according to state government data. A three-week community consultation period was held in November last year for the public to provide feedback on the design, landscaping and public artworks for the new level crossing. Sunbury MP Josh Bull said more than 170 residents contributed to the preliminary design. “The level crossing will be gone for good by the end of 2022, with a road under rail design as promised,” he said. “This year we will see site investigations continuing as well as some early works, with

the majority of major construction towards the end of 2022.” The level crossing removal is being delivered in conjunction with the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, which includes platform extensions, train stabling modifications and rail track power upgrades at Sunbury station to enable bigger and more modern trains to run on the line. The line is expected to transport up to 113,000 passengers in peak hours every week when the Metro Tunnel is open. “We promised to remove this crossing by 2025, but this vital project has been fast tracked to synchronise works between the level

crossing removal and the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade,” Mr Bull said. “It means we will only need to close the line for an extended period of time once, rather than twice, resulting in less disruption and a level crossing-free Sunbury three years ahead of schedule. “This is a critical project that will improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of our community and it is time to get it done.” The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth crossing removed on the Sunbury line and is one of 75 “dangerous and congested” level crossings in Melbourne to be gone by 2025. 12476330-CG03-21

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NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MY PLACE Ted Riley is a Sunbury resident of 45 years and currently serves as the president of the Hume Men’s Shed. He spoke with reporter Oliver Lees.

Why did you decide to get involved in the Hume Men’s Shed? I was already involved in The Men’s Shed a long time before I became a member. It wasn’t until I retired that I joined after a lot of thought. But since joining it has become my lifeline in a lot of different aspects. I am now the president of the Hume Men’s Shed and I enjoy it very much, although because of

COVID-19, we have been closed more than open. What have you gained from being a part of the organisation? I would just like to say that being a member of the Shed is for anyone and everyone, it has helped me tremendously. It’s really all about talking about Men’s problems and having a laugh about it all, instead of just bottling it all up inside. You will be surprised as to how many different guys have all had the same problem as everyone else. It’s very good for your mental health which we are all about, but you can also gain other skills which perhaps you’ve never even considered learning. Things such as woodwork, metal work, welding, machining and gardening. Or, you can just have a cuppa and a chat. How can people get involved? The Hume Men’s Shed is located at Evans Street in Sunbury next to the grasslands. Currently we are closed, but when we are open just drop in and have a chat. We’re open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm. All are welcome, and you’ll never know until you have a go. You can also contact me directly via email, at: mensshedsunbury@gmail.com

Photographer captures Emu Bottom birdlife Sunbury resident Abi Bradbury has been making the most of her daily outdoor exercise, with the photographer regularly heading down to Emu Bottom Wetland Reserve to snap some pictures. With her business specialising in canine photography, in recent months Ms Bradbury has been trying her hand at capturing the reserve’s diverse bird life. She said the regular excursions have been a welcome fixture to life in lockdown. “We’re very lucky to have a place like this in Sunbury,” she said. “I like that there’s so much wildlife and that anyone can go down there and it’s free to enjoy. It’s beautiful and we should protect it. “To find such wonderful bush birds in what

used to be degraded pasture without trees is testimony to the work put in by Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve.” Ms Bradbury said the trips have also inspired her to explore new skills behind the lens. “I’ve always wanted to do more outdoor photography, but never had the confidence,” she said. “Recently I borrowed a lens from a friend to do some bird photography. Now I do it around my garden and on my walks and I feel a lot better about it. “It’s a bit more of a challenge, you get a lot more misses than hits. But I’m loving it.” To view more of her work, visit: www. abibphotography.com.au.

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

Oliver Lees

(Supplied)

What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges? I have lived in Sunbury since 1976 after emigrating from the United Kingdom in 1975. I worked at the Airport for TAA as it was known until it changed its name to Australian Airlines. I was a maintenance sheet metal worker, but left the Airlines in 1983 to start a new career in teaching. I worked as a foundation teacher at the Sunbury Downs College as an instructor in metal work and wood work. I also founded the Sunbury Rugby League Club in 1992. After many struggles with getting it off the ground, I am pleased to say that it is thriving with many good rugby players involved with the club. Even more so now, as one of the juniors now plays for the Melbourne Storm, of which our whole family are very proud. I also taught bugle at our local fire brigade junior band for many years.

Main: A rose robin spotted in Emu Bottom Wetland Reserve. Above: A grey fantail. Left: A crested shriketit. Below: A New Holland honeyeater perched on barbed wire. (Pictures: Abi Bradbury)

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Probus is one big family

BEHIND THE NEWS

Probus Day 2021 will be unlike the celebrations of past years, with probus members across metro Melbourne under strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. However, as Romsey/Lancefield Probus Club newsletter editor and member Vicki Wilkinson tells Michaela Meade, that will not stop the probus family commemorating the occasion.

s Wilkinson said probus clubs allowed for connectivity among older Australians. “It’s retired or semi-retired folks who like to get together with like-minded people to enjoy conversations about a range of different things,” Ms Wilkinson said. “Every time we have a meeting, we have a morning tea and we stop for about 30 minutes and have a good old chat, before we have a speaker… it’s unbelievable, fantastic.” The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns throughout Victoria have impacted the ability of probus clubs from around the state to get together for consistent meetings and celebrations. Ms Wilkinson said that despite metro Melbourne’s numerous lockdowns and the restrictions that come with them, she will still be making an effort to commemorate Probus Day. “I’ll be sending out an email to all of our members,” she said. “The email will wish them a happy Probus Day, and wish them all the best, and hopefully give them some good news to look at as well. “We’re hoping that we can have a meeting soon, we haven’t had one in quite some time. “Hopefully we can have one where we’re all there to celebrate sometime soon. “We’ve even changed venues to accommodate for more people and social distancing. “Being the age group that we are, we’re all fully vaccinated, so when we can catch up. It’ll feel almost normal. “It’s still very hard to get out, and it makes it so difficult for a lot of people to stay connected, but we’re trying.” Now in her third year with the Romsey/ Lancefield Probus Club, Ms Wilkinson said the club has been a positive social experience for her. “We’re like a family, a very big family,” she said “Our motto is family, friends and fellowship. That’s really what we’re all about. “One of the reasons I joined was to get to know people in a similar position in their lives that I am, to have conversations with them and to meet new friends. “We go out, have coffees, have meals on

Romsey/Lancefield Probus Club members at Nooeilm Estate Nagambie in 2019 (top left); at Kangaroo Island (above); and on a trip to Ballarat which included a visit to the Ballarat Flower Festival in 2018. (Pictures: Supplied)

occasion… it’s just great to get together.” Reflecting on the pre-COVID world and lockdowns, Ms Wilkinson said apart from the social connection with others, her favourite aspect of being a part of a probus club was listening to interesting speakers. Ms Wilkinson said the speakers invited to the Romsey/Lancefield Probus Club have ranged from a lawyer, a park planner, a world traveller, a speaker from the Kyneton Treehouse, and a local fire brigade officer. “We have speakers on a large variety of things,” Ms Wilkinson explained. “Different people about different things is, I think, the key. “I’ve got something out of all of them [the talks].

“Every time we have a speaker, we learn something new. “It’s about everyday things, that you might not have known were around. “They’ve never been boring.” Ms Wilkinson said the 52 members of the Romsey/Lancefield Probus Club are trying to keep up their connections with one another, despite restrictions, via the newsletter. “We ring each other [and] I try to get every member involved in the newsletter in some way,” she said. “Last year, because we didn’t have meetings [due to COVID-19 lockdowns] I’d get people to send in photos of their projects, photos of people working. “They all sent different things - gardening,

tinkering about with machines and things. “We have quite a few members - men - who are also part of the men’s shed, so they send in photos of what they were working on. “It’s been very hard to keep in contact with everyone. “We usually take two big trips each year. We have a lunch every couple of months and coffee mornings each week. “Coffee mornings had 25 people attend each week before COVID hit - they keep people happy… it’s not the same with all the restrictions, but it’s still good.” Ms Wilkinson said she would encourage others to join their local probus club and discover the connectivity and happiness that goes along with it, just like she did. “The day I joined the probus club was the day I became the newsletter editor,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed it ever since. “There’s so many different people. We have members in their 90s, so there’s a wide age range represented. “A big thing for us every meeting is to make it fun and enjoyable. “We’re a chatty bunch, we listen, we learn, we get along really well and there aren’t any cliques - we all mingle. “We’re open for discussion on anything. “Every time we meet, we ‘fix the problems of the world’. “You’ve got a vast range of ideas, and so if anyone’s got a problem, we’ll have a conversation and we’ll fix it. “If someone’s having a problem, we work it out… we help each other. “It’s amazing what talking does.” According to Probus South Pacific Limited, a probus club provides members with an opportunity to join together for social interaction and activities with retirees in your community. Probus Day, celebrated on Friday, October 1, is held in line with the United Nations Day of Older Persons,. The 2020 celebration was the inaugural commemoration of Probus Day for Australia and New Zealand. To find your nearest probus club visit www. probussouthpacific.org

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

John Safran Join writer John Safran and host Tony Wilson for this special digital event where John and Tony will take a look into the tobacco and vaping industry. The event will be run online in partnership with the Wheeler Centre on Wednesday, October 13 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Tickets $10. ■ www.wheelercentre.com

Internet safety for caregivers Learn what steps you can put in place to be internet safe for your children. This session will be hosted by the Homestead Community and Learner Centre on Tuesday October 12 from 11.30am to 1pm. This face-to-face session is dependent on COVID restrictions, otherwise this will be facilitated on Zoom. The event is free but bookings are essential. ■ 9205 2760

Equiculture webinar Join along with Stuart Myers from Equiculture, for this online event run in part with the Macedon Ranges council to discuss some simple changes that could vastly improve your horses lifestyle. The event will be held online on Tuesday, October 12 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. This is a free event. ■ jmcainch@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Sounds of silent The Sounds of Silent are a five-piece ensemble featuring some of Melbourne’s most versatile and accomplished musicians recreating the silent movie experience from the 1920s and 1930s. They will be performing at Kyneton Town Hall on Friday, October 22 from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Full price tickets are $25 while seniors get in for $22. ■ 1300 888 802

Melbourne’s skyline in the distance amid dark clouds, while the canola fields in the outskirts shine with bright yellow under the sun. A perfect metaphor for the times in which we live. (Damjan Janevski) 251035_01

darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. Lunch subsidised. If you’re over 55 years of age and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

Fibro/CFS Support Solo exhibition

Wicking Garden Workshop Learn how to make a wicking garden bed system in a raised container. Come along to Sunbury Community Garden on Saturday, October 30 from 10am to 1pm to learn how to turn a raised fruit crate into a water saving wicking system. Bring your gardening gloves, enthusiasm and desire to learn. This event is free but a light lunch and tea or coffee will be provided for registered participants. ■ https://bit.ly/3tlRZsH

Cricket at Rupertswood Come and play cricket at Rupertswood this season, with junior players wanted from under-11’s to under-17’s. Registration days will be held from 9am to noon on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 at 1 Macedon Street Sunbury. ■ www.rupertswoodcc.org.au

Sewing group The Sunbury Neighborhood House Social Sewing Group meets on the first Saturday of each month to chat, share ideas and sew. Beginners through experienced welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury 12.30-3.30pm.

Hume-based artist Louise D’Amico’s debut solo exhibition is available now to view as an online exhibition exploring the theme of flowers, the phenomenon of their explosive colour, and how they make you feel happy. Available for viewing until Sunday, November 21. ■ theexhibit.io/exhibition/ability-to-makeby-louise-damico

Players wanted Keilor Park Cricket Club is on the lookout for senior men and women’s players, along with junior players for the upcoming season. Interested players can contact the club via the club’s Facebook page.

Deer Park probus The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

Goal setting for seniors

The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

EdConnect Australia, with support from Wyndham council, will run a free lunch and goal setting strategies workshop for seniors, which will cover using open-ended questions to elicit goals from young people or students and other topics, on Wednesday, October 20 from 10am – 1.30pm at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/lunchand-learn-about-goal-setting-strategiestickets-164272773287

Senior citizens club

AL-ANON meets

Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker,

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from

Garden club

7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough. ■ 0412 432 760

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

Expressions of interest to start a Fibromyalgia and CFS Support Group in Manor Lakes and surrounding areas. Connect with real people and share information, experiences, problems and solutions. ■ wyndham.fibrogroup@gmail.com

Love Our Street 3029 Come join the volunteer community litter clean-up crew in Hoppers Crossing, which meets on the third Sunday of the month, 10.30am-noon. ■ Karen, 3029@loveourstreet.com.au

Quilt In People of all ages and cultures are welcome to join the Wyndham Patchworkers Inc, which will host its 25th Anniversary Quilt In on November 6 from 10am-3.30pm at the St James the Apostle Catholic Church, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing. The event will feature a guest speaker, a raffle, door prizes, morning and afternoon tea, a show-and-tell and local traders. Entry: $15. BYO hand stitching, mug and lunch. Pre-booking mandatory. ■ www.trybooking.com/BRGRN.

Volunteer opportunity EdConnect Australia recruits, trains and places volunteers into schools to support vulnerable students. Join an online Zoom session on Thursday, October 7 from 11am – 12pm to hear guest speaker Simon Garner, a teacher, journalist, educational writer and producer share his knowledge on topics such as the changing face of school-based education and the significance of role models, to be followed by information on volunteer opportunities at schools. ■ Register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZYrfu6gpjIsHNJDz6m Vjm8ZwhYfnp7UsF4n or contact helen.

anderson@edconnect.org.au

Dads’ playgroup Tarneit Community Learning Centre hosts a dads’ playgroup every week on Thursdays. The morning starts at 9.30am and promises to be a chance for male caregivers to connect with each other and form new friendships. ■ Shaun, 0455 521 154

Diabetes support group The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Community visitors The Office of the Public Advocate is seeking volunteers in the Melton area to become Community Visitors, upholding the human rights of people with a cognitive disability who are living in supported care. Community Visitors monitor and report on the adequacy of services being provided to residents, talk to residents to identify issues of concern and write a brief report at the conclusion of the visit. Training and reimbursement of expenses are provided. ■ opavolunteers@justice.vic.gov.au or 0418 931 247

Singing group Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

Melton South Knit & Natter All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 048

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

easy

7 9 9 5 8 1 1 3 4 6 6 9 8 5 9 6 8 7 3 5 4 2 8 6

3 7 9 8 7 1

DOWN

Disappoint (4) African island nation (10) Sovereign (7) Yield; submit (7) Understandable (8) Come in (5) Clone (4) Part of airport (10) Taking something by force (10) Laid bare (4) Woody plants (5) Cutting tool (8) Hockey-like game (7) Annoying (7) The share in relation to the whole (10) Ditch (4)

1 3 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 23 26 27 28 29

No. 048

Nourish (4) Extempore (9) Contract (9) Holding (5) Very old (7) Tally (5) New South Wales electoral division (9) Cedar, acacia for example (4) Romance (9) Undergoing mental anguish (9) Storehouse (9) Accepting without resistance (7) Mistake (5) Vision (5) Cause (4) Internet joke (4)

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 24 25

1 5

DECODER

No. 048

4 3 7

9 1 8

2 8 1 7 5 2 6 8 1 5

1 8 5

4 3

8 hard

6 7

10 11 12 13

D K 21

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good 23 words: Very good

4 1 3 2 6 5 8 7 9

2 5 6 7 8 9 1 3 4

7 4 2 6 1 8 5 9 3

STAID TIARA TONES TOPIC URINE USERS USING VEILS YESES 6 LETTERS ITALIC OTTERS SLEEKS SNEAKS

7 LETTERS COTTAGE DUSTBIN ISSUING PASSION PERSONA PURSING 8 LETTERS ENTANGLE ESPECIAL IDEOLOGY YODELLED

01-10-21

No. 048 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

In what year does the original Blade Runner take place?

Which planet in our solar system is the most massive?

And who stars as Blade Runner K in Blade Runner 2049?

Approximately how many days does it take to incubate a chicken egg?

Sarah Gadon (pictured) plays the lead role in which 2017 Margaret Atwood adaptation?

In what year did Victoria start observing a public holiday for the AFL grand final?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible 4

E R S S A Y

E A D S R B I T A U N A

1 6 9 4 5 3 7 8 2 3 1 7 4 6 2 5 9 8

4 LETTERS BATS BEER EATS GEAR MATS MESS OPEN PIER PURR SEAL STIR TARS TEEM VOWS

GENIE GONNA GREET INLET IRATE LARVA LINGO LUPIN PALER PONDS RENDS RESTS RIVET SAILS SCANT SIEGE SILOS SLATS SLEDS SOLAR SPADE

amble, balm, beam, biome, blame, embalm, emboli, iamb, imam, IMMOVABLE, lamb, lame, lemma, limb, limbo, lime, loam, mail, maim, male, mambo, meal, mile, milo, mime, mobile, moil, mole, movable, move, movie

8 3 5 9 7 2 4 1 6

5 9 1 3 2 7 6 4 8 8 9 2 1 3 5 6 4 7

R O S

1 5 3 7 6 8 9 2 4

9 8 7 1 3 4 2 6 5

No. 048

5 LETTERS ABETS ADORE AORTA AURAL BAGGY BASKS BITES BLISS CELLO CYSTS EAGER EARLS EASEL EDGER EDICT ELITE ENDOW EVADE EVENT GAPES

3 7 8 5 4 6 9 2 1

6 2 4 8 9 1 3 5 7

5 6 4 8 7 9 2 1 3

7 3 1 9 2 4 8 5 6

4 2 8 6 5 1 3 7 9

U E

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

7 4 2 1 9 3 8 5 6

8 6 9 2 4 5 7 3 1

6 7 5 8 1 9 3 4 2

6 5 9 7 8 3 4 2 1

1 4 3 5 9 6 7 8 2

9 7 6 2 4 8 1 3 5

9-LETTER WORD

31 words: Excellent

A R

medium

2 9 4 3 5 6 1 8 7

3 1 8 4 2 7 5 6 9

9 8 1 6 3 2 4 7 5

4 2 7 5 8 1 6 9 3

5 3 6 9 7 4 2 1 8

2 8 5 3 1 7 9 6 4

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

easy

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

4 1 7 9

hard

5x5

5 6 4 1

8 6 2 5 8 1 3

3 LETTERS ADO AIL AIM ANY ARE ASH ASS AVO BOA BOO DAD EAR GOT HUE KIT LSD NEE OVA POT RED SAD TIE TNT TOO

E VMU C N T Y G F A J O

7 4 6 3

4 7 6 5

L Q P X B RW I Z H S D K

WORDFIT

Which ocean basin is the most recently named: the Southern, Pacific or Atlantic Ocean?

A musical group of five players is usually known as a what?

The study of writing and solving codes is called what?

10 Who directed the first two episodes of US sci-fi series Raised by Wolves, released in 2020? ANSWERS: 1. 2019 2. Ryan Gosling 3. 21 4. Southern Ocean 5. Quintet 6. Cryptology 7. Jupiter 8. Alias Grace 9. 2015 10. Ridley Scott

medium

QUICK CROSSWORD

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Notice of the Preparation of an Amendment Amendment C143macr

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The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has prepared Amendment C143macr to the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme.

Pharmacy Assistant Full Time assistant required to join our vibrant & growing team in Kyneton. Prior experience preferred. Excellent work environment & pathway to develop. Please email CV to jobs@ ourlocalpharmacy.com.au

The land affected by the Amendment is the heritage places and trees in the vicinity of the Hamilton Street, Kilmore and Melbourne Roads intersection, Gisborne.

You may inspect the Amendment, any documents that support the Amendment and the explanatory report about the Amendment, free of charge, at the following locations: • Macedon Ranges Shire Council website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/your-say; • during office hours, at Macedon Ranges Shire Council offices and Service Centres at: • Gisborne Council Office, 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne; • Kyneton Council Office, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton; • Romsey Library, 96-100 Main Street, Romsey; and • Woodend Library, Cnr Forest and High Streets, Woodend. • at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website www.delwp.vic.gov.au/public-inspection. Any person who may be affected by the Amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the Amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the Amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

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Name and contact details of submitters are required for Council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend Council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions. The closing date for submissions is Friday 12 November 2021. A submission must be sent to the:

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Macedon Ranges Shire Council PO Box 151 Kyneton VIC 3444.

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The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the Amendment comes into operation or lapses.

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Or, can be made via the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s ‘Have your say’ webpage at mrsc.vic.gov.au/your-say or, sent via email to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au.

Hardwick’s Meat Works is a red meat processing facility located in the Macedon Ranges committed to servicing it’s customers with the highest quality products across domestic & export markets. Hardwick’s is located approximately 50 minutes drive north west of the CBD and 45 minutes from the Bendigo Township.

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Further Processing Beef & Lamb Loadout Labourers Delivery Drivers General Labourers Drovers

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Experience in red meat processing would be beneficial however comprehensive training will be provided to all employees. Hardwick’s offer excellent wages and conditions for all employees and as the company continues to grow so will the workforce. This is an exciting opportunity for a long-term career in the red meat processing industry. Positions Available:

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The Amendment proposes to apply a Heritage Overlay to the Bunjil Creek bridge and bluestone channel (HO351) and extend an existing Heritage Overlay ‘Memorial Precinct (Howey Reserve)’ (HO289) to include three trees, in the vicinity of the Hamilton Street, Kilmore Road and Melbourne Road intersection, Gisborne. This will implement the recommendations of the Macedon Ranges Bunjil Creek Bridge and Channel Gisborne Local-level Heritage Assessment, April 2020 (adopted 27 May 2020) and the Macedon Ranges Trees at intersection of Bunjil Creek, Kilmore Road and Melbourne Road Gisborne Heritage Assessment, May 2020 (adopted 24 June 2020) to these locally significant heritage features in the vicinity of the Hamilton Street, Kilmore and Melbourne Roads intersection, Gisborne.

1 x Excavator Operator 1 x Loader Operator and 1 x Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

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White signs on for new Jets role By Oliver Lees John White has been named as the new head coach of the Sunbury Jets in the Big V men’s championship division, with the experienced coach agreeing to a three year deal with the club. White has served as the head coach of the Jets’ women’s side for the past two seasons, with the team showing impressive form despite consistent interruptions to the season due to lockdown restrictions. He led the Jets championship division women to second place on the table with 12 wins and two losses, just one win behind first place Bulleen. “I’m pretty stoked to be a part of the men’s program, but it’s a bit bittersweet as I also feel like I have unfinished business with the women’s,” he said. “For me, it’s [coaching] about giving players an opportunity to perform and I feel like even over the last couple years in preseason and in games, that’s been the case. “Moving over to the men’s, it’s the same idea for me. I want to make sure the players have a platform where they can be seen, and I want to keep building on the culture they’ve put in place the last few years.” White built an impressive resume working a number of coaching positions across the state before joining the Jets. White served as an assistant coach for the Melbourne Tigers in the 2013-14 season in the NBL, learning from NBL legends Chris Anstey and Daryl McDonald. From 2016 to 2019, White led the Dandenong Ranges in the NBL1 and also served as an assistant for the Ranges in the WNBL. “Working with all of these high level players was a really good experience, it gave me confidence that I can work at an elite level,” he said. White will take over the role from Ryan Addison who announced he would be

John White will continue his work at the Sunbury Jets next season as head coach of the men’s championship division side.

stepping away from the position due to work commitments last month. In 2019, Addison steered the Jets to their first men’s championship in 10 years, defeating the Warrandyte Venom and propelling them to the top flight division of Victorian basketball. The Jets’ men’s side finished the shortened 2021 season in seventh place with six wins and eight losses. Jayce Beasley was named as the side’s most valuable player for the season. Beasley finished the season averaging 14.2 points per game on

43 per cent shooting. White said it’s not in his immediate plans to transform the team Addison helped build. “I’m hoping to be able to bring back the nucleus of the group from last season,” he said. “I couldn’t really point out any one player I’m most looking forward to working with, it’s more the program that’s really up and coming and exciting to me. My main aim is to consolidate the pathway from juniors to seniors, to bring in as much talent that way as we can.” White said the team will get back on the

(Supplied)

court for training as soon as restrictions allow. “I think I’ll probably be bringing ever greater expectations to the club next season, I want to see these guys really set themselves up to be a great team. Coach Ryan [Addison] did a really good job and I’ll be looking to build on that and find some leaders in the group,” he said. “Mostly I just want to say a massive thankyou to the Sunbury Jets Basketball Association for the opportunity. It’s not something I take on lightly and I’m excited to be part of the program for the next three years.”

SPORTS QUIZ 1. In August, which male Australian cricket player took a hat-trick on debut in a T20 match against Bangladesh?

5. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have all won exactly how many grand slam singles titles?

2. In which year was the inaugural season of the National Rugby League?

6. Which driver is the current leader of the Supercars Championship?

3. Australian midfielder Tyrese Francois plays for which English Football League Championship club?

7. Which classic 1998 Coen brothers film prominently features the sport of ten-pin bowling?

4. True or false: Ollie Wines became the first Port Adelaide player to win the Brownlow Medal?

8. Australian Tony David, whose nickname was ‘The Deadly Boomerang’, was a champion in which sport? 9. Which female Australian cricket player currently has a Test batting average of 78 and a bowling average of 18? 10. Tony Popovic is the current manager of which A-League team? 11. Which former Australian soccer player was recently sacked as head coach of fifth tier English club Barnet FC?

12. New Zealand basketball player Tai Webster last played for which NBL team?

Ashleigh Gardner

13. Which team did Melbourne Storm defeat in the 2020 NRL Grand Final? 14. Eighteen-year-old Darcie Brown recently became the youngest Australian cricketer to take how many wickets in a One Day International match? 15. Which team did the Brumbies defeat in the 2020 Super Rugby AU Final? 16. Which team did Richmond defeat in the 2020 AFL Grand Final? 17. Which national team recently defeated the Matildas 3-2 in Sam Kerr's 100th international appearance? 18. Lachie Neale, the 2020 Brownlow Medallist, plays for which AFL club? 19. The 2021 Ryder Cup golf competition is set to be held in which US state? 20. Ben Simmons most recently played for which NBA team?

21. Seven female taekwondo athletes from which country were recently evacuated to resettle in Australia? 22. Which Western Bulldogs player is known for his distinctive mullet hairstyle? 23. What city has a Major League Baseball team known as the Pirates? 24. In 2017, Ashleigh Gardner became the first Indigenous Australian to play in which prestigious cricket tournament? 25. What nickname is rugby union player Nick Cummins better known by?

26. What cricket ground has the biggest capacity in the United Kingdom? 27. In what year did 2021 Brownlow Medal winner Ollie Wines make his AFL debut? 28. How many games did NRL Wooden Spooner Cantebury Bulldogs win in 2021? 29. What weight division does Australian boxer Tim Tszyu compete in? 30. What was the nickname of the defunct NBL team based in Newcastle from 1979–99?

Roger Federer 1. Nathan Ellis 2. 1998 3. Fulham 4. True 5. 20 6. Shane van Gisbergen 7. The Big Lebowski 8. Darts 9. Ellyse Perry 10. Melbourne Victory 11. Harry Kewell 12. New Zealand Breakers 13. Penrith Panthers 14. Four 15. Queensland Reds 16. Geelong 17. Republic of Ireland 18. Brisbane Lions 19. Wisconsin 20. Philadelphia 76ers 21. Afghanistan 22. Bailey Smith 23. Pittsburgh 24. ICC Women's World Cup 25. The Honey Badger 26. Lord's 27. 2013 28. Three 29. Light-middleweight 30. Falcons

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18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

Lancefield land senior coaches Lancefield has confirmed its senior coaching appointments for the 2022 season, as the club looks forward to its 150 year anniversary. Last week the Tigers announced that Michelle Rix will continue as coach of the A-grade netball side while Tom Waters has also committed to the club as the senior men’s football coach. Rix has had a long association with the RDNL and Lancefield, with more than 30 years involved in the league, half of those at the Tigers. Rix said she was excited to continue building the team’s winning culture. “I’ve raised my children in Lancefield and now they’re involved in the club which is pretty special. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Rix said. “We’ve had a couple tough years rebuilding, time’s when we’ve struggled to get enough players in the under-14s.

“The 2019 season was a really fun year of netball that taught us a lot about our character, but it was really difficult for the club on the scoreboard. “I was involved as a player and it was a year where I thought it was time to do something about it. Since then it’s been about building relationships and setting goals.” The Tigers finished the 2019 season in last place, with the team unable to find a win from 16 matches. Following the cancellation of the 2020 season due to lockdown restrictions, Rix’s side found some consistency in their play this year. The Tigers finished the shortened 10 game season with three wins and seven losses. “We’re ecstatic with our A-grade side this season,” Rix said. “We knew we weren’t going to have our full side until about round five or six due to players being unavailable, but we showed a lot of

improvement.” Rix said the Tigers’ gutsy round nine loss to the minor premiers Riddell demonstrated how far the team had come since 2019, when the club was barely able to make up the numbers. “We were lucky to have 25 [total players] previous years,” she said. “But we did a big social media campaign and made changes within the club. For us it was about getting some stability and studying the basics skills while having a lot of fun along the way. “We ended up with more than 60 girls, which blew our minds. “I just love our community here, playing a part in it.” Rix said the club will start preseason training in November if restrictions are eased. To get involved, contact: michelle.rix@ hotmail.com

(Supplied)

A growing pride of Lions By Oliver Lees The Sunbury Lions are hopeful that yet another young prospect from the club will find their way onto an AFL list. Eighteen-year-old Lions product Josh Goater has been selected for the 2021 NAB AFL National Draft Combine, where the best young players from across the country are put through a series of trials to impress AFL recruiters. Goater played junior and senior football at the Lions while juggling commitments with the Calder Cannons, Vic Metro and a single game in the VFL for the Bombers. Earlier this year, Goater was able to play three senior matches with the Lions alongside his older brother Luke, before the NAB League season began. Sunbury Lions senior men’s coach Travis Hodgson said Goater showed all the elements of an AFL ready player. “He’s got all the traits you want, he’s so competitive and so fearless coming up playing against full grown men,” Hodgson said. “He wasn’t just a kid having a run around in the seniors, he was important. “The physical capabilities are not hard to find with Josh. But what impressed me was him coming up to senior footy and playing against some decent players much older than him. “That suggests to me he’s got the right mindset for it.” In the Lions round two match against Melton, Goater was named as Sunbury’s second best on ground. At 190 centimetres, Hodgson said Goater’s athleticism paired with his ball skills makes him a handy versatile option for a coach. During his brief stint in the Lions’ senior side, he was thrown forward, back and even had a brief stint in the ruck. “His best game for us was in the half back but he can play anywhere, he’s got that ability that is pretty rare,” Hodgson said. “Whether playing inside or outside, he’s hard enough to win the ball but also has explosive pace on the outside. Also with his aerial strength,and really good foot skills he can hurt you going forward. “He’s a very hard match up.” Playing for the Cannons this season Goater has averaged 24 disposals, two tackles and five marks across seven games. If selected by an AFL team in the National Draft in November, Goater will join Lions talent Lachlan Bramble as the most recent Lions talent to make the grade. Earlier this year Bramble’s dream of playing AFL became a reality, when the 22-year-old was given an opportunity to train with Hawthorn

Former Lions junior players Josh Goater and Cody Brand after a game for Essendon in the VFL. (Supplied)

and ultimately landed a rookie contract. Bramble played 10 games this year in a breakout season where he averaged 18 disposals and two tackles per game. Former Lions junior player Cody Brand is another recent Sunbury success story. Brand was taken with pick 53 by Essendon in

Michelle Rix and Tom Waters have agreed to stay on as senior coaches at Lancefield.

the 2020 draft. “We see ourselves as the premier club in the area and we pride ourselves on nurturing and developing talent,” Hodgson said. “The recent drafting of Lachie Bramble and Cody Brand only reinforces that and we are hoping that Josh will join them at AFL level.”

Cricket booms in Gisborne Despite lockdown restrictions interrupting community sport over the past two seasons, cricket in Gisborne continues to grow. As the club awaits confirmation on the start date of the upcoming Gisborne and District Cricket Association season, Gisborne senior coach Gav Mackay said his club is expecting to add additional teams across juniors and seniors. “We’re lucky being a one club town, and the club keeps growing,” Mackay said. “Compare it to other towns by population and we’re batting above our weight. “We’ve always wanted to be the most welcoming club we can. If people turn up, we make sure they’re not ignored. We go out of our way to hold social events when we can so people have a reason to come upstairs and have a chat.” Mackay said last season Gisborne was named the biggest club in regional Victoria and the 10th biggest across the entire state based on its registration numbers. Gisborne ended last season in fourth place in the McIntyre Cup, ultimately losing to Bacchus Marsh in the semi final. The top flight McIntyre Cup will welcome three additional sides from the Johnstone Shield this season, with Rupertswood, Sunbury Kangaroos and Wallan all to be promoted. The top division will play a mixture of two-day and one-day matches while the lower divisions will play an entire season of one-day matches. “We’ve held on to the bulk of our players and we’re focused on bringing our young kids through,” Mackay said. “We’re trying to be extremely positive [about the season], but it’s difficult with half the clubs being in the metro and half in the country.” Speaking before the weekend, GDCA president Rob McIntyre told Star Weekly the league was still awaiting confirmation from Cricket Victoria as to when the season could begin. Oliver Lees

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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