Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 18th January 2022 by Star Weekly

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Diving into the holidays Andrew and his son Aston were among a number of Hume residents enjoying the sunshine at the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre last week. With the school holidays in full swing, there’s still plenty on offer to keep the kids entertained. On Wednesday night Macedon Ranges council will be hosting a family friendly trivia night at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute free of charge. And the Gisborne Skate Park will come alive on Friday from 11am for a skate, scooter and BMX competition. Both Macedon Ranges and Hume council libraries are running a range of activities before the school semester begins. ■ More summer fun photos: Page 15

Andrew with his son Aston at the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 264222

Staff shortages hit hard By Oliver Lees Businesses across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are dealing with staff shortages and a lack of consumer confidence, as the most recent outbreak of COVID-19 has torn through the state forcing thousands into isolation. Still with the memories of months of lockdown fresh in the mind, small business owners have been confronted with a new challenge of keeping their doors open with a high level of virus transmission in the community. The number of active cases in the state skyrocketed above 200,000 last week, with

people scrambling to get tested at testing sites or via a rapid antigen test. The current state government guidelines require close contacts of a positive case, or those who have tested positive to COVID-19, to isolate for a period of seven days. Sunbury restaurant District 3429 announced via social media last week that it had decided to stop trading in order to limit contact “for the safety of our team and community”. In Lancefield, A Slice of Perfection pizzeria was forced to hire new team members to cover staff shortages, and announced a creative strategy on their social media to handle the situation.

“We unfortunately are down a couple of our oven staff for COVID reasons … We will be doing a generic basic limited menu and just pumping out as many of the same pizzas as we can for you to just come and select what pizzas you want.” At Terry White Chemist in Sunbury, staff shortages meant that pharmacist Mick Linton had to work alone in the store earlier this month, fielding questions from customers hoping to get their hands on a rapid antigen test. Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne said he was devastated to see the business community face further hardship.

“It’s certainly not the same feeling as lockdown, then, there was a feeling of despair,” Mr Osborne said. “Now, the feeling is frustration.” Mr Osborne said the situation was particularly challenging for the hospitality sector as it depends largely on younger staff members, who have represented the majority of new confirmed cases. “There’s a lot of people being extremely cautious and conservative. They’re continuing to utilise online shopping, so our bricks and mortar stores aren’t having a rush of people back into shops like they normally would at this time of year.”

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Protect your child with the coronavirus vaccine for 5-11 year olds Throughout the pandemic, our kids have given up a lot to help keep their families, schools and friends safe. And with children eligible for vaccination from January 10, now it’s their turn to feel safe. The coronavirus vaccine for kids 5 - 11 will keep them protected from serious illness and will get you off to a safe start to the school year.

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Call to keep rates low By Oliver Lees The Sunbury Residents Association is requesting that any rate increase at Hume council in the next financial year be kept to a minimum, as the state government announces changes to its Fair Go Rates System. The Fair Go Rates System sets a maximum rate cap increase each financial year to try and limit uncontrolled rate hikes and to provide councils with a clear framework. The new maximum increase would be 1.75 per cent, up from 1.5 per cent on the advice from the Essential Services Commission. Sunbury Residents Association president Graham Williams said the difficulties faced by residents during the pandemic in the past year should be considered in establishing the

rates in the municipality. “If Hume was to push for a significant increase we would expect to see clear supporting evidence of the requirement as part of the community consultation and transparency expectations during the 2022-23 budget processes,” Mr Williams said. He said that all expenditure should be in accordance with the prepared annual budget, and that discretionary and ad-hoc items be kept to a minimum. Municipal Association of Victoria president, councillor David Clark said in a time of COVID recovery, councils are conscious of minimising financial impacts on families and businesses. “Since the introduction of the rate cap, additional ratepayer costs have actually been driven by state government charges, levied through rates – rather than local governments.

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“The impact of ongoing rate capping is that councils around the state are now making serious decisions about service levels and resourcing for programs. “With multiple cost pressures in mind, local government is stuck in a parallel universe on expectations.” Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitford said council supported the Fair Go Rates System changes and expects to include the 1.75 per cent rate increase in the next budget. “Council supports the rate increase and is essential in order for council to provide the services and important infrastructure everyone in our growing community need and deserve,” Mr Whitford said. Hume council’s draft budget will be released for consultation in April.

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Drop a line, catch some cash Eager anglers visiting the Upper Coliban Reservoir in the Macedon Ranges have the chance to catch more than Murray cod this year, following the extension of the state government’s Golden Tag fish competition. First established in February 2020, the competition was originally designed to boost tourism around Gippsland following the difficult 2019-20 bushfire season. In co-ordination with the The Victorian Fisheries Authority, several species of fish were tagged across the region with cash prizes up for grabs for those who nabbed one from the water. The competition includes prizes from $2000 up to $10,000.

The program has since been rolled out elsewhere across the state, with tagged Murray cod and golden perch still swimming about in waterways including the Upper Coliban Reservoir, located north of Tylden. Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne said the competition was a healthy way of improving tourist rates in regional areas. “Victorians are back on the road and exploring the best our state has to offer – this includes the countless fishing opportunities. The extension of the Golden Tag competition will ensure this continues,” Ms Horne said. The competition will continue until December 31, 2022.

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A Victorian Fisheries Authority team member stocking rainbow stonker last year. (Supplied)

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Level crossing removal works Parts of the Sunbury Station car park will be closed over the next month as works continue to remove the Gap Road level crossing. Rails Projects Victoria has advised that this section of works will continue from January 11 until February 28. The works will section of the Sunbury car park to be closed in order to safely complete tasks such as cable installation, asphalting, excavating and trench work.

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Youngsters Angad and Amreet were the first to solve the ‘Where in the Library?’ treasure hunt. (Supplied)

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Hume council has developed a treasure hunt at Sunbury Library to keep kids busy these school holidays. The ‘Where in the Library?’ program allows Hume’s young residents to explore the library’s collections via the catalogue system. The treasure hunt also encourages participants to take on the Big Summer Read challenge, which was developed by Public Libraries Victoria to keep children reading over the holidays. The aim of the reading challenge is to ‘slow the slide’ over the summer break, by having children log their reading habits online. Hume council community services director Hector Gaston said the school holidays were

the perfect time for parents to help their kids broaden their horizons. “Libraries are safe spaces. It’s important that children and families feel comfortable to return to their library and enjoy a fun activity which at the same time develops their information literacy skills,” a Hume council spokesperson said. There are prizes on offer too, with all children aged five and above who finish the ‘Where in the Library?’ challenge allowed to choose a book from the library’s collection of Australian authors to take home with them. The program will continue at Sunbury Library until the end of the school holidays.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association is mourning the death of president Steve McNamara. McNamara, who had been president of the association for nearly 10 years, died on Saturday. The division 2 competition is named after McNamara. Local cricket clubs took to social media paying tribute to McNamara, including Hoppers Crossing where he was previously club president.

Give badminton a go The Macedon Ranges Badminton Club is welcoming players of all abilities to sign up ahead of its 2022 season. The club will be running competition sessions on Tuesday evenings at 8pm and Thursday mornings at 9.30pm. Players meet at 37 Waterfalls Road, Mt Macedon. Details: macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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.

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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

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Call for donors

Hanging Rocket Cricket Club has been located within the precinct for more than 100 years.

(Supplied)

Club feels bowled over By Oliver Lees Members of the Hanging Rock Cricket Club have been left devastated following the release of the Hanging Rock Master Plan, which provides no space for the club to continue to play matches within the precinct. The Hanging Rock Master Plan was released earlier this month by the state government following community consultation and the approval of the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan in 2018. The document was created as a joint effort with Macedon Ranges council. Within the proposed changes section of the master plan, the Hanging Rock Cricket Club oval, as well as the facilities for the Hanging Rock Tennis Club and the Hanging Rock Petanque Club are to be removed. Hanging Rock Cricket Club vice-president Stephen Mitchell has been engaging with the

state government and council throughout the community consultation phases of the plan’s development. He described the document’s vision of excluding his and the other sporting club from the precinct’s future as “nonsensical”. “We have provided extensive submissions and got very little information back, and very little in terms of guarantees about our future,” Mr Mitchell said. “They’ve taken out the only community specific activity that exists at the Rock.” The master plan outline describes the inclusion of Aboriginal cultural heritage, preservation of landscape and environment and tourism experiences among the key values of the document. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said she was pleased with the vision for the iconic space. “In collaboration with Traditional Owners, the master plan will ensure

visitors can continue to visit Hanging Rock while managing impacts to the natural environmental and cultural assets of this iconic place into the future,” Ms Thomas said. Also stated in the 2018 Strategic Plan is a commitment to “recognise and preserve” the historical associations of activities that have a history greater than 100 years within the precinct. Mr Mitchell said if the current draft document was to be confirmed, the club, which has a 119-year history at that location, would have no choice but to relocate or merge with another club in the area. “Everybody acknowledges that if we were to amalgamate [with another club], it would extinguish Hanging Rock Cricket Club as an identity,” he said. Consultation on the plan will remain open until Monday, February 28. Details: www.engage.vic.gov.au/hangingrock-master-plan

The ‘perfect storm’ of the COVID-19 pandemic has led blood donor numbers to plummet, and Hume residents are being asked to roll up their sleeves. Australian Red Cross’ Lifeblood is an organisation that provides support to Australians through blood, plasma, transplantation and biological products. Lifeblood spokesperson Jessica Willet said that currently one out of every two blood donation appointments with the organisation are not being attended. “Donor numbers have plummeted recently due to a perfect storm of people waiting on COVID-19 test results or quarantining, many being away with the reopening of borders, and donors wanting to spend more time with family and friends,” she said. “With record numbers of people unwell and having to isolate, we are seeing very high cancellation rates. But COVID does not stop the need for blood. “Right now, we need others to take the place of those who can’t donate.” Ms Willet said that while one in three people will need blood in their lifetime, only one in 30 people donates. Ms Willet said in the two weeks to Australia Day, an extra 1000 blood and plasma donors were needed at donor centres in Hume. There will also be a pop-up donor centre established in Sunbury from Monday, January 31 to Friday, February 4 at the Hume Global Learning Centre on Macedon Street. Ms Willet said 60 appointments were still available. Details: 13 14 95, lifeblood.com.au or Donate Blood mobile app Michaela Meade

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Organisers postpone SunFest By Oliver Lees One of Sunbury’s most beloved festivals has postponed its event due to the ongoing uncertainty of event planning during the pandemic. In a post made on social media in December, the SunFest Sunbury committee announced they had made the decision to postpone the event with the aim of hosting two smaller events later in 2022. Usually scheduled for the third weekend in March each year, the two-day event draws

tens of thousands of visitors and people from the community. In a regular year, SunFest includes a parade, amusement rides, a colour run, fireworks and more at the corner of O’Shannassy Street and Brook Street. This will be the third straight year the event has been moved, after COVID-19 restrictions and protocols disrupted planning in 2020 and 2021. “We understand that this will come as an enormous disappointment for the community, businesses and community

groups that have been enquiring about SunFest 2022,” SunFest president Craig McTaggart said. “We truly appreciate your support and hope to see you again next year.” Mr McTaggart said due to restrictions not lifting until November, the committee was unable to apply for the permits required to run the large public event. Former SunFest president Jarrod Bell said he was disappointed by the need to cancel the community event but understood the committee’s decision.

“To our community who will be disappointed by this decision, Please understand an event of this size and magnitude cannot be planned in a few months,” Mr Bell said. “SunFest is a rolling 12 month effort and I hope we can all fully appreciate the realities this committee face. “You [the SunFest organisers] are all special people who go above and beyond to bring something to us all and it means a great deal to a great many!”

Take out your racket for a hit at Mt Carmel Mt Carmel Tennis Club is looking forward to an ace start to 2022. The Sunbury-based club will welcome back old members and those looking to give tennis a try when it hosts an open day on Saturday, January 22. Club president Andrew Peake said January is always an exciting time at the club with the Australian Open always creating a general buzz around the sport. “The courts have been really popular over the summer, I think that’s because a lot less people have been going away,” he said. “Our [membership] numbers actually increased during the pandemic. People wanted to pay and join up, and there were times when other things weren’t allowed, but tennis was.”

Starting in the second half last year, Mt Carmel Tennis Club began providing free memberships to a handful of junior players that may not be in a financial position to cover their own costs. The program, which includes players between the ages of 11 and 14, includes weekly coaching sessions, team training and competition participation. Mr Peake encouraged anyone with an interest in the game to come down to the open day, which will include a free barbecue, giveaways, membership discounts and even a radar gun to measure the pace of your serve. The open day will run from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Details: mtcarmel@hotmail.com Oliver Lees

Mt Carmel Tennis Club is inviting the community to attend its open day later this month.

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‘‘

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

‘‘

’’

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

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

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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Calls for improved bridge safety A Hume resident has called for additional safety infrastructure at the Bulla Bridge in order to accommodate a growing number of heavy vehicles that are using the narrow thoroughfare. On Sunday and Monday, Department of Transport carried out night asphalting works on Bulla Road between Bulla Diggers Rest Road and Oaklands Road in a bid to improve safety. In addition to the roadworks, VicRoads confirmed that the speed limit at the bridge would be permanently lowered to 40 km/h and that additional warning and safety signs were to be placed near the bridge.

However Hume resident Chris O’Neil said these measures did not go far enough to address the safety concerns held by some members of the community. “They think they can just drop the speed limit and not actually address the safety concerns,” Mr O’Neil said. “We’ve called on [the Department of Transport] to install barriers between the lanes and at the curve as you come down from the top of Bulla. “As far as we’re aware, that’s not getting installed.” Mr O’Neil said the safety concerns on Bulla Road are compounded by the fact that

the road had been identified as a potential primary truck route for the West Gate Tunnel soil relocation project, which could see an additional 850 heavy vehicles using the bridge each day, travelling to and from the Hi-Quality processing facility. In a letter sent to Transport Minister Jacinta Allan on October 18, Hume councillor Joseph Haweil outlined the council’s concerns regarding the safety of the bridge in relation to the potential for an increase in heavy vehicle traffic flow. Cr Haweil’s letter stated that recent data had found that the bridge was already exceeding its daily vehicle capacity, and that the bridge’s

width was more than two metres short of the standard for an arterial road. A Department of Transport spokesperson told Star Weekly that no further safety works were being considered for the road, but that the state government would continue to keep it under consideration. A Hi-Quality spokesperson said that while their business was not responsible for managing the trucks or the transport for the West Gate Tunnel Project, Hi-Quality supported the speed limit alteration and “any change or upgrade that improves safety for all road users”.

U3A’s COVID safe focus The University of the Third Age (U3A) Sunbury is taking the senior community’s safety concerns into consideration as it prepares to welcome students back for its next semester. Operating across Australia and the world, U3As provide retired or semi-retired people a chance to share in and enjoy a wide variety of learning, social and wellbeing activities. From yoga, to painting, local history and book club, there are a range of courses on offer to suit a diverse range of interests. Former U3A Sunbury president Jill Dyson said this year the organisation is making sure it accommodates those who wish to participate, but are concerned with the rates of COVID-19 transmission in the community. “People are still quite fearful, particularly people like myself with an elderly mum,” Ms Dyson said. “I know there are people that don’t want to

get out in the community until they’ve had their booster.” “The safety of our members is our primary concern, along with keeping connected.” Current president Marlene Cann said the organisation will be catering to the needs of all of its members by providing a mixture of in-person and online courses. Face-to-face class enrolments are only available to those who are double-vaccinated. The U3A semester begins January 31. To join, visit U3A Sunbury’s new website, or head down to the Sunbury Global Learning Centre at 10.30am on Thursday, January 20 to speak with a member of the organisation about your enrolment. Details: www.u3asunbury.org.au Oliver Lees

Hume councillors Karen Sherry and Jarrod Bell with U3A Sunbury treasurer Bernadette Young, secretary Leigh Martin and Hume mayor Carly Moore at a Hume council awards evening. (Supplied)

Don’t travel to high risk areas on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days. If you plan to travel through Victoria, during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or above, avoid travelling to high risk areas, including to cities and towns.

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MY PLACE Tia Alysse is an artist based in Malmsbury. Having studied arts while attending Alice Miller School, Tia’s work often includes influence from her surrounds in the Macedon Ranges. Her new art class series entitled Country Canvases has received support from the state government. She spoke with Oliver Lees to create your artwork, including your take-home canvas. The classes run for three hours and seat up to 15, running on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm. I have created an outdoor space amongst my pet deer and horses, which is perfect for gatherings in warmer months with friends and family. I hope to help people reconnect both from regional Victoria and metro Melbourne in a relaxed country setting, all whilst they have fun, unwind, and create a piece they love.

What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges? My family have been based in the Macedon Ranges for 15 years. I completed VCE at John Marsden’s Alice Miller School in 2017, and from there decided to become a full-time artist working out of my home studio. The native flora and fauna to the Macedon Ranges have become the subject and inspiration of many of my artworks. Living rurally on acreage allows me to have pet deer and horses that feature heavily in my artwork and make a great addition to the perfect home studio. I’m lucky to have such a passionate local client base that hail from the Macedon Ranges and that so greatly value original artworks from young locals’ life myself. Do you have a favourite part of town? One of the places I love to go to is Merchants of Malmsbury for a Devonshire tea with my mum and sit among Len’s garden and marvel at his photography and roses. My partner and I also love to get out to Zig Zag Winery. They have a wonderful sparkling Shiraz, perfect over summer, and much-loved during lockdowns. You’re able to relax on the deck there and have a picnic overlooking the vines. For something a little fancier, Miss M’s on Piper Street in Kyneton has a wonderful cocktail and tapas menus – which are to die for. During lockdown, I also walked down to the picturesque botanical gardens in Malmsbury a lot for a picnic to watch the family of geese that live there.

How would you describe your personal approach to your craft? I create original works on canvas and paper taking inspiration from my regional surroundings and the animals which I love. I have found a lot of joy recently painting native Australian wildlife such as Major Mitchell’s, Black and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos amongst others. I am always trying to develop my technical skills by persistently putting my brush on canvas every single day. Recently I’ve been acquiring unique materials, box-framed canvases, and large ornate frames, in much bigger sizes than I am used to, and I plan to work on these over the next year.

Tia Alysse.

(Damjan Janevski)

What can you tell me about your upcoming Country Canvases project? Country Canvases is a series of intimate

artist-guided acrylic painting classes. All sittings are BYO food and beverage, we will provide you with all the art materials required

How can people get involved? People can get involved and show support by visiting my website tiaalysseart.com.au, email, call, text, or message me through Facebook or Instagram handles ‘Tia Alysse Art’ to either book a Country Canvases class or simply come visit my home studio and meet the pet deer. I’m sure there is something you’ll love in my gallery.

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Supporting Melbourne Zoo's marine wildlife rescue 3 Feb - 12 Mar

Book online

zoo.org.au/cinema 12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 January, 2022

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BARE ROOT ORDERS NOW OPEN Riddells Creek Nursery Start the year off right by taking the first step towards yourdream garden! We are now taking requests for winters bare root season. If you plan on setting up an orchard, are looking for the perfect statement tree or are adding to your rose collection, bare root season offers the best range and great prices!

IT’S ALSO TIME TO ORDER • spring flowering bulbs • camellias • azaleas • rhododendrons

SEND YOUR WISH LIST TO Ordersrcn@gmail.com or submit an enquiry via our website riddellscreeknursery.com.au or by scanning the QR Code 12531731-AV03-22

PLACE ORDERS FOR • roses • fruit trees and berries • ornamental trees

We are open and trading as per usual 7 days a week Open Hours 9am-5pm 675 Kilmore Road Riddells Creek | Phone 5428 7387 Find us on Instagram @riddellscreeknursery Tuesday, 18 January, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Catch Sunset Safari spectacular It’s a rare opportunity to be able to travel to Africa to witness first-hand its most spectacular wildlife basking in the glow of summer’s sunset. But for residents of Melbourne’s west, this unique experience is all being made possible just around the corner from home. Commencing this January, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s quintessential after-hours wildlife experience, Sunset Safari, is providing visitors with an enchanting and immersive safari adventure to remember, and will run for 10 weeks until March 13. Visitors can experience the zoo’s glorious savannah during a personalised safari bus tour as the sunset illuminates the open range, and explore the walking trails to witness some of the world’s most iconic animals including rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, lions and hippopotamus. During the unforgettable evening, visitors will learn from zoo guides about efforts to fight wildlife extinction, and meet and talk to zoo staff as they journey through the walking trails. The tour also includes interactive and authentic performances of drums, song and dance to the rhythm and soul of Africa, and comes with a range of food and beverage options – including bistro dining, canapes, cocktails and an African village braai. Werribee Open Range Zoo director Glen Holland said Sunset Safari is an authentic African-inspired experience that people can encounter just minutes from home. “Sunset Safari allows visitors to experience the essence of Africa, and there’s no plane ticket required,” Mr Holland said.

A giraffe on the savannah at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

“Its the perfect setting for people to connect with nature and wildlife as the sun sets on the picturesque Savannah. “Through the stories your zoo guide shares, you will learn about the plight of species the wild and how you can join us on our journey to secure a future rich in wildlife.” Sunset Safari is held from 5.30pm to 9pm each Saturday and Sunday from January 8 to March 13. Entry to the special after-hours event costs $59 for adults and $29 for children. Food and drink packages are sold separately and can be pre-booked or purchased on the night. Sunset Safari helps Zoos Victoria support international partners including the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, which specialise in wildlife conservation and research, animal rescues and community outreach programs. Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded

(Supplied/Zoos Victoria)

Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

(Supplied/Zoos Victoria)

that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au and all ticketholders 18 years and over are required to provide proof of full vaccination and follow Victorian

government directions at www.coronavirus. vic.gov.au To book or for more information visit www. zoo.org.au/sunsetsafari

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

January 14, 1992

January 14, 1997

January 15, 2002

January 17, 2012

Two members of the new Macedon Ranges Water Authority have refused to accept the annual tax-free allowances of $8000 each, adopted by the authority at its first meeting on December 12.

Almost 200 residents have objected to a decision by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to grant a permit for a housing estate on the historic Bolobek property.

A new fire station in Sunbury is set to slash emergency response times. Sunbury CFA manager Ian Thomson said the areas east of the railway line, including Goonawarra, Jacksons Hill and the local business district, will be better serviced.

Sunbury resident Geoffrey Brennan was left shaken after witnessing a dog attack last week. On Wednesday, Mr Brennan was walking his dog on Gap Road when a small dog was picked up in the jaw of a large dog that wouldn’t let go.

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 January, 2022

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Aiden, 10, enjoys Funfields. 264213

Splashing through the holidays W

ith the temperatures rising last week, people of all ages decided to hit the water to try and cool down. Early in the week, many people headed to Altona beach, making the most of the open space. Others headed to pools like Sunshine Leisure Centre, Melton Waves and the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor pool. The pools had plenty of activities for children, and parents could either join in or watch from the sidelines. The pools were also popular places for teenagers to catch up with their mates. Others took their love for the water a bit further and headed to Funfields Themepark in Whittlesea for a day out. As well as all the slides and water fun, families could enjoy the Mystic Kingdom, thrill rides, go-karts and mini golf. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski headed out to capture some of the fun.

Altona Beach.

264022

Siblings Sophie (7) and Austin (3) enjoy Altona beach.

Siblings Akem and Abraham at Melton Waves.

Cartel, Colton, Jacinta and Cordel have some fun at Melton Waves.

Anna and daughter Addie at Sunshine.

264439

264380

Thrill seekers making the most of the rides at Funfields. 264213

Loretta and three-year-old Henrietta at Sunshine. 264439

Ten-year-old Tilly at the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 264222

Six-year-old Jesse at Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 264222

Tuesday, 18 January, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

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

Keilor probus

Through the lens

The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business following the lockdowns. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub. New members are welcome. n Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801.

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. n 9311 9973

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. n Julie, 0409 259 389

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

Female cricket Keilor Park Cricket Club is looking for players to join its female cricket team. The club, which has had success in recent years plays in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association on Sundays. n http://ow.ly/kLiz50Hsqqj

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 7pm. n sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Sunbury Combined Probus Club The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. Visitors and new Members are welcome. n Carmel 0416 477 271.

Dylan Alcott was the star of the show at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre last week.

suitable for all ages, but spaces are limited and booking is essential. The ticket price is $25 per adult or $12 per child for two sessions running on Friday, February 18 and Friday, March 25. n 5422 0387

Quilt-In Wyndham Patchworkers is holding its 25th anniversary Quilt-In on February 12 at St James the Apostle Catholic Church Hall, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing, from 10am-3.30pm, with Veronique Diligent as guest speaker. The day will include a raffle, door prizes, show AND tell and four local traders. Due to COVID-19 requirements there will be no door sales, so all attendees must pre-book via www.trybooking.com. Tickets: $15 including morning/afternoon tea. BYO lunch. Proof of vaccination status or medical exemption required. n President Donna Morris, 0417 268 887

Toastmasters 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. n vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

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. n 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. n Frank, 0423 392 884

Hanging Rock night walks Let the scent of eucalypt and the calls of native wildlife captivate you on a night time walk at Hanging Rock. The walks are

Education volunteers EdConnect Australia are on the search for Wyndham residents to mentor and volunteer with students for the 2022 school year. The charity places volunteers in local schools to help improve the lives of vulnerable young people and equip them with life skills. Whether you are recently retired or studying at university, EdConnect Australia offers training and support to its volunteers. Potential volunteers can apply online. n www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/volunteer or 1800 668 550

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.

Working women Are you a woman aged 50+ in Wyndham and looking for work? Wyndham Jobs Victoria advocates are inviting you to hear from the Council of the Aged Victoria team about the Women Working Together program, which is designed to support women aged 50+ in their training and

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 January, 2022

(Damjan Janevski)

employment pathway. As part of a Wyndham council initiative, the free online session will be held from 11am-noon on Tuesday, January 25. After the session you can book an appointment with a Wyndham job advocate for additional personalised advice and referral to help with your job search. n Register at https://events.humanitix.com/ working-in-wyndham-series-suitable-forwomen-aged-50plus

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

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. n John, 0418 377 336

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. n Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

Singing group Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. n 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. n 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. n Suzanne, 0417 512 420

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

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

Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. n Lesley, 0414 481 442

Rotary club Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. n Pam, 0418 347 691or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members, players or beginners welcome. n Heather, 9399 2190

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park Meets Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. n Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119 or 0400 052 857

Family fun day The Altona North Bowls Club will be holding a family fun day on January 26. From noon, there will be live music, activities for children, sausage sizzle, refreshments and barefoot bowls. Gold coin donation for entry.

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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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Lake Imaging are offering a redu ced fee for all patients who book a CT Calcium Score test in Feb ruary and March.

Talk to your GP about this simp le test to determine your risk of cardiova scular disease.

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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, 18 January, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

PUZZLES No. 064

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

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

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

4 8 5

medium

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

Appear sporadically (4,3,2) Not edited (5) Healed (5) Keepsake (7) Most pleasant (6) Messages sent on holiday (9) Bit by bit (9) Appraised (8) Reprieve (7) Unauthorised disclosure (7) Support (4,2) From Dublin (5) Estimate (5)

4 5 6 7 8 14

ACROSS Swiss currency (5) Clergyman (9) Breastbone (7) Made of fine clay (7) African country (7) News (7) Made dapper (7,2) Not bad (4) Admirers (4) Things that hinder (9) Jogging (7) Bravery (7) Hobby (7) Puts more bullets in (7) Mental disorder (9) Give way; surrender (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29

No. 064

15 16 18 20 21 23 24

DOWN Place protected by natural features (8) Vindicator (7) Binding agreements (9)

1 2 3

DECODER

No. 064

hard

2 2 6

8 9 9

10 11 12 13

G O 20

ACTOR ADAPT AGILE ALOOF ANGER APRIL ARENA ARISE AWAIT BASES CEASE DRAMA DREAD EASED EERIE ENDER ENDOW ENEMA GLOAT GRADE GRASS

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”.

Today’s Aim: 9 words: Good 13 words: Very good

7 3 5 9 8 1 6 4 2

8 5 7 1 2 9 6 3 4

2 1 4 6 8 3 5 9 7

6 3 9 4 5 7 2 1 8

9 6 3 2 4 1 8 7 5

4 LETTERS AWES BEAN COAT ERAS GEAR HAUL LYRE OKED PEAT POST SAGE SAKI TAGS TIDY

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

N T E R E

4 7 2 8 1 6 3 5 9

3 8 1 5 9 4 7 6 2

6 9 2 3 5 4 7 8 1

8 1 4 6 2 7 3 9 5

1 4 8 2 3 6 5 7 9

9 5 6 4 7 8 2 1 3

3 2 7 1 9 5 8 6 4

2 6 9 7 1 3 4 5 8

5 7 1 8 4 2 9 3 6

4 8 3 5 6 9 1 2 7

8 5 6 4 9 1 2 7 3

3 2 1 8 6 4 7 9 5

5 6 8 9 1 7 3 4 2

4 9 7 5 3 2 6 1 8

6 8 3 1 5 9 4 2 7

9 4 5 2 7 8 1 3 6

7 1 2 6 4 3 5 8 9

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 January, 2022

O O S

1 3 9 7 2 6 8 5 4

5 9 6 3 7 2 4 8 1

No. 064

A B I D E M O D E S P R I N T

1 2 5 7 6 8 9 4 3

HOOFS LEAST LOCAL MANIA MEALY MERGE MYTHS NAEVE ODDLY OUNCE OUTDO PIANO PRESS PSALM ROUGH SAFES SATAN SAUTE SCALE SEDAN SEMEN

SENDS SHAFT STARS STUCK TOOTH ULTRA WEEPS

7 LETTERS INSPECT MAGENTA OATMEAL RAPTURE ROLLING SEASICK

6 LETTERS ORGASM SLOGAN THROAT TREATS

8 LETTERS CARDIGAN EMPHATIC FIREARMS SEMESTER

21-01-22

QUICK QUIZ

Jack in the Pulpit, Devils and Angels and Cuckoo-Pint are all common names for what?

Of what is the Big Mac Index an informal measure?

What seafood sauce, named after an expensive cognac, was created in the 1980s in Hong Kong?

Frank was the 2003 debut album of which English singer?

What was the first commercially successful video game?

Which former Australian cricketer played Ivan Milat in the 2003 film Fat Pizza?

What narrow strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara?

Who created the sculpture Puppy (pictured), which was installed outside the Guggenheim Museum in Spain?

The talented Madame de Pompadour was the mistress of which French king?

No. 064

acid, acing, ADVANCING, again, aida, angina, avian, avid, caning, canna, caving, dancing, diva, divan, gain, naiad, vain, viand

7 4 8 9 3 5 1 2 6

2 7 4 3 8 5 9 6 1

5 LETTERS ABOUT

9-LETTER WORD

18 words: Excellent

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

medium

easy

hard

3 9

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. From which major tennis tournament was Novak Djokovic disqualified from in 2020?

5. Former Essendon great James Hird has recently joined which AFL club as a leadership consultant?

2. Tennis professional Renata Vorácová hails from which country in Central Europe?

6. New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor took the final wicket in his recent farewell Test match to defeat which national team?

3. Which current A-League Men's head coach shares a name with a former NFL quarterback? 4. Which Swedish tennis player won the Australian Open men's singles title in 1988, the first year played at Melbourne Park?

7. Ash Barty won the women's singles title, and, with Storm Sanders the women's doubles title, at which recent hard court tournament? 8. Curtis Scott last played for which NRL club? 9. After winning three of the last four premierships, in which position did AFL team Richmond finish on the ladder in 2021? 10. Did Bernard Tomic win his recent Australian Open qualifying match against Russian tennis professional Roman Safiullin? 11. How many F1 teams has Aussie Daniel Ricciardo driven for in his career?

12. Which country had former NRL player Blake Ferguson planned to play rugby union in until his recent arrest there?

Ross Taylor

13. In 1988, which German tennis player won all four Grand Slams, as well as an Olympic gold medal? 14. Which three countries are set to host the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup men's tournament? 15. How old is Australian batsman Usman Khawaja, who scored two centuries in the fourth Ashes Test at the SCG?

25. How many wickets did Scott Boland take in his first two test matches against England?

20. In which country was English cricketing allrounder Ben Stokes born? 21. What Winter Olympic event actually debuted at the 1908 Summer Olympics?

16. Who is the all-time leading try-scorer of the Wallabies rugby union team?

26. What NBL team plays their home games at Nissan Arena?

17. Which tyre company has been the exclusive supplier of the F1 world championship since 2011?

22. Which NBA player recently returned to the court with the Golden State Warriors after 941 days on the injury list?

18. Which country hosted the equestrian events for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games?

23. Who captains the Australian women's cricket team?

19. Which famous soccer player was born with the name Edson Arantes do Nascimento?

24. The award for Australia's best male or female golfer each year is named after which former champion?

27. What aquatic creature is the mascot of the NFL team based in Miami? 28. What Melbourne suburb were the Sydney Swans based on before they moved interstate in 1982? 29. What is the national sport of Papua New Guinea? 30. True of false: An NHL ice hockey rink is bigger than an NBA basketball court?

Ash Barty 1. US Open 2. Czech Republic 3. Warren Moon (Brisbane Roar) 4. Mats Wilander 5. Greater Western Sydney Giants 6. Bangladesh 7. Adelaide International 8. Canberra Raiders 9. 12th 10. No 11. Five (Hispania, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault and McLaren) 12. Japan 13. Steffi Graf 14. Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia 15. 35 16. David Campese 17. Pirelli 18. Sweden 19. Pelé 20. New Zealand 21. Figure skating 22. Klay Thompson 23. Meg Lanning 24. Greg Norman 25. Fourteen 26. Brisbane Bullets 27. Dolphin 28. South Melbourne 29. Rugby League 30. True

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MX-30 Electric . . . too much money for too little range?

Mazda charges up for the future By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring We were supposed to get the Mazda MX-30 Electric a few weeks ago, but someone forgot to charge it. The plan was to drive from Sydney’s Alexandria to Cameron Park near Newcastle, a distance of about 160km. The MX-30 has a claimed fully-charged range of 224km, so it was eminently doable – or so we thought. Just in case, we had identified the location of some fast, commercial DC chargers along the route. Priced from $65,490, Mazda MX-30 Electric is the latest in a growing selection of electric vehicles (EVs) now available in Australia – and Mazda’s first fully-fledged electric offering. Mazda also offers a petrol-electric hybrid version of the car and apart from a small badge, they could be twins. The $33,990-plus MX-30 M Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine, together with a 24-volt battery with integrated starter generator. It’s good for 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres and a theoretical range of 797km. Both versions feature an almost identical list of inclusions, with single zone climate air, combo cloth and artificial leather upholstery, 10-way power adjust driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The list also includes 18-inch alloys, head-up window display, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, 360-degree monitor, front and rear parking sensors, powered glass sunroof, plus 12-speaker Bose audio with satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Key safety features include 10 airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Smart Brake Support including Turn Across Traffic function and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. What you don’t get is a power tailgate or wireless phone charging, nor is there a spare tyre – just a puncture kit. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km and it comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty along with 5-year roadside assistance. The battery is covered by an 8-year/160,000km warranty. Finance with guaranteed buyback is offered and you can pay for servicing in advance which is $1273 for five years. The drivetrain generates 107kW of power and 271Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gear style transmission. It has a smallish 35.5kWh battery and consumes 18.5kWh/100km which in part explains the car’s meagre range, although Mazda describes 224km as the “perfect” figure for urban commutes over the course of a typical week. It is however quick to point out that range figures are for comparison purposes and may

not always reflect real life driving results. Factors include the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles, vehicle load and use of features such as air conditioning or heated seats. Because the electric motor makes little or no noise, the audio system generates a comforting, turbine-like sound that rises and falls with the accelerator. Unlike earlier EVs, the charge port is located at the rear like petrol models and supports both Type 2 AC and Combo 2 DC charging connections. It’s supplied with a portable charger that can be plugged into a standard 240V, 10A household outlet and takes about 9 hours to deliver 20-80 per cent charge (as in not fully charged). Stepping up to a 6.6kWh AC wallbox or public charger, the same 20-80 per cent takes about three hours. With a commercial 50kWh DC charger, the time reduces to as little as 36 minutes. The thing is that continual use of fast chargers is likely to reduce the operational life of the batteries. So, Catch-22. DAY 1: At pick up the car showed 98 per cent charge and a maximum range of 183km, nowhere near the promised 224km -- and perilously close to the 160km planned. I might add, the trip back from Cameron Park to the Blue Mountains is 190km and could have been a major drama. In hindsight, we were lucky the booking fell through. By the time we got our electric wunderkind home, we had travelled 85.5km. The battery had 52 per cent remaining and a range of 96km. It had been a long day so we decided to put off charging until the following evening. The small boot by the way accommodates a large suitcase, but little else. We were forced to put the rest of our luggage on the back seat. That’s when we discovered the Freestyle or “suicide” doors, resurrected from the RX-8 sports car. FYI. Guys, they didn’t work then – and, guess what? – they still don’t. Rear legroom is extremely limited and once you’re in the closeted back, the doors cannot be

opened until the front doors have first been opened. In other words, you’re stuck. So don’t expect your next Uber to turn up in an MX-30 – hybrid or electric. DAY 2: By the end of the second day the MX-30 had travelled a total of 115km. The battery was sitting on 32 per cent and range showed just 57km. My wife who had been driving the car reported trouble starting, not once -- but about one in every three starts. She also had trouble getting it into reverse at one point. Connected the car to the charger in the evening in readiness for the next three days of travel to and from work. It’s a round trip of about 40-45km – exactly what the MX-30 is designed to do, we’re told. DAY 3: All charged up and nowhere to go. Alas, my wife called in sick and the MX-30 spent the day sitting there. If we had to go out, we took our own car because the Mazda was parked in. To explain, charging an electric car, at our place at least, involves moving cars around, so the EV has access to the garage and a power point. An extension lead will not work -believe me, I’ve tried. Because charge cables are only three or four metres long, you often need to reverse in too. It’s ironic because EVs are touted as the perfect choice for city dwellers, most of whom don’t have access to off-street parking. The whole charging scenario turns the purchase of an EV into something of a lifestyle choice. You spend your time worrying about how much charge the car has left and when and where you’ll have the opportunity to charge it again. DAY 4: Back to work. The MX clocked up another 41km, bringing the accumulated distance travelled to 156km. After a couple of days charging, it started the day with a full charge and a range of 181km (still no sign of the promised 224km). By the end of the day, we had 150km and 80 per cent left.

My wife likes the fact the head-up window display shows school zones as well as the speed limit. I’d like it too - if it was visible to my polarised sunglasses. DAY 5: Travelled 41km. The car showed 106km to go with the battery at 56 per cent, and an accumulated distance of 197km. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the funky cork finish of the centre console. While it might be eco-friendly, in an Ikea sort of way, I have some concerns about how well it will wear over time? I can imagine kids and/or pets picking at it which would be the beginning of the end once its integrity is compromised. DAY 6: Just 12km to the shops and back. A range of 94km left and 51 per cent battery remaining. Accumulated distance 209km. DAY 7: Busy day. A total of 82km travelled and it was touch and go in the end. In the evening, we had a family dinner planned and in hindsight the car really should have been charged, but sometimes one needs to push the envelope. Travelling there was no problem. In fact, we actually picked up a couple of kilometres on the downhill run thanks to regenerative braking. But by the time we got home, it had just 12km and 8 per cent charge left. DAY 8: Fully charged, the MX-30 is ready to go back to Mazda. Batteries add a substantial amount of weight to the car. But they are mounted low in the chassis which means a low centre of gravity and improved handling. The Hybrid G20e Evolve that we drove before the full EV weighs 1481kg. In comparison, MX-30 Electric tips the scales at 1654kg -- a whopping 173kg more. Handing back the keys, we had travelled 398.6km and had charged the car twice over the week. In comparison, the hybrid was using 7.2L/100km after a little over 400km – and we didn’t have to fill it once. SUMMARY In the year just gone, it seemed like everyone wanted to know if the time was right to buy an electric car. The interest is there, but the confidence is not – at least not yet. There are two major factors to consider when buying an EV: price and range. Range first and foremost, because that’s the thing people worry about most. And price, because the more you’re prepared to pay, the further an EV will go – Tesla is a good example. The Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina pure electric is close to $70K by the time you put it on the road. That’s a lot of folding money for a car that can’t get from Sydney to Newcastle on a single charge, don’t you think?

Tuesday, 18 January, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

Rockies finding their rhythm in maiden season Macedon Ranges Rockies coach Michael Ryan has been pleased with his side’s ability to gel in its first season in the Country Basketball League north-west competition. After seven matches, the Rockies sat in fifth spot on the ladder, with four wins and three losses. On top of the challenge of getting used to playing in the CBL, Ryan said the Rockies, like many community sporting clubs across Victoria, had in recent weeks had players unavailable due to COVID-19 protocol. The team had four players in isolation who were unable to train earlier in the month. “We were really starting to hit our stride just before Christmas, we were in that sweet spot,” Ryan said. “Then we had a couple weeks off and the world changed a fair bit.” The Rockies have been impressive in the matches where they have come out on top, winning by a combined total of 153 points in their first three wins of the year. But the season has also been trademarked

by an inability to finish strongly in close games. Macedon Ranges lost both its round three contest against Bendigo and its round five match against Echuca by three points, despite leading late in both matches. In the round three match up, the Rockies and the Braves went into overtime before Bendigo pulled away. Ryan said he recognised that it would take some time for his players to learn how to close out tight games. “Playing in those kinds of situations is a really good learning opportunity for us,” he said. “We’re still trying to learn how to come together in those critical moments. I know the longer we are together the better we’ll be. “Right now we’re still working out who’s who in those situations, but there’s still plenty of positive to take out of it.” Billy Feben has proven to be a consistent force for the Rockies on offence. The guard has featured in the league’s weekly top five scorers

for four weeks straight. Ryan said it was a pleasure to coach Feben, who he described as a player with a high basketball IQ. “Bill’s a volume scorer, he can create his own shot, which is at this level is pretty advantageous,” Ryan said. “I think our best games are when he’s played well, not just from a points perspective, but [with his passing] he offers so much to us as a team.” The Rockies will play one more home game this regular season against top of the table Bacchus Marsh on Sunday, January 23. “We’re really grateful to all the supporters who have been coming to our home games so far,” he said. “We’d love to see a big crowd [against Bacchus Marsh]. We’ve been tough to beat at home, the noise echoes throughout the stadium pretty well, the crowd has been like our sixth man.” Oliver Lees

Gisborne talent boost By Oliver Lees Gisborne has landed two marquee signings ahead of the 2022 Bendigo Netball League season. Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer confirmed last week the club had secured talented youngsters Claudia Mawson, who last year was selected in the Victorian Fury squad, and Kirby Elliott, who received the Riddell District Netball League rising star award while playing for Riddell in 2019. Rymer said she hoped the addition of the two prodigious talents could help propel her side to the ultimate success, after the Bulldogs finished in third place last year in a season that was ultimately called off due to COVID-19 protocol. The Bulldogs lost just two and drew one game from their 12 matches. “We wanted someone that could slide in across the middle and defensive circle, Kirby really ticked the box for being able to do both. I think she makes our team quite versatile,” she said. “Claudia … will slot perfectly into the goal attack position, that’s the position we need to fill this year.” Elliott joins the Bulldogs after playing a crucial role in Riddell’s top of the table finish last season. The Bombers cruised to a eight win and two loss end of season tally. Speaking to Star Weekly last year, Riddell coach Adam Boldiston heaped praise on Elliott, describing her as “dominant” in defense and on the wing. Mawson spent the 2021 season playing up front for the Melbourne University Lightning. She averaged 18.4 goals a game in her eight matches. Having already completed team tryouts, Rymer said the squad is focused on finding cohesion. “It’s a really exciting time for us, when we look at the quality of players across the board, I think we have a number of players in A-reserve that in any other season would be great A-grade players,” she said. “We want to work on playing as a team. I know the girls are already excited about getting out on court.” The Bulldogs will welcome back the experience of Emmerson Lakey at centre and Holly Doricic at wing attack. Rymer said she was also looking forward to seeing the club’s young talent come up and

Kirby Elliott.

(Shawn Smits)

make a contribution in A-grade. She said former Bulldogs junior player Rylee Connell will be pushing for a spot in attack. Likely standing in the way of the Bulldogs’ premiership chances this season will be BNL powerhouse clubs Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst. Prior to COVID-19 interrupting play Sandhurst had won back-to-back A-grade grand finals, including a six-point defeat of

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 January, 2022

Gisborne in 2018. “It’s really interesting at the moment, all teams seem to have bolstered their sides and everyone wants to get back to playing strong netball,” Rymer said. I think it’s likely we won’t just be playing two or three hard games, but more likely five, six or more.” The Bendigo Netball League is scheduled to begin in April.

Jordan Kirk drives to the basket.

(Supplied)

Prespakis earns rising star nod Sunbury Lions and Calder Cannons product Georgie Prespakis has made an instant impact in the AFLW earning a a NAB Rising Star Award nomination. The 18-year-old made her AFLW debut in Geelong’s eight-point loss to North Melbourne on Saturday and was the standout in Geelong’s midfield. She showed her skills from the first bounce, collecting the first clearance of the game, and finished with 20 disposals, an equal-game-high seven clearances, six tackles, five inside 50s and two score involvements. Her kicking was important for Geelong, collecting 402 metres gained – the most of any Cat. Cats AFLW coach Dan Lowther said he was impressed with Prespakis’ performance, highlighting she led the team in disposals, contested possessions and clearances. “To have Georgie Prespakis come out and play the way she did just shows she’s ready for AFLW football,” he said. North Melbourne’s Mia King was the other rising star nomination for round one. The nomination would be no surprise to many in the league, with the midfielder the favourite to take out the award. Ten of the competition’s 14 captains nominating her as the likely rising star winner ahead of the season. Prespakis played her junior football with the Sunbury Lions and was drafted from the Calder Cannons with the second pick in the 2021 draft. Her nomination means she has the chance to follow in the footsteps of her older sister and Carlton star Madison, who won the rising star award in 2019 before claiming the AFLW best and fairest a year later. Ash Bolt

Kereama keeps Capitals cruising in the WNBL Experienced coach Kennedy Kereama has stepped in as interim head coach for the University of Canberra Capitals in the WNBL. Kereama, who also serves as the director of coaching at the Sunbury Basketball Association, joined the Capitals as an assistant coach late last year. He was then thrust into the top job in December after Capitals head coach Paul Goriss was handed a five-game suspension for breaching the WNBL’s ethics framework. Since assuming the role on December 21, Kereama has led the Capitals to two impressive wins against Bendigo (100-88) and Townsville (76-52). After four matches, the Capitals sat second on the table with three wins and one loss. With more than 10 years experience under his belt, including a stint as the New Zealand women’s national team coach, Kereama said he was enjoying the opportunity to lead one of the stand out teams in the WNBL. “I’ve always had a tremendous amount of

respect for this club, it has a strong history and culture of winning championships,” he said. “[It’s] a great group of players, they’ve been very accepting and responsive to me coming in.” With nine titles, including in 2019-20, Canberra is the most successful franchise in the WNBL. Kereama spent four years as the Sunbury Jets women’s Big V state championship coach before moving to Canberra. As coach, Kereama guided his side from division 1 to the state championship division, where they claimed two championships. Having also spent time coaching else in the WNBL, such as at the Dandenong Rangers, Melbourne Boomers and the West Coast Waves, (now Perth Lynx), Kereama said the move to the Capitals has allowed him to find ways to develop further as a coach. “After 10 years [as a coach], you get to the point where sometimes the only way you can get better is to work with other elite coaches

and athletes,” he said. This program is a stand out in the league, I’m constantly working with championship calibre players.” Kereama remains in the position as the director of coaching at Sunbury, but said he has taken leave from the role until the WNBL season is over. In that role Kereama has overseen the appointment of coaches John White and Ben Draper to lead the men’s and women’s program next year in the Big V. “We’ve got a great group of coaches, all with experience in the WNBL or NBL, so as far as the Big V is concerned, they’re the best coaches you can get,” he said. “We’ve got more juniors representing their state than ever… we’re in a really good place as a club right now, and I hope we can continue that.” Kereama will continue as head coach until Goriss’ suspension concludes on January 20. Oliver Lees

Kennedy Kereama.

(Shawn Smits)

GDCA cancels two rounds

(Melbourne Stars/Getty Images)

Reaching for the stars By Oliver Lees Despite having less than 24 hours to prepare for his Melbourne Stars debut in the Big Bash League, Tom Rogers showed he was ready for the big stage. Dealing with a number of players who were unavailable due to COVID-19 protocol, Rogers was named as one of four players who stepped up into the Stars’ first 11 against Perth earlier this month. “It’s unbelievable and not something I’d expected to happen at all,” Rogers told Star Weekly. “It just happened pretty fast and I think that actually helped, because I didn’t have the time to have any negative thoughts.” Opening the batting alongside Englishman Joe Clarke, the pair tacked on an impressive 78-run partnership, led by Clarke’s 52. Rogers managed 32 from 25 balls, in an innings that featured five boundaries and registered as the Stars’ second highest

individual tally from the match. But the promising debut wasn’t enough to lift the Stars to victory at Junction Oval, as they could only muster 130 in their chase of the Scorchers’ 8/180. After 12 matches, the Scorchers sit atop the BBL table with 10 wins and two losses. Rogers said he enjoyed the challenge of mixing with the game’s best in the T20 format. “I’ve fasted some reasonably quick guys … [but] there was definitely a bit of difference,” he said. The match against the Scorchers marked the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for the former Gisborne Cricket Club player, who has cemented himself as one of the standout batsmen in Victorian Premier Cricket. In December, the 22-year-old broke the Premier Cricket record for the highest individual run score in a one-day match. His knock of 200 not out for Ringwood against Prahran came from just 151 deliveries and included 21 fours and four sixes.

Rogers has made a ton on two other occasions this year, lifting his season average to 97.8 from seven innings. His stellar 2020-21 season also earned him a spot in the Kookaburra Men’s Premier Team of the Season. “It obviously makes a difference, being a bit more confident when you’re coming off some runs,” Rogers said. Rogers’ top notch work in the top flight of Victorian allowed him the opportunity to be selected in the Stars Academy last year. Alongside 12 other stand out young players, Rogers was selected in the Cricket Victoria development program, which was supposed to include a T20 tour of Darwin as part of the Northern Territory’s Cricket 365 program. However due to COVID-19 health and safety protocol, the preseason tournament was called off. Rogers said he’d still taken plenty from the experience, including training and exposure to elite level coaches.

The Gisborne and District Cricket Association has cancelled two rounds of fixtures citing a lack of player availability due to the growing number of people forced to isolate due to COVID-19 protocols. With tens of thousands of active cases being recorded in Victoria each day, individuals that test positive to COVID-19, or those who are close contacts of those who test positive, are required to isolate at home for a period of seven days. GDCA president Rob McIntyre said he was aware that clubs across the league were struggling to pull together teams due to so many players being out of action. As well as cancelling round seven, McIntyre said last weekend’s round eight fixtures would also be postponed. “Over the past week, clubs have been reporting a large number of their players have been infected or were isolating as close contacts and that this would impact their ability to field teams over the coming weeks,“ he said. “We will continue to monitor the number of infections at our clubs over the next week and make a decision as to whether our competition can return to play in round nine. “However, experts are predicting that this current COVID-19 wave will not peak until the end of January which could put the rest of the cricket season in jeopardy.” The season delay comes at the wrong time for Sunbury United, who currently sit in first place of the top flight McIntyre Cup division undefeated. In round six, before the league had a break over Christmas, United chased down Romsey’s total of 155 in 36 overs. Sunbury’s dominant performance was trademarked by two half centuries from Liam Sherlock (50) and Sammika Perera (61) in the middle order. At the other end of the table, Rupertswood, Diggers Rest Bulla and East Sunbury will all be looking to improve when play resumes, as each side currently has just one win for the year. Oliver Lees

Tuesday, 18 January, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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