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Countdown to Christmas ‘Tis the season to sing carols and make your house shine bright with Christmas lights. Children across the west – including siblings Eliza, 2, Charlotte, 6, and Phillip, 2, are looking forward to celebrating the festive season and are hoping the man in the big red suit will leave them some surprises under the Christmas tree. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year from all at Star Weekly. This is the last edition for 2021 with the first edition for 2022 out on Tuesday, January 11.
Civic calendar reshuffle By Oliver Lees Hume council has agreed to shift its resident awards from Australia Day to a separate event, in a bid to improve community engagement and to separate it from council’s annual citizenship presentation. At a meeting held last week, councillors considered a report that outlined the civic events schedule for 2022. The report included a recommendation to introduce a Hume Community Awards ceremony, that would replace the Australia Day Citizen Awards from next year and be held in
February. Historically Hume council has held awards for its residents along with its annual citizenship ceremony at the same event on January 26. Speaking in support of the report, councillor Joseph Haweil said holding the two ceremonies on the same day can “undersell” the contribution of residents. “I think to honour those people and their achievements, particularly those who receive resident of the year, should warrant presentation of that award at a much larger community event where there are more people,” Cr Haweil said.
“We don’t give them a wide enough audience and platform to share their success with the community on that day.” Cr Jodi Jackson said hosting a separate community awards event was a “reasonable proposition”, but believed greater community consultation should occur before making a decision. “As I have said many times, community engagement is critical to helping council make informed decisions that are in the best interests of our municipal community,” Cr Jackson said. “That community engagement that we do must be genuine, it must reflect the views of
our community.” Cr Jackson said she felt that the primary engagement with the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group (RAPWG), which consists of seven members and one councillor, did not constitute appropriate engagement. “I would feel quite uncomfortable making a decision about such a substantial change … without reasonable and genuine engagement,” she said. Cr Naim Kurt, who represents council in working with RAPWG, said the event change was also hoping to address a “huge decline” in people nominating for council awards.
If you’ve been injured in a road accident or at work. We can help. We offer ‘No Win No Fee’ agreements for TAC and WorkCover claims. Call (03) 9744 5519 for a free, no obligation first appointment. Located at Sunbury Medical Centre, 38-44 Gap Road, Sunbury 12523814-CG48-21
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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 December, 2021
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Town Hall restorations wrap up By Oliver Lees Works to restore the century-old Kyneton Town Hall are set to wrap up later this month after eight months of upgrades and repairs. The extensive restoration works, which included the repainting of the facade and window and chimney restoration, was jointly funded by Macedon Ranges council ($300,000) and the federal government ($632,000). According to a 1990 conservation study conducted by the former Shire of Kyneton, the first portion of Kyneton Town Hall was constructed in 1877. The hall is made up of mixture of a sections
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This is an important project to preserve the Kyneton Town Hall
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- Shane Walden that have been added and updated across the building’s lengthy history. This includes the original office spaces that were constructed in 1877 amd main hall which arrived in 1929. Speaking with Star Weekly in May, Macedon Ranges council assets and operations director Shane Walden said that the focus of the job was to ensure the facade
remains true to the building’s character. “This is an important project to preserve the Kyneton Town Hall. The work includes repairs to various architectural elements and to restore heritage value,” Mr Walden said. “Council’s heritage advisor has approved aesthetic considerations, including paint colours, to ensure the history of this building is respected and enhanced.” In addition to repair and restoration works, the upgrade project has also seen a greater number of light bulbs affixed to the building’s facade. Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson said she was “delighted” to see the works progress on one of Kyneton’s most iconic
structures. “Of the old shire halls that have always served rural communities, Kyneton’s is one of the most substantial,” Cr Anderson said. Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said she was glad to see the progress on the building, but believes the project could benefit from a greater investment from the federal government. “The list of desired projects far outweighs the funding allocated and I urge the government to increase their investment in this space,” Ms Chesters said. “These works are important for improving safety, as well as boosting economic and social outcomes in the region.”
Recycled water project under way
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Catch Father Christmas in Woodend Children of the Macedon Ranges will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Santa in Woodend before he rushes off to deliver presents. The Woodend Country Fire Authority (CFA) will be helping Santa get around town on one of their fire trucks, hitting the main streets of Woodend on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. The festive fire truck will start at the corner of Blackmore Road and Simpsons Lane at 2pm
and will then snake its way through the area before finishing at Shannon Court. Woodend CFA captain Mike Dornau said his crew would do their best to help Santa meet as many kids as possible. “Whilst he will still be visiting every home when he delivers his presents at night with his sleigh and reindeer, we cannot guarantee that we will get to everyone in the short time we have available with Santa on our truck during
the afternoon,” Mr Dornau said. “So, this year we have decided it is best for Santa to travel only on some of the major streets and also to be at specific locations at certain times so that people and families can organise to be there.” A full list of Santa’s Christmas Eve timetable can be found on Woodend CFA’s website. Details: https://www.woodendcfa.org/santa/ Oliver Lees
GREAT RANGE OF STOCK AVAILABLE
Council commits to arts grant program Sunbury artists will soon have access to a pool of funding to support their creative projects, following Hume council’s endorsement of a grant scheme. Hume councillors endorsed the Hume Arts Grant Program at a meeting held last week, which will see $50,000 of council money go toward artistic projects across the municipality. The need to develop a grants scheme was identified following a community consultation process carried out from July 2019 to June 2020. The grants will be made available in three streams, creative project grants (up to $10,000), creative activity grants (up to $3000)
and individual creative development grants (up to $1000). Councillor Naim Kurt said the cash injection will provide timely support. “We know during this pandemic, that artists and creative industries have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19,” Cr Kurt said. “Musicians have been unable to perform, and galleries and theatres have been closed. “This program will provide financial support and opportunity for artists and creative communities to strengthen their practice and provide financial support to their participation in the arts.” Cr Jarrod Bell said he was excited to see the positive influence the funding would have on
Oliver Lees
NEW SPECIALS
the community and its residents. “When I see this grant opportunity, I see more opportunities for … our community to stop and admire the beauty of our world and the amazing skill of our fellow residents,” Cr Bell said. “I can’t wait to see what this investment in their ability and skills bring in the years to come.” Applicants will need to provide personal information and details of the creative project to be considered for grant funding. Applications for the program will be open from January 17 to March 10, 2022.
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CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS WEEK COMMENCING 20/12/2021 - 02/01/2022 MON 20/12/21 TUE 21/12/21 WED 22/12/21 THU 23/12/21 FRI 24/12/210 SAT 25/12/21
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08:30 am - 5:30 pm MON 27/12/21 PUBLIC HOLIDAY CLOSED 08:30 am - 4:00 pm 08:30 am - 5:30 pm TUE 28/12/21 PUBLIC HOLIDAY REDUCED HOURS 08:30 am - 5:30 pm WED 29/12/21 08:30 am - 5:30 pm 08:30 am - 5:30 pm THU 30/12/21 08:30 am - 5:30 pm 08:30 am - 5:30 pm FRI 31/12/21 08:30 am - 5:30 pm XMAS CLOSED SAT 01/01/22 NEW YEAR’S DAY CLOSED 09:00 am - 2:00 pm BOXING DAY CLOSED SUN 02/01/22
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Woodend CFA members with Santa as they prepare for the end of year Christmas Santa run.
The construction of a 13-kilometre water pipeline that will provide recycled water to Kyneton’s farmers and business owners is under way. Once completed, the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant will provide up to 300 megalitres of recycled water each year to irrigate farmland and contribute to the Campaspe River environment. The $7.5 million initiative will be funded by Coliban Water as well as a $3.75 million investment from the federal government’s National Water Grid Authority (NWGA). The NWGA has also contributed to the Gisborne to Sunbury Recycled Water Interconnector, which will provide a channel for 200 megalitres of recycled water for irrigation each year. The NWGA assesses the suitability of major projects against a strict set of internal guidelines, with the aim of improving water security. Water Minister Lisa Neville said the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant will be a useful resource for landowners in the area using their property for agricultural purposes. “We’re thrilled to be investing in local projects that will provide water security for farmers and the agriculture sector – giving them confidence to grow their businesses in times of lower-than-average rainfall,” Ms Neville said. Details: connect.coliban.com.au
Tuesday, 21 December, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 3
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Crime drops in Hume, Ranges By Oliver Lees The crime rate in the Macedon Ranges has dropped by more than 14 per cent in the year to September, according to data released last week. The Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) statistics reveal 2240 offences were recorded in the Macedon Ranges in the year to September, compared with 2627 in 2020. The state registered a 10 per cent decrease in total offences recorded. CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said the timing of COVID-19 restrictions played a role in the dip in numbers.
“COVID-19-related restrictions on movement have continued to coincide with decreases in the more opportunistic crime types such as theft, however, there have been fewer breaches [chief health officer’s] directions offences recorded in the past 12 months,” Ms Dowsley said. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rich Nugent said it was pleasing to see the crime rate trend down. “We are particularly encouraged by the reduced number of burglaries, robberies and thefts, offences that can be very distressing for victims,” Deputy Commissioner Nugent said.
“Less crime also means fewer victims, with a reduction in 27,338 victim reports in the last 12 months. ‘This represents the largest decrease in victim reports and lowest count in 10 years. Pleasingly, this includes a decrease in person victims with 15,212 fewer person victim reports in the past year.” The Macedon Ranges also recorded a dramatic 17.8 per cent decrease in total family violence incidents, in the past year, which was inconsistent with the rest of the state. Victoria recorded an overall 4.3 per cent increase in family violence offences. Meanwhile the number of total offences
in Hume was down 15.8 per cent compared with last year. Sunbury was ranked in the top three for the most offences recorded across Hume (2688), behind Craigieburn (3788) and Broadmeadows (2856). Deputy Commissioner Nugent said Victoria Police’s focus will shift to keeping the community safe over the holiday period. “This will be achieved through a number of ongoing statewide and local operations to detect and deter crime before it can occur, monitor known persons of interest before they offend, and bring those who commit crimes before the courts,” he said.
Toy fairy spreads cheer A generous Sunbury resident has done her bit to spread some cheer this festive season by donating thousands of dollars to a local toy store to help families purchase their Christmas gifts. Sunbury Toyworld co-owner Sharon Daly was working a Saturday shift when a regular customer – who has requested to remain anonymous – offered a large sum of money that would cover the costs of toy-buying for families in the community. Ms Daly said the customer had been coming into the store for years and was finally in a financial position to give back to her community, so she felt compelled to do so. “She [the customer] has done it hard before and there was a time when she couldn’t afford things for her own children,” Ms Daly said. “So she wanted to pay it forward. It was beautiful.”
Ms Daly then got in contact with each of Sunbury’s 11 primary schools to organise for the donation to be divided up and distributed to parents with young children. She said they were able to distribute 34 vouchers that were redeemable in store, each valued at $300. “We designed vouchers and called them ‘Spirit of Giving’ vouchers,” she said. “We gave it to the principals to decide how they want to divide them among the parents. “Parents have already started coming in to use them. I’ve had a deputy principal crying … everyone is saying just how grateful they are.” Ms Daly said she was glad her business could play a part in bringing joy to the community. “We’re a local family to the Macedon Ranges, we’ve been in this store for 20 years,” she said. “It’s just so beautiful to know that there’s good people out there caring for people.”
Sunbury Toyworld co-owner Sharon Daly with one of the handmade Sprit of Giving gift vouchers. (Supplied)
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Concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing. (Supplied)
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The first concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury has been released. Gap Road will be lowered under the rail line to preserve the character of the heritage-listed Sunbury station. Construction on the project was brought forward to begin this year, with the level crossing expected to be removed by late 2022, and the remaining works completed in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 completion date. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Gap
Road level crossing each day, with the number expected to reach 27,000 in 2026, according to state government data. A three-week community consultation period was held in November last year for the public to provide feedback on the design, landscaping and public artworks for the new level crossing. Sunbury MP Josh Bull said more than 170 residents contributed to the preliminary design. “The level crossing will be gone for good by the end of 2022, with a road under rail design as promised,” he said. “This year we will see site investigations continuing as well as some early works, with
the majority of major construction towards the end of 2022.” The level crossing removal is being delivered in conjunction with the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, which includes platform extensions, train stabling modifications and rail track power upgrades at Sunbury station to enable bigger and more modern trains to run on the line. The line is expected to transport up to 113,000 passengers in peak hours every week when the Metro Tunnel is open. “We promised to remove this crossing by 2025, but this vital project has been fast tracked to synchronise works between the level
crossing removal and the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade,” Mr Bull said. “It means we will only need to close the line for an extended period of time once, rather than twice, resulting in less disruption and a level crossing-free Sunbury three years ahead of schedule. “This is a critical project that will improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of our community and it is time to get it done.” The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth crossing removed on the Sunbury line and is one of 75 “dangerous and congested” level crossings in Melbourne to be gone by 2025. 12476330-CG03-21
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Stereotypes harming men: study By Oliver Lees Community-based programs are the crucial cog in the system that will improve below average mental health outcomes for men in the Macedon Ranges, according to new research. Developed with funding from the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) and VicHealth’s Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Site, the Human Code report draws on research conducted by mental health organisation Orygen. The research drew on a survey of 376 community members and interviews with 30 men from the area. Orygen associate professor Simon Rice
said the survey findings indicated traditional stereotypes of masculinity and self-reliance were inhibiting the shire’s men from properly dealing with their complex emotional problems. “They [stereotypes] can also have an impact on issues like suicide rates, incidence of family violence and alcohol use-related harm,” Mr Rice said. “We found that one in five men indicated experiencing shame in asking for help. Over half of men agreed that boys and men wouldn’t be comfortable talking about their mental health before they reach a breaking point.” These findings come as the community grapples with an alarming rate of deaths by suicide.
A 2018 NWMPHN report found the shire to be the “only municipality that has a [suicide] rate that is statistically significantly higher than the Australian rate”. Speaking with Star Weekly in July, Mental Health Foundation of Australia vice-chairperson Jim Gooden said the Macedon Ranges was “an anomaly” and that further research was needed to understand the issue. The Orygen report has recommended the introduction of community-based programs, school engagement and greater engagement with health service providers to address the issue. Fitting the bill of Orygen’s recommended
response is Youth Live4Life, which since being established in the shire in 2016 has received statewide recognition for its roll out of programs in regional areas. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health general manager Jeremy Hearne said his organisation was looking forward to working alongside local organisations to drive change. “We now have the information we need to start a genuine conversation with the community on the impact traditional masculine stereotypes can have on the health of men and boys,” Mr Hearne said. If you need mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Landcare group lauded The Newham & District Landcare Group’s work to protect the distinctive environment of the Macedon Ranges has been recognised, with the volunteer organisation winning the top prize at the 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards. Newham Landcare was named the the winner of the Landcare Community Group Award at a ceremony held late last month, with a Landcare Victoria spokesperson commending the organisation’s commitment to “improving sustainable land use and/or undertaking on-ground action to protect, enhance or restore the natural values of an area on behalf of the community”. In April, Newham Landcare released a video explaining its efforts in developing the habitat across the Cobaw Biolink. The video documents restoration work that has been ongoing between Macedon Regional
Park and the Cobaw Ranges, to ensure dispersal of native flora and fauna across the area. The project has been ongoing since 2018, with support from Macedon Ranges council to protect threatened species in the area. Newham Landcare secretary Helen Scott said the organisation had come on leaps and bounds since its formation in 2004. “We started off with 20 people, now we’re at 120 families,” Ms Scott said. “I’m halfway between Woodend and Newham. When I moved up here it was Newham that really interested me, and it’s been a really steep learning curve.” Oliver Lees Past and present Newham Landcare committee members with their 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards. (Supplied)
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Macedon schools upgrade Bolinda Primary School has been granted funding for critical maintenance works. The $20,000 will assist the school to repair damaged roof areas. “We’re making sure our local schools in Bolinda are safe and comfortable – giving students the best possible settings to learn and thrive in,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said.
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The Riddells Creek Tennis Club is on the lookout for the next generation of ball kids to help out at the Bendigo International tournament. Although a voluntary position, each ball kid will receive breakfast, lunch, a uniform, water, snacks, as well as two ground pass tickets to the Australian Open. The Bendigo International will run from January 2 to January 9, but ball kids are not required to volunteer for the entire time. Details: 0427 165 356.
Central Highlands Rural Health’s (CHRH) chief executive Maree Cuddihy, fundraising committee chair Kate Redwood, board chair Peter Matthews, Wooling Hill Memorial Estate co-owner Troy Upfield and CHRH clinical services director Susan Jennings. (Supplied)
Cuddle bed on its way The Wooling Hill Memorial Estate and Mount Macedon Realty have smashed their target for this year’s fundraising run, raising $13,000 for Kyneton Health’s palliative care department. From November 12 to December 12, the community was encouraged to complete circuits of the Wooling Hill Memorial Estate grounds in a push to raise funds to purchase cuddle beds for the patients in palliative care at Central Highlands Rural Health. Cuddle beds are specifically designed beds that allow friends and family to provide physical care to people on end of life support. Wooling Hill Memorial Estate co-owner Troy Upfield said not only will they be able to purchase a cuddle bed, but also a range of new soft furnishing to make the palliative care area more comfortable for all patients and their families.
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“We are thrilled to raise enough funds for the hospital to purchase a cuddle bed for their end of life patients,” Mr Upfield said. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of the local community that came and participated as well as the major sponsors, Lisa from Mount Macedon Realty and Deon from Jomor Healthcare.” Central Highlands Rural Health chief executive Maree Cuddihy said every cent raised through the fundraiser will go toward improving the quality of life of people in palliative care. “Our nurses focus on the needs of the individual and their family and through a combination of medical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support, we enable a person to live with dignity, peace and comfort for the duration of their illness,” she said.
The Sunbury Netball Association is looking for players to join next season. Based out of Boardman Stadium, the association is looking for for players to fill teams from under-9s all the way to seniors. The association offers a program entitled ‘Net &Set’ for those learning the fundamentals of the sport. Details: sunbury.netball@gmail.com
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Council seeks bridge protection By Oliver Lees Macedon Ranges council will once again push the state government to provide complete protection of Gisborne’s historic Bunjil Creek Bridge and surrounding mature trees in a bid to stop a plan that will see them removed to make way for a roundabout. At a meeting last week a majority of councillors voted in favour of submitting additional amendments to the existing heritage overlay. The amendments would include the two include two century old oaks and one elm
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They’re going to get flooded out if we raise the bridge - Rob Guthrie
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tree located at the Hamilton Street, Kilmore Road and Melbourne Road intersection at the gateway to the Gisborne township. The efforts to introduce a new heritage overlay comes as preparatory works are under way to improve traffic flow and road safety, a project which received backing from Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.
Council first sought to protect the assets in May last year, but was denied by Planning Minister Richard Wynne on the basis that an agreement had been struck with Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) for them to be retained in any development works. RRV has since stated that there is an increased flood risk if bridge and its bluestone channel are retained in their current form. Speaking in support of protecting the bridge, Macedon Ranges council deputy mayor Rob Guthrie said he believes it is possible to raise the underside of the bluestone bridge, thus removing the identified flood risk.
“This could be accommodated within the roundabout design,” Cr Guthrie said. “I think we should be protecting these assets, they’re very, very important. Let’s carry out the works from the Gisborne Flood Study and let it live for another 147 years.” But councillor Geoff Neil, who voted in opposition of the heritage overlay proposal, said the risk of flooding could not be ignored. “My biggest concern is about the 26 odd residents there on the other side of the road … they’re going to get flooded out if we raise the bridge or build over the current structure,” Cr Neil said.
Town’s kindness shines The Sunbury Corps of the Salvation Army has been hard at work running charitable initiatives and collecting donations to assist those most vulnerable in the community this holiday season. In her first year as captain of the Sunbury Corps, Kimberley Featherston said her team has been “blown away” by the kindness and generosity of the community. The Sunbury Salvation Army has been collecting donations of toys, foods at 10 drop-off locations around town. The organisation has also been assisting in Kmart Melton and Woodend’s Wishing Tree program. Ms Featherston said despite a difficult past year that has limited her team’s operations, the easing of restrictions has come at a convenient time to establish fundraising efforts over the holidays. “Our local efforts are still going strong,
some challenges have changed the way we can currently offer appointments,” she said. “[But] The Sunbury Salvation Army is still open and available to assist anyone in need during these difficult times.” The organisation has also organised a Reverse Advent Christmas Challenge. Instead of receiving a gift for each day of December, this challenge invites participants to make an effort to give back on a daily basis. The Sunbury Salvation Army is still accepting holiday donations at its site on Anderson Road on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 9am to 2pm.
Sunbury Salvation Army team members delivering toys at Beginnings Early Learning Centre. (Supplied)
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Anger at ‘thoughtless’ vandals By Oliver Lees Macedon Ranges council mayor Jennifer Anderson has expressed her disappointment after three young trees in the Gisborne Botanic Garden were destroyed in a “thoughtless act” earlier this month. Council staff and Gisborne Police were alerted to the incident after the weekend of December 4 and 5. Two water gums and one maidenhair tree that were planted in the garden less than 18 months
ago were snapped and broken, with some of the tree stakes uprooted as well, according to a Macedon Ranges council spokesperson, The trees were planted as part of recommendations laid out in the Gisborne Botanic Gardens masterplan. Cr Anderson said that these trees would have made a significant contribution to the garden once they’d reached maturity. “It is disappointing that such a thoughtless act can destroy such lovely young trees and put the progress of the planting back almost two
years,” Cr Anderson said. “From all reports the trees were growing well and we have been receiving positive feedback from members of the public of ‘they will look good in time’. Unfortunately, we will have to go back to square one and replace them at significant extra cost during the 2022 planting season.” Macedon Ranges council confirmed that the cost of replanting the trees would be in the vicinity of $1000 not including staff time. No arrests have been made in relation to
the vandalism incident. The Gisborne Botanic Gardens located north of Robertson Street is one of three botanic gardens in the shire. The garden was officially opened 25 years ago and has since become home to a range of exotic and native shade tree varieties. Gisborne Botanic Garden is the only botanic in Australia specialising in New Zealand. In Maori, the word for Gisborne is ‘tairawhiti’ meaning ‘the coast on which the sun shines across the water’.
Healthy waterways plan A plan to ensure Melbourne’s western waterways are healthy and thriving for generations to come has been released, with Sunbury’s Jackson Creek included in the project. The Victorian government last week released the Waterways of the West Action Plan, a five-year plan that responds to the recommendations of the Waterways of the West Ministerial Advisory Committee and the Waterways of the West Community Vision that had been previously released. The plan identifies nine directions and 40 actions with short-term actions to deliver results within the first year of implementation and longer-term actions to deliver within five years. The waterways of the west includes the network of creeks and rivers including the Maribyrnong River, Jacksons Creek, Kororoit Creek, Skeleton Creek, Stony Creek and Werribee River and goes through all the inner west and further out from Ballan through to Lancefield.
The plan will drive enduring protection for waterways and their parklands by addressing waterway pollution, waterway amenity and stronger land use planning and development controls and standards to guard against inappropriate development. Water Minister Lisa Neville said the ambitious plan included an array of organisations and stakeholders as well as more than 250 community members. “We’re caring for our rivers, creeks and riparian landscapes as unique, interconnected living systems, protecting them from pollution and overdevelopment,” Ms Neville said. The aim is to improve waterway amenity to meet community expectations, better protection of the region’s wetland values, identifying opportunities to meet environmental and cultural water needs, protect the waterways from pollution, increase community connection, education and participation and ensure accountability and transparency for action plan delivery.
Jacksons Creek.
(Supplied)
Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication
Have your say Melbourne Airport Rail will connect Melbourne Airport to the rail network for the first time, getting people to where they need to go with easy transfers to metro and regional lines and trips into the heart of the city in around 30 minutes. Trains will run from a new station at the airport to Sunshine Station, then through the Metro Tunnel into the CBD before continuing on to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
— Planning and environmental matters — Walking and cycling connections. Complete the survey Let us know what matters to you by completing the online survey at airportrail.vic.gov.au/survey or calling 1800 105 105.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
You can learn more about Melbourne Airport Rail by visiting airportrail.vic.gov.au.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
1457
So far this year we have sought community feedback to help us shape the project scope and how we manage potential construction impacts.
We are now seeking feedback on:
12518321-AV43-21
8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 December, 2021
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
Fire danger period declared: CFA By Oliver Lees Mount Macedon Fire Brigade is reminding residents to take note of restrictions this summer, as the Country Fire Authority (CFA) officially declared the fire danger period in the Macedon Ranges yesterday. The December 20 date set by the CFA is determined in each local government area depending on the amount of rain, the rate of grassland growth and other localised factors. “The fire danger period is when CFA restricts the use of fire in the community. This is to help prevent fires from starting,” a Mount
‘‘
Make sure that you know what you can and can’t do on days of total fire ban
’’
- Paul Tangey Macedon Fire Brigade spokesperson said. Once a fire danger period has been declared, fire cannot be lit without a permit. This is different from a total fire ban, which is pronounced by the CFA on individual days where the risk of fire is severe and likely to
spread. Total fire bans are determined via weather districts, with the entirety of the Macedon Ranges falling within the central district. CFA north-west region community engagement co-ordinator Paul Tangey told Star Weekly the fire danger period had been established by a process known colloquially as a ‘crunch test’, where the CFA determines that more than 50 per cent of a region’s land is considered hazardously dry. “There may be people in Riddells Creek who feel it’s not dry enough for restrictions, but the assessment is conducted across the entire
shire, not just a single area,” he said. All potentially dangerous activities, including welding outdoors, driving vehicles in grasslands and solid fuel barbecue usage are prohibited when a total fire ban is declared. Mr Tangey said he recommended residents in fire prone areas check the fire danger rating every day over summer. “Make sure that you know what you can and can’t do on days of total fire ban,” he said. In the Macedon Ranges, all burn-offs must be registered prior to starting. Details: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au
Seeking new mental health advocates
Terry in the safe hands of CFA volunteers after being rescued from an abandoned mine shaft.
(Mike Selby)
A pawesome mine shaft rescue The Woodend unit of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) assisted in a thrilling rescue last Friday night after a dog fell down a mine shaft in the Wombat State Forest. Woodend CFA captain Mike Dornau said the unit received a call for assistance about 9.50pm on Friday, December 10, from two men who were out late walking their dog named Terry. “It was very, very irregular, there’s not a lot of mine shafts around here, and to have it happen at that time of night as well,” Mr Dornau said. Mr Dornau said his unit quickly responded to the call. Led by Tim Duff, and with Mr Dornau controlling back at base, a team of CFA volunteers travelled through the forest to the shaft location.
After establishing a perimeter and using a vehicle for lighting, Mr Duff and his team estimated the depth of the mine shaft to be 16 metres. Mr Dornau said his team were glad to be able to see Terry alive and moving around at the bottom of the shaft. “I’m not sure exactly what they [the two males] were doing out there so late,” Mr Dornau said. “If it was a human, it’d be quite amazing to be able to survive a fall like that without major injury.” Due to the nature of the call for assistance, the CFA’s specialist mine rescue team Oscar1 was called to provide technical assistance. “There’s an enormous amount of rigging they set up,” Mr Dornau said.
“It’s like a mini mining exercise. They lowered one of their members down into the mine, and they put a harness around the dog. Then they pull the team member up in the pulley system with the dog.” The Woodend crew members finally returned to the station at 1.30am. Mr Dornau said the two men out walking their dog were extremely grateful to have Terry returned to them safe and sound. “We’d love to give a huge pat on the back to the Oscar[1] team. It was really difficult in the middle of the night. All we did was find the location and guide them, they did all the hard work,” he said.
Youth Live4Life is on the lookout for a new crop of young to become mental health ambassadors in their regional community. Established in 2016 by Macedon Ranges council, Youth Live4Life works to improve standards of mental health and reduce rates of youth suicide in regional and rural communities. The organisation’s model is focused on forming community development support, with guidance, resources and leadership opportunities where young people can participate directly in the system of care. Youth Live4Life has gone from strength to strength, with the program now rolled out to five other non-metropolitan areas, with a further 20 on the waiting list. Youth Live4Life chief executive Bernard Galbally said the organisation has started a summer fundraiser in order to help train more young advocates. “We are hoping to grow the Crew4Life network throughout Victoria and provide these young mental health ambassadors with additional training and mentoring support, which in turn will provide important resources and opportunities for our rural and regional communities,” Mr Galbally said. Since its foundation, Youth Live4Life has trained 680 young advocates, who attend schools and develop public speaking skills to provide a relatable conduit of mental health information to young people. Details: https://bit.ly/3GNzK4T Oliver Lees
Oliver Lees
Disaster expert warns that storm trauma is still ongoing A clinical psychologist with more than three decades of experience in disaster scenarios has shared his expertise with the Macedon Ranges community to mark six months since the devastating June storm. Dr Rob Gordon first moved from his clinical practice and into community research following the Ash Wednesday fires, which struck Macedon in 1983. Since that time Dr Gordon said he has studied and advised people on how to manage their wellbeing in the wake of more than 200 disaster scenarios of varying scales. An analysis of the extreme weather which tore through the shire on June 9 found that almost 1000 homes had suffered damage across the region.
Thousands of homes in areas such as Macedon, Kyneton and Lancefield were without power for more than two days, and local State Emergency Service (SES) units recorded a record-breaking number of calls for assistance. Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said it was important for residents to take stock of their mental health following the challenging events of the past year. “The clean-up continues as we approach the six month anniversary of the June 9 storm. But it’s not just the physical and environmental impacts that are going to take time for the community to recover from,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
Speaking at an online seminar earlier this month, Dr Gordon said one of the most important things he had found in his research is that invariably in disaster scenarios people turn their frustration to the slow rate of government response. “Most people haven’t had much to do with governments … All of a sudden everyone needs to be involved in government departments,” Dr Gordon said. “You’ve got to ask, where do you get your expectations from? You get them from having a problem and needing a way of sorting it out. “The problem is that in a disaster, everyone has needs.” Dr Gordon said it was critical that people recovering from disaster find ways to
“keep morale up” despite their challenging circumstances. “It’s quite important to be mentioning this at the six month mark, because I realised in Macedon, there were cycles in the recovery process,” he said. “There’s a lot of research to show there’s a tremendous mobilisation of support to disasters after they happen, but they seem to tail off. “This is such a predictable rhythm, the six month rhythm.” Dr Gordon said it’s critical for the community and local government to continue to support one another beyond the immediate fall out of a disaster. Details: https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ Oliver Lees
Tuesday, 21 December, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9
COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Year of kindness and compassion Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson shares her wishes for the festive season. kindness and compassion towards others during this time. The added complexity of the June storm event made things all the harder to cope with. I have always known we have a community who gives so much to others to ensure everyone feels a sense of connection to where they live and to those around them. This capacity during the more difficult times of the pandemic and the storm event simply demonstrated this further. As we move into 2022 our resolution should be to not take life for granted but to embrace every opportunity and cherish our moments with those we love and care for. Always be considerate of all you encounter, as what you say to them may just be the positive words they needed to keep them going, or the negative impact that tips them further into poorer mental health. It has been a year like no other for our first time and returning councillors, where we have been restricted in our ability to get out and about and meet people. I would like to thank our chief executive, Bernie O’Sullivan, all council staff and volunteers and councillors for working together to continue to provide great outcomes for our community, even if we had to continually change how we went about business due to restrictions. On behalf of my fellow councillors I would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year full of togetherness, joy and happiness.
(Supplied)
After almost two years of the pandemic separating families, friends and visitors to the Macedon Ranges, it is wonderful to be able to think about sharing our beautiful townships and surrounding natural environment with loved ones and tourists again. The past years have been difficult for most people with many milestones passing without celebration. People have been separated from sharing the joy of special occasions such as the birth of grandchildren, special birthdays and family reunions. This has taken its toll on many in our community and I would like to thank everyone who has reached out to others to support them if they were having a difficult time through all the changes in restrictions and the need to isolate or work differently. While meeting “virtually” has been a wonderful temporary measure for some, many making use of technology for the first time, nothing beats the reality and power of a face-to-face gathering and being able to see people’s emotions. It has been a time when it was often easier to recognise people by their dog, as masks obscured faces, and new routines had to be created. Many took the opportunity to take up new activities, but I am well aware that for some the loss of motivation, particularly with group exercise and activities, meant a decline in both physical and mental health. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our community for its overall
Old Mates Cafe employee Gabrielle Derrick with the cafe’s Christmas tree creation on Main Street in Romsey.
A festive feel in Romsey
(Supplied)
Thanks to the hard work of millions of Victorians who turned out to get vaccinated this year, our state is back on the path to normal living. It has been a long and hard road for us all during this pandemic and we have all sacrificed so much. We have asked you to stay connected while staying apart and while there is still a way to go, we have come so far. We know as our vaccination rates continue to rise, more restrictions will fall away, and Victoria will continue to move forward in opening up. 2022 is set to be an exciting year for local projects in the Sunbury electorate. Works are well under way to remove the Gap Road level crossing. Major construction will begin next year, with the level crossing removed by late 2022 (three years ahead of schedule). This is a critical project and one I am proud to deliver for our community. We are building a brand new multi-deck car park for commuters, traders and shoppers in Sunbury. I am pleased to advise that planning and design are well underway by the Department of Transport and the City of Hume. Like many in our community, I look forward to its delivery. There are also many school and sporting upgrades under way. Including at Boardman Reserve Sunbury, Langama Park Sunbury and Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve. It was great to see local kids back at school for term four and over the holiday break planning and construction works will continue for the $10 million upgrade of Sunbury West Primary School, $10 million upgrade for Goonawarra Primary School, the $3.2 million upgrade at Diggers Rest Primary School and the $10.8 million upgrade for Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School. I am also pleased that construction at the Sunbury Community Hospital site will start in 2022. This means better health services closer to home. Finally, to all those I have the great
(Damjan Janevski) 261753_01
Sunbury MP Josh Bull shares his hopes for the new year
privilege of representing, I am truly grateful for all your efforts during this pandemic. I encourage you to continue to support local businesses, spend time outside at our many
10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 December, 2021
great local parks and check in on family, friends, and neighbours. Happy New Year.
Main Street Romsey is awash with colour once again, with the Romsey Christmas tree display back in full swing. Established by the Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association (RRBATA), the annual decorating spree has gone from strength to strength, with community groups and businesses adding their creative ideas to the festive occasion. RRBATA president Jenny Stillman said since the community project started six years ago, the number of trees has grown from 17 to 90. And to add to the celebrations this year, the RRBATA organised a light show that was projected across the town’s major buildings earlier this month. “It was a really nice weekend, there were hundreds of people out on the street,” Ms Stillman said. “It was truly amazing to see so many happy people catching up.” Ms Stillman said the popularity of the Christmas tree project had spread to other parts of the shire, with Riddells Creek and Kyneton creating their own spin on the decorative effort. “It’s nice to see that despite all the hardship of the last couple years, the community as a whole is starting to emerge through the other side,” she said. RRBATA also ran a competition for best decorated business and best main street Christmas tree.
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
BEHIND THE NEWS
Rupertswood Cricket Club president Peter Kavanagh (right) and members of the club outside Rupertswood Mansion. (Damjan Janevski) 262012
A story hidden among the Ashes With the English cricket team back down under for the 72nd edition of The Ashes series, the cricketing world is settling back into a summer of familiar rivalry between two of the heavyweights of the game. But often missing from the retelling of one of cricket’s oldest yarns, is the central role of Sunbury at the beginning of it all. And as reporter Oliver Lees discovered, the community wants the opportunity to share that story with the world.
U
nlike the AFL Grand Final, NBA Championship or even the Cricket World Cup, the winner of the Ashes won’t receive a large golden cup with the team name inscribed on the front. Instead what Australia and England are vying for is the Ashes urn, a diminutive 10.5 centimetre tall vessel that is believed to hold the cremated remains of a cricket bail. Most cricket fans will know the skeleton of this story, but the role of Sunbury in it all has fallen by the wayside. On August 29, 1882, Australia defeated England in a test match at The Oval in London. As a sport of proud English origin, the loss was a tough pill to swallow for the British public. Three days later, a satirical obituary appeared in The Sporting Times newspaper, which read: “In Affectionate Remembrance of English Cricket which died at The Oval … The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”. As documented in Sunbury historian Joy Munns’ book ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt, The Birthplace of The Ashes’, the idea to create a symbol of the death of English cricket was picked up by Melbourne women Lady Janet Clarke and Florence Morphy. On Christmas Eve 1882, the English cricket team, led by captain Ivo Bligh, played a match with guests on a paddock next to Lady Clarke’s home, Rupertswood Mansion. Clarke and Morphy presented Bligh with the urn at the mansion that day, establishing a tradition that has persisted for 139 years, and now draws millions of viewers worldwide. As the president of the Sunbury Historical & Heritage Society (SHHS), Peter Free has been part of a campaign to see his town put on the map for its connection to cricket folklore. “I think it has been a well forgotten secret for a long time,” Free said. “The original Ashes ground is up near the [Rupertswood] mansion, it was supposedly the original piece of ground that the game was played on. “All we’ve got to commemorate it is the
Rupertswood Cricket Club’s home ground. (Damjan Janevski) 262012_09
wickets outside the post office and some statues on Evan Street, but we haven’t got the story.” Long time Sunbury resident Graham Williams said he believes the town is missing a golden opportunity to put Sunbury on the map. “Other towns, like Beechworth with its old gaol, have really embraced what they were famous for,” Williams said. “But we don’t seem to have quite grasped that marketing opportunity to bring into the town.” In 2019, SHHS received the support of Hume council to develop an Ashes museum at the Old Sunbury Courthouse. Hume councillor Jack Medcraft was among those who threw their support behind the proposal. Medcraft said even Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes had agreed in principle to serve as the museum’s ambassador. “We had dinner at the Rupo mansion with Allan Border, Jeff Thompson and the captain of England at the time. None of them even knew that they were in the building where the Ashes was presented to Ivo Bligh,” he said. “Allan Border told me he thought we had the most under-resourced asset in the cricketing world. He said if we set it up properly, people would come like it’s the Mecca of cricket.” But Free said without a strong enough working group, the idea was unable to get off the ground. “The person driving the whole thing ended
up not being very well and nobody was prepared to take it on,” he said. “The Melbourne Cricket Club wanted to help out, but Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia weren’t interested because they’re looking at developing young juniors in cricket. “If we had an oval attached [to the museum], we would have been alright.” Rupertswood Cricket Club president Peter Kavanagh said his club would love to better celebrate its connection with the Ashes, but faces a similar issue of a lack of resources to get the job done. “We want the history to be up there at the club all the time, but we just don’t have the room to do it all,” Kavanagh said. “We have car loads of people coming all the time. I get phone calls from tourists saying they’ve got a bus sorted and everything. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing much for them to see.” Due to the Rupertswood Mansion being owned by Salesian College, the club is limited in its ability to entertain visitors. Kavanagh said he’s hopeful that the announcement of $5 million dollars to upgrade facilities at Salesian College, including the club’s home ground, will bring greater opportunity to advertise it as the birthplace of the Ashes. Doing what he can with limited resources, Kavanagh has been working to set up a custodian of the Ashes membership for the community. Members will receive merchandise, drink vouchers and access to regular events. For Kavanagh and the club, it’s not quite the dream scenario of world-class facilities, but it’s a step in the right direction. “Obviously we’d love to do something when the Ashes is on, but there’s a lot that goes into that,” he said. “All we can do at the moment is take small steps and promote the club with what we have.”
Top: A replica of the Ashes urn. Above: The English cricket team led by Ivo Bligh that toured Australia in 1882. (Pictures: Supplied)
Tuesday, 21 December, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11
COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com
Symbiosis exhibition This stark series of photographs that explore the relationship between a mother and daughter, against deeper themes of death and regeneration in nature is available to view until Saturday, January 15. The series of images are available to view for free, and are presented by Hume Arts Youth Award 2020 recipient, Filipe Filihia. ■ https://bit.ly/3BTguQl
Public speaking workshop 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
Sewing group The Sunbury Neighbourhood 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, from 12.30-3.30pm.
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
Build it workshop Hume council is hosting a free building afternoon for kids aged six and over on Monday, January 10. This free activity will take place from 2-3pm at the Sunbury Library, with all children allowed to use the supplied Planks and Kick Bricks to build to their heart’s content. ■ 9356 6970
Probus The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business following the lockdowns. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub, with the next meeting on January 17, 10am-noon. New members are welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801
Football Taylors Lakes Football Club is seeking male and female players for all age groups from under-8s to under-18.5s. To be eligible, children need to be born between July 1, 2003, and April 30, 2015. ■ Julie, 0409 259 389
Female cricket Burnside Springs United is looking for players for its women’s program for the upcoming North West Metropolitan Cricket Association season. A friendly
Photographer’s choice pic is of Brett Steven Lockwood with his Christmas display. (Damjan Janevski) 261868_01
and welcoming environment, the club welcomes all abilities and ages. The side trains on Thursday nights and plays on Sundays. ■ ow.ly/WRGg50GCXrC
ability, you can do seated or standing as suits. Currently running via Zoom, IPC Health will also offer face-to-face groups in Hoppers Crossing, when restrictions permit. ■ 8734 1400
Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre is setting up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday, as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting.The group will meet at the centre at 1pm, every second Friday. ■ 9311 9973
Softball Sunshine Softball Club is after junior players as the club kicks off its new season. The club is running a Come N Try Softball Batter Up program which is ideal for beginners, but is open to all new and returning players aged between five and 10. The program is a fun and engaging skill based program introducing players to the basics of our fantastic game with qualified coaches. Equipment is supplied. ■ http://ow.ly/TOez50GHXku
Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418 377 336
Volunteers needed The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian-speaking volunteers to join its volunteer program within the Werribee and Point Cook areas to visit elderly residents in either an aged care facility or their own home. The scheme is also seeking a female volunteer with an understanding of MS to visit a mature lady in an aged care facility in Altona Meadows. ■ Sue, volunteer@ms.org.au or 9845 2744
Musicians welcome Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. Visitors and interested musicians any age most welcome. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au
Singing group 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.
Deer Park probus
Fibro/CFS Support
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
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
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. ■ Terry Nichols, 0418 392 180
Dads’ playgroup
BinGO MOVE
Diabetes support group
BinGO MOVE is a social exercise group which meets every Monday at 11am. It involves a fun interactive game where bingo numbers trigger an exercise or dance move. Activity suits all levels of
The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996
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
Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413
Melton South Knit & Natter All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576
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
First aid courses
12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 December, 2021
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
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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
(Supplied)
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!
SECTION
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
’’
RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES
How healthy is
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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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13
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The team at Gisborne Dental Group would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Christmas. We are closing on the 23rd of December and will re-open on the 4th of January 2022.
Tenderfresh Meats wishes all its customers both current and future a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See our facebook page to see our full Christmas range of Meats and Hams. We are able to supply any request for a specialised item or cut for your Christmas Experience. Hope to see you soon. Paul, Derek and Grant Tender Fresh Meats
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14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 December, 2021
Full Insurance All work Council approved 15 years guarantee All Council permits supplied
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GOONA WARRA VINEYARD
&KULVWPDV :LQH &OHDUDQFH 6DOH THURSDAY 23RD DEC 11 am-7 pm
ANY 6 BOTTLES OF ESTATE WINE FOR ONLY $120 That's up to $180 off RRP! PLUS! GRAZING LUNCH MENU AVAILABLE FREE WINE TASTINGS & CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15
GENERAL PUZZLES
9 5 6
5
No. 060
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.
easy
6 2 3 9 8 3 7 5 8 2 6 4 5 1 3 7 4 2 9 3 1 3 7 4 8 5 7 5 1 5 7 medium
7 5 4 1 1 2 3 4 6 1 9 9 6 8 1 1 3 8 6 2 7 1 4 8 7 3
QUICK CROSSWORD Suggests (7) Expressing much in few words (7) Terrific (9) Caribbean Sea island (5) Sequence (6) Becoming prominent (8) Red wine (6) Most important; major (4) Not false (4) Commercial (6) Self-government (8) Water-surrounded land mass (6) Florida port (5) From Oslo, e.g. (9) Sources of light made with wax (7) Traditions (7)
1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30
No. 060
16 17 18 21 22 23 26
DOWN Brew; steep (6) Food cupboard (6)
1 2
DECODER
No. 060
hard
4 8
7 2
6 7 9 5 4
9
7
1
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
9
10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
3 7
H N 23
24
25
26
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
5 4 9 3 1 7 2 8 6
8 9 1 6 3 4 5 2 7
6 5 2 7 9 1 4 3 8
7 4 3 8 2 5 9 1 6
3 1 7 4 6 9 8 5 2
H
Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good
Q
L
A
R
I
No. 060 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
D
L
A
C A L E A L O N L I T E
S T E
S
1 7 9 5 4 6 2 8 3 5 1 9 7 8 3 2 6 4
Y
U
I
9 6 5 2 8 7 3 4 1 4 8 2 1 6 9 3 5 7
E
U
N
WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ADO ADS ARE ART ATE AXE BOA CAD CON DDT END FRY GEE HOG ICE ILL IRE PAT PIG RIP SAC SEA TWO VAT VET WAX
No. 060
TEXT USES WOVE 5 LETTERS ADORE AGREE ARISE ATONE ATTIC AWARE BASIL CIRCA ERECT EXILE EXTRA GOUGE HALON LASER LILAC NEARS
4 LETTERS ACTS ARES BENT CITE DRAG ERRS IDLE IOTA LIDS REVS SHOT SOUR STOP STYE SWAP
NESTS OCTAL ODOUR OVERT PASTA PIECE RARER REARS RECAP RELAX ROTOR SEATS SEEPS SLAPS SLEEP SLEET STRAW STUDS TABOO TIDAL TOAST
TREAT ULTRA VERSE WAGER WASPS WHITE WISPS 6 LETTERS ERECTS RESETS 7 LETTERS ARREARS ASPHALT
CONIFER NETTLES SCEPTIC STAPLES 8 LETTERS DIVISIVE ESCAPADE IRRITATE PARROTED 10 LETTERS INITIATORS STARCHIEST
alien, earn, elan, HARLEQUIN, hernia, inhale, inhaler, inure, lain, lane, lean, learn, lien, line, linear, liner, lunar, nail, near, neural, quern, rain, rani, rein, renal, ruin, rune, ulan, ulna, ulnae, unreal, urinal, urine
2 8 4 1 5 3 6 7 9
4 3 8 9 1 2 7 6 5
5 2 6 3 7 8 1 9 4
7 6 3 5 4 2 8 9 1
2 4 6 8 5 7 9 1 3
3 7 5 4 9 1 6 2 8
I
B U M
I
22
E O
8 2 3 4 5 6 1 7 9
6 1 7 2 8 9 3 5 4
2 6 4 1 3 5 7 9 8
9 3 5 6 7 8 4 1 2
1 7 8 9 4 2 6 3 5
3 9 2 5 6 1 8 4 7
4 8 6 7 9 3 5 2 1
7 5 1 8 2 4 9 6 3
8 9 1 2 3 6 7 4 5
1 2 4 6 7 8 5 3 9
9 5 8 3 2 4 1 7 6
6 3 7 9 1 5 4 8 2
L D
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”.
E
A
E
9-LETTER WORD
33 words: Excellent
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
A
21
medium
S
20
easy
hard
5x5
19
8 2
5 9
18
7
17
1
16
6 1 2
15
8
B Z J X L Q R G Y F D E U
3
14
5
VW T P I A K CMO S H N
4 5
3
9 6
Female name (8) Places oneself on a chair (4) Railway vehicle (10) Objects for sitting (6) Maritime (8) Replenishing (a battery) (8) Medications given to a patient (10) Second largest ocean in the world (8) Large Australian spider (8) Members of a trust (8) Require (6) Gambling house (6) Ancient Greek figure of beauty (6) Australian actor — Bana (4)
3 4 5 6 7 8 13
ACROSS
7
Y
16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 December, 2021
QUICK QUIZ
7
Which US band released the 2020 album Women in Music, Pt. III?
Yvonne Strahovski (pictured), Asher Keddie and Marta Dusseldorp star in which 2020 TV series?
8
3
Dan Levy is best known for his work on which sitcom?
Who served as leader of New Zealand’s National Party for just 53 days in 2020?
9
4
The Battle of Hampton Roads was an important naval battle during which war?
Which of Donald Trump’s former lawyers wrote the memoir Disloyal: A Memoir?
5
Who voiced Mulan in the 1998 Disney film?
6
Bah Ndaw was inaugurated as president of which African country in 2020?
1
Who was Player of the Match in the 2020 ICC Women's World Cup Final?
2
10 Chris Rock plays Loy Cannon in which TV crime anthology? ANSWERS: 1. Alyssa Healy 2. HAIM 3. Schitt’s Creek 4. The American Civil War 5. Ming-Na Wen 6. Mali 7. Stateless 8. Todd Muller 9. Michael Cohen 10. Fargo
SUDOKU
1 3
7
6 8
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PROPOSAL TO NAME A PARK BOUND BY THE AVENUE, LAURISTON WAY AND PARKVIEW DRIVE IN SUNBURY, THE KATHLEEN AITKEN PARK In June 2020, Hume City Council received a proposal to name a park bound by The Avenue, Lauriston Way and Parkview Drive in Sunbury, the Kathleen Aitken Park. During a consultation period seeking public feedback on this naming proposal, submissions in support as well as objections were received from members of the community. Council considered all of these and resolved at its meeting held on 12th October 2021 to endorse the name of ‘Kathleen Aitken Park’ for this location. In accordance with the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria – Statutory Requirements for Naming Roads, Features and Localities – 2016, and Hume City Council’s Place Names Policy, Council has submitted the endorsed name to the Registrar of Geographic Names for their consideration. The Registrar of Geographic Names will make the final decisions on whether to approve the proposed name. If you require any further information regarding this matter please contact Joanne Grindrod, Governance Support Officer on 9205 2200. SHEENA FROST CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EXCELLENT QUALITY REDGUM 3m split .....$190 pcm 6m split ..... $185 pcm 12m split ... $180 pcm Free Delivery All Areas Phone Peter
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Tuesday, 21 December, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17
MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Hyundai Palisade is long on space and versatility. (Pictures: Supplied)
Size up with Hyundai Palisade By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Believe it or not, there are some people who wish to maximise vehicle seating capacity without being held hostage to the LCV-like people mover or rugged off-roader. These folk need look no farther than the Hyundai Palisade, a sports utility vehicle capable of carrying up to seven or eight people. Now, with a name in the origins of a paling fence or line of lofty cliffs, the Palisade, for 2022, is taking up more ground by the addition of a third variant - the Elite - dividing the entry-level Palisade from the range-topping Palisade Highlander. All siblings come with petrol, or diesel power in two- or all-wheel drive. Available as a seven- or eight-seater, the Elite features a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia unit with satellite navigation and 12-speaker Infinity Premium sound, heated front seats a single panel glass sunroof, rear privacy glass, a power tailgate and wireless smart phone charging. LED lights are positioned front and rear and 20-inch alloy wheels complete the look. The entry-level Palisade 3.8 GDi petrol 2WD is priced at $55,000, plus on-road costs, the similar Elite chipping in at $61,500, while the range-topping Highlander 2.2 CRDi diesel AWD sells for $75,000. On test was the Palisade Highlander 3.8-litre GDi, four-cylinder petrol, eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, eight-seater SUV.
Styling Despite old-style design, side on, the Palisade carries its almost five-metre length well, with wagon-like proportions doing nothing to trouble, or excite, the discerning eye. New to the big SUV are body-coloured bumpers, with 20-inch so-called Calligraphy alloy wheels fitting in nicely. Oh, and there is a full-size spare under the rear.
Interior In eight-seat configuration, the Palisade has
rows of seats. There are three IsoFix child seat positions, meaning five seats nominally could be fitted, but it would be a squeeze.
Driving
AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Palisade 3.8 GDi 2WD $55,000 Palisade 2.2 CRDi AWD $59,000 Palisade Elite 3.8 GDi 2WD $61,500 Palisade Elite 2.2 CRDi AWD $65,500
Seven USB ports, four 12V sockets and up to 16 cup holders, including four in the each of the second and third rows, are conveniently at hand. In addition to the previous beige and burgundy surroundings, the Highlander now offers optional black Nappa leather without a price increase.
Palisade Highlander 3.8 GDi 2WD $71,000 Palisade Highlander 2.2 CRDi AWD $75,000
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
Infotainment Palisade has an Infinity premium audio system, access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus wireless smartphone charging, and seven USB points scattered around the cabin.
Engines / transmissions plenty of room up front. While the third row, which is sold as a three-seater, falls short of adult dimensions, it is relatively easy to gain access, the second row sliding forward up to 220 mm. However, seat backs in the second and third row need quite a tug to raise or lower manually. And both back rows in eight-seat versions have a 60:40 split, so it’s not as easy to carry long items when the outer seats are in use. Boot volume is 311 litres with all three rows in position, which increases to 704 litres with two rows in use. Towing capacity of 2200 kg is nothing to write home about.
18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 December, 2021
The Palisade upgrade continues with the choice of a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, with two-wheel drive, or 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, with all-wheel drive. Both are mated with an eight-speed automatic.
Safety Advanced safety technology includes radar cruise control with stop-start, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind zone warning with intervention. There are stress minimising cooling air vents for all three rows and head protection comes from curtain airbags covering all three
With such a big vehicle, fuel consumption becomes increasingly linked to the loads being carried. Hyundai says 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres is the average for the Palisade in the combined urban / highway cycle. With all eight seating positions taken, the test vehicle tipped petrol consumption over 12 litres per 100 kilometres in a mix of town and country conditions. While other eight-seat SUVs are based on a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive ’ladder frame’ chassis, the Hyundai Palisade is built like a car. That means its centre of gravity is lower and steering and suspension should be more like the average passenger vehicle. Travelling in stop-start city low-speed conditions, this is the case. Sharp cornering at speed is a different matter. The big unit needs a deal of due care and attention to keep it on the not-so straight and narrow. A lesson soon learnt. Turning circle, at 11.8 metres, for a vehicle of this length, is surprisingly taut and the width (a tad under two metres) means the car can handle the average shopping centre parking spot with room to spare. The backside, however, does tend to stick out into the aisle. Drive modes - Comfort, day-to-day driving, eco fuel saver, sport spices up things, and smart switches on to algorithms turned to the driver’s most recent behaviour patterns. All Palisades are covered by Hyundai iCare, the company’s leading customer care program, offering owners a lifetime service plan, five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, complimentary roadside assist for 12 months on new vehicles, 1500 km complimentary first service, a dedicated Customer Care Centre and myHyundai, an exclusive website. Customers using Hyundai servicing also receive roadside assistance for up to 10 years, 10 years of sat nav updates and more.
Sunbury aim to pick up the pace after slow start Sunbury Cricket Club president Brendan Doyle remains confident his side can turn it around despite a slow start in division 3 of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association. After round five, Sunbury sat in eight positions on the ladder with one win, one draw and two losses. Speaking before the weekend, Doyle said the team was yet to hit its stride with several players unavailable for selection. “Don’t get me wrong, we want a few more wins, but it’s not panic stations yet,” he said. “I think the comp is quite close. There’s only been quite a small margin of error, and unfortunately we’ve been on the wrong side. “Our bowling has led the way, but we’ve got some things to work on with the bat.” Sunbury played a double-header on December 11 and 12 to make up for the loss of round one.
Michael Fox was out of action in Sunbury’s clash against Williamstown. (Damjan Janevski)
Doyle’s side fell in both contests, with no Sunbury batsmen able to make more than 26. In its first contest against Point Cook, Sunbury posted 102 runs, with opponents Point Cook bowling taking all 10 wickets in 32 overs. Justin Nelson and Paul Webber managed an
opening partnership of 45, but that promise would prove to be short lived, as Point Cook tore through Sunbury’s middle order in quick fashion. The next day Sunbury came out strong after losing the toss, limiting Williamstown to 110 from 36 overs. On a grim day for Point Cook’s top order, Nrip Parmar was able to salvage some respectability on the scorecard, making 50 from just 54 coming in at number eight. Last season’s division 4 VTCA best and fairest winner Jason McGann led Sunbury’s attack with five wickets from his eight overs. But it was a similar story to the day prior for Sunbury with bat in hand. The opening partnership was quickly severed when Paul Webber was bowled without scoring on his fourth delivery. Scott Phillips proved to be the match winner
for Williamstown. Phillips took four wickets and allowed just nine runs in his six over spell. Doyle said Sunbury was without batsmen Michael Fox, who had dislocated his shoulder. “It’s been a bit of a perfect storm, there’s no question we’d like to be in a better position,” he said. “We still feel we have the right personnel, it’s just about getting some unity and some games under the belt.” Since moving from the Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA) to division 5 of the VTCA two years ago, Sunbury has been promoted twice following back-to-back premiership wins. Doyle said the team was looking forward to playing some two-day matches, which he believes better suits their style of play. Oliver Lees
Sanders lands at Jets By Oliver Lees John White has landed his first marquee signing as the new head coach of the Sunbury Jets in the Big V men’s championship division. The club will welcome back prolific scorer Ish Sanders for the 2022 season, who last played at the Jets in 2019. Sanders had agreed to play on with the Jets in 2020 but was unable to get back on the court due to the season’s cancellation. White said Sanders was at the top of his recruitment wishlist when he took over from Ryan Addison in August. “It was one of the first conversations I had with the players when we were looking at recruiting,” White said. “He has been staying fit and working out over there, and when we spoke I knew he was committed to coming back. I guess he feels like he has some unfinished business.” Originally from Tennessee in the United States, Sanders first joined the Sunbury program in 2016. At six foot two inches tall, he made a lasting impact for the Jets as a scoring guard. In 2019 Sanders averaged nearly 27 points, five rebounds and three and half assists a game as he guided the Jets to the division 1 title, their first in 10 years. Sanders swept the pool of awards that year, taking home the division 1 Most Valuable Player award as well the Most Valuable Player of the grand final series against the Warrandyte Venom. White said based on the handful of games he saw Sanders play in 2019, it was a “no-brainer” to try and lure him back to Sunbury. “He really stood out, both his leadership as well as his ability on court,” White said. “I think he has very high expectations of himself, which definitely translates to his expectations of the team. He’s constantly driving people to be better, which I think fits in nicely with my coaching mentality.” The addition of Sanders comes at a good time for Sunbury, who will be without their top scorer Jayce Beasley next season. Beasley finished the season as the Jets’ biggest offensive threat, averaging 14.2 points per game on 43 per cent shooting. He was also named as the side’s most valuable player for the season. Shooting guard Corey Bellman has also moved on from the Jets after contributing 7.5 points per game last season. White said the club had confirmed other signings but were not yet in a position to make an announcement. After a hot start to the season where they collected five wins from six games, the Jets’ men’s side finished the shortened 2021 season
Dean Ieremia at the Melbourne Storm awards evening. (Supplied)
Ieremia earns Rookie of the Year accolade
Ish Sanders will return for the Sunbury Jets next season.
in seventh place with six wins and eight losses. White said he’d seen promising signs from the training sessions he’d had with the team this year. “We’ve had eight sessions now, it feels like
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things have gotten really strong,” he said. “It’s a great position to be in as a coach, you recruit the players based on skill then you get to know them.” The Big V season will kick off in March.
Sunbury product Dean Ieremia has been named Melbourne Storm’s Rookie of the Year. The 20-year-old wing player was dubbed the club’s best first year player at a ceremony held earlier this month. Ieremia burst onto the NRL scene in 2021 after working his way up as a player for the Sunbury Tigers and as a part of the Victorian Thunderbolts squad. He debuted against Cronulla in May in an easy 40-14 win for Melbourne. In 10 games he scored six tries, with his best outing coming against Penrith in round 20. Ieremia scored three tries in a leading performance where the Storm bolted to a 37-10 win. Speaking to Storm media after receiving the award, Ieremia said the honour had taken him by surprise. “I’m just speechless right now,” he said. “I want to thank my family and also my fans out there supporting me.” Ieremia said legendary Storm coach Craig Bellamy had been a fantastic support for him in his first year at the club. “He’s been teaching me everything about the basics of hard work and effort,” he said. “[It’s] just credit to the boys you know, everything I do is for them, to support them and help everyone.” The Storm finished in equal first at the end of the season, with an impressive 21 win and three loss tally. Ieremia said he was focused on continuing to improve his game. Oliver Lees
Tuesday, 21 December, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19
Sunbury Downs College High achievers of 2021, 90+ ATAR • VCE results consistently at or above state average • Recently modernised & upgraded facilities • A safe, inclusive and secure learning environment • Accelerated Curriculum & Enrichment (ACE) • Supporting students’ wellbeing by understanding program the needs of each child • Students are known and cared for as individuals
and resilience to push through to the end with hard work, supported by our dedicated staff, to achieve results that they should be proud of.” Impressive 40-plus study scores were achieved in the subjects of: Media, Health and Human Development, Biology, English as an Additional Language, Studio Arts and, Vocational Education and Training – Music Performance. Evie Van Emmerik was named the school’s dux. The overjoyed 18-year-old clinched an impressive ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 95.76, out of a possible 99.95. Evie also achieved an outstanding study score of 42 in Biology. Evie Van Emmerik was one of 53 Sunbury Downs College VCE students to receive their Year 12 results on Thursday 16 December 2021. Among the school’s other top achieving students with ATAR results above 90 were Sianah MikhaelBroadbent with an ATAR of 90.95, and Nhu Dang Le with an ATAR of 90.25. Their stellar performance places them in the top 10 per cent of the state. College Dux - Evie Van Emmerick Sunbury Downs College is celebrating the successes of their Year 12 VCE students who have triumphed in 2021. After overcoming extraordinary challenges students have received their final results. College principal Warwick Beynon said the school was incredibly proud of the efforts of all students, especially its senior cohort who had withstood and conquered enormous tests to their resilience throughout this year. “Our students displayed remarkable determination, persistence and the ability to adapt to a combination of face-to-face learning and remote and flexible learning during a period of time overshadowed by COVID-19 restrictions,” Mr Beynon said. “They showed tremendous strength of character
Several students achieved an individual subject study score above 40 which is an amazing effort, Mr Beynon praised the cohort on their outstanding achievements. Nhu Dang Le received two study scores above 40, an exceptional feat.
consistently achieved outstanding VCE results at or above the state average. The dedication of both students and teaching staff meant that this year’s graduating group was well prepared for the continuation of their journey into adulthood and future study and employment pathways, he said. Sunbury Downs College’s inclusive curriculum and teaching and learning program offers VCE subjects, along with Vocational Education and Training (VET) and a structured and rigorous Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) program. The College has also adopted the Head Start program, which allows students to complete their VCE or VCAL over three years alongside paid onthe-job training that bolsters valuable career skills and experience and leads to an accredited industryspecific qualification. The school is highly regarded for its commitment to equipping students with the confidence to achieve and for nurturing academic, social, and emotional development. The inclusive learning environment embraces and supports individual needs, while also fostering a strong community spirit shared between students, parents/carers, and highly capable and professional teaching and education support staff.
The graduating class of 2021 as a cohort obtained a median subject study score of 30 which is equivalent to that achieved by all schools in the state. This is an outstanding accomplishment and an improvement on Sunbury Downs College’s 2020 results where they obtained a median study score of 28, largely due to COVID-19 impacts. Hard work, resilience and determination demonstrated by students and staff have been the foundation for their academic achievements. Mr Beynon says that outstanding student performances are what Sunbury Downs College are proud of. Mr Beynon said Sunbury Downs College had
Principal Warwick Beynon, Sianah Mikhael-Broadbent and Nhu Dang Le
Our work is underpinned by our College values:
Respect | Resilience | Ambition | Community A co-educational school with dedicated teachers who implement innovative ideas to stimulate learning Contact 9744 0500 or sunbury.downs.sc@education.vic.gov.au 148-174 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury VIC 3429 12527343-JW52-21