Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 12th October 2021 by Star Weekly

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Community planting day After recurring periods of lockdown restrictions, the Deep Creek Landcare Group is looking forward to its upcoming planting day. Volunteers from the community organisation – which works to improve the natural environment in areas of Lancefield, Romsey and Monegeetta – will meet on Sunday, October 25 to help with planting, plant guard installation, watering and mulching trees. Deep Creek Landcare Group volunteer Robin Ford said they’re hoping to plant more than 500 locally sourced trees and shrubs at Gallaghers Ford in Romsey. “I know recent times may have been isolating for some people at times, being trapped at home,” he said. “It [Gallaghers Ford] is a beautiful spot, so I think getting out in nature brings a lot of benefits for everyone.” Over the past year the organisation has worked with Melbourne Water to get the space ready for planting. “It’s good to have people engaged so they can share in a sense of ownership and understanding of the land. It’s a very attractive spot.” Contact Robin on 0428 315 846.

Young Deep Creek Landcare volunteer Rowan with some locally-sourced plants. (Supplied)

MP backs bridge removal By Oliver Lees Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has backed the state government’s plans to upgrade the Melbourne Road and Kilmore Road intersection in Gisborne. The planned works will see the construction of a new roundabout and crossing over Bunjil Creek, in a bid to improve traffic flow and road safety. Ms Thomas, who first committed to the project in 2018, said it was time to get the project done. “With a history of near-misses, locals know just how bad visibility is here, particularly for vehicles turning right onto Melbourne Road,”

Ms Thomas said. “We have listened closely to community concerns, many of which have expressed safety concerns about the intersection – this upgrade will improve safety, traffic flow and visibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.” The works have been a matter of debate at Macedon Ranges council meetings in recent weeks, with some councillors and community members expressing a desire to retain the historic bluestone Bunjil Creek Bridge, which was originally constructed in 1874. The intersection upgrade will see small sections of the bridge’s bluestone removed, which will then be re-used in the project’s final beautification works.

Macedon Ranges council is now seeking to protect the bridge, its bluestone channel and three mature trees with a heritage overlay proposal. Macedon Ranges council planning and environment director Angela Hughes told Star Weekly that despite there being no interim heritage overlay currently in place, council is hopeful the proposal will be confirmed in time to stop any works that will disrupt the historical items. A Department of Transport spokesperson confirmed that early works will begin soon on the project, including service relocation. Ms Thomas said qualified engineers consulted on the project had determined

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that a bridge upgrade was required in order to create greater structural depth across the existing bluestone. “We have consulted extensively with the Macedon Ranges Shire Council throughout the planning process and engineers have explored all options to retain the existing bridge,” she said. “Unfortunately, after extensive investigation, we now know that it is not possible. “Council is once again working to delay this project, seeking planning changes to stop the upgrade. “I will continue to fight for this project – Gisborne needs this intersection fixed now.”

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Valentine’s at Hanging Rock

Celebrate Valentine’s Day under the stars at Hanging Rock with a special movie screening of Peter Weir’s 1975 film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. The film, which is the 1967 novel by an adaption of the same name by Joan Lindsay, revolves around the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a Rock on Valentine’s picnic to Hanging Day Moviegoers are encour in 1900. aged to bring their own picnic for dinner, a chair, rug and a blanket and get cosy as the drama mystery film is screen ing. For a bit of fun, come classic 1900’s costum dressed in a The film night is on e. Saturday, February 13 from 7pm at Hangin g Rock, 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children or $60 for a family of two adults and two children. To book: bit.ly/3pzPyji

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Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

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Anti-vax leaflet slammed ‘‘

Jessica Micallef

By Jessica Micallef

Let’s not

McEwen MP Rob let false lies Mitchell is urging Sunbury residents to “tear spread as being facts up and throw anti-vaccination leaflets away” . It’s that may appear their letterbox. in dangerou s - Rob Mitchell Mr Mitchell said residen ts had notified him last Monday (Februa leaflets is from ry 1) about anti-vaccinatio American-based leaflets about the n IDoNotComp company, COVID-19 vaccine ly, which labels that had global been dropped in their movement that oppose itself as a letterbox. The leaflet, seen by s COVID-19 regulations. Star Weekly, stated should “avoid the people “It’s danger COVID and claims the “vaccin vaccine at all costs” People will ous that people are getting this. read e could this and wonder if potentially be he more deadly than it’s true,” said. “We are seeing the virus”. Mr Mitchell believe out … it’s all garbage these theories being put s the sender of . Tear the leaflet up the put it in the bin.” and

’’

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Mr Mitchell said only contacted him about Sunbury residents had be done to combat potenti was concerned peoplethe leaflets so far, but he misinformation ally “deadly in surrounding areas ”. would also receive He said people should them. consult a doctor The leaflet also has or medical address to the organis a QR code and a web vaccinations professional when it came to and medica urged people not to ation’s site. Mr Mitchell “We don’t know who l treatment. scan the code. these people are and “It’s for your own that is why safety,” he said. “It we have medical experts from an American-base comes ,” he said. “They have decade d organisation which s you’d think wouldn to understand these in training and learning ’t be so callous and things. They are the to make a stateme stupid to talk to. people nt like risk of dying of COVID ‘most people have no “Let’s not let false -19’. lies spread as being “This from a countr It’s dangerous. facts. y where tragica lly more than 440,000 deaths “What we have achieve have been recorded.” d in Victoria … Mr Mitchell said an amazing job is more work needed to people spreadi and the last thing we need is ng theories.”

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • Bulla BP Service Station - Bulla 84-86 Bulla Road • Bulla Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street • Clarkefield Coach and Horses Inn - Clarkfield 50 Station Street • Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road • Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway • Diggers Rest Houdinis Cafe e Cucina 52-56 Old Calder Highway • Gibsorne Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street • Gibsorne Morgan’s SUPA IGA Gisborne Brantome Street • Gisborne Brad Teal Real Estate - Gisborne 40 Aitken Street • Gisborne Kennedy Hunt Real Estate - Gisborne 33 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Real Estate - Gisborne 38 Brantome Street • Gisborne Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Foodworks - Gisborne 24 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Gisborne Nursing Home - The Oaks 5 Neal Street • Gisborne Puma Service Station Gisborne 23 Robertson Street • Gisborne Caltex Service Station - Gisborne 4 Station Street • Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop - Kyneton 199 Burton Avenue

• Kyneton RT Edgar Real Estate - Kyneton 10 High Street • Kyneton Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street • Kyneton Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street • Lancefield Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street • Macedon United Service Station - Macedon 313 Black Forest Drive • Macedon IGA Supermarket - Macedon 20 Victoria Street • Macedon Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street • Malmsbury General Store 75 Mollison Street • Monegeeta Newsagency 2076 Melbourne -Lancefield Road • Mount Macedon Mt Macedon Post Office 341 Mt Macedon Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Nursery 675 Kilmore Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Post Office 80 Main Road • Riddells Creek Foodies - Riddells Creek 86-88 Main Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Supermarket 2 Station Street • Romsey Chess Property - Romsey 102 Main Street • Romsey IGA Supermarket - Romsey 107 Main Street • Sunbury Leeburn and Co Real Estate - Sunbury 6 Brook Street • Sunbury Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street • Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street • Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street • Sunbury The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Shop 2b/15-17 Dornoch Drive • Sunbury Goonawarra General Store 23-25 Dornoch Drive • Sunbury Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531 Elizabeth Drive

• Sunbury Brad Teal Real Estate Sunbury 54 Evans Street • Sunbury Reliant Real Estate 11/114-126 Evans Street • Sunbury Muffin Break Shop 2/24 Evans Street • Sunbury Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Shop 2-28 Evans Street • Sunbury Terry White Chemist 83-85 Evans Street • Sunbury Gap Road Medical Centre 46 Gap Road • Sunbury United Fuel Sunbury 47 Gap Road • Sunbury 7-Eleven Sunbury 128 Gap Road • Sunbury Asia Finest Shop 4&5, 106-126 Gap Road • Sunbury Puma Service Station Sunbury 96 Horne Street • Sunbury Woolworths Supermarket 25-47 Horne Street • Sunbury Big W - Sunbury 25-47 Horne Street • Sunbury BP Service Station 53-55 Horne Street • Sunbury Sunbury Day Hospital 7 Macedon Street • Sunbury Hume Council Offices - Sunbury 40 Macedon Street • Sunbury Sunbury Information Centre 43 Macedon Street • Sunbury Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street • Sunbury Community Health Centre Unit 12-28 Macedon Street • Sunbury McKwen Drive Milk Bar Shop 1-3 McEwen Drive • Sunbury Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba 16 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Foodworks on Melba 16-18 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Melba Cafe 22 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Mitchells Lane Milk Bar 192 Mitchells Lane

• Sunbury Just Planet 37 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury An Apple a Day Natural Health Store 49 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury The Spotted Owl 93 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury Cafe Circe 109 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury IGA Supermarket - Sunbury 98-122 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury Killara Family Store - Sunbury 57 Phillip Drive • Sunbury Strathearn Glen Corner Store 10 Strathearn Drive • Sunbury Sacco & Saba Cafe 2/20-30 Sussex Street • Sunbury Rosenthal Shopping Centre 90 Vineyard Road • Tylden Tylden Store 36 Trentham Road • Woodend Keatings Real Estate - Woodend 83 Calder Highway • Woodend Coles Supermarket - Woodend 61 High Street • Woodend II cafe 66 High Street • Woodend Andrews Cafe 77 High Street • Woodend Fox in the Chamber 90 High Street • Woodend Jellis Craig Real Estate - Woodend 91 High Street • Woodend Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts 95 High Street • Woodend Woodend Newsagency 101 High Street • Woodend Paysanne Cafe 112 High Street • Woodend Bourkies Bake House 115 High Street • Woodend RT Edgar Real Estate - Woodend 124 High Street • Woodend BP Service Station - Woodend 130 High Street • Woodend Woodend Community Centre High Street & Forest Street

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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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Bulla, Clarkefield jab rates low By Oliver Lees Bulla and Clarkefield have been identified in a list of 27 Melbourne postcodes with a lower first vaccination coverage than the state average of 80 per cent, as parts of regional Victoria begin trials of the vaccinated economy. According to the data released by the Department of Health last week, 70 to 75 per cent of Bulla’s eligible population had received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 40 to 45 per cent had received their

second dose. In Clarkefield, only 55 to 60 per cent had received the first jab, while 35 to 40 per cent had received their second dose. Meanwhile, Mt Macedon is among the most vaccinated postcodes in the state, with 90 to 95 per cent of eligible residents having received a first dose and 70 to 75 per cent already fully vaccinated. Premier Daniel Andrews has earmarked reaching 80 per cent of the state’s population having received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine as a crucial step in the state’s

roadmap, with greater easing of restrictions – including a removal of the barrier between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria – when that milestone is reached. Sunbury MP Josh Bull urged the community to do its bit to help the state reopen. “Our vaccination program will focus on uplifting vaccination rates in these suburbs [Bulla, Clarkefield] from current first dose coverage rates of under 75 per cent, to 80 per cent and beyond,” Mr Bull said. “This is my call to action – get vaccinated,

protect yourselves and your loved ones. “Remember, every vaccine counts and every vaccine is a step closer to ending these lockdowns. The state recorded 1612 cases in the 24 hours to Monday morning, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 19,012. Regional trials of the state’s vaccinated economy plan kicked off this week, with participating businesses in Bendigo among those that will test greater capacity among patrons that are fully vaccinated.

The queer community struts its stuff

Artist Anton Hasell with his sculpture ’Climate Catastrophe Alarm Bell Clock’ and curator Malcolm Thomson.

(Damjan Janevski) 252727_06

Come for the art, stay for the view Hanging Rock Winery’s popular sculpture exhibition is returning for its fourth year. Titled Art in the Vines, the exhibition will feature works from 26 sculptors, with more than half of those originating from the Macedon Ranges and surrounding areas. Hanging Rock Winery direct to consumer manager Michelle Toose said the exhibition provides an opportunity for people to enjoy the best of the region’s artwork and wine, set among the backdrop of the shire’s most famous landmark – Hanging Rock. “The calibre of these artists exhibiting is truly nothing short of impressive,” Ms Toose

said. “Their works are held in private and public collections right around the globe, from places such as New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery of Australia, to the National Gallery of Victoria, the Art Gallery of NSW and Elgee Park.” The winery will only be allowed to accept visitors from regional Victoria until lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne are eased. Woodend resident and exhibition curator Malcolm Thomson said he has enjoyed being part of the artistic venture since it was first run four years ago.

“When I came up here, I saw the potential to support local artists. There’s such an incredible community of them up here,” he said. “The winery has been here for 50 years, it’s a bit legendary in this area. “It’s really exciting to see it all come together, we’ve got some fascinating works that we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy.” The exhibit will run from October 16 to April 25 and entry is free. The Art in the Vines exhibit is open seven days a week from 10am till 5pm at the Hanging Rock Winery in Newham. Oliver Lees

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) is inviting the queer community and their allies to take part in a fashion workshop to help them build confidence to strut their stuff down the runway. Organised by SCCH’s WayOut program, the Queers on the Catwalk event will take place on Friday, November 19 in Macedon, giving the shire’s sexually diverse population an opportunity to celebrate their identity. In the lead up to the big show, the WayOut team is also planning to facilitate a costume workshop on Saturday, October 23. Participants at these workshops will be provided the materials to bring their catwalk creations to life. WayOut project worker Rhani Dean-Talbett said the workshop will provide a space for participants to share their experiences of living queer in a regional setting. “We can explore how this may or may not have influenced self-expression through clothing and fashion over the years,” Ms Dean-Talbett said. “Participants will be encouraged to invite friends, family and significant others to watch them ‘strut their stuff’ on the catwalk to their signature audio tracks. “The event will be a colourful celebration of individualism and authenticity.” To register your interest, contact: healthpromotion@scch.org.au Oliver Lees 12433442-CG48-19

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Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 3

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Road change divides opinions By Oliver Lees The Macedon Ranges Residents Association has questioned whether the community will benefit from a proposed redevelopment of Black Forest Drive, underwhich the thoroughfare will be reduced from four to two lanes to make way for bike lanes. Running parallel to the Calder Freeway, Black Forest Drive acts as a conduit from Macedon to Woodend. On September 27, the Department of Transport opened a survey to receive community feedback on the $6 million plan.

In addition to the changes in lane configuration, the works also plan to include road resealing efforts, intersection upgrades and the installation of pedestrian refuges and lighting. A three-metre painted centre median has also been planned. Following a webinar hosted by Engage Victoria with residents from the shire on October 5, Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau said she had received negative feedback on the plan from the community. “That road is not a forgiving road, it never has

been,” Ms Pruneau said. “This road … was a killer road until the real safety improvement of opening the Calder Freeway in 2000 halved the vehicles on its four lanes and the road finally stopped claiming at least one life every year. “If this change is meant to be for the benefit of people who are road racing cyclists, it’s potentially not going to be a very fair exchange. “You’ve got a whole group of people who live there with their driveways backing onto the road, and it’s not going to benefit them.” The proposed development divided individuals on a community Facebook page, with some endorsing a greater supply of bicycle

lanes, while others were concerned the change in lane configuration may hinder exit options from bushfire scenarios. Macedon MP Mary-Ann Thomas said it was important to prepare the region’s infrastructure for continued growth. “Our region is expanding, and we need to prepare for this continued growth – Black Forest Drive serves as an important connection for our communities, so we must look at the best options for this upgrade,” Ms Thomas said. The state government is receiving feedback until October 21. Details: https://bit.ly/3uVJTYn

Storm affected Macedon Ranges residents are now eligible for a one off payment.

Support for storm victims

Ms Patterson-Majoor said the exhibit will also include interactive elements such as a pledge tree, where individuals can write an sustainable pledge on a postcard that will be mailed to them as a reminder to respect the shire’s environment. The museum is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. The exhibit will run until February 27. Details: museum@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Four months on from the extreme weather event which tore through the region, Macedon Ranges residents are now eligible to apply for the federal government’s disaster recovery payment scheme. A recent analysis of the storm’s toll found that almost 1000 homes suffered damage from the storms. Efforts to clean-up tree debris around the shire are ongoing, with parts of the Macedon Regional Park still closed to the public for safety reasons. Any resident of the shire that suffered injury or major damage during the June 9 storm can now apply for the one-off payment, which is $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. As reported by Star Weekly in September that previously the payment had been made available to residents of nice local government areas across the state, including the neighbouring Hepburn shire, while the Macedon Ranges was not listed. McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said he was disappointed that it had taken this long for federal support to be made available. “I’m pleased to say that we’ve now been able to rectify the bureaucratic error that saw Macedon Ranges left of the list of affected areas that were deemed eligible for these payments,” Mr Mitchell said. Details: www.disasterassist.gov.au

Oliver Lees

Kyneton Museum supervisor Alison Buchanan at the exhibit ‘Biodiversity Crisis: Animals & plants of the Macedon Ranges’.

(Damjan Janevski) 252028_01

Ranges’ flora and fauna on display A new exhibition showcasing the Macedon Ranges’ unique flora and fauna has arrived at the Kyneton Museum. Entitled ‘A Biodiversity Crisis: Animals and Plants of the Macedon Ranges’, the exhibit a collection of the region’s various species of animals and native plants. Macedon Ranges council acting environment co-ordinator Krista Patterson-Majoor said she hopes the exhibit will help people understand and appreciate the threats to the region’s biodiversity. “For me, the exhibition is a chance for the

community to improve our environmental literacy, so when people are out they can recognise a scat [feces], or they might start getting some clues of what’s present in our environment,” Ms Patterson-Majoor said. “Even the simple things like working out what’s a wattle tree and what’s a gum tree. We’ve tried to build that into the exhibit so it’s a hands-on experience for children and families to enjoy. “It’s also a call to action. We’ve had animals that have gone extinct here and we don’t want that to happen anymore.”

Call for more freedoms for physios to treat in lockdown Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Victorian branch president Tom Hindhaugh is calling on the state government to give physiotherapists greater discretion over which patients they can treat while lockdown restrictions remain in place. Since Melbourne entered its sixth lockdown in response to the spread of COVID-19 in August, physiotherapy practices have only been able to see patients on an urgent basis. According to Mr Hindhaugh, this means that physiotherapists can only see patients if they are at risk of deteriorating to the point of hospitalisation. In regional Victoria, the criteria has now been downgraded from ‘urgent’ to ‘essential’,

which refers more broadly to anyone that requires an escalation of care. But Mr Hindhaugh said physiotherapists are responsible for delivering critical care such as pain relief, and should be given greater freedom to provide treatment while the state remains in lockdown. “Right now in regional Victoria you can go to a hairdresser and take off your mask, but you can’t see your physio to help prevent pain,” he said. “That’s really frustrating, because this is causing an unnecessary deterioration of peoples’ health and wellbeing. “It’s important to remember that physiotherapists are registered health

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

practitioners just like doctors. They are trained in the use of PPE [personal protective equipment] and infection control. “We think it’s really short-sighted and irresponsible to restrict all allied health services who treat patients with issues such as chronic pain.” As a resident of Macedon who works in a physiotherapy practice based in metropolitan Melbourne, Anthony Belcher said he’s seen firsthand the contradiction of the current restrictions affecting allied health. “I’m going out for lunch tomorrow at a restaurant in regional Victoria. It’s pretty obvious that is less essential than seeing a physiotherapist, but there are harsher

restrictions in place there,” he said. Mr Belcher said many of his clients at Back In Motion Sydenham have declined to continue treatment via a telehealth service and are therefore receiving no care for their ongoing ailments. “Early intervention has been proven to work in our industry, we need to treat early and treat a lot,” he said. “We should be treated the same as GPs. The question is, how much longer can some people wait?” Health Minister Martin Foley was contacted for comment. Oliver Lees

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Bulla crash sparks upgrade calls By Oliver Lees A crash near the Deep Creek Bridge caused Bulla Road to be closed for several hours last week. SES Sunbury spokesperson Jarrod Bell told Star Weekly that his unit was called to the scene of the collision at 8.47am on Wednesday, October 6. According to Mr Bell, a truck and a horse transport vehicle collided on the Bulla side of the Deep Creek Bridge. “Thankfully, when we arrived at the scene we found no one trapped,” Mr Bell said “No one has been significantly injured or is in need of medical attention. At the moment

we’re just diverting traffic at the top of the hill.” Ambulance Victoria, the Country Fire Authority and Victoria Police were also called to the site following the incident. Mr Bell said the vehicles involved in the incident were no longer operable. Hume councillor and Bulla resident Trevor Dance said it was unfortunate to see another crash in Bulla. “Something needs to be done as the number of trucks [on this road] is only going to increase,” he said. “It’s as I have said so many times. A death trap waiting to happen. “Council has raised the issue so many times over the years … is it going to take a death

before the community is listened to?” The volume of traffic in the area along is expected to increase later this year, as waste management company Hi-Quality will begin accepting contaminated soil at its purpose built facility on Sunbury Road. Cr Dance said he hopes measures will be put in place to help protect Bulla residents. “At the very least all truck movements planned for Hi-Quality from the West Gate [Tunnel] project should stop until a safe road crossing is available and that does not mean going through Sunbury streets as another alternative route because this has all of the obvious risks,” he said.

Share your flower power this spring The Macedon Ranges’ very-own virtual spring garden show is back for its second year. Hosted by Woodend resident Kylie Swain, the event has grown from the Macedon Ranges Plant, Cutting and Seed Swap and Giveaway Facebook group, which she founded in December, 2019. “Back in the day, gardening was all about community,” Ms Swain said. “People would swap things like pumpkins with tomatoes between neighbours. Obviously [due to COVID-19] that’s gone out the window. “I thought it would be good to have a local swap page.

‘‘

We may be locked away in our houses but we can still show people our gardens - Kylie Swain

’’

“It went from one person to something crazy, like a thousand people in the group in a single day.” Now with more than 2400 members, Ms Swain said the group has become a vibrant community where people of all ages and levels of gardening experience exchange ideas and supplies. “It’s something that has come from absolutely nothing into something that’s positive for everyone,” she said. “We may be locked away in our houses but we can still show people our gardens.” This year, members of Ms Swain’s Facebook group can enter their garden into one of more than 40 award categories in the spring garden show. Categories include best iso garden transformation, bonsai, floral arrangement, bee garden and more. Ms Swain said unlike other flower shows, entries in the spring garden show will be

Kylie Swain with her sons Deon and Cody.

(Belinda Young)

judged via popular vote, as anyone in the group can ‘like’ their favourite entries on each post. Awards, all of which have been donated by the community, will be handed out to the entries with the most ‘likes’ within each category. Entries for the prize categories will be

held between October 17-20 and voting held between October 21-24. To enter the spring garden show, search Macedon Ranges Plant, Cutting and Seed Swap and Giveaway’ on Facebook and request to join.

SES Sunbury were called to the scene of the incident at 8.47am this morning. (Supplied)

Ranges well stocked with rainbow trout Families in the Macedon Ranges can now have a crack at catching their dinner, as the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) announced it has stocked two waterways with rainbow trout. The stocking of Hanging Rock Lake and Walter J Smith Reservoir forms part of the VFA’s goal to stock 10 million fish to get more people dropping a line. Eighty lakes around central Victoria have been supplied with fish this month, in areas including Bendigo and Daylesford. Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne said local lakes are the perfect spot for families to enjoy the outdoors. “These school holiday stockings are part of our ongoing focus to deliver a record number of fish to our waterways in 2021, and get more Victorians fishing, more often,” Ms Horne said. “Family fishing lakes are a wonderful option because they combine good facilities with safe access and stocked fish that are relatively easy to catch by anglers of all ages and skill levels.” According to the VFA, rainbow trout are an ideal catch for those new to fishing, as they take a range of baits and are relatively easy to catch. Families can bag a total of five trout per day, with only two permitted to exceed 35 centimetres. Oliver Lees

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Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 5

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Stolen bus proves a ‘huge loss’ By Oliver Lees An organisation in Gisborne providing disability and mental health support services had its only wheelchair access vehicle stolen last week. Windarring is a not-for-profit organisation providing support to individuals on the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS) across four regional locations. According to Windarring Gisborne team leader Martina Broomhall, the 12-seater wheelchair accessible bus was parked outside the organisation’s support centre on Hamilton Street on Monday, October 4. When Ms Broomhall arrived at work at 8am on Tuesday October 5, she found the bus was

missing. Ms Broomhall said the building’s cleaners reported seeing the vehicle parked outside the support office as late as 1am. A Victoria Police spokesperson told Star Weekly it was believed the white Renault bus was stolen between 1am and 8am. Ms Broomhall said the theft was “a huge loss” for the organisation. “We have clients that are high-need, we teach them anything from life skills to speech. Everything that you and I may take for granted, we support our clients to achieve,” she said. “We have three clients who we are going to struggle to take out on activities now, because we physically cannot take them without the wheelchair bus.

“It’s really sad and really disappointing, because our families are going to be the ones who suffer. And we’re not some multi-million dollar company that can so easily replace such an expensive bus.” Now with only one bus in their fleet among 28 clients at their Gisborne centre, Ms Broomhall said they will have no option but to cancel activities. “There will come a time quite soon when we will have to tell people we can’t get them where they want to go,” she said. “How can you tell people that?” Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Concern as homelessness increases Homelessness workers in the northern and western suburbs say they are being “inundated” with requests for crisis accommodation. They are calling on the state government to permanently extend the pandemic support it has provided for people sleeping rough. At the weekend, the Northern and Western Homelessness Networks – which is made up of 50 specialist homelessness and family violence organisations - released a report titled Crisis in Crisis II: A Way Forward Report. The report, a follow-up to a 2019 study the networks completed, was funded through the Department of Health and Human Services (now the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing). The latest report found that rising demand for crisis accommodation and limited resources is leading to homelessness services having no choice but to house people in poor-quality and unsafe private properties. Western Homelessness Network co-ordinator Sarah Langmore said that at present, many homeless people from the west were being accommodated in about 45 hotels, including in the city and southern suburbs. Ms Langmore said the state government has provided increased funding to support those sleeping rough during COVID lockdowns, including ’From Homelessness to a Home’ packages which last for 18 months. She said that about 400 residents of the west who have received a package are residing in hotels. “It’s a really good initiative, which we would love the government to expand,” Ms Langmore said. Ms Langmore said that despite the increased funding, there was still issues. “Even though there’s more money, we are still struggling to find hotels to take our referrals,” she said. She said that often the better-quality accommodation providers wanted a “hefty bond” in addition to rent, which was too simply still too expensive. She said that as a result, many people “are having to end up in really low-end hotels and

Sustainability fund launched A first-of-its-kind community sustainability fund has launched in Sunbury. Designed by property developer Moremac, the Kingsfield Sustainability Fund will provide a financial framework for collaboration on sustainable initiatives for landowners within the Kingsfield estate, which is on Lancefield Road. The group fund will provide a framework for investment into eco-friendly ideas, including electric car charging stations, solar battery sites and community gardens. Moremac director Bryce Moore said the system is designed to help residents make a difference in their community. “Each time residents take part in sustainable housing solutions, such as the installation of solar panels into their new homes, money will be able to be contributed into the fund,” Mr Moore said. “For example, both Origin Energy and Green Sky Australia have agreed to donate $250 each time they are selected as a solar panel provider - this is further incentivised by Moremac with a $2225 contribution for home owners towards the cost of their solar panels.” In April, Star Weekly reported that Moremac had committed to using road surface material Reconaphalt to pave its road, which is made entirely out of recycled materials. Details: www.kingsfieldsunbury. com.au.

An alleged rooming house in Melbourne’s north. (Supplied)

rooming houses”. Ms Langmore said both women and men reported feeling unsafe in these places. “After the first report, we started boycotting the worst of the rooming houses,” she said.

Windarring Gisborne client Nicholas with the bus that was stolen. (Supplied)

“Now, there are 16 fewer rooming houses in Brimbank.” Details: www.nwhn.net.au/

Oliver Lees

Alesha Capone

Hume council endorses a new affordable housing policy Hume council has endorsed an affordable housing policy in a bid to address the municipality’s plummeting share of low-cost housing options. At a meeting on September 27, councillors voted to adopt the policy, which lays out Hume’s priorities in pursuing more affordable real estate options for low income earners. According to data presented at the meeting, Hume’s affordable rental housing stock has nosedived from 75 per cent availability of properties for low and very low-income households in 2005 to just 7.2 per cent availability in 2019.

The officer’s report also identified Hume council as an area with a “high and fast growing” number of people on the Victorian Housing Register who are seeking approval for social housing. Cr Naim Kurt said the policy before council was “groundbreaking” and that it would provide relief to the growing number of residents in need of housing options. “As we know, our residents are more likely, far more likely, to need affordable housing compared to the rest of Melbourne,” Cr Kurt said. “More than half of the existing social housing

6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

stock in Hume is more than 30 years old and requires significant investment or upgrades or replacement. “I’m really pleased to say that we will be acting, not just as an advocate in this area, but also as a decision maker and a facilitator, as well.” As reported by Star Weekly, 35 affordable houses will be built in Sunbury as part of the state government’s Big Housing Build, which has been designed to address an identified shortage of housing for low income earners in Victoria. The affordable housing policy adopted by

council details that council will advocate for more funding in this area. Cr Jarrod Bell said affordable housing was particularly important for individuals and families that don’t qualify for public housing but still need assistance “getting their foot on the first rung” of the housing market. “Time and time and time again, I hear from my peers, my friends, from all across our city saying just how absolutely unobtainable it is to get into the housing market,” Cr Bell said. Oliver Lees

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MP slams safety net roll back By Oliver Lees Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters has slammed the federal government’s decision to roll back pandemic support payments as the state reaches its vaccination targets. COVID-19 disaster payments have been made available to eligible businesses and workers throughout Victoria’s several lockdowns. Currently, eligible workers can receive $750 per week if they’ve lost more than 20 hours of work, or $450 if they’ve lost between eight and 20 hours of work.

Under a new scheme announced by federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on September 30, automatic renewal of this payment will end once 70 per cent of the state’s population aged 16 and over is fully vaccinated. Meanwhile COVID-19 support packages for businesses will end once 80 per cent if Victoria’s eligible population is fully vaccinated. “We can’t eliminate the virus, we need to learn to live with it in a COVID-safe way. Our economy has bounced back strongly before once restrictions are eased and is well positioned to do so again when lockdowns lift,” Mr Frydenberg said.

Ms Chesters said the changes will leave some employers and employees without a safety net. “Hitting 70 per cent does not mean people automatically get their jobs or their hours back,” Ms Chesters said. “It is irresponsible to cut off vital support payments without a plan for economic recovery. “Labor has been calling on the federal government to provide a nationwide plan for business, with many across Central Victoria still impacted by restrictions that have buckled sectors like tourism, events and hospitality.”

Business Kyneton president Kate Fairley said businesses in the Macedon Ranges continue to be challenged by restrictions, which carry different consequences for different industries. “It’s really challenging, allied health for example, hasn’t had support payments in regional Victoria for months now,” she said. “You look at hospitality, and yes they’re open, but they’ve got density caps of 10 people and 30 outside, it’s so limited.” State government modelling estimates Victoria will reach the 70 per cent double vaccination rate by October 26 and 80 per cent by November 5.

Grants help little athletes time their perfect run Gisborne’s next generation of track talent will now have access to state-of-the-art technology, thanks to grants from Bendigo Bank and Coles. The two grant supplement ($3600 from Coles and $4600 from Bendigo Bank) will assist Gisborne Little Athletics to purchase new timing gates, which will help the club accurately record run times. “We had a 30-year-old system, which was a hand-me-down from other clubs, so we wanted to get something from the current century,” Gisborne Little Athletics president Steve van Emmerik said. “So we went out and priced that and applied for these grants. We’re really grateful to both Coles and Bendigo Bank for the support.” The funding has come at an opportune time for the track and field group, who last week held their first training of the season. The session attracted 98 kids giving athletics a go as part of the club’s two-week trial

registration offer, which Mr van Emmerik said was the highest number of any club in the state. “We have a fun community vibe,” he said. “It’s [athletics] cheap, it’s accessible, all you need is a pair of runners and you can give it a go. “We play games and do fun stuff that kids want to do, but there’s also opportunity for those who want to go and trial for state competitions. “I think during COVID-19 it’s been hell for a lot of kids. Athletics gives you a bit of motivation and makes you feel good.” Gisborne Little Athletics meets every Friday from 5pm to 6.30pm, with the current season running until term one next year. Registration is $150 for one child. To register, visit: https://www.gisbornelac. com.au/ Oliver Lees

Gisborne Little Athletics has received a funding boost ahead for its 2021-22 season.

(Supplied)

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to ﬁnd a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

LED BY A QUALIFIED QUA TEACHER TEA The K Kinder Tick recog recognises kinder prog d programs that are led by a qualiﬁ q ed teacher.r.

LOOK FOR THE KINDER TICK

P PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM L M I highlights kindergartens and It d llong day care centres that o offer play-based programs to h help children learn and grow, b before they start school.

FU FUNDED AND APPROVED BY A THE VICTORIAN TH GOVERNMENT G It also a identiﬁes se services that are ap approved for Victorian G Go Government funding.

Find out more at vic.gov.au/kindertick

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 7

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Pet policy Macedon Ranges council is asking for feedback on its new domestic animal management plan. The plan will provide a framework for council’s animal management for the next four years. The previous council plan introduced a number of new initiatives, including a cat curfew for all domestic cats, as well as the designation of new sensitive zones where cats and dogs are prohibited. Residents can fill out the anonymous feedback form online. Visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au

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Kyneton Junior Cricket Club’s Woolworths Blast program will return next month.

(Supplied)

Time to have a blast Kyneton Junior Cricket Club is calling on all kids in Macedon Ranges to give cricket a chance, as it prepares for the return of the Woolworths Cricket Blast program next month. Formerly known as the Milo Cricket, the Blast program provides an avenue for children aged five to 10 to get a bat in hand and roll the arm over. Kyneton Junior Cricket Club co-ordinator Helen Spencer said it’s the perfect opportunity for kids to enjoy a team sport. “Cricket is really social and our club is very family oriented,” she said. “It’s really a good chance for kids to get in the open air and we usually have great weather. “Parents can also get as involved as much or

as little as they like by helping out with scoring or providing snacks.” Ms Spencer said she also hopes the program will attract more girls to the sport. “[The Blast program] is the only way to encourage girls cricket, because it’s a mixed program,” she said. “Cricket Victoria is desperate to get more girls into the sport and I think the Blast program is a perfect foundation for all young players.” Kyneton’s Cricket Blast program will kick off on Friday, November 12 with hour-long sessions held weekly. Registration is $99 and includes a starter pack of cricket essentials for every participant. To register, visit: www.playcricket.com.au Oliver Lees

Macedon Ranges council and the CFA are advising residents to begin burning off debris this month as the fire season approaches. In October, landowners on properties less than one acre do not need a permit to burn off tree debris such as leaves, twigs and small branches. Residents should continue to monitor the burn-off for seven days to make sure it is fully extinguished.

Grant for Woodend Woodend Junior Football Netball Club has been awarded $2000 to help keep its netballers healthy thanks to Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh grants program. The club can use the funding for items such as new fridges, access to dietitians and canteen supplies. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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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.

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Crossing design revealed

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Podcast delves into the stories behind start-ups Victoria University and Startup Victoria have launched a podcast in which they interview start-up founders about the realities of growing their businesses in a global pandemic. The Duct Tape mini-series features 10 episodes in which co-hosts Lara Chan-Baker, Hannah Gee, Jordan Gianfrancesco Judy Anderson and Poppy Trewhella talk to the founders. Duct Tape began as a magazine and its podcast series is being referred to as “issue two”. The podcast talks to people from a wide range of start-ups including Mindset Health, a business producing hypnotherapy programs to manage a number of health issues like including anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Swoop Aero, which

works with partners such as non-government organisations to deliver medical supplies using drone technology. Startup Victoria chief executive Judy Anderson said that each Duct Tape episode told a unique and inspiring story. “The interviews capture the true spirit of tenacity as start-up founders share insights into how they tackle the unique challenges that arise when you’re building a business from the ground up,” she said. “Collectively, the founders featured in Duct Tape issue two have generously shared an enormous amount of invaluable insight and along with Victoria University, we are extremely proud to have been a part of their journey.” Details: https://ducttaped.co/

Yarraville resident Lara Chan-Baker is a co-host, producer and narrator of Duct Tape. (Supplied)

Call for free legal help

Construction to commence on Clarke Oval

By Goya Dmytryshchak An organisation providing free legal help for people in Melbourne’s west is calling on the state government to provide school and TAFE-based education on work rights. WEstjustice has released a report, Ignorance is NOT bliss, which also calls on the government to make available free legal advice to all Victorians aged under 25. Report author Francesca Lai said a need for more local education and legal support on work rights and responsibilities had been identified in the west, leading to the Youth Employment Justice Program.

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Many people don’t really understand their work rights - Stephanie

’’

“This program ran for the last two years and we recently launched our report detailing the positive outcomes it has enabled plus recommendations for government,“ she said. “The program ran 37 education sessions to over 1800 local young people in Melbourne’s west. It also provided free legal advice and assistance to 110 clients over two years. “This empowered participants to exercise their rights at work and led to over $150,000 owed to young people being repaid by employers. “We found that young people are often locked out of work, exploited by employers and fired unfairly or unlawfully for questioning their pay or conditions. Lack of knowledge combined with insecure and poorly paid jobs was driving this.” Stephanie, a young person supported by the program, said her employer had been systematically underpaying staff for many years and ignoring requests to discuss entitlements under the award. “I approached WEstjustice to get

WEstjustice lawyer Thea Debler-Depold and Francesca Lai. (Damjan Janevski) 252447_01

information on what my legal rights were and they gave me a clear picture of my situation,” she said. “They also helped me formally approach my employer and seek over $2000 in wages owed to me for the previous four months. “In the end, I was repaid over $2000 and the information WEstjustice provided led to others getting back pay as well - almost $20,000 in one case. “Many people don’t really understand their work rights and what to expect from

employers, especially young people who are often just grateful to have a job. “If we learned about employment issues at school then at least we would go into jobs with our eyes open. “Having legal support to resolve problems and make sure we are not being ripped off is the other half of the problem. “Right now, many jobs for young people are more about exploiting them than giving them a chance to learn skills and start a career and that needs to change.”

After years of planning, construction on a new turf wicket at Clarke Oval will begin later this month. The plan to remove the existing hard wicket with a turf surface has been in the pipeline since Brendan Doyle took over as president of the Sunbury Cricket Club two and a half years ago. Mr Doyle said he was delighted to see the dream be turned into a reality. “For someone that grew up playing on turf myself, I felt for our club to have a point of difference and survive in a competitive market, we had to look at a move to playing turf cricket,” he said. “It’s not only what it will do for the cricket club, but for the community of Sunbury. “We know that there’s a number of local players that travel into town to play turf cricket, who’ve never had an option to play it locally.” Sunbury made the move to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association from the Gisborne District Cricket Association three seasons ago and has been playing its home games at Progress Reserve in Coolaroo. Project construction is expected to commence at Clarke Oval on Monday, October 18. The reserve will be closed until April 1, 2021 to allow time for the new turf surface to be established. Sunbury will continue to play its home matches as Progress Reserve until the surface is ready. Oliver Lees

Council reaffirms its support for Romsey aged care facility A motion to rescind Macedon Ranges council’s approval of a 120 bed aged care facility at a site outside of the Romsey boundary has been shot down. The rescission motion, put forward by Cr Anne Moore, was lost five votes to four during an unscheduled council meeting last week. The development in question is proposed to occupy a site at the corner of MelbourneLancefield and Hutchinsons Lane West. On September 28, a majority of councillors voted in opposition to the officer’s recommendation.

The officer’s recommendation stated the proposal was inappropriate due to its remoteness from services, its rural living zone status and its location outside a township boundary. Cr Anne Moore said the proposed aged care facility would contradict the intended use of the shite outlined in its planning scheme, which references that urban developments occur only inside township boundaries in order to “protect agricultural land”. Mayor Jennifer Anderson said there were not sufficient planning grounds to support the

development. “… Because something is allowable in a zone is not full planning grounds,” she said. “I think people are thinking there is a need [for an aged care facility] and they want to assist the community … [but] you still have to look at the rest of the planning scheme. “If we gave permits out for everything allowable in every zone, just because there was a need or somebody wanted it, we would be a completely different shire.” Cr Geoff Neil maintained his support of the proposal.

“I concur that the planning scheme indicates that an aged care facility should be within the residential zone,” he said. “But when you don’t have that land for an aged care facility, technically you could argue the planning scheme falls silent. So you then go to the next best thing, which is the land immediately around and abutting your township zoning.” The application is subject to Victorian Criminal Arbitration Tribunal (VCAT) proceedings. Oliver Lees

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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MY PLACE Rebecca Light is a Diggers Rest resident and a proud bee-lover. Along with her husband, Shane, the pair run BeeResponsible. Their business promotes sustainable beekeeping, educates the community on honeybee health, and advocates for the increase of bee populations around the world. Oliver Lees spoke with Rebecca to get an insight into the wonderful world of beekeeping. products include lip balms, creams, hair wax and much more.

What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges? I grew up in Victoria and spent much of my childhood in the Macedon Ranges and my parents owned a property in Ashbourne. Upon moving out of home, I lived in Gisborne for many years and after meeting my now husband, we have settled in Diggers Rest.

How can people in the community make a contribution to safeguarding bee populations? We encourage anyone who has any problems with bees moving in and making a home where the residents may not want them to contact us prior to any exterminator. We can safely remove them and provide them with a nice new home – a hive on a local property. One key message I would like to get across is the need to reduce pesticides. Local councils, hardware stores and the general population, still haven’t managed the ability to reduce their reliance on these products. Bees forage on poisoned clover and much more and bring it back to the hive. Ultimately, this could lead to a total collapse of a hive, hence contributing to the low numbers already present. This needs to be changed. More importantly is our ability to build relationships with anyone out there who is also interested in re-homing a hive or two either in their own backyard, or situated in a paddock. These hives can add value to the communities who are needing more of these little pollinators around.

How did you first become interested in beekeeping? My husband and I owned one hive for many years as we have always found it hard to ensure all our fruit and vegetables are pollinated successfully. Since the one hive swarmed, our love for the bees and their protection grew. Over the years we have built many relationships with those that own large land and are very happy in supporting our growth in hive numbers. This has allowed us to move them on and off their properties as the flow of honey and seasons change. This process, and our ability to document this via social media, has already increased the local community’s education on the importance of bees and pollination of all kinds of species in the local area. Rebecca Light at home with a hive.

What would you like people to know about sustainable beekeeping? As keen gardeners and lovers of nature and bees, the area provides a great opportunity to build up the bee population. We try to educate people on the importance of bees and their value to the local ecosystem . We also move the hives around to areas which contain a variety

(Supplied)

of tree species, farming crops, from wattles to gums plus much more. Our home, which doubles as the business operations, is 100 per cent powered by solar with a 13.5kw system. This means we have very little carbon footprint. In addition to this, by working with locals and their available land,

we try to reduce our use of trucks by moving hives locally. All our products that are produced are 100 per cent natural and sold directly into the local areas. Our honey is raw extracted and hand spun, while the candles are made from wax capping from filtering the honey. Other

If anyone is interested in learning more about bees and owning a hive, BeeResponsible will be looking at running sessions over the course of spring and summer with the ability to jump in a suit and experience beekeeping firsthand. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok: @beeresponsible

Zoo’s primates tuck into spring Spring has stirred up seasonal treats at Werribee Open Range Zoo, with its resident troop of Vervet monkeys finding one particular wattle blossom absolutely irresistible. While in bloom, zookeepers are hanging whole branches of the flowering native throughout the monkeys’ habitat to encourage their natural foraging behaviours. African River Trail keeper Kristin Garcia said that, while the vibrant yellow colour is alluring for the Vervet troop, it’s the taste that appeals to them most. “This Acacia species is so irresistible to our monkeys because it’s high in sugar, resembling something like a naturally occurring fairy floss,” Ms Garcia said. As with any sugary treat, the wattle is provided in moderation and offered occasionally amongst a rotating daily schedule of food-based, sensory and physical enrichments. “We provide different enrichment items every single day,” Ms Garcia said. “These blossoms are only available for a short while in late winter and spring. So, it’s a great opportunity for us to offer them something new and novel, and something we know that they will love. “We try to replicate food items and experiences that the Vervet monkeys could come across in the wild environment. In this case, wattle replicates endemic acacia species that exist throughout Africa.” Ancient Acacia was prolific across the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, which

A vervet monkey enjoying flower enrichment.

(Supplied/Zoos Victoria)

is why numerous sub-species are also found in Africa, South America and India. Much of Vervet monkey habitat overlaps with the Acacia woodlands of Eastern Africa. Vervet monkey populations are adaptable and fairly widespread. However, the species

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

is now absent from large areas of their original geographic range. Human-impacted habitat destruction is a continuing threat, causing fragmentation of smaller, vulnerable populations. Werribee Open Range Zoo is currently

closed to members and visitors in line with current COVIDSafe directions. However, animal lovers at home can stay connected through Zoos Victoria’s Animals at Home livestream cameras at zoo.org.au/ animals-at-home

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Planting program branches out From little things, big things grow. Efforts to turn the western suburbs green are picking up pace with thousands of trees to be planted this spring as part of the ‘More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West’ initiative, as Benjamin Millar reports.

rawing together Parks Victoria, local government and community groups already working on the ground, ‘More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West’ is part of a concerted campaign to help Melbourne’s west catch up on the historically greener canopy enjoyed in the ‘leafy’ east by planting 500,000 new trees. From street tree planting across St Albans to creating new woodlands at Cherry Lake in Altona, planting will begin this spring and continue next autumn and into the years beyond. In 2018, Melbourne’s west had just 5.5 per cent canopy cover in urban areas compared to 17.4 per cent in the inner south-east and 25.9 per cent in the east. The western suburbs therefore experience the greatest urban heat island effect across metropolitan Melbourne. Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the new trees in the project’s $5 million first phase will provide more shade and green spaces, drive down pollution, improve air quality and build the city’s resilience to climate change.

Park Victoria will be planting trees across locations throughout the western suburbs.

(Pictures: Supplied)

‘‘

The increased plantings will help create more green canopies and cooler outdoor spaces - Michael Clarke

’’

“We are planting more than 30,000 trees across six local council areas in Melbourne’s west this spring and next autumn in the first phase of our More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West initiative,” she said. “Under the initiative, 500,000 new trees will be planted across the western suburbs - on residential streets, outside schools, in parks and along trails including in the Organ Pipes National Park, Maribyrnong Valley Parklands and Werribee River Regional Park.” Tree planting will take place on public land around parks, rivers and creeks across Maribyrnong, along Little Blind Creek Reserve in Kurunjang and at Toolern Creek Regional Park in Strathtulloh. There will be extensive street tree planting across Hobsons Bay and in Melton suburbs including Hillside, Taylors Hill and Caroline Springs. Parks Victoria will focus on providing more shade for park visitors at Brimbank Park, Werribee River Regional Park and Organ Pipes National Park. More shade will also be provided in local streets around schools and throughout parks and reserves in Wyndham. As well as adding to the enjoyment of the areas being targeted, the new trees will also contribute towards meeting Victoria’s goal of halving emissions by 2030. Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke said a $250,000 state government grant will help fast track greening efforts with more mature trees. “The increased plantings will help create more green canopies and cooler outdoor spaces across the municipality,” he said. “Increased tree plantings contribute to an improved environment and healthy outcomes for our community – I look forward to joining our ‘Friends of’ groups to help in the upcoming community planting days.” Hobsons Bay council received $221,500 in funding and plans to kick the project off by planting 200 advanced trees along the Skeleton Creek Trail in Altona Meadows in coming weeks. Two tree planting events with 750 new trees will be held at Kororoit Creek and Newport Lakes next year in partnership with The Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek and The Friends of Newport Lakes. Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said increasing the area’s tree canopy has

Melton Council is boosting tree planting along Little Blind Creek Reserve in Kurunjang. (Damjan Janevski) 253076

Werribee Park. (Supplied)

many benefits including improved air quality, reduced ground temperature, enhanced liveability and more shade on buildings and open spaces. “The funding from the state government will help us towards achieving our target of increasing our tree canopy from 7.5 per cent to 30 per cent by 2040, contributing to the health and wellbeing of our community,” he said. “As a council, we’re also providing initiatives to residents to help green Hobsons Bay and plant trees on their private property.” Brimbank council will be putting its $250,000 towards projects including planting almost 600 street trees in St Albans and Kings Park as an extension of the council’s Street Tree Planting Program. It will partner with the Department of Transport in tree planting along Sunshine Avenue in St Albans, while the Department will also plant more trees along the shared user path on the Deer Park bypass freeway reserve in Derrimut. Mayor Ranka Rasic said delivering a greener, cooler Brimbank remains a key priority for the council. “Council is working hard to ensure we plant more trees to increase our canopy

Organ Pipes National Park. (Supplied)

coverage andccreate greener, cooler and more sustainable spaces for our community,” she said. “This planting will help provide greener streets and spaces and supports council’s long term effort to create a cooler greener Brimbank.” Wyndham climate futures office manager Peter McKinnon said planting will begin later this month with 130 mature trees in streetscapes and reserves near Manorvale Primary School, Truganina South Primary School and Tarneit P-9 College, after the council received $250,000. “Wyndham City thanks the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for investing in a greener and cooler future for our community,” he said. “We are pleased to be planting more trees across Wyndham to create healthier, happier and more liveable spaces for our residents.” Planting of 13,000 tubestock will get underway next year across nine locations, including waterways, conservation and nature reserve areas and other open spaces to help expand the area’s urban forest and biodiversity. Melton council’s city design and strategy manager Darren Rudd said the funding will

Brimbank Park.

(Supplied)

provide additional trees at Little Blind Creek Reserve in Kurunjang, Toolern Creek Regional Park in Cobblebank and street tree planting along sections of the Melton Highway, Calder Park Drive and Westwood Drive. He said tree planting will commence this month and then continue after summer in the cooler weather, to optimise planting conditions. “The City of Melton experiences a number of environmental challenges with low annual rainfall, reactive soils, strong winds and rising temperatures, however, with careful tree species selection, soil preparation, passive irrigation and maintenance we are gradually increasing and improving tree canopy quality,” he said. “Last year, council planted around 3000 trees through its annual Street Tree Planting Program and over 6000 street trees, as part of greenfield development works, as well as additional trees through new and upgraded park projects.” Like other western suburbs councils, Melton is keen to participate in Phase 2 of the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West project in coming years. Phase 2 will begin next year, with all projects due to be completed by June 2023.

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Doggy love getting us through ‘ruff’ times 6

They say dogs are a man’s best friend, and throughout all of the difficulties of the past 18 months, many of us have come to realise just how true this is. Through thick and thin, our doggy companions have been by our sides, getting us through the hard times and snuggling up for a cuddle when we’re feeling down. They get us out and walking in the morning, and never fail to put a smile on our faces with their goofy antics.

Star Weekly thought it was a good opportunity to pay homage to some of our furry four-legged friends. From big chonky doggos to little tiny fluffballs and every pup in between, we’re grateful for the canine companions in our lives - so here’s to many more p-awesome adventures to come! If you would like to share a picture of your best four-legged friend (or indeed your favourite furry feline companion) email us at westeditorial@starweekly.com.au.

7 15

1/ What a cool pup crew, from left to right: Cash, Whisky, Tippa, Queenie and Pep. 2/ Nadine Mostert and her beautiful border collie Arlo love lapping up some sunshine together. 3/ A good way of cheering up this lockdown is to get matching outfits with your pup! Damo and Bane are looking sharp in their denim jackets. 4/ Kelly Price shared this photo of her daughter Jessica with their beautiful border collie puppy, Beau. Gorgeous! 5/ A trio of fun! These are Narelle Williamson’s gorgeous doggos Billy, Pat and Harvey. 6/ Kate Roberts’ gorgeous old boy Norman with her daughter, aka Norm’s ‘sister’, Alice. 7/ Rebecca Rowed sent in this gorgeous photo of her niece Sophia, 6, being cheered up by her dog, Angus (aged 11) - how wholesome! 8/ It’s a family affair! Nicole Willis sent in this photo of her and her husband Craig taking Kita (in the stroller) Dex and Sky for a walk - so sweet! 9/ Shelley McGregor shared this beautiful photo with us of her husband Marc and their big, 7 month old puppy, Major. Adorable! 10/ Ruby and Kellie looking like supermodels! 11/ Sam (right) and Milly (left) going for a road trip! Woohoo! 12/ Chris has got plenty of furry friends! Pictured here with Chief, Bluey and Ace. 13/ Emma with a very special star... Beyonce!! (Beyonce the Aussie bulldog that is). 14/ Lawson teaches Lacey how to ride a scooter - too cute!! 15/ Ruby and Kellie looking like supermodels! 16/ Hugh and Theo Stillwell (5 yo) with Louis in the middle - the best car companion! 17/ Michael with his gorgeous pup, Layla. (Pictures: Supplied) 12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

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

Toastmasters meeting Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

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

Active bystander training Women’s Health Loddon Mallee will introduce partnerships of this workshop to learn how to respond to instances of gender-based violence. Participants will explore bystander actions, including current examples and why people don’t intervene. This workshop will take place on Tuesday, October 19. ■ 5421 1666

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

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, 10am-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. ■ bit.ly/3tlRZsH

Zonta club meets The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Mahjong group Interested in learning to play Mahjong? U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Plant sale The first New Gisborne Scouts Annual Tomato Sale is happening on October 30 and 31. All plants will be sold at $5 and are to be collected from the Church of Christ, 31 Saunders Road, New Gisborne, 10am-1pm. ■ 0400 140 630

First aid courses Melton South Community Centre offers a number of first aid courses for people wanting to learn or renew these valuable skills. One-day classes are held on Saturdays throughout the year. ■ 9747 8576

Compost research webinar Join Macedon Ranges council and Dr Jim Radford from La Trobe University for this talk on compost use in agricultural settings. Dr Radford will share his local research insights and promote farming practices that have positive outcomes for agriculture. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 7.30- 8.30pm. ■ 0455 210 436

Hannah Gadsby Hannah Gadsby, world class, award winning funny person has a brand new live show Body of Work, showing at the Kyneton Town Hall. She will be performing Saturday, November 13 at 5pm and 8pm. ■ 1300 888 802

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, 11.30-12.30pm. Tickets: $25 or $22 for seniors. ■ 1300 888 802

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

Sunshine United Cricket Club Selwyn Park-based Sunshine United Cricket Club is looking for junior boys and girls to play in its under-11s, under-13s Friday night and under-15s Saturday morning teams. Juniors learn and enjoy the fundamentals of cricket, taught by experienced coaches.

Melton Probus Club Photographer’s choice pic of a baby goat taken at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary.

10.30am-noon. ■ Karen, 3029@loveourstreet.com.au

The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63A Reserve Road, from 9.45am. New members and visitors are most welcome. ■ 9746 0271

Quilt In

Sewing group

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 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.

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.

(Damjan Janevski) 252588_01

■ Terry

Nichols, 0418 392 180

Goal setting for seniors 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. ■ eventbrite.com.au/e/lunch-andlearn-about-goal-setting-strategiestickets-164272773287

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

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 Fibro/CFS Support 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,

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

Garden club 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

Senior citizens club 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, 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

MS volunteers 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

The Multiple Sclerosis Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian volunteers to make a weekly visit to aged care residents in Altona Meadows and Point Cook. ■ Sue, 9845 2744 or volunteer@ms.org.au

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

Advertising feature

Enjoy the benefits of downsizing to Lifestyle Deanside Buying and selling a house can be stressful. It should be a pathway to an exciting change in life; it often equals upheaval, pressure, and mind-boggling contracts. Ensuring a customer focused and smooth-as-possible buying process for prospective homeowners is one of the specialities of Lifestyle Deanside. The other specialty is catering to the needs of future downsizers so they can be ready to live their best life. Bruce Ealam didn’t know that when he decided to downsize at age 68. After 16 years in the same house, Bruce knew he wanted low maintenance and easy living, but it had to be in his preferred location of the beautiful north-west. He looked through the display homes at both Deanside and Wollert to get a feel of what was on offer. Then, within a fortnight, he’d signed on at Lifestyle Deanside, knowing that this was home for him. Bruce moved into the neighbourhood in June this year. His new home is on a corner allotment with a relaxing porch that promises to soak up the sun, one of the must-haves on his wish list. “The picture painted for me was excellent; I was able to explore the different house types, designs and block sizes, all without pressure. They gave me plenty of time to think about it,” Bruce said. “I liked the idea that the houses were independent, they’re attractive to look at, and all have different designs and colours.” Providing all the information a prospective homeowner needs to make an informed decision is vital to the lifestyle team. In addition, they work closely with every homeowner through the buying process to help match homeowners to their perfect home. Bruce said the Lifestyle Deanside consultants were terrific through the purchase process,

Bruce Ealam is living his best life at Lifestyle Deanside’s beautiful community. Inset: The beautiful and practical homes provide homeowners with security, comfort and confidence. (Supplied)

checking in each week to see how he was going and if he needed anything as he began the job of packing to move. “They go out of their way to facilitate what people need and want. It’s so well organised. For example, the contracts are written in plain English,” he said. “They are very professional in how they approach everything, right from the start.” Lifestyle Deanside offers convenient living in a safe and gated community. It’s an up and coming development located minutes from

Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs with light-filled and modern homes made for easy living. The welcoming clubhouse is a significant drawcard. Homeowners get incredible amenities, including a business centre and billiards room, an outdoor and indoor pool, gym, and cinema with access to different playing courts. Lifestyle Communities has years of experience in establishing developments with baby boomers in mind.

“They’ve thought of everything,” Bruce said. “I like the whole concept of Lifestyle Communities. “One of the things I liked about it was that it’s gated. I like the fact that as I get older, there is that security and safety. This is important to a lot of people, and not only as you get older.” Bruce is enjoying the connections he’s made in Lifestyle Deanside since the move in June. “I was a little bit hesitant at first. I wondered what the people would be like, and from day one, we hit it off together. We’re all new and finding our way,” he said. “There are some exciting people who live here, with fascinating backgrounds and careers. “Friendships have already been formed, and I look forward to continuing to live my life here and continuing to grow and develop. “I’m so glad I chose to come here.” Secure your downsized home and upsized life at Lifestyle Deanside. With brand new homes starting at only $378,000, they come with ongoing financial incentives such as no stamp duty, council or water rates payable. Call 1300 50 55 60 and arrange a virtual tour of these incredible communities today.

There are so many upsides to downsizing. For starters, take offloading all the stuff you haven’t used for years, and a family home you’ve long since grown out of. Downsizing to a bigger life at Lifestyle Deanside gives you the perfect chance to start afresh in a spacious new home with fresh, beautiful rooms bathed in natural light, stone benchtop kitchens with stainless steel appliances and designer bathrooms. And the biggest surprise is how affordable your bigger life will be at Lifestyle Deanside with brand new homes starting at only $374,000*.

No stamp duty | No council rates | No water rates

Call 1300 50 55 60 to book your in-person tour today

There’s no better place to be

*From price correct as at September 2021. 12508438-HC42-21

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

PUZZLES No. 050

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.

9 8

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

Support for a column (8) US state (6) Happen (5) Emplaced (9) Nobel Prize-winning nun (6) Sketch (7) Abnormal conditions or infections (8) Time of the year (6) Entice (6) Spacious and sumptuous (8) Requiring (7) Plaster ingredient (6) Heights (9) Shrink with fear (5) Roving adventurously (6) Iterated (8)

1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

No. 050

Start of tennis point (5) Brings to life (8) Flow from (7) More competent (5) Of the stomach (9) Employed (4) Release (9) Invigorating drug (9) Liberality (8) US president, Bill - (7) Come in (5) Divine beings (4) Provoke (5) Trudge (4)

3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 25 26

ACROSS

easy

QUICK CROSSWORD

DOWN Forepart of a ship (4) Reduced (9)

1 2

DECODER

No. 050

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

5 8 7

4 1

9 2

10 11 12 13

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

D Y 24

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

8 1 9 3 2 6 7 4 5

7 5 2 9 1 4 6 3 8

4 7 5 2 6 9 1 8 3

MANIA OCTAL PANEL PASTA PATES PUREE RELIC ROAMS ROSES SEEDS SLAMS SLEDS SLEEP SNEER SNORE SNOWY SORES STALE STORE STRAW SUITE

TENDS TESTS TORSO TREES UNTIE USURP VERSE WHINE WISPS 6 LETTERS REPAIR RESIST STEREO YESMEN

7 LETTERS ENCORES INSPIRE LEOPARD POSTING RIBBONS SOMEONE 8 LETTERS ENLARGES INSANEST SUBURBAN TRIANGLE

15-10-21

No. 050 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

A S E

E D S L

R A B S U R A E R I L L

9 8 1 5 3 7 2 6 4

5 2 3 7 8 1 4 9 6

6 4 8 7 1 2 9 5 3

4 LETTERS DYES ELSE GASH GUYS HEAR LASS PANE PENS RAGS REAR SWAM SWAP TILE WOVE

No. 050

acute, cattle, celt, cleat, cleft, cult, cute, cutlet, eclat, facet, fact, fate, faucet, fault, feat, felt, flat, FLUCTUATE, flute, late, left, lute, tact, tactful, talc, tale, taut, teal, teat, tuft, tutu

2 3 6 1 4 8 5 7 9

3 5 7 4 8 9 6 1 2

C A F

6 2 4 7 8 5 9 3 1

3 6 4 8 7 5 9 1 2

5 LETTERS ABODE AFTIE AGREE AMBLE ANNUL ARENA BADGE CASTE CLEAN DRUMS DUNNO ENACT FISHY FUSES GROSS INLET IOTAS IRATE LEACH LISPS

6 9 7 4 5 3 8 2 1

1 4 8 6 9 2 3 5 7

9 2 1 3 6 5 8 4 7

1 6 4 5 3 7 2 8 9

5 8 9 6 2 4 7 3 1

I E

3 5 9 4 1 6 2 8 7

8 1 7 3 2 9 5 6 4

9 3 6 8 5 7 4 1 2

2 7 3 1 9 8 5 6 4

7 9 6 8 4 3 1 2 5

4 1 2 9 5 6 3 7 8

S A

A U

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”.

4 7 5 2 6 1 8 9 3

2 8 1 9 3 4 7 5 6

7 6 8 5 4 3 1 2 9

5 4 3 1 9 2 6 7 8

1 9 2 6 7 8 3 4 5

8 3 5 2 7 1 4 9 6

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

31 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

8 3 1

1 2

1 4

3 LETTERS ARE ATE BOY DDT DIE EAT EEL ELF ERR FLU FRO GOD HE'S HIM ICE INN INS IRE MPS OHM OUR PEP RIM WED

C S Z N R I H WMQ F G U

2 9

5x5

OA K X V J E L B P T D Y

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

In what year was the first direct wireless message transmitted from Britain to Australia?

In what year did Uganda gain independence from the UK?

What is the average life span of a giraffe in the wild?

Where in the Northern Territory was artist Albert Namatjira born?

Is foehn a style of furniture, a type of wind, or a brand of ice cream?

What is an ushanka?

Kathmandu is the capital city of what country?

On what river is the town of Wee Waa?

In what year did the Visigoths sack Rome?

10 The 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ boxing match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali (pictured) was held in which African country? ANSWERS: 1. 1918 2. 1962 3. 25 years 4. Hermannsburg (Ntaria) 5. A type of wind 6. Russian fur cap with earflaps 7. Nepal 8. Namoi River 9. 410AD 10. Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo)

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

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ADVERTISE

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7. What is the nationality of the two players Ash Barty has defeated in Grand Slam Singles Finals?

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8. What is the nickname of the NBL team based in Adelaide?

3. Former Richmond player Mabior Chol recently joined which AFL team as a free agent?

9. Jane Saville was famously disqualified from what event in the 2000 Sydney Olympics?

4. What ground is currently scheduled to host the first Ashes Test in December?

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6. Wallabies player Andrew Kellaway scored how many tries in their recent clash against Argentina?

12. Who won the Clive Churchill Medal for being voted the best player in the 2021 NRL Grand Final? 13. For which EPL club does English soccer superstar Harry Kane play for?

14. By what name was the Red Bull Racing F1 team known as before being associated with the drinks giant?

Mabior Chol

15. Which former Brisbane player is the new coach of the Collingwood Football Club? 16. The Caulfield Guineas horse race is run over what distance? 17. How many Australian men's tennis players are currently ranked inside the world's 100?

22. By what score did Penrith defeat South Sydney in the 2021 NRL Grand Final?

18. Which major sporting event was recently held at a venue called Whistling Straits?

23. Urban Meyer most recently coached which NFL team? 24. Liz Watson was recently officially named the captain of which Australian national team?

19. Spaniard Diego Castro is the captain of which A-League Men's club? 20. Which Australian middleorder batsman recently scored three consecutive fifties in the IPL?

25. Woodville-West Torrens Eagles won the 2020 and 2021 premierships in which Australian Rules football league?

21. Who recently became the first female Australian cricketer to claim 300 wickets and score 5000 runs at international level?

26. The 2021 United States Grand Prix is set to held in which American city?

27. New Carlton coach Michael Voss won three consecutive premierships playing for which VFL/ AFL team? 28. Benji Marshall last played for which NRL team? 29. American golfer Bryson DeChambeau is set to compete in a 12-hole head-to-head match with which fellow professional? 30. What jersey number will Australian basketballer Josh Giddey wear during his rookie season with the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder?

Harry Kane 1510

1. Dolphins 2. Wests Tigers 3. Gold Coast Suns 4. The Gabba, Brisbane 5. NASCAR 6. Three 7. Czech 8. 36ers 9. Race walking 10. New Zealand 11. Matthew Mott 12. Nathan Cleary 13. Tottenham Hotspur 14. Jaguar Racing 15. Craig McRae 16. 1600m 17. Six 18. Ryder Cup golf tournament 19. Perth Glory 20. Glenn Maxwell 21. Ellyse Perry 22. 14-12 23. Jacksonville Jaguars 24. Australian Diamonds (Netball) 25. South Australian National Football League (SANFL) 26. Austin, Texas 27. Brisbane Lions 28. South Sydney 29. Brooks Koepka 30. 3

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Sedan has a sting in its tail By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring The Stinger GT has a new spring in its step and added sting in the tail, thanks to a new factory-developed exhaust system and LED combination tail lamp layout, plus upgraded safety tech. The Kia MY21 sports sedan flag bearer heads a rejigged range, with a choice of a four cylinder or V6 engine, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The twin-turbo V6 powered Kia has forging a strong link with police services around Australia as an operational intercept and road command vehicle. Buyers can get to experience the Stinger’s gran turismo personality with the entry-level 200 S and its turbo-charged 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor for a drive-away price of $53,090, while the much heralded 3.3 litre twin-turbo V6 GT, at $67,690 drive away, garners little touches that add greatly to the appeal. Then there’s the Kia seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Styling Kia says designers toned down any brutal characteristics, combining elegance with an athletic look. Not that everything is soft and gentle. There is still the Kia signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, bold LED headlamps and two twin oval exhaust pipes with larger tips than previously, while the clever dynamic bending headlights are retained. A flat underbody and rear diffuser enhance aerodynamics. A new alloy wheel design has thinner spokes than before to further highlight the high performance Brembo brakes. Indeed, the Neon Orange Stinger GT test vehicle was a sight to behold, a fact that did not go un-noticed on the street.

Interior Upgrades are led by a dash-mounted 1.25-inch touchscreen, with in-built satellite navigation and smartphone connectivity, allowing monitoring and control of a range of vehicle systems at the same time. Cabin ambience can be subtly controlled by a choice of 24 colours in a mood lamp. The steering wheel now features a metallic finish, while dashboard and doors are trimmed with a new stitch pattern. The seats of the GT were dressed in black Nappa leather.

The upgraded Stinger GT has taken on a greater ‘heroic’ mantle for the Kia sports sedan range. (Pictures: Supplied)

Infotainment Technology upgrades are led by Bluetooth multi-connection, which allows multiple smart phones to be paired simultaneously for greater convenience such as communicating on one phone while streaming music on another. A harman/kardon 15-speaker Premium sound system also does the honours here.

Engines / transmissions Kia Stinger GT’s engine basically remains unchanged, the Lamda 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 still winding up to 510 Nm of torque across a wide rev range, but the addition of a factory-developed bi-modal exhaust stumping up an extra 2 kW of power, boosting output to 274 kW. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor is carried over with its 182 kW of power and 353 Nm of torque. Both are mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Safety Improved autonomous emergency braking now has cyclist detection and junction assist, the latter using a camera and radar to apply the brakes if danger is detected while turning across oncoming traffic. Road edge detection has been added to lane keeping assist, if the car is heading off the road and lane following assist uses a camera to keep the vehicle out of the weeds. Rear cross-traffic

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Kia Stinger 200 S $53,090 Kia Stinger GT-Line $60,690 Kia Stinger 330 S $56,890 Kia Stinger GT $67,690

*All prices drive away

collision avoidance brakes to avoid traffic from either side when reversing.

Driving With 510 Nm torque topping out at a low 1300 rpm and sticking around until 4500 revs the Stinger GT is not shy on showing its versatility – on the one hand a grand tourer, on the other an out-and-out sports sedan. Then, there’s the 274 kW of power, peaking at 6000 rpm, with a nod to the racetrack with launch control. Left foot on the brake and gearshift in drive; flatten the accelerator pedal and release the foot brake, and whoosh. The drivetrain goes ga-ga with an accompanying turbo-boosted engine / exhaust noise. There’s a firm shove on the back as the car takes off and I couldn’t argue with the claimed zero-to-100 kilometre time of less than 5 seconds. With official combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100

kilometres, the test car came up with 13-plus around town and 6.2 on a motorway run. There are five different dial-up driving modes – Sport, Comfort, Eco, Smart and Custom – the last had the car coming to terms with the highly variable road conditions found in Australia, while Sport produced a rough ride more suitable for the smoother racetrack surfaces. Eco held little attraction. Worth a mention is the blind spot monitor, which projects a camera image from the mirrors in the driver’s display as soon as the turn indicator is activated. The blind spot collision avoidance assist produces a warning and automatically controls the car to help avoid a collision. A steeply-sloped rear window presents a limited view for the driver and misses out on a rear wiper, which just about wipes out a clear view behind in wet weather. The smart key offers the chance to remotely start the engine and have the climate reach the optimum settings before getting into the cabin. Also smart is the power tailgate that can be set to four pre-determined opening heights from an in-car menu.

Summary The Stinger GT gives full vent to the sports sedan fan’s every wish … at a somewhat steep price. The cheaper alternative is to become a highway patrol police officer!

Prespakis goes back-to-back in best and fairest Sunbury product Georgie Prespakis has claimed the NAB League best and fairest for the second year running. The 18-year-old had a dominant season in the midfield for the Calder Cannons, blitzing the competition with seven best-on-ground performances from just nine appearances. She topped the tally with 21 votes, seven votes clear of Northern Knights player Ava Jordan in second. The midfielder averaged 23 disposals and more than eight tackles for the season. With Georgie’s sister Madison Prespakis having won the award in 2018, it makes it three years in a row that a member of the Prespakis family has received the coveted accolade. Georgie Prespakis said the award has given her confidence as she prepares for her first season in the AFLW with Geelong. “It was really nice to top off last year like that, and now I’m just really looking forward

to moving on to see what I can do at the Cats,” she said. “Being selected as captain [of the Calder Cannons] made me step up. I knew a lot of the girls would look up to me and I wanted to be able to give them extra support. “I think probably the biggest challenge [this season] was going from Calder Cannons to playing VFL games [for Essendon]. I realised it’s a step above in terms of adjusting to body contact. “I’ve also worked on my skills, not just getting the ball and putting it on the boot but actually hitting targets.” In July, Prespakis was taken by the Cats with the second overall pick in the AFLW draft on the back of her stand-out form for the Cannons and in the VFLW at Essendon. Across five matches for the Bombers Prespakis averaged 17 disposals and more than 10 tackles per game.

Her stint at Essendon included three finals matches, including a semi-final against Collingwood where she laid 13 tackles in a seven-point loss at Victoria Park. With preseason under way for the 2022 AFLW season, Prespakis said she’s settling into the next phase of her life in Geelong and has enjoyed having Cats star Nina Morrison around at training. “I moved down here around September, and it’s actually been a lot better than I thought, I’ve adapted really well,“ she said. “It’s such a big difference with age [in the AFLW], in the NAB league there’s maybe someone just two or three year older, but now it can be like 10 years. “I’m hoping I can fit into the midfield, have a really good preseason and earn my spot.” The AFLW season has been postponed and will now begin January next year. Oliver Lees

The Hawks make history By Oliver Lees Meg Grbac has become the first Woodend player to claim the RDFNL’s highest netball honour, the Ryan Medal. Grbac tallied 16 votes at the virtual awards night held on October 1, finishing three points clear of Hawks teammate Hayley Rogers. It was her first year at the club after leaving Seymour. The defender said the win came as a shock. “I almost wasn’t going to play at all this year, but it got close to the season and I had a friend at Woodend so I though I would give it another go,” she said. “It was a really great year. not only for A-grade, but for the whole club.” Grbac was selected as the goal keeper in the league’s team of the year alongside her coach Carly Arkinstall. It capped off a strong season from Woodend, who managed to find improvement despite lockdown restrictions interrupting play. The Hawks tallied six wins, three losses and a draw to sit in fifth place as the season wrapped up after 10 games. Woodend netball operations manager Kellie Duff described 2021 as “the best season we’d ever had as a club”. “It was a history-making night for our club, with our first ever Ryan Medallist, runners-up, first ever coach of the year and player in the team of the year,” Duff said. “We’ve been building for the last six years. We’ve got a really good strong junior program, and great local talent coming up through the grades. “Our 19’s team this year is the strongest we’ve ever had, and I have no doubt they would have been strong contenders for the premiership. The improvements we’ve made on court have been nothing short of amazing. I think we could have really pushed well into finals.” The fifth place finish is a strong turnaround from the Hawk’s 2019 season, where the A-grade team mustered just four wins from 16 matches and conceded the second most goals of any team in the league. Duff credited Arkinstall’s arrival at the beginning of 2020 as crucial to helping the team stand up against the best teams in the league. The Hawks were able to overcome both Wallan and Macedon who finished in third and fourth place respectively. Arkinstall said she was delighted with the team’s progress. “I am so thrilled for Meg in receiving the Ryan Medal,” Arkinstall said. “Meg was a standout in defence, with her athletic ability and physical pressure, she

Meg Grbac was named in the RDNL’s team of the year.

would shut down her opponents and take clean intercepts that were inspiring to watch. “We also have a strong pipeline of young talented players coming through, and I have no doubt we’ll see them make a mark in our senior teams in years to come. “It really was an honour and totally unexpected to receive the Coach of the Year award. For me, this award represents the

(Supplied)

continued investment and support in netball by our football club and our netball support team. “At Woodend-Hesket we pride ourselves on having a great club culture where players can have fun, develop and be competitive. This was a particular focus for me in my coaching approach. For players to be at their best they need to feel valued and listened to.”

Georgie Prespakis.

(AFL Photos)

Schraven named 2021 Bowen winner Wallan midfielder Ricky Schraven claimed the Bowen Medal at the Riddell District Football Netball League’s virtual awards night held earlier this month. Schraven polled 11 votes to claim the league’s top honour, just ahead of Romsey duo Aaron Paterson and Nathan Hoy tied for equal second on 10 votes. Schraven said he was humbled by the recognition. “I know we were so disappointed in the early finish [to the season], but it just gives us fuel for next year,” he said. “And I know this is an individual award, but you’re only as good as the 22 you run out with each Saturday.” Schraven was also named in the team of the year along with seven teammates to cap off Wallan’s stellar 2021 campaign, where the Magpies lost just one game from 10 outings. Macedon landed four players in the RDFL’s team of the year, with Clinton Burgess, Matthew Dick, Jason Cooke and Zachary Smedley all selected. Romsey’s reliable ruckman Nathan Hoy was named alongside teammates Matthew Burkett and Jack Jedwab. Diggers Rest flankers Matthew Krul and Taylor Hine were also named alongside Riddell’s Ben Sonogan and Callum Williamson. Both Woodend-Hesket and Lancefield had a player each named on the interchange in Alistair Rae and Thomas Waters. Magpies coach Daniel Nolan was selected as the coach in the team of the year, making it two honours in quick succession, after he was named the Victorian Senior Coach of the Year award at the National Volunteer Awards in September. The Burras were named the club of the year, just ahead of the Magpies in second and the Hawks in third. Burras president Ben Morse said he was proud of the club, after finishing runner-up in the award category in recent seasons. “Credit to our committee, players and members for their behaviour throughout the year … [we’re] looking forward to seeing everyone in 2022,” he said. Oliver Lees

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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