Established in 1981 as the
proudly serving Sunbury and Macedon Ranges
14 DECEMBER, 2021
12496404-AV22-21
FREE DIGITAL EDITION
SIG N U P N O W!
Smile, it’s Santa Claus Christmas has landed in Sunbury, with the arrival of Santa Claus at the Sunbury Square Shopping Centre. Until Christmas Eve, Santa will be spreading the Christmas cheer and taking photos at the shopping centre before taking off on an around the world present-giving spree. Santa will also be making an appearance at the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre on December 18, where kids can enjoy the water along with an animal show and a Christmas photobooth. For those unable to share their Christmas wishes with Santa in-person, Hume council has set up North Pole letterboxes around town. Details: hume.vic.gov.au/Christmas
Santa at Sunbury Square Shopping Centre with three-year-old Kinsley. (Damjan Janevski) 259420_03
Sunbury rallies for Bella By Oliver Lees The Sunbury community has rallied behind a family that has been devastated by a cancer diagnosis for their eight-year-old daughter. Bella first developed signs of illness in recent months when lumps formed on her groin. Bella’s parents, long-term Sunbury residents Johnny and Jess Makai, immediately sought medical advice for the abnormal growths, but were reassured it was nothing requiring urgent action. That is until a month or so ago, when Bella started to experience dizzy spells and a consistent fever. After Bella was admitted to the Royal Children’s Hospital, doctors decided to remove the lumps.
Following the surgery, the doctors delivered the news to Johnny and Jess that their eight-year-old daughter had lymphoma cancer and would require a months-long stay in hospital and chemotherapy treatment. Adding to the strain of the already difficult news was the need for Johnny and Jess split their time between caring for Bella in hospital and their newborn baby, Winter. As a self-employed painter, Johnny also had to cease his business operations to focus on his family. Jess’ sister, Jedda Hennessy, said the juggling act had been difficult for the Makai family, who also have a son, Melachi, in primary school. Hoping to provide some support for the family, Jess’ cousin Danielle Olson started a digital fundraiser to help them cover their daily
expenses. In less than a month, the fundraiser has accumulated more than $59,000. Danielle said she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the donations roll in. “We only put the goal at $10,000, to help manage the mortgage and the daily expenses, and it was already at $25,000 within a few hours,” she said. “Bella is very active and very creative as well. We always say that Bella is very spiritual, she’s always been a happy and healthy girl. “We just want to say thank you, Jess and Johnny are too overwhelmed, they can’t even bring themselves to look [at the fundraiser], a huge thank you to everyone who has donated.” Details: www.gofundme.com/f/the-makaifamily-need-your-help
The community has dug deep after eight-year-old Bella was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. (Supplied)
Merry Christmas Sacred Heart College wishes all in the Macedon Ranges & Sunbury communities a peaceful and joyous Christmas. We congratulate our wonderful Year 12 students, the ‘Class of 2021’, on their achievements. We are confident their results and selected pathways will lead the way to rewarding futures. Sacred Heart College Kyneton
www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au T: 5421 1238 E: principal@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
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Congratulations Class of 2021