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Strike up the chorus The Kyneton Municipal Band is on the lookout for new members to fill out its ensemble. The historic brass band, which was established in 1854, has been a mainstay at many of the shire’s most well-known events. Kyneton Municipal Band bandmaster Hugh Davies said it had been a difficult past couple years, with the group unable to practice or perform because of COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re always trying to look for new members and publicise the fact there’s actually a band in town, and anyone who would like to join is welcome,” he said. “We currently have 20 or so [members] playing brass instruments like cornets, horns, trombones, plus we’re after percussion players. The band welcomes people of all ages and abilities, with a current age range of eight to 80 years among playing members. The band rehearses every Friday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Red Brick Hall on Yaldwyn Street. Details: 0418 519 398. Kyneton Municipal Band member Colin Randall and the bandmaster Hugh Davies.

(Damjan Janevski) 267549_02

West Gate funding snub By Oliver Lees The West Gate Tunnel Project team has recognised the need to support Sunbury and Bulla, after members of the community were left frustrated by their exclusion from a community funding program. On February 2, the West Gate Tunnel Project team announced the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund Grants, with close to $500,000 in funding for community organisations in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay. The grants ranged less than $10,000 to organisations with one-off ideas –such as the

Brooklyn Tennis Club’s allocation for a new court, posts and nets – and more substantial grants between $20,000 to $100,000 for major facilities. The East African Women’s Foundation received the largest possible grant allocation of $100,000 to upgrade its premises. According to the state government’s Big Build website, the program has been designed with the aim of “prioritising those who are most affected by the construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project”. Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook group administrator Chris O’Neill said he was outraged that Sunbury and Bulla had not been

included in the scheme, given the current works to construct a processing facility that will receive hundreds of trucks worth of contaminated soil. Mr O’Neil said he had met with state government representatives and local politicians to advocate on the communities behalf for things such as improved safety measures along Sunbury Road. “Last I looked we were really affected by the tunnel being its huge toxic wasteland,” Mr O’Neil said. “We’ve submitted many ideas and many more to come but are continually ignored, we just get told they’ve listened, they sent a

memo … but until they act they’ve all done nothing.” According to a West Gate Tunnel spokesperson, the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund was set up in 2017 as the project team established its environmental performance requirements, prior to a decision being made regarding the soil relocation. The spokesperson said they acknowledge Sunbury and Bulla’s interest in a similar funding scheme. “The project parties are looking forward to working with the local community and Hume City Council to explore suitable opportunities,” the spokesperson said.

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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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4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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Ambulance emergencies soar Hume recorded the largest increase in life-threatening code one incident responses in the past year, according to data released by Ambulance Victoria. Latest Ambulance Victoria (AV) data reveals the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the service, with paramedics responding to 5004 code one call-outs in Hume in between October and December, 2021 – an increase of 47 per cent from the same period in 2020. The average code one response in Hume blew out to 16 minutes and 45 seconds, up from 15 minutes and 12 seconds the previous year.

‘‘

We are doing everything possible to relieve pressure in the system

’’

- Michael Georgious

The recommended average response time set by ambulance Victoria is 15 minutes. The impact of the pandemic was felt on ambulance services across the state, with paramedics attending to an additional 1592 emergency incidents in the last three months

of last year, making it the busiest quarter on record. Ambulance Victoria metro regional director Michael Georgiou said Hume’s record was driven by the large number of COVID-19 cases and patients requiring services. “In addition to an increase in demand for care, our performance in Hume has been impacted by time spent offloading these patients at health services along with the extra infection control requirements we have in place to keep our people and patients safe, such as wearing PPE and cleaning our ambulances,”

Mr Georgiou said. “We are doing everything possible to relieve pressure in the system and get more paramedics back on the road and to patients quicker. “While there are signs that infection rates are slowing, we remain very busy and continue to ask all community members to help us by saving triple-0 (000) for emergencies.” Meanwhile in the Macedon Ranges, the average ambulance response time for code one instances increased from 15 minutes from 15 minutes and 22 seconds to 16 minutes and 22 seconds

Carl Lewis.

(Supplied)

Hume mourns first mayor, Carl Lewis

Barry McDonald from The Woodend Lions Art Show.

(Damjan Janevski)

Art show supports Lions’ initiatives The Woodend Lions Art Show is returning in March for its 47th year. Held at St Ambrose Hall on Templeton Street, artists will be judged in seven award categories, including best oil or acrylic painting, best photography and best local (from Woodend). Woodend Lions Art Show member Barry McDonald said he was excited to see return for another year. “The pandemic has been wide reaching and has touched all our lives. The Woodend

Lions Art Show has managed to find a way to continue not missing one yearly event,” he said. “If the breadth of talent and the scope of the local works shown in last year’s show are anything to go by, it promises to be really exciting. “Local artists do very well at the show, with new talent revealed and established painters attracting a dedicated audience. “The show offers many, many people an enchanting wonder through a diverse

collection for a token donation. The sales at this signature event are substantial.” This year’s show will be held on March 12, 13 and 14. The funds raised at this show will support the range of social and environmental projects undertaken by Woodend Lions in the local community. Artists can enter their work via Woodend Lions web page. Details: https://woodend.vic. lions.org.au/projects

Hume mayor Carly Moore has paid her respects to her predecessor Carl Lewis, who died on January 30. Mr Lewis served at the municipality’s first mayor from 1997 to 1998 and represented Culpin Ward (south east) from 1997 to 2000. In 2018, the hall at the Lynda Blundell Community Centre in Dallas the Carl Lewis Hall. Cr Moore said Mr Lewis was always focused on achieving positive outcomes for the community. “At the heart of his time on council was a commitment to providing welcoming community facilities nurturing new opportunities, early childhood development, community strengthening and the sharing of cultural knowledge in a safe, respectful place,” Cr Moore said. “Carl was a councillor in Hume’s formative years and his legacy will live on through the Lynda Blundell Centre and the many community activities that take place in this community.” The municipality of Hume was officially formed in 1994 to include parts of the former Bulla, the Broadmeadows, Whittlesea and Keilor council areas.

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With the most recent wave of the COVID-19 pandemic causing a string of staff and food shortages at major retailers, a community organisation has developed a tool to help consumers connect with local producers. Launched by the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, the ‘Get to know your grower’ website provides profiles on individuals and businesses around the shire, and beyond that produce fruit and vegetables for sale. The project has also been supported by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health,

Macedon Ranges council and Healthy Heart Victoria. The website provides an interactive map with detailed descriptions on growers. Users can also tailor their search by produce, season or venue to find specific goods to put together a recipe or to stock the pantry. Claire Rowland, who is a member of the Veg Action Group within the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, said she hoped the website would encourage residents to support local farmers.

“Not only does it strengthen the community, but it avoids the distribution problems that we are currently seeing,” she said. “You know you will be getting the freshest produce grown in the rich soil and clean air of the Macedon Ranges and surrounds.” The website also contains tips for eating seasonally, recipes and details for farmers’ markets. Details: https://veg.mrsg.org.au/ Oliver Lees

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Tuesday, 15 February, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 5

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Skate park feedback Skaters of the Macedon Ranges are being asked to provide feedback to help shape the vision of the Gisborne Skate Park. Macedon Ranges council intends to revamp the public space with more family-friendly public spaces. Details: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ yoursay

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Sunbury community forum The Sunbury Residents Association will be hosting a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss ongoing projects in the community. Sunbury MP Josh Bull will be present along with Hume council’s Jackson Creek Ward councillors Jarrod Bell, Trevor Dance and Jack Medcraft. The presentation will be held at Club Sunbury at 7pm on Thursday, February 17. Details: http://4sunbury. com/

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Performers from the production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

(Supplied)

Find your wonderland Take a trip down the rabbit hole this March as the historic Bolobek Garden opens to the public for a performance of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Located at the base of Mount Macedon, the heritage-listed Bolobek garden will welcome visitors and performers from the Australian Contemporary Opera Co production for the event, which will be held on Saturday, March 12. Established over a century ago, Bolobek includes a diverse array of features, from a walled rose garden and lilac hedges, to woodland areas with mature shrubs and oaks. Speaking with Star Weekly in 2021, Garden owner Brigid Robertson said there was

Autism in the workplace

something for everyone in the eclectic space. “[Various flowers in the garden including dahlias, roses, hydrangeas and rhubarb have won prizes at the Mt Macedon Horticultural Society autumn show over the last few years and the Kyneton Horticultural Spring show in 2019.” Tickets are $77 for adults, $55 for concession holders and $27.50 for children 17 and under. Attendees can also enjoy Hesket Estate wines, locally assembled picnic boces and tea and coffee inside the garden. All proceeds from the event will go toward Open Gardens Victoria, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to encourage people to embrace gardening. Details: opengardensvictoria.org.au

Amaze, Australia’s peak body for autistic people and their supporters, will be hosting a workshop at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute Hall, on March 8, to teach leaders in the community how they can support autistic people in the workplace. Cost $25. Details: info@ volunteercentralvic.com.au

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Compensation not part of plan says airport chief Melbourne Airport has confirmed it has no plans to compensate residents affected by its plan to construct a third runway. The airport recently released its draft master plan and major development plan which includes the construction of a third runway. The runway will be orientated north-south, with the township of Bulla immediately north of the proposed strip. The new runway is expected to take four to five years to build in a staged process, and will be located 1.3 kilometres from the existing south-west runway. It will be 3000-metres long and will result in the shortening of the east-west runway and changes to flight paths. There will be three different ways the

runways can be used, with both arrivals and departures to use the new runway. With potential impacts of the construction project impacting surrounding areas, Hume council has used social media to encourage residents to submit feedback. With a change in flight directions expected to affect those living in Bulla in particular, questions about compensation have been raised. Compenstation measures could include double glazed windows and helping sound proof houses. Melbourne Airport chief of infrastructure Simon Gandy said there are no plans for compensation. “Melbourne Airport opened in 1970 with

two runways, and a plan for two more,” he said. “The proposed parallel north-south runway is in line with the hashtag layout that has been part of approved airport plans since 1990 (before privatisation). “We understand residents want certainty about what options might be available to them, and at this very early stage in the runway approval process, there are no plans for compensation.” Mr Gandy said if compensation was considered in the future, that it would be a matter for the airport to determine in partnership with other stakeholders, including the federal government, and would likely take the form of assistance with noise attenuation measures such as installation of double glazing

Riff down memory lane Heat, flies, lack of sleep, and some fantastic music. These are the memories that first come to mind for Peter Evans when asked to think back to his experience at the inaugural Sunbury Pop Festival in 1972. Those memories never quite left him over the years, and ultimately drew him to write a book about the event called, ‘Sunbury, Australia’s Greatest Rock Festival’.

‘‘

We didn’t really know that we were creating Australian musical history - Peter Evans

’’

Peter Evans with his book ‘Sunbury, Australia’s Greatest Rock Festival’.

outdoor music festival to John Fowler, his boss, who would go on to become the festival’s major promoter. “I was raving about the festival,” he said. “He asked rather disparagingly why anyone would want to run something like that. And I said, ‘imagine 15,000 kids times $5.’ And his

Tara Murray and Oliver Lees

Works set to continue on Sunbury Line

By Oliver Lees

“At the time we thought we were just having a great adventure, we didn’t really know that we were creating Australian musical history,” he said. The festival has entered Australian folklore as one of the earliest outdoor festivals that was successfully run with the backing of well-financed individuals from within the music and entertainment industry. To celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the event, Hume council is displaying an exhibit of images and original memorabilia that has been collected over the years. Mr Evans was more than just one of the estimated 40,000 attendees at the rock’n’roll festival, he was a crucial cog in getting the event going in the first place. In 1971, he attended the Wallacia Festival in New South Wales, and returned to his job as a lighting technician buzzing with the possibilities. He described pitching the idea of a major

or insulation. Mr Gandy said no compensation for changed flight paths and impacts to residents had been provided previously. He said while some other airports had offered compensation, Melbourne Airport was in a different position. “Compensation schemes have been established in Sydney and Adelaide for properties within defined areas, for defined periods of time,” he said. “However it should be noted that both those airports are much closer to major residential areas than Melbourne.” Details: https://caportal.com.au/melair/ virtual.

(Supplied)

face lit up. And that was where the Sunbury festivals were born.” Mr Evans will be sharing stories from the festival and the writing of his book on Thursday, February 17 from 7pm to 9pm at the Global Learning Centre in Sunbury. Details: www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au/

Disruptive works will continue on the Sunbury train line throughout the next month, as new substations are added at Diggers Rest and St Albans. The works will require train replacement buses from 8.30pm on Monday, February 21 to the last train on Sunday, February 27. Passengers may also need to use train replacement buses from Monday, February 28 to Wednesday, March 2, as works disrupt parts of the line. Crews will be tasked with installing high-voltage cables between substations to power the train line as it develops. By 2023, the state government aims to have added longer platforms and upgraded tracks as part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade project. The construction effort is expected to complement the Metro Tunnel opening in 2025, which the state government estimates will allow the train line to accommodate a further 113,000 in peak travel times each week. On Gap Road, crews continue to work on the level crossing removal project, with the job expected to be completed before the end of the year. “These works will transform the way we travel in the north-west – with better connections, slashed travel times and improved safety,” Sunbury MP Josh Bull said.

Tuesday, 15 February, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 7

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Exploring the roots of creativity After two years of delays, the Mountain Writers’ Festival has finally released its plans for 2022, with a literary lunch on Saturday, March 26 to preclude the two-day festival which will run in November. The festival’s driving theme will be ‘Place, Story, Nature’ and will explore the connection between the artistic process and the environment. For artists across the shire, this theme has a resonant meaning that has influenced their craft in unique ways. But what is the connection between art and nature? And why is that relationship so pronounced in the Macedon Ranges? Oliver Lees went

‘‘

It’s like the whole community feels they have the freedom to express themselves

digging for the answers, and discovered an artistic lineage that can be traced back to the very first inhabitants of the land.

’’

- Paul Carter

ancefield resident Paul Carter has been interrogating these questions in his own way since he moved to the shire. Arriving in the small town from London in 1986, Mr Carter was immediately captured by his surroundings. “It all came as a complete and absolutely delightful surprise,” Mr Carter said. “I landed on my feet and when I looked around, I realised the population was really talented, and with such varied artistic abilities.” Mr Carter confessed that his move to the shire brought out his own creative urges. He is an author of several books, an 11-time Archibald Prize semi finalist and a garden sculptor. His most recent work, a documentary entitled Lancefield Dreaming, was a passion project of his own design. In it, he attempted to answer a question he had long held about his home: What is the source of Lancefield’s ‘specialness’? His investigation took him back through the history of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people, who are believed to have inhabited the area as early as 26,000 years ago. Mr Carter said these communities would convey knowledge and creative expression in what is referred to as Songlines. Passed down between elders through generations, Songlines tied human expression to history, and often, naturally, with reference to the environment. “Before the project I hadn’t appreciated the significance of the local first people’s population,” he said. Mr Carter said this research helped clarify his own infatuation with the Macedon Ranges, and why it made him to explore his own creative urges. “It makes sense. Even today, you can feel that you’re stepping into a very ancient place. “In that feeling there’s a peace to it, and there

Top left: Musician Harry Nanos, screenwriter and director Paul Carter and film editor Jon Nanos all helped bring Lancefield Dreaming to life. Top right: Mountain Writers’ Festival committee members Sonia Orchard, Kathy Bell, Amalia Chilianis, Michelle Scott Tucker, Peter Mews and Kate Crawshaw. Above: Mounting writing. Inset: Aboriginal communities communicated stories down through generations, in what has come to be known as Songlines. (Pictures: Supplied)

becomes the space and time to be creative. It’s like the whole community feels they have the freedom to express themselves.” In the modern context, the importance of the shire’s natural environment, and the need to protect, is also a recurring point of focus for the Macedon Ranges council. In April 2021, the council officially declared a climate emergency. Macedon Ranges is also one of only four council areas in the state to receive recognition under the Distinctive Area and Landscape Act, which affords additional powers to sustain the natural environment. As an author and a board member of the Macedon Ranges Literary Association, Michelle Scott Tucker was excited to jump on the team to organise the Mountain Writers’ Festival. “Given the crucial nature of the environment at the moment, it just seemed like an obvious

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

thing for us to do, particularly given that we are up here in such a beautiful location,” Ms Scott Tucker said. In April 2021, Ms Scott Tucker led her own mobile writing workshop, which encouraged writers to step away from their desks and into the natural landscape. “Almost anyone writing needs to have some sense of place. So even if you’re writing about other places, your embeddedness in your own landscape can make a difference,” she said. “You connect with the natural element and somehow that acts on your subconscious in a really interesting way to help the story to fly.” Ms Scott Tucker said she believed the pandemic and its associated lockdown measures had helped many to realise how crucial one’s surroundings can be to their mental health. Mountain Writers’ Festival director Sonia

Orchard said she was very excited to welcome “some very big names” to the festival later in the year. “We’re in this good, beautiful environment that writers love, with such an easy day trip from Melbourne, the idea [for the festival] just came naturally,” she said. On March 26, the festival will welcome acclaimed authors Tony Birch, Evelyn Araluen, Tom Griffiths and Sophie Cunningham to the Macedon Wine Collective. Ms Orchard said she hopes the experience will give attendees a taste of what life is like in the Ranges. “I think being at the base of Mt Macedon, I found that incredibly powerful, waking up and looking at that every day,” she said. “I know most people living here can relate to that in some, and it’s something that is very strong in indigenous cultures.”

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Vax support for the vulnerable By Oliver Lees Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) is continuing to support vulnerable residents to get vaccinated and stay safe while high rates of COVID-19 remain present in the community. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SCCH has continuously updated its messaging to provide public health information to those most in-need. SCCH community connections manager Carly Visscher said providing detail on how residents can access vaccination clinics, rapid antigen tests (RATs) and other services was

‘‘

There are various supports in place to assist people - Carly Visscher

’’

particularly important. “Our focus has been on encouraging people to get vaccinated and sharing information around accessibility, especially those in our community that are more at risk due to age or underlying health condition,” Ms Visscher said. “There are various supports in place to assist people to access RATs from their NDIS

funding or via the commonwealth supplies as concession card holders.“ The messaging comes as Hume council has registered one of the lowest third dose vaccination rates in the state. According to data from February 8, 33 per cent of eligible residents in Hume had received a booster jab. That figure is almost half the rate of the Macedon Ranges (60.7 per cent). On February 9, a Hume council spokesperson said 183,745 of Hume’s aged 16 and over is eligible for a booster dose, and a further 25,600 residents aged 6 to 11 are eligible for their first two jabs.

While two doses can minimise your risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19, topping the two with an additional booster can significantly reduce the chances of contracting the Omicron variant of COVID-19,” the spokesperson said. “For those who have contracted COVID-19 recently, it is the recommendation from the Chief Health Officer that you receive your third or paediatric dose as soon as you have recovered from COVID-19. “Once all symptoms have ceased, please book in or visit one of the walk-up clinics across Hume to receive your next vaccination.”

Men’s health in focus A free program designed to help men improve their physical and mental wellbeing is returning to Sunbury. Established by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, the Sons of the West program will be run for 10 weeks from Tuesday March 15 as a joint effort with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health. The course, which is available to anyone over 18 years of age, will receive expert advice from physiologists, dieticians and psychologists on how to develop healthy habits. Western Bulldogs Community Foundation general manager Kashif Bouns said there was something for everyone at this unique course. “I encourage any man of any age to take the plunge and get involved,” he said. “Bring a friend, brother, father or uncle and follow in the footsteps of thousands of men who have already benefited from the diverse

range of sessions offered.” This will be the fith year the program has been facilitated in Sunbury. Previous participant Bryan said he was glad he gave it a go. “I found the education topics really interesting and varied,” he said. “As well as learning about what foods I should be cutting down on to improve my weight, there were talks on mental health, gender equity and masculinity.” Early registration is recommended. Details: https://bit.ly/3LlYV1m

The Sons of the West program will run from March 15. (Supplied)

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line, allowing bigger, more modern trains to run more often on the line. We’re also adding new lanes on the M80 to get you home safer and sooner. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Sunbury Line

8.45pm to last train each night, 15 to 17 Feb 8.30pm to last train each night, 28 Feb to 2 Mar

North Melbourne to Sunshine

12.45am 19 Feb to 20 Feb 8.30pm 21 Feb to 8.30pm 23 Feb First train to 8.30pm, 24 Feb

Sunshine to Sunbury

8.30pm to last train, 23 Feb 8.30pm 24 Feb to 27 Feb

North Melbourne to Sunbury

Road disruptions: Closed freeways 18 to 21 Feb

Closed Altona-bound between Edgars and Sydney roads

25 to 28 Feb

Closed Greensborough-bound between Sydney and Edgars roads

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

1528

M80 Ring Road

Tuesday, 15 February, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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Connectivity challenges abound By Oliver Lees Macedon Ranges council has acknowledged the significant challenges the shire faces relating to mobile and broadband connectivity, following the release of a report which detailed some resident’s dissatisfaction. On February 1, the Connecting Victoria Engagement Report drew on more than 11,000 responses from across the state, to gauge the problem areas of Victoria’s network. Star Weekly reported on February 3 that the Macedon Ranges council is an outlier for

the number of reports of poor mobile and broadband connectivity challenges. An anonymous resident from Riddells Creek was quoted in the report: “Working from home is near impossible and kids’ online learning is a nightmare. We have three kids trying to home-school and with the internet that continues to drop out they miss so much information and interaction”. Macedon Ranges council acting planning and environment director Stephen Pykett said the report reinforced the knowledge council already had concerning poor connectivity.

“Inadequate connectivity, including via mobile phone, broadband and publicly available WiFi, has a negative impact across the shire,” Mr Pykett said. He identified South Gisborne, Woodend and Kyneton as areas with significant challenges. “Council is advocating for improvement on a range of fronts. This includes via direct interaction with service providers, NBNCo, Vodafone, Telstra and Optus. Interaction with Telstra also extends to collaboration in emergency preparation and response,” he said. “Council also works with providers to

identify locations and potential challenges when new infrastructure is being investigated.” Following the release of the report the state government announced the Connecting Victoria program, with $550 million in grants available to improve services. However a spokesperson from the Department of Jobs, precincts, and Regions told Star Weekly the funding is not directly available to local councils. A more detailed description of council’s strategies relating to connectivity can be found on its website. Details: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au

Revitalisation funding A new performance space, foyer, gallery and more is on its way to the Woodend Community Centre. The state government has announced the allocation of $260,000 which will contribute toward the design phase of the project. Star Weekly reported in May, 2021, that Macedon Ranges councillors had endorsed a Master Plan for the community asset. Discussions about an upgrade to the facility began in 2009, before the Woodend Culture and Community Centre Group started to advocate from 2016 onwards. The endorsement followed a period of community consultation, where it was identified that 72 per cent of respondents found a library and community space to be ‘very important’. Located on High Street in Woodend, the Woodend Community Centre was originally developed to provide a space for residents following the devastation of the Ash

Wednesday bushfires. A farmers’ market and outdoor spaces were also deemed ‘very important’ aspects of the new community centre by more than 50 per cent of respondents. The centre will feature an outdoor events space, as well as a cafe and information hub. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the project was a much-need asset for the community. “I look forward to seeing the design process get underway with the revamped centre set to improve social and employment prospects in Woodend,” Ms Thomas said. Macedon Ranges councillor Janet Pearce, mayor Jennifer Anderson, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, Woodend Community Centre Project Group’s Jane Walduck, deputy mayor Rob Guthrie, business development Officer Danni Finlay and Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan. (Supplied)

Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly

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 Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. 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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‘‘

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

’’

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

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

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

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

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

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Council names project priorities By Oliver Lees Macedon Ranges council has outlined its priorities for 2022, with four major projects highlighted as most essential to the shire as it continues to adapt to a growing population. The four projects included stage two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, the Daylesford to Hanging Rock and Kyneton Shared Trail, the Woodend Community Centre project and the restoration of the Kyneton Town Hall. The sports precinct has been a project of concern for council and the community for a number of years. In June 2021, Star Weekly reported that the

construction on the precinct was estimated to begin in April this year. Those works relate to stage one of the project, but stage two remains without complete funding. Council and community advocates have continued to request the federal government to chip in, but they are yet to commit to the project. The shared trail linking Daylesford to Hanging Rock has also been in the works for some time, with a draft feasibility study tabled to council in November 2018. According to the study, the trail is intended to become a distinctive experience for the community and visitors, with more than 4500

residents using the trail each year. Macedon Ranges council mayor Jennifer Anderson said the project listing would support council’s advocacy with stakeholders. “It highlights our willingness and ability to continue to seek out and foster, new and exciting partnerships with all levels of government,” Cr Anderson said. A Macedon Ranges Residents Association spokesperson said the the overall $17 million funding commitment of council, with $70 million still required in external funding was “ambitious”. “Disappointingly omitted is anything relating directly to the natural environment,” the spokesperson said.

“For example, [council’s] Biodiversity Strategy promotes seeking funding for implementing enhancements to biolink areas and conservation projects.” Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council remained flexible in pursuing diverse projects across the shire. “It is all about working together to bring new ideas to fruition, build a better community for all of our residents and our vast visitor population, and ensure the Macedon Ranges continues to be an exceptional place for locals and visitors alike for generations to come,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Counting sheep sales The very first Victorian Suffolk Ewe Auction was held in Kyneton on February 5, with the event bringing together the state’s sheep breeders. The unique auction attracted buyers and vendors from across Victoria and as far as Western Australia and South Australia. The event was also open to breeders of all levels of experience. The farming of suffolks in Australia is largely for meat sales. These suffolks can be identified by their distinctive black heads and feet. A total of 277 suffolk ewes were on the market, with 96 per cent of all animals sold. The average price on the day was $426, while the highest selling sheep, offered by Hopea Suffolk from Dadswell Bridge, sold for $1950. Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association of

Victoria secretary Sarah Correa said the auction was a big hit within the industry. “Suffolks have become increasingly popular in recent years with both commercial and small acreage breeders due to their growth, eating quality and carcass traits,” she said. “With the success of the Suffolk auction this once again solidifies the breed’s future as a popular choice for sheep breeders and a return of the auction next year.” In addition to the auction, the Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association also holds an annual sheep show. Details: https://www.suffolk-vic.org.au/

Breeders at the inaugural Victorian Suffolk Ewe Auction. (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.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Tuesday, 15 February, 2022 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

Barefoot in the grass Hume council is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sunbury Pop Festival with a detailed exhibit with images and memorabilia from the iconic date in rock and roll history. The exhibition is free, and will run until Sunday, March 27. ■ www.hume.vic.gov.au

Run the rock Get out in nature for a good cause with the 2022 edition of the Run the Rock fun run. The event will be held at Hanging Rock on Saturday, April 30. All proceeds raised from the run will go toward supporting R U OK?. Attendees can register for distances ranging from two kilometres to 22 kilometres. ■ www.mrsc.vic.gov.au

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

Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Val, 0418 138 214

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. ■ Carmel, 0416 477 271.

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. ■ 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. ■ 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 are offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 years or older and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ 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 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. ■ 5422 0387

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Stephen Wainrib and Rita Rosa celebrating Barefoot Cinema’s return to the State Rose Garden, Werribee. (Joe Mastroianni) 266279

Women’s Day The Women’s Support Network will be launched at an International Women’s Day event in Brimbank on March 8. All women are welcome to attend. ■ wsn.org.au

Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre has set 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. ■ 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. ■ 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. ■ 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. ■ http://ow.ly/kLiz50Hsqqj

Summer series Keilor 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. New members are welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801

The City of Whittlesea Summer Series arrives at Laurimar Park on Friday, February 18, 5-8pm. There will be a new Makers Market for Doreen including stalls to browse and food outlets to eat from. Bring a picnic or buy something onsite from the food trucks for an evening out with family and friends. At the corner of Hazel Glen Drive

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

and Flaxen Hills Road. ■ https://whittlesea.vic.gov.au/

Community outings Hikoi Brothers is for men of all ages in our western suburbs community. The group meets fortnightly on Sundays for walks, talking about a range of topics while enjoying the different tracks in Wyndham. ■ http://ow.ly/JpJR50HOVuN

Join us in Landcare The Friends of Presidents Park meet on the first Thursday of the month, 10am – noon. This is a new conservation group and welcomes individuals or groups to get involved. No prior knowledge required. Meet in the carpark near the river and Shaws Bridge. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Love Our Street 3029 A monthly clean up group in Hoppers and Tarneit locations resumes for 2022 on Sunday February 20, 10.30am–noon, at the Grange Reserve, along Hogans Road. Equipment provided. A social atmosphere for this monthly clean-up group on the third Sunday of the month. ■ 3029@loveourstreet.com.au

Litter Heroes If you have a passion for the environment and want to make a difference, why not join one of the many clean-up groups in Wyndham. Community clean-ups occur at different locations, on the weekend, with equipment provided and the opportunity to meet with like minded individuals. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

U3A Werribee U3A Werribee Region is a non-for-profit organisation consisting of semi-retired and retired residents of Wyndham City. It conducts a variety of weekly classes run by volunteers consisting of history, senior men in light exercise, mosaics, tai chi, digital device applications, mahjong, yoga for older people, and both popular and classical music. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220

Education volunteers EdConnect Australia is 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. ■ 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.

Tutoring program Youth Services and Equal Ed are providing free online tutoring classes for young people aged 12 to 18 years old. The Academic Homework Support Program will run online on Wednesdays 4-5pm, from the second week of each school term in 2022. All sessions are supervised by Wyndham council Youth Services staff. ■ https://youthwyndham.com/pgm-reg or Danielle Diez, 8375 2346

Computers for Absolute Beginners Williamstown Community and Education Centre are now taking enrolments for classes to help those with limited computer skills. Classes are run daily at both Joan Kirner House, Williamstown, and North Altona Library. ■ Lynne or Tahlia on 9397 6168.

Knitting group Anyone is welcome to come along to Yarraville or Footscray library for a weekly knitting group. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Knitting-Group

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

MY PLACE Ron Cole is the president of the Kyneton and District Soccer Club. On January 26, Mr Cole accepted the Healthy People and Environment Award at Macedon Ranges council’s award ceremony on behalf of the club. He spoke with Oliver Lees about Kyneton’s efforts to achieve gender parity in the sport, and everything there is to look forward to in 2022.

I moved to Kyneton in the late 70’s for work after growing up in Castlemaine and playing soccer there. I started playing for Kyneton and have been involved ever since. Having settled in Kyneton, I married my wife Anne-Maree and had four children, three boys and a girl, all of whom have been involved in football, cricket, tennis, little aths, basketball, netball, dancing, and of course, soccer. I have seen and been involved in many changes over my time at the club, from entering our first ever women’s side to the continued growth now in female football, not only at our club but throughout the whole state. The Kyneton District Soccer Club has been getting plenty of accolades for its inclusive program. As club president, has this always been a focus for you? The club has always put a big emphasis on being inclusive and welcoming to everyone who comes along to be involved, no matter what age, gender or ability. Our priority has always been one of growing the club through participation. The committee has worked tirelessly especially over the last couple of years dealing with the ever changing COVID-19 restrictions by keeping our players, parents and members engaged.

Many community sports have struggled financially and in terms of personnel throughout the pandemic. How has this period impacted your club? The club has been fortunate to have a great deal of fantastic sponsors who have come on board to support the club over the last couple of years, which has helped keep the club in a financially stable position. Does the club have anything exciting coming up this year? The club continues to hold a successful Mini-Roos program from October to March with numbers increasing year on year. A Go Girls program was added last season for young girls to come along to try without having the pressure of training in a competitive environment. The club continues to look at other programs such as Soccer Mums and are currently exploring the option to conduct an All Abilities program during the year. Players numbers continue to increase and with the club running at 42 per cent female participation, we are on the way to achieving a 50-50 gender split by 2027, which is something which is an objective established by Football Victoria. Along with the Australia Day Award presented by Macedon Ranges council, the club was also awarded Football Victoria’s Regional Club of the Year for 2021 which was a fantastic reward for the effort put in by the committee and volunteers.

(Supplied)

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FEATURING ... MY BUSINESS

Advertising feature

The Ball Court Hotel’s newly renovated venue is sure to please locals from Sunbury and beyond. Check out the new menu for tasty appetizers, delicious mains and scrumptious desserts. (Pictures: Supplied)

Renovated hotel means the ball is in Sunbury’s court Ball Court Hotel in Sunbury had a successful reopening in late 2021 following a light renovation by new operators Australian Venue Co. Constructed in the 1870s, the pub is the only remaining 19th century hotel in Sunbury and it maintains its characteristic corner frontage. The historic suburban pub currently offers a sports bar, indoor and outdoor dining and a bottle shop. Australian Venue Co has refreshed the pub to improve the flow of the venue and create a better experience for guests with new and additional furniture, fresh paint, new carpet and landscaping. The Ball Court is the ideal destination for

everyone – perfect for family outings, work lunches, group dinners, date nights and mid-week meals. The menu has also had a refresh and will offer a good quality, affordable dining experience. All the pub classics will be included alongside burgers, pizzas, pastas, snacks and desserts. Kids will not be forgotten with their own $10 menu that will come with a drink, with the option to add vanilla ice cream and topping for $2. The Festive Feast menu will be ideal for groups of 20-150 with a three-course menu for $59 per person. The Sports Bar will be the destination for sports lovers, with live sports played on plasma

screens, a pool table and TAB facilities. Locals will be pleased to hear that a range of weekly specials will also be on offer including: Monday, all day – $18 porterhouse, chips and salad; Wednesday, all day – $18 parma and pot; Monday- Thursday, noon-4pm – seniors’ menu: two courses $14 or three courses $16. Guests will be able to enjoy live entertainment every Friday from 7.30pm until late on the Deck and on Sundays 3-5.30pm in the Wine Bar with a rotation of local soloists and acoustic duos. Australian Venue Co chief executive Paul Waterson is thrilled to add another Victorian venue to the growing pub portfolio. “The Ball Court Hotel is a true local’s local,

and we’re excited to be part of the pub’s next chapter. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back and get to know the community.” AVC prides itself on its portfolio of more than 170 unique and individual venues across Australia and New Zealand. The group’s approach is to encourage local leadership and to tailor venues to local community tastes, supported by the group’s centralised support office, including human resources, finance and marketing. The Ball Court Hotel is located at 56-60 Macedon Street, Sunbury. For more information, visit www.ballcourthotel.com.au.

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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, 15 February, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES No. 068

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 9 2 1

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

8 9

9 2 4 8 4

ACROSS

DOWN

Hides (5) Relying on or exploiting others (9) 1970s band, — Lake and Palmer (7) Of, or relating to, Tibet (7) Custom (9) Fad (5) Duped (3) Estimates of similarities (11) Artistic representation of a person (11) Idiot boxes (3) Mindless (5) Designers of goods and structures (9) Runner (7) Cleaning scoop (7) An office-worker (9) Waterlily (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

No. 068

Saccharine (5) Native of Iceland (9) Seaweed wrapped rice (5) Brand of microprocessor (7) Domed building (7) Contribute (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Agreement (9) Pleasure (9) Relate in some way (9) Immediately (2,3,4) Inactivity (7) Blasphemous (7) Member of Central American ancient people (5) Of the nose (5) Ships (5)

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23 24

DECODER

No. 068

5 2 3

3 8 7 1 9

1 7 2

QUICK CROSSWORD

7 5 1 6 3

1 3

6 hard

8 3 3 6 5

10 11 12 13

9-LETTER WORD 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: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good

H M

3 LETTERS ACE AGE AGO AIL APT ASK ASS ATE AWE AYE BRA CHI DEN ERR GAL HEN IDS LSD MRS NIT OKS RED REV SAC TNT USE

USES WARP ZACS 5 LETTERS ABORT ABOVE ALIAS ANGST APTER ARENA ATLAS AUDIO AWARE BROIL DIGIT DRIER EERIE ENEMA ERASE ERECT

4 LETTERS AURA DRUG DYES GASP IONS ISLE MADE MANY MESS MINE PARS PASS RANK ROBS SEES

No. 068

EVERY GAITS GASES HAIRY INANE INTER LATER LEACH LEVEL MIMIC OGLES PARTY PASSE PETER RECAP ROGUE SADLY SALLY SEATS SEDAN SENDS

SHAMS STONE STOVE TENTH TENTS TRAMP ZINCS 6 LETTERS SHRINE TREBLE 7 LETTERS ASSORTS DESPAIR

REREADS SHRINKS STORAGE VERSION 8 LETTERS DEDICATE MURMURED SEVEREST TWANGING 10 LETTERS EVAPORATES TRANSPIRES

ahem, ephemera, EPHEMERAL, hale, hamper, hare, harem, harm, harp, heal, healer, heap, hear, heel, heeler, helm, help, helper, hemp, here, rhea 18-02-22

No. 068 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

1 2 7 6 8 3 9 5 4

7 4 3 5 2 1 8 9 6

2 5 9 8 6 4 3 1 7

4 3 2 7 9 5 1 6 8

8 1 5 2 3 6 7 4 9

9 7 6 1 4 8 5 3 2

2 8 9 6 5 1 3 4 7

6 1 3 8 7 4 9 5 2

4 7 1 5 8 3 2 6 9

8 5 6 2 4 9 1 7 3

9 3 2 1 6 7 5 8 4

1 6 4 3 2 8 7 9 5

3 9 8 7 1 5 4 2 6

7 2 5 4 9 6 8 3 1

6 1 5 9 3 4 7 2 8

9 3 4 2 7 8 5 6 1

8 6 9 3 1 5 4 7 2

3 4 7 6 2 9 1 8 5

1 5 2 4 8 7 3 9 6

2 9 1 7 5 6 8 4 3

5 7 3 8 4 2 6 1 9

4 8 6 1 9 3 2 5 7

T A R S R R E D

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

M A T C H O P E R A L A T I N

6 8 1 3 7 9 4 2 5

7 2 8 5 6 1 9 3 4

5 6 4 9 1 7 2 8 3

QUICK QUIZ

Which country was formerly known as Ceylon?

Which Greek white (or rosé) wine is infused with pine resin?

To which animated Disney film did Rowan Atkinson (pictured) lend his voice?

What is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye?

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones is the daughter of which musician?

What is the name given to a young female cow before she has had her first calf?

Which Dutch artist painted Girl with a Pearl Earring?

5 4 7 9 3 2 6 1 8

3 9 8 4 5 2 6 7 1

D W 19

T A

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

H R

T P

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

21 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

MGHQ L P Y F T C N K J

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

U R E A V X S I B Z ODW

WORDFIT

According to the Gospel of Luke, what city was home to Mary and Joseph?

What is Russia’s largest port city on the Pacific Ocean?

10 Who broke the men’s 400m freestyle swimming world record at the 2000 Olympics? ANSWERS: 1. Sri Lanka. 2. Retsina. 3. Retina. 4. Heifer. 5. Nazareth. 6. Vladivostok. 7. The Lion King. 8. Ravi Shankar. 9. Johannes Vermeer. 10. Ian Thorpe.

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MOTOR

Cute as a button, Kia Picanto is a great little city runabout.

(Pictures: Supplied)

A ‘spicy’ city runabout from Kia By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

AT A GLANCE

Google tells us that “Picanto” relates to the Spanish and Italian words “picante/piccante”, meaning “spicy”. The Kia Picanto does have a “spicy” look that could also be called cute. This is one of the smallest and cheapest models on the Australia new car market. However, it does have a fair number of the features that new car buyers are looking for.

MODEL RANGE Picanto S: $15,990 (manual), $17,590 (automatic) Picanto GT-Line: $17,440 (manual), $19,040 (automatic) Picanto GT Turbo: $20,490 (manual)

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.

Styling The Kia Picanto GT-Line update for 2022 has revised styling of the front and rear bumpers which is intended to see it through until the arrival of the next model that’s anticipated within the year. The shape works well with a cuteness that’s almost playful so is aimed at the young as well as the young at heart. Our car was black with red highlights in the lower areas of the body.

Interior The styling of the dashboard area is neat with the screens taking up most of the area to give it an attractive look. The seats in the GT-Line are well shaped and have a definite sporty look by courtesy of the red trim around their edges.

not a “GT” and this makes sense - it’s more about show than go, which is fine by many buyers. Our test car had four-speed automatic transmission - yes four speeds because this is a car that’s getting seriously old by today’s standards. As mentioned, a new model is due within a year or so and we can expect it to be significantly better in its powertrain. Somewhat oddly the manual is a five-speed unit so has more ratios than the auto. We might try to borrow a manual to see how it compares ye-olde automatic.

Infotainment As part of this update all Picantos now have an 8.0-inch infotainment display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s space for a smartphone and there are single USB and 12V outlets.

Engines / transmissions Picanto GT-Line has a four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine, which is less powerful than the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol in the GT. There is 62kW of power, and 122Nm at 4000rpm. Keep in mind that this is a “-Line”,

Safety Picanto only has a four-star ANCAP safety rating, and that dates all the way back to 2017. Again, be aware a new model is coming. This updated model has city-speed autonomous emergency braking. This is certainly handy given that too many drivers are spending time talking on their phone or composing texts and having the car after them is a plus. Either that or educate drivers on the need to pay 100 per cent attention all the time. Okay,

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

I’ve always been a wishful thinker. You may say I’m a dreamer … with reference to the late, great John Lennon. There are two IsoFix points and top tether points for child seats.

Driving This is very small car so legroom in the back is tight for adults. Kids under the age of about 12 will be fine but any older than that will have to chat with the driver and come to a deal about sharing the space. Performance is okay, though hardly in the “GT” class. If you’ve got 320 kilograms of people the passenger seats and/or are driving up hills the Picanto will feel as though it’s struggling at times. Again, the four-speed auto is a pain because it’s going to drop back a gear and the engine jumps up in revs - as does the fuel consumption. Though the Picanto is small it has a 2400mm wheelbase so it works well, even on bumpy roads. The ride is quite firm if you look at it as being in the GT class it’s acceptable. Cornering is pretty good and the lightweight makes it fun to drive on your favourite stretches

of country roads. There is a 4.2-inch multifunction display in front of the driver. Both this and the centre screen are reasonably sharp and easy to read without the driver having to take their mind of the road ahead. Official consumption for the automatic GT-Line we tested is 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle. During our week with the Picanto we used seven to nine litres per hundred around the suburbs and five to six litres in the country and on motorways and level-road country driving. Like all Kias the cute little Picanto has a seven-year, unlimited distance warranty. Which is a huge benefit in this class as buyers are likely to be young and not have much of an income.

Summing up Kia Picanto is a cute little hatchback at a more than reasonable price. It looks great and drives pretty well for what it is. Though it’s getting on in years and doesn’t have the latest in safety features it should certainly get a place on your list of cars to test drive.

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Finals hope after quality knocks By Oliver Lees Gisborne’s firing senior batsmen have helped propel them into the hunt for this year’s premiership in the McIntyre Cup division of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association. After round 11, Gisborne had won five matches on the trot either side of round seven and eight, which were cancelled due to COVID-19 protocol. With six wins, three draws and two losses, the club sat just three points behind Bacchus Marsh and eight points behind the unbeaten Sunbury United. Gisborne’s heavyweight batting lineup was on full display in round 11, when the club (3-291) defeated Rupertswood (5-142). After winning the desk and electing to bat, Allen, a previous league best and fairest winner, got off to a slow start. He remained scoreless after 20 deliveries, but managed to turn his fortunes and post his

best individual tally of his career. He survived all 45 overs to score an unbeaten 196 from 151 balls. The knock included 22 fours and eight sixes. Allen told Star Weekly it felt good to find some form. “It felt really good, to be honest it was out of the blue. but when it happens, you just have to make the most of them,” he said. “At the start I couldn’t get my timing going, I didn’t get my hundred up until the 32nd over. “It all just clicked. I don’t know how it happened, I took advantage of some average deliveries, and the last little bit was a bit of fun.” The total was the second highest in the club’s first XI history, behind Simon Harman’s knock of 199 not out in the 2008-09 season. Gisborne’s captain Jason Wilson also made a handy contribution, scoring 62 from 94 deliveries. After round 11, Wilson had a season average

of 87 with the bat, including three unbeaten half centuries. Sent in to chase the total, Rupo couldn’t muster a run rate anyone near what was necessary to win the match. Opening batsman Daniel Kavanagh made a sluggish 30 off 91 balls, while Jayden Swallow high scored with 31 off 25. Nine of Gisborne’s starting XI were given the opportunity to roll the arm over. Darcy Thomas collected 2/22 off five overs. Allen said he was pleased with the direction the team was heading at the crucial late stage of the season. “[Wilson’s] firing along, he batted really well all year and has kept us together,” he said. “We’re starting to string a few wins together which is good. We have a lot of youth in the side and have chopped and changed, with five or six debutants. “While we’ve had the experience in batting, our bowling is pretty inexperienced, but it’s coming on in leaps and bounds.”

Gisborne’s Jason Wilson.

(Shawn Smits)

206366_04

Rockies are knocked out of the finals

Matt Flapper, Carla Krizanic and Ali Forsyth.

(Damjan Janevski) 240306_04

Club Sunbury’s team is ready to roll After a year of delays, Club Sunbury is finally on the cusp of competing in the Bowls Premier League in front of a national audience. Sunbury will debut its decorated triples side under the banner of Melbourne Extreme for the 14th iteration of the BPL, which will be held in Moama from February 21 to 25. Club Sunbury bowls director Marc Bullows said they’d approached Bowls Australia to join the competition, and were ultimately selected to compete when the Melbourne Roys withdrew. “Bowls Australia wants quality, sustainable clubs in the competition,” he said. The entry into the competition caps off an exciting past few months for the club. In December 2021, Club Sunbury was announced as the Club of the Year at Bowls Australia’s annual awards night. At the award ceremony hosted by Bowls Australia. Sunbury was showered with praise for the implementation of its masterplan, which included the development of a new roofed facility. Sunbury was also named the best refurbished club by Community Clubs Victoria. Headlining the team in Moama will be local

legend and club ambassador Carla Krizanic, who has recently returned to the green after having a child. As well as being a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Krizanic has also taken out world championship medals and represented Australia in more than 200 matches. She’ll be joined by experienced heads Ali Forsyth and Matt Flapper. Flapper won a bronze medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, while Forsyth was part of the New Zealand Blackjacks, who won BPL3. The team will be coached by Kelvin Kerkow. Originally from Queensland, Kurkow has bowled for Australia and previously worked as a selector for the national side. Krizanic said she was looking forward to the tournament. “It’s a really fun event, the alternative format, added fast paced fun, short sets and tie breakers at one end,” she said. Club co-ordinator Lloyd Iaccarino said he was looking forward to seeing Sunbury squaring off against the best. With its shortened format, he likened the BPL to the T20 Big Bash cricket competition,

as a model of the game designed to appeal to a younger demographic and a television audience. Each side will play each other twice, before a final series including four teams will decide a champion. “It’s the biggest [bowls competition] in Australia for bowls fans. The best players, the highest standard of bowls that we see, you don’t see anything like it in the world,” Iaccarino said. “It is only going to get bigger, it’s a good time to be involved. BPL14 to BPL20 will probably be the peak time for BPL.” In an effort to get as many people as possible supporting Melbourne Extreme at the tournament, Club Sunbury is offering a day trip experience to Moama on Thrusday, February 24. At $40 per person, anyone signing up will get a trip to Moama and back and a venue voucher to use on the day. The club is also offering Melbourne Extreme memberships and merchandise. Details: www.sunbowl.com.au

The Macedon Ranges Rockies’ debut season in the Country Basketball League north-west competition has come to an end, after they fell to the Echuca Pirates in the semi final. On Saturday February 5, the Rockies hit the road for their first finals appearance off the back of a run of three consecutive wins in the regular season. But the late season surge wasn’t enough to lift the Rockies over the Pirates, who won the match 87-70. But Rockies coach Michael Allen said the final score wasn’t reflective of the closeness of the contest, as the team’s were deadlocked 39-39 at half time, and the Pirates led by just one point going into the final term. In the end, Echuca was buoyed by a streak of hot three-point shooting that put the result beyond question. Reflecting on the match, Allen said he was disappointed to miss out on a chance to play in the grand final, but was equally as impressed to see his side hang in for so much of the match. “We were a bit shattered to be honest, we thought we had a big chance to win,” he said. “I think we were up by nearly 10 points at one stage in the second quarter. “We just stuck to our structures [in the first half], and it worked well for us. We were on point in terms of our game plan, but the second half got a little bit away from us a bit.” Despite the disappointment, Allen ultimately felt the year had been a resounding success. He commended the efforts of his entire squad and particularly the leadership of Matt Quinn and captain Tom Scott, who were instrumental in establishing the Rockies franchise within the competition. “We’re extremely proud of how we’ve gone in year number one, and possibly exceeded a lot of expectations,” he said. “We even had a fair few supporters travel up to Echuca. It blew us away and we were so excited by it. They did actually give us some momentum with their support. “We’re proud of that. It shows we’re playing a style of game they enjoy watching, which is really exciting.” Oliver Lees

Oliver Lees Tuesday, 15 February, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

Choosing a school for your child? Limited places currently available at Years 7-12, 2022. Attend a tour to discover the Sacred Heart College difference. Approaching tours are scheduled for 15 February and 9 March, bookings essential. Visit the College website for 2022 tour dates and bookings.

Sacred Heart College Kyneton T: 5421 1238 E:dlawrence@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au 12534524-BL07-22