Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 1st March 2022 by Star Weekly

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Talkin’ about the blues

Sherryn and David Keily with their daughters Maddi and Indee.

Sherryn Keily was driving through Western Australia with her family when she started noticing the trees – they were hard to miss, being electric blue. What followed was the discovery of the Blue Tree Project, a nationwide initiative encouraging conversations about mental health. Ms Keily was blown away, and decided to take the project all the way back across the country to her hometown, Riddells Creek. “I’m very passionate about community and in the Macedon Ranges, our numbers of suicide are really high,” Ms Keily said. “People are afraid to talk about how they feel, they feel like they’re going to get judged or they feel like they’re going to be looked at differently. I want to stop that.” Standing tall alongside Riddell Road, the image is striking: blue, leafless branches stretching up into the sky, its trunk surrounded by flowers. “Our goal is to encourage people, if they’ve got a dead tree on their property, grab some blue paint and just paint it, whether it’s visible from the road or not,” Ms Keily said. Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Group chair Steven Power said the new blue tree is an “elegant reminder” to have tough talks about mental health and suicide.

(Elsie Lange)

Hi-Quality ready for soil By Elsie Lange Hi-Quality will begin receiving contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project in March, despite an ongoing Hume council Supreme Court challenge and community outrage. Sunbury resident and founder of the Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook group Chris O’Neill said it was a “difficult day” for residents, considering they had “fought

so hard” against the project. “I think Hi-Quality, the government and all the relevant parties need to start engaging better with the community,” Mr O’Neill said. In a statement on Thursday, February 24, Hi-Quality said the first stage of the construction of the facility was complete and ready to accept the soil. “It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of tunnel excavation for the West Gate Tunnel Project,”

the statement said. A Hi-Quality spokesperson told Star Weekly the facility has been designed with “robust environmental protection measures”. “To prevent any impact on the surrounding land or waterways, and our operational plans include strict guidelines for trucks and transport, as well on-site mitigation measures for dust, noise and lighting,” the spokesperson said. This follows concern raised last week by

residents and council about the Department of Transport’s approval of a route to carry contaminated soil from to the facility. According to the traffic management plan, prepared by Hi-Quality Group, trucks will take soil from the tunnel project through Footscray to CityLink, before taking the “preferred haulage route” along Tullamarine Freeway to Sunbury Road/Bulla Road. ■

Continued: Page 6

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Social housing proposal halted The state government’s new social and affordable housing scheme announced on February 18, which was slammed by Hume mayor Carly Moore as “simplistic” and “cost-shifting”, has stalled. Discussions ground to a halt after figures released on Wednesday, February 23, showed the direct cost to ratepayers – $2.7 million in Hume, meaning an annual $32 increase for individual ratepayers according to Home Victoria data. Outside the Victorian parliament, Premier Daniel Andrews said the bill would not be introduced to parliament and that its future was “very, very uncertain”, as industry was no longer on board. Property and construction bodies have said they were not informed about the tax

– called the Social and Affordable Housing Contribution – until it was announced. Property Council of Australia’s executive director Danni Hunter said it was “yet another tax at the wrong time“. “We know there is a problem with access to affordable and social housing in Victoria, but it is not a problem that can be solved and paid for by new home buyers,” Ms Hunter said The bill aims to exempt social housing from paying rates to bring them into line with hospitals and schools, with all newly-built developments from July 2024 with three or more dwellings and three or more subdivisions to contribute 1.75 per cent of the completed project value to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The contribution was predicted to raise

$800 million a year, to fund the construction of more than 1700 new homes a year and create 7200 jobs. In a joint statement from Darebin City council, Hume City council and Moonee Valley City council, the mayors said the Victorian government’s decision to stop paying its rates on social housing would “slog taxpayers”. They urged the government to defer changes to social housing rates until consultation with councils takes place. “It makes no sense that ratepayers in municipalities where there is social housing will pay more to subsidise social housing across Victoria,” Cr Moore said. “Hume City has one of the highest numbers of social housing in Victoria, as well as overall

Sunbury vet nurse receives award Elisa Jelleff can’t wait to sink her teeth into learning more about animal dentistry after winning a $5000 veterinary award to explore the specialty. The young vet nurse from Sunbury Animal Shelter said she has felt like she’s “floating” since she heard she won the VetPartners Dr Stephen Coles Award. “It’s amazing that they recognised my passion,” Mr Jelleff said. Ms Jelleff has always been interested in dentistry and after deciding to move away from human oral health, she turned her attention to her other great love: animals. “[Animal dentistry] is such an important part of animal health and welfare,” Ms Jelleff said. “They can’t speak to us, they can’t tell us if they’ve got a sore tooth or if something hurts.” One vet and one vet nurse were chosen out of VetPartners 240 practices and Ms Jelleff said she “almost cried” when she saw she’d won. “I don’t think I’ve ever won anything that means so much,” Ms Jelleff said. Dr Stephen Coles was one of the people who launched veterinary dentistry in Australia, and Ms Jelleff is excited to follow in his footsteps. She’s been at Sunbury Animal Shelter for nearly eight years and can’t wait to work with a dedicated vet dentist one day. “It’s really going to help me launch off my career,” Ms Jelleff said. “I’ve been here a long time, I’m really happy at this clinic, it’s a great clinic to work at. “But the fact that I might actually be able to do a bit more dentistry – it’s just really exciting.” Elsie Lange Vet nurse Elisa Jelleff has been awarded the Dr Stephen Coles Award. (Elsie Lange)

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

disadvantage – this community will unfairly bear the brunt of this decision at a cost of $2.7 million per year. Cr Moore said while Hume welcomes the government’s Big Housing Build program, there is a more urgent need to focus on upgrading existing social housing, especially in areas like Broadmeadows. “After council’s extensive advocacy, the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne MP acknowledged last year that there were opportunities to invest in social and affordable housing at Broadmeadows’ largest social housing estate, Banksia Gardens,” Cr Moore said. “We are still waiting for action on this and continue to call for an urgent commitment to be made to this site.”

Grants to help reduce emissions Local community organisations will share in $1.3 million to deliver projects to cut greenhouse gas emissions by almost 1700 tonnes a year, shrinking energy bills at the same time. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced that organisations can apply for up to $50,000 through the Community Climate Change and Energy Action program to upgrade their buildings with emissions-reducing installations. Recipients of the funding include Daylesford Dharma School, Trentham Golf Club and the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House. The next round of funding opens this week, with $1.8 million in grants up for grabs. Social enterprises, not-for-profits and community groups can also apply for grants of up to $250,000 available through the Recycling Victoria Communities Fund, supporting local projects to repurpose, reuse and recycle everyday items. “Congratulations to the Daylesford Dharma School, Trentham Golf Club and the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House, by helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency they are ensuring a more sustainable future for our community and our kids,” Ms Thomas said. Details: www.sustainability.vic.gov. au/grants

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Call for improved cycling routes By Elsie Lange Cyclists have complained about the lack of cycling infrastructure in the Macedon Ranges after taking routes outlined in a council-endorsed Ride Guide. Alice Clarke, who grew up in the Macedon Ranges, said she and her wife were excited to discover a cycling booklet available on the Macedon Ranges Shire Council (MRSC) website. But she said when they went to complete

one of the easier rides, there were no bike lanes and they had to share the narrow road with cars. “The ride we did on Saturday was called the Hanging Rock Cruiser, and part of that was at least a couple of kilometres on a single lane road that had two-way traffic and was really busy,” Ms Clarke said. “When we were riding, any time that another car was coming, one of us had to pull off the road completely onto gravel, which is not awesome for a bike.

“We had cars missing us by centimetres.” In a statement, Macedon Ranges council said: “The current version of the Macedon Ranges Ride Guide was compiled with the input of local cyclists who helped define the most enjoyable and safe (fewer vehicles and lower speed limit) cycling routes. “The recent ride guide removed some rides that were considered too dangerous by cyclists.” The statement said the inclusion of the roads in the Ride Guide does not mean they

are designated bike routes or that they have been improved for cycling and that the Ride Guide page on the council’s tourism website includes this safety messaging. “There are also signs on the popular cycling routes alerting vehicles that bikes share the road,” the statement said. Ms Clarke said even though she loves the riding routes the council have made available, she wishes they were safer and is “shocked” no one has died on the route she took. “It’s just not safe,” she said.

Temporary closure of Dacakis Lane

Romsey teen Azime Roads is excited to take to the stage.

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Young musicians take centre stage

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but it didn’t feel like I was actually going to win because I’ve never really taken my music further than just my bedroom,” Ms Roads said. Council’s acting corporate and community director Gina Lyon said the event would provide a great opportunity for young people to connect with their peers, with community and Youth Services. “The Romsey Roll will showcase the young talent within our shire, and provide an outlet for creative young people,” Ms Lyon said. “The Romsey Roll is part of our plan to reinvigorate cultural events in a safe and inclusive way as we move away from the COVID restrictions of the past two years.” Ms Roads said she’s both excited and

nervous for the day, but that COVID-related lockdowns had given her a chance to hone her songwriting. “It really helped me get my music together before I could expose myself,” Ms Roads said. She hopes to see her family and friends in the crowd, which is likely because the event only costs $2 to attend. The supervised, Covid-Safe and drug, alcohol and smoke free event will open at 12pm, with food trucks in attendance for a bite. Details: https://mrsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/salesevent/51337?f bclid=IwAR0yEvoR Mik0xnSjAof NODgO7iZBDlIcIpmDXA_ fViAUpy-9tsIr9qXqBnI

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For over 15 years, Music in the Sticks has been giving young people in the Macedon Ranges an entry point to music and the arts. The program is giving five local artists and bands a chance to perform live and take part in putting together a music event for Romsey Roll, taking place at Romsey Skate Park on Saturday, March 19. Sixteen-year-old singer-songwriter Azime Roads is one of the musicians playing on the day, crooning her own songs about love and self-worth with her guitar. Because artists had to apply to play the event, Ms Roads said being chosen as one of the acts was “unreal”. “[Mum] told me she was entering me in,

Upcoming stormwater installation works and closure of Dacakis Lane in Sunbury will be taking place Monday, February 28 to Monday, March 7 as part of the Sunbury line upgrade. Works will include non-destructive digging to gauge whether the area is free from underground services, trenching to allow stormwater pit installation and saw cutting of asphalt and concrete. The works will take place until Monday, March 7, 7am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 7am to 1pm on Saturdays. A media release from Rail Projects Victoria said the works are expected to generate medium levels of noise and vibration, with periods of high-level noise. “A section of the outer eastbound lane on Station Street will be closed during works and a pedestrian diversion in place,” it said. Dacakis Lane will be closed at Station Street and vehicles will be directed to enter or exit Dacakis Lane via Brook Street. “Signage and traffic management will be in place to assist road users entering and exiting the lane,” the media release said. “Traffic controllers will be present to manage access for pedestrians and local residents around the area, as well as to assist with construction vehicle movements around the site. “There will be an increase in construction vehicles travelling on local roads to access the site,” it said. Water will be used to keep dust down. Details: www.railprojects.vic.gov.au

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 5

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Police officer thanks saviours By Elsie Lange When Kylie Wakelin laid eyes on the ambulance paramedics who saved her husband Danny’s life, her eyes filled with tears. Mr Wakelin, a Sunbury police officer who suffered a cardiac arrest at his home, got the chance to meet and thank the Ambulance Victoria paramedics who responded to his triple-0 call and resuscitated him. Walking into the Ambulance Victoria Sunshine Branch on February 21, Mr Wakelin, accompanied by his wife and his sister Melissa, came bearing gifts and gratitude for paramedics Tristan Adams, Sadie Powers, Luke Baird and Catherine Cristofaro. Mr Wakelin described meeting the paramedics as “fantastic”, and that after seeing them in action in his capacity as a police officer, he knew they’d done an incredible job. “I wanted to give them a bit of closure and information as well, to see how well they’ve done and how well I’m doing as a result of their effort on the night,” Mr Wakelin said. Last month, Mr Wakelin had been feeling unwell and experiencing pain in his upper abdomen, radiating to his jaw and shoulder and when the pain continued into the morning, his wife called triple-0. Mr Adams and Ms Powers were first on the scene and confirmed Mr Wakelin was suffering a heart attack, which occurs while the heart is still beating and the person may not lose consciousness. “He, being a police officer, was very stubborn and didn’t really want us to do all that much for him, he wouldn’t even get into the wheelchair when we told him to,” Mr Adams said. “We tried to get him into the ambulance as quickly and as calmly as we could, however

Police officer Danny Wakelin met the paramedics who saved his life. Pictured are Luke Baird, Catherine Cristofaro, Danny Wakelin, Kylie Wakelin, Sadie Powers and Tristan Adams. (Elsie Lange)

when we loaded him into the ambulance, he went into cardiac arrest.” Mr Wakelin’s heart had stopped beating. Using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillator, the paramedics were able to resuscitate him.

Ms Wakelin said it was a relief to see the paramedics again, and that she was lost for words. “They were just amazing, what they did, how they basically brought Danny back to life,” she said.

Mr Wakelin, a 46-year-old father of two teenage boys, said suffering a cardiac arrest as a healthy man was a reminder to everyone to get their regular check ups. “It’s emotional, because I know how well they’ve done,” Mr Wakelin said.

Hi-Quality is ready to accept tunnel soil ■

From page 1

Among council’s concerns is the sheer volume of heavy vehicle traffic that will descend onto an already-congested Sunbury Road – 429 trucks a day, making trips to and from the facility. Hume mayor Carly Moore said the council wrote to Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan to express opposition to the traffic management plan in October last year. “This decision will see an additional 850 heavy vehicles added to the existing number of vehicles,” Cr Moore said, “This section of the road already sees more than 24,000 vehicles every day and has had a total of 80 recorded crashes in the last 10 years to December, 2020, including three fatalities and 39 serious injuries.” “It isn’t enough that our backyard may become a dumping ground for toxic spoil, we now also have more reason to worry about the safety of those who use Sunbury Road to take their kids to school, go to work and do the shopping,” she said. Mr O’Neill said the community had a number of concerns about the route, most notably the overuse of the heritage-listed Bulla Bridge. “We’ve continued to raise that the Bulla Bridge is unsuitable, and Hume City Council has raised it as unsuitable,” Mr O’Neill said. “It doesn’t meet the guidelines required for a heavy haulage route.” The Hi-Quality spokesperson said at the project’s peak, there will be an additional 15-18 trucks on the road per hour, equating to a 2-4 per cent traffic increase . “Our approved Traffic Management Plan addresses key concerns, including clear 6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

The Sunbury Against Toxic Soil team have purchased a billboard displaying ‘We Love Sunbury, No Toxic Soil’. (Damjan Janevski) 249767_01

protocols for the use of haulage routes along B-Double approved arterial roads, as well as road safety assessments, and strict tracking and monitoring of Project trucks,” the spokesperson said. Council has launched legal action against Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s decision to grant permission for the testing and disposal of contaminated soil at the Bulla site. Legal proceedings took place on Wednesday, February 23, but the case was adjourned, and the judge has reserved her decision until after she reviews oral and written submissions. There is no indication of how long the process will take. Cr Moore said with the addition of the heavy vehicles, it will be a “matter of when and not if” another road incident occurs. “Along with advocating for the toxic spoil to not come to Hume, council has long advocated to the Victorian government for both the full duplication of Sunbury Road and delivery of the Bulla Bypass – both infrastructure projects which will address safety and congestion concerns,” Cr Moore said.

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No 24 hour cat curfew, for meow By Elsie Lange Macedon Ranges Shire Council rejected community calls for a 24 hour cat curfew at a meeting on Wednesday, February 23. In developing its Domestic Animal Management Plan for 2021-2025, the council undertook two stages of community consultation, which included requests to extend the council’s current sunset to sunrise curfew. Council opted to further investigate the issue for the next domestic animal plan in 2026. Community consultation found there were only “moderate levels of compliance” with

the current cat curfew, and there had been ongoing concerns about the impact of cats on the environment. The consultation also highlighted community support for the council to offer low-cost cat desexing, to reduce the number of strays and protect wildlife. The second round of consultation uncovered various community stances on the cat debate, with some urging the 24-7 cat curfew, some sticking to a better enforced existing curfew, and others who wanted the curfew abandoned completely. In the report’s qualitative survey results, residents raised concerns about the number of

domestic cats observed outside of the curfew, as well as the need to educate residents about a coexisting requirement not to let cats trespass or create nuisance on a neighbour’s property. Another respondent suggested the report did not take into account the positive benefits of cat ownership, including their value as companion animals to single people and the elderly, and an additional suggestion that cats help to control vermin. Of the 32 respondents to the second stage of consultation, 60 per cent were 45 to 65 years old, and 60 per cent of them were women. Other issues that emerged from the domestic animal plan’s community consultation

included a want for better infrastructure for dogs in open space, purpose-built off-leash dog parks, improved education around picking up dog poo and availability of bag dispensers to address this, as well as increased enforcement of leash requirements. Macedon Ranges Resident Association secretary Christine Pruneau said that the council was handling all of the issues outlined in the DAMP in a “balanced and responsible” way. “There is recognition of those calling for 24 hour cat curfews but also that more research and consultation is needed before going in that direction,” Ms Pruneau said.

Game on for umpires their fitness, they make new friends, they engage with football players on the ground,” Mr Icely said. “The best thing about it all, for a young kid especially, is that they can make a little bit of money on the side by doing it.” Mr Icely said he hoped to get more families involved in the hobby, too. “You can, as a family unit, do something together with your mum and dad, with your brother or sister, it’s a family environment we’re trying to provide,” Mr Icely said. “You make a lot of new friends out of it and you get a good, rewarding life experience.” With her sister on board too, Ms Giles loves that umpiring is a family affair. “My aim is to have a game with her at some stage this year,” she said. Details: www.riddellumpires.com.au/index. php/join-now/ Elsie Lange

Umpire Paige Giles. (Damjan Janevski) 269617_01

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It was the anxiety of performing that inspired Paige Giles to swap her dance shoes for a pair of footy boots and a whistle. “It’s just been such a fantastic outlet, it’s a great community,” Ms Giles said of her passion for umpiring. Ms Giles is part of Riddell Umpires, servicing the Riddell District Football League, and they are looking for new recruits. She has been umpiring for the last couple of years inspired by her dad, who she said has been doing it “all his life”. “Without umpires there would be no footy matches,” Ms Giles said. “It’s so important – community sport is so integral to peoples’ lives.” Riddell Umpires president Addam Icely said numbers had dwindled in recent years due to the impact of COVID-19. “If new umpires come along, they improve

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 7

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Plugs spark fire conversation A fire in a Roxburgh Park garage last week has sparked Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) to urge Victorians to make sure electrical appliances are properly plugged in. The blaze was started by a partially dislodged plug, which overheated and caught fire. ESV reminds Victorians to keep power plugs and cord areas clear, and to test their safety switches. Details: esv.vic.gov.au

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SES Gisborne Unit being presented a volunteer grant by McEwan MP Rob Mitchell. (Supplied)

Gisborne Olde Time Market

Gisborne SES lights up The future is bright for SES Gisborne Unit, which has received a federal government volunteer grant to purchase headlamps for members. McEwan MP Rob Mitchell told Star Weekly that in a crisis, communities feel relief when they see SES on the scene. He described the SES as the “lifeblood” of the community. “During times of disaster or trouble, people want to see the people out there in orange that come and help us,“ Mr Mitchell said. “The importance of having volunteer emergency services can never be underestimated.” Mr Mitchell said he supported Gisborne SES in its grant application to purchase the headlamps as “strong as we could”.

“We got that grant through so that’s going to mean our guys and girls in orange will be able to work a lot safer and also be a lot more comfortable when they’re doing different roles,” Mr Mitchell said. The Stronger Community grants are described by Mr Mitchell as a way to secure financial support for groups that make the world a better place. “It’s funding to help organisations who help us at any given day or night,” Mr Mitchell said. “We really appreciate what [Gisborne SES] do and we can never say thank you enough. “They are one of the great many organisations in our communities, it’s why we live in the best part of the world,” he said.

Food, wine, fresh produce, quality hand-made items, arts, crafts, clothing, accessories, books, plants and flowers – the Gisborne Olde Time Market happening on March 6 has it all. With 150 stalls offering a range of products and kids’ entertainment, there’s a lot of fun to be had. Run by the Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism Association, the funds raised are distributed to benefit the community. Details: https://www.mrsc.vic.gov. au/See-Do/Events/Events-Activities/ Gisborne-Olde-Time-Market-1 FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Elsie Lange

Frequent visitors to Puckle Street Moonee Ponds Will be familiar with the sounds of James Rufatt’s guitar playing, accompanied by his 4 leg companion, Ivor.

TODAY Described as soothing, relaxing and adding a touch of class to the Puckle Street precinct, you wish you could listen longer in your busy day. But you don’t need to be indulging in a luxurious coffee from one of Puckle Street’s numerous cafes to have James’s music take you away a while.

Get details on how to stream, download or purchase James Rufatt’s CDs from his website, JamesRufatt.com Tell your friends before they tell you! 8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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Simply search or tell you’re smart device, “Play Cheyenne Plus album.”

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Have his new 2021, “Cheyenne Plus” album with you now!

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Hume unemployment rate drops By Elsie Lange New data reveals Hume’s unemployment rate is on the decline but still remains higher than the statewide jobless rate. National Skills Commission data shows a drop in unemployment in Hume from 12.1 per cent in June last year, to 10.5 per cent in the September 2021 quarter. While some areas of Hume are still experiencing an extremely high jobless rate – 20.4 per cent in Broadmeadows as of September, 2021, down from 22.8 per cent in June – the figures are lower in others – 5.6 per

cent in Sunbury down from 6.5 per cent. Hume’s figures are still more than double the statewide average of 4.1 per cent, despite the statewide figure being at its lowest since 1978. Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne said the reason the jobless rate had dropped in Hume was most likely to do with peoples’ confidence as the state emerges from lockdowns. “I’d be interested to see how the December, 2021 figures look and hopefully they’re better again, because that confidence is growing a little bit, without the threat of lockdown hanging over our head,” Mr Osborne said.

Mr Osborne said the Hume figures were not representative of Sunbury, but said its a relief to see the Hume unemployment rate had declined overall. “It’s recognition of the feeling that we’re getting that people are just starting to be more confident to employ people,” he said. Hume council development and placing director Michael Sharp said the local government area is “well positioned” to recover from the blow of COVID-19 to its skilled workforce. “Pre-COVID-19, Hume had been experiencing strong economic and jobs growth

for three years,” Mr Sharp said. “Hume City’s Gross Regional Product is currently estimated at $17.87 billion, which represents 3.79 per cent of the state’s GSP (Gross State Product) – the highest percentage it has ever been. “Investment by new business into Hume, particularly in manufacturing and transport and logistics, is currently high, showing strong signs of economic recovery. “Similar growth is occurring with existing businesses. We anticipate that new jobs will accompany this growth, further contributing to driving the unemployment rate down over the next 18 months.”

Portrait’s prize journey The paint on Kay Le Vennais’ portrait of mental health advocate Nigel Gould has dried and now it’s ready to hit the road – all the way from Mt Macedon to the Archibald Prize. The painting will be Le Vennais’ second entry into the prize and she describes her piece as “symbolic”. “This piece is basically a manifestation of a lot of the things that have happened throughout Nigel’s life,” she said. The artwork is vivid and bright, with different aspects of Gould’s history spread across the canvas. In the painting, Gould sits in a dark suit and tie, wearing his yellow mining gear underneath. Around him are the causes he cares about, including a Movember moustache for men’s health issues, and a Royal Flying Doctor plane, to represent a time when they evacuated his wife and daughter. Gould said the portrait came about after he

was approached by a man whose life he had saved by raising funds for mental health and working as a peer support. The man told him that he wanted him to sit for the Archibald Prize because of what he’d done to support others. Gould said Le Vennais gave him the “vehicle” to spread his message, that it’s “OK not to be OK”. “It’s OK to get help, it’s a simple message,” Gould said. The portrait can be voted for in the People’s Choice category. Details: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/ archibald/2021/ Elsie Lange Kay Le Vannais’ portrait of Nigel Gould is on its way to the Archibald Prize. (Elsie Lange)

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE To all those Unsinkable Guys out there – You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the lifejacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions. But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men. Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

UNSINKABLE GUY

RETHINK TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER 12527264-SN09-22

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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Data captures rubbish behaviour By Elsie Lange Last year, councils in Melbourne’s northern suburbs received more than 9500 complaints about dumped rubbish, and more than 6500 reports about overgrown vegetation, according to recent data. Across Hume, Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Moreland, Darebin and Banyule, residents used the Snap Send Solve app to take a photo of their issue and send it to their council or authority. There were 9782 reports of dumped rubbish, 6536 reports of overgrown vegetation, 2279

reports of pavement issues and 1799 reports of graffiti – 20, 396 complaints all together. Hume councillor Joseph Haweil has been campaigning against illegal dumping for some time, and said there’s a range of free council services that should stop people from disposing waste in their neighbourhoods. He described dumping as an epidemic in the northern suburbs and said the behaviour was “arrogant and selfish”. “What we rely on is the community reporting things through,” Cr Haweil said. “So it’s a council responsibility for us to pick it up and clean up the area, but also with

evidence to help us undertake investigations.” Cr Jack Medcraft labelled dumping in Hume as “unAustralian”. “If you see someone dumping, please don’t be afraid to dob them in,” Cr Medcraft said. “It’s money coming out of your pocket, ratepayers are paying for this.” In November last year, Hume council sustainable infrastructure and services director Peter Waite told Star Weekly there were 19,188 registered hard rubbish collections amounting to 2872 cubic metres of hard rubbish in the 2020-2021 financial year. Hume’s 2021-2022 budget says over 12

months from the new financial year, the council would provide 14,000 hard waste collections, undertake 4200 kilometres of roadside litter cleaning and remove more than 40,000 square metres of graffiti. According to Hume’s 2021-2025 council plan, it hopes to finalise a 10-year waste strategy, and “implement initiatives to reduce the incident of illegal dumped waste in Hume city”. Cr Haweil said councils should have no mercy and find people who are illegally dumping and hold them accountable. “Our community is not your tip,” Cr Haweil said.

Cyclists ride like a girl Cycling 65 stunning kilometres around the Macedon Ranges doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend a Saturday. Alison Skene certainly thinks so, which is why she’s organised this year’s Hanging Rock Handicap on February 26 – a women’s-only handicap format road race around Hanging Rock, Newham and Lancefield. With more than 95 entrants, Ms Skene said the day, geared towards cyclists of all levels, was “hugely successful”. “It’s a road race for women to get more women into racing, by putting on a really inclusive, fun, challenging event that they can really enjoy,” Ms Skene said. “It appeals to women who ride, but have never raced before, but also anyone who has done a bit of racing, or lots of racing.” It’s the third year of the race, which after a hiatus in 2021, was back and bigger than ever. “I just love it out there, it’s just so pretty,” Ms Skene said.

“The roads are quiet, it’s scenic, it’s not too steep, but you can do steep hills if you want.” A handicap race allows people of all levels to race competitively, starting at different points and times so that the competition is equal – which is why the top four finishers had hardly raced before. The Hanging Rock Handicap also gives entrants the opportunity to donate to the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network – they’ve raised about $350. “You could tell people were wrapped, and the atmosphere was really buzzing at the end, this is what happened at the previous two editions as well,” Ms Skene said. “There’s a lot of love for being amongst all these other women cyclists, doing the same thing, challenging themselves and having a good time. “It was everything I dreamed about and more, everything came together really well and I get the sense that the women’s cycling community wants to do more of this.”

The Hanging Rock Handicap is a women’s-only road race.

(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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MY PLACE Andrew Towner is the owner of the award-winning Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat. On January 26, Mr Towner received an Australia Day Award for Business and Tourism. He spoke with Oliver Lees about tourism recovery in the shire and what he looks forward to in 2022. What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges? I am a hospitality and tourism ‘lifer’. Following roles in the United Kingdom and Australia, I moved to Asia and spent 10 years in executive management. On a trip to Kyneton in 2013, I fell in love with the natural beauty of the Macedon Ranges and purchased Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat in 2014. The property has since been ranked number one in the Macedon Ranges by Trip Advisor, awarded the Best of the Best Award in 2021, and has won Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards for Accommodation, Tourism, Visitor Experience and Business of the Year. In 2022 I was honoured to be recognised with an Australia Day Award for Business and Tourism. I am committed to supporting the ongoing success of the Macedon Ranges. As a member of the Visitor Economy Reference Group, I worked with council and stakeholders on the Macedon Ranges Visitor Economy Strategy. I am the deputy chair of Tourism Macedon Ranges and work closely with our Regional Tourism Board, Daylesford Macedon Tourism. I sit on the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Business and Tourism Communications Group, and am regularly called to support local business and community groups. I’m a member of the Mount Macedon & District Horticultural Society and am committed to ensuring the heritage of open gardens on Mount Macedon is saved. I am also committed to ensuring that our most prized natural treasure, Hanging Rock, is responsibly managed and maintained for generations to come.

and regulations, as well as delivering a number of council-funded COVID recovery programs. The region has been a popular tourism destination since the easing of restrictions. Our beautiful natural surroundings, wide open spaces, fantastic range of accommodation, and amazing experiences all allow visitors to get away from it all without travelling too far from home. Business and trade visitors have been slower to return so this continues to impact our motel and hospitality businesses.

Andrew Towner receiving a Macedon Ranges Shire Council Business Excellence Award from mayor Jennifer Anderson. (Supplied)

Do you anticipate things to improve for the tourism and accommodation sector throughout 2022?

At council’s citizen award ceremony, you were congratulated in your efforts to encourage the visitor economy to expand in the shire. Why is this a focus of yours? A strong, vibrant, and sustainable visitor economy underpins the ongoing success of the Macedon Ranges. The visitor economy includes not only those businesses directly servicing visitors such as restaurants, cafes, hotels and B&Bs, but also all the other businesses who support these businesses, such as the tradies, food suppliers, retailers, laundries and cleaners, to name of few. Nearly half of all visitors to the Macedon Ranges are visiting local friends and relatives who also support local businesses. Without visitors, local businesses could not survive, residents would lose jobs, and the community would lose the lifestyle it so values.

This is why it is so important that we maintain a sustainable visitor economy. As the president of the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association, I’m sure you’ve seen firsthand the challenges facing the sector throughout the pandemic. Have things improved since the state removed strong lockdown restrictions? The Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association (MRAA) is one of the longest running regional accommodation groups in Victoria and in 2022 celebrates 20 years of supporting accommodation providers. The tourism sector was hit particularly hard by the Melbourne metro lockdowns and the MRAA has kept members updated and supported in the constantly changing landscape of restrictions

While we remain optimistic, there is no question that the sector is under pressure. Demand in the first half of 2022 has been strong but there is uncertainty around what comes next. This is resulting in shorter booking lead-times and an increased guest focus on deposit and cancellation policies. The wedding and event sector have been hit particularly hard and are now trying to stage events that were postponed during lockdowns, in addition to securing future bookings. All businesses are being challenged by the lack of trained manpower and the ongoing impact of COVID outbreaks in the workplace. Supply chain issues and increasing operating costs are impacting profitability. The sector has proven its resilience over the last two years but recognises there is a way to go to put this behind us. Details: www.macedonranges.org.au and www.braesidemtmacedon.com.au

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‘‘

You can have the biggest genuine hug, it’s an open-mouth-style kiss. It’s very unique

’’

- Chrissy Cimino

Chrissy Cimino’s son Elliott, 4, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome when he was 14 months old.

(Damjan Janevski) 266764_06

Test unlocks genetic mysteries A new screening test for three rare genetic disorders in babies is giving hope to parents like Wollert’s Chrissy Cimino, as Elsie Lange discovered.

ollert mum Chrissy Cimino might have avoided many months of waiting and worry had new genetic screening technology been available for her son, Elliott, five years ago. Elliott has Angelman’s syndrome – a rare genetic disorder affecting about one in 15,000 live births – but Ms Cimino didn’t find this out until he was 14 months old. As an infant, Elliot struggled to put on weight. At six months, he couldn’t sit or hold his head up properly. At 10 months, they saw a paediatrician, who said Elliot was just “placid”, and should “catch up”. “But being a first time mum, you just work things out,” Ms Cimino said. “You don’t know anything different.” The new screening technology, developed by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and funded by the state government, could have identified Elliott’s condition and

sidestepped the anxiety Ms Cimino and her husband Ben endured. The screening by the technology can identify Prader Willi, Angelman and Dup15q – disorders that can lead to varying degrees of intellectual disability, autism, behavioural problems, seizures and severe obesity. Ms Cimino said getting Elliott diagnosed wasn’t cheap or easy. People with Angelman’s syndrome are renowned for their upbeat personalities and big smiles – sometimes to their detriment. “Everyone said that I had the dream baby,” she said. The diagnostic method involves a commonly used ‘heel prick’ test, which allows researchers to look at the number of chemical markers to affected genes. Ms Cimino is on maternity leave from her job as a nurse and she wishes there was more support for families of people with disabilities. Her mum has been helping to look after the kids, because she isn’t able to get enough help from the National Disability Insurance Scheme for a support worker. “That’s not the role of a grandmother,” Ms Cimino said. Elliott’s been having undiagnosed seizures since he was seven months old and if he had the diagnosis, the “electrical storm” in his brain would have been controlled. And not only is it underdiagnosed, Angelman’s syndrome is also misdiagnosed – sometimes as autism, because they are

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

non-verbal, or as cerebral palsy. When Elliott was diagnosed, Ms Cimino was pregnant with her second child. “From the newborn screening, what can happen is that we could have gone and done the newborn screening and know that our other two daughters are fine,” Ms Cimino said. Had they found out earlier, she would have been able to access the equipment necessary to make Elliott’s life easier, but because they only found out when he was 14 months old, she felt like they were on the backfoot. Before the new screening was the developed, Ms Cimino said the only other way she could have found out about her other babies were more “invasive” forms of of testing, and she said the new testing means she would not have to “run the risk of miscarriage”. “There’s a whole anxiety around that procedure,” she said. She describes her four-year-old boy as affectionate, loving and full of laughter – but this is not always easy for his parents when he’s unwell. “You can have the biggest genuine hug, it’s an open-mouth-style kiss. It’s very unique,” Ms Cimino said. “Full of absolute love and joy.” “But it can be really hard as well, because we can present and he can be really sick but he’s still happy.“ The mother of three said she’s grateful for the support networks supporting Angelman

families, because without them, she wouldn’t have known Elliott had the disorder for a long time to come. It was when Ms Cimino stumbled across an organisation online, Foundation of Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), and watched a video called ‘What does Angelman look like’, that she and her husband saw their son represented for the first time. “I said to my husband ‘Oh my god, Elliot has Angelman syndrome,” She said it was a relief and after further research, the family came across Angelman Syndrome Association of Australia (ASAA), connecting Ciminos to other families and providing support. For Ms Cimino and the Angelmans syndrome community, it’s exciting to see further research and therapeutics to do with the disorder coming to Australia. “That’s super exciting, and to improve their quality of life, and that’s all funded by the Angelman community,” she said. “The future is bright for them.” She says that if parents think their child might have Angelmans, to go into the process with an open mind, and that the community will support them. “If you think your child’s got Angelmans syndrome, go to the FAST website, go and see the ASAA, because we’re the ones that live this everyday,” Ms Cimino said. “And we will guide you through it, and it will be okay.”

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Food handling courses Accredited food handlers and food safety courses are being run at Melton South Community Centre on Saturday, March 5. The community centre will also be running a breadmaking for beginners workshop on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. ■ 9747 8576

Photographer’s choice, artist Rebekah Cole with her artwork. (Damjan Janevski) 269383_01

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at 10am on the second Tuesday of each month at the Melton Country Club. The group is open to everyone, new and old members, to get together and discover the social aspects of the group. ■ Ann 0425 705 150

Singing group Do you enjoy singing and want to meet fellow singers in your area? Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre. Rehearsals are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

Melton South Knit & Natter All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Mahjong group Interested in learning to play Mahjong? The game is a tile-based game that is derived from China where it was developed in the 19th century. U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ 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 welcome. ■ 9746 0271

Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa. ■ 0403 057 003

French and Italian for over 50s Over 50, retired, or semi-retired and wanting to learn a language? U3A Melton offers French and Italian classes for beginners and those with more advanced skills. ■ www.u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

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 welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801

Women’s Day The Rose Carers meet 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. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119 or 0400 052 857

The Women’s Support Network will be launched at an International Women’s Day event in Brimbank on Tuesday, March 8 between 10am and noon at Deer Park Hall, Station Road, Deer Park. All women are welcome to attend, with bookings open until March 3. ■ https://www.trybooking.com/BXMGS or info@wsn.org.au

Melton Parkinson’s support group

Writers and Readers Festival

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival (BWRF) is an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, and promotes lifelong learning in Brimbank. The free festival which runs from March 17-26 includes workshops, author talks, panel discussions, writing, storytelling and more. ■ https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ writersfestival

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

Melton Friendship Group Are you single, over 55 and a resident living in or near Melton? Looking for some new friends? Then the Melton Friendship Group is the right group for you. The group meets fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Melton Cycling Club Melton Cycling club meets for regular

suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting. ■ 9311 9973

Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Combined Probus Club 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

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

Garden club 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 welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

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

The Whittlesea Garden Expo is on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 at Whittlesea Showgrounds, Whittlesea-Yea Road, Whittlesea, 9am-3pm. Featuring stallholders, presentations, entertainment and kids’ activities. Cost: $8 for adults (prebooked) or $10 at the gate. ■ https://bit.ly/3rMNvfp

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

Rotary club

Community outings

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

Hikoi Brothers is for men of all ages in the western suburbs. 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

Garden expo

Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. 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

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

Women’s group

Toastmasters

Werribee River lovers required

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, from 1pm, as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to

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

A new family-friendly conservation group is forming to support the Werribee River in central Werribee. The next event is Tuesday, March 8, 5.30–7pm, river end of Edgar Street, Werribee. ■ maryann.weatherill@werribeeriver.org.au

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

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When local learning goes global By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network Melbourne is celebrated as a city in which diversity is matched by tolerance, acceptance and love. Yet sometimes national or international pressures can make the city’s at-risk communities feel unfairly targeted as others publicly debate their worth. When this happens, people become more susceptible to stress, anxiety and are at higher risk of self-harm. When it comes to help, one size doesn’t fit all. Mental health programs need to be culturally appropriate, recognising the importance of community-defining factors such as language, faith, custom or sexuality. For a long time, members of the LGBTIQ+ community have been disproportionately at risk of mental illness. Multiple studies confirm higher than average numbers of suicides and suicide attempts. Other research found that many LGBTIQ+people are reluctant to use regular physical and mental health services. North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) operates on the principle that everyone deserves the right care at the right time. This commitment drove our teams over the past couple of years to lead three suicide prevention trials – two, centred on Melton-Brimbank and Macedon Ranges, were funded by the state government and the third, a national pilot focused on the LGBTIQ+ community, was funded by the commonwealth. We looked at gaps in the system and how they might be filled, working with GPs, hospital clinicians, nurses, and LGBTIQ+ organisations. Critical to this process were the voices of community members who had experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a

NWMPHN’s suicide prevention work has been recognised by the World Health Organisation. (iStock)

suicide attempt, cared for someone through suicidal crisis, or been bereaved by suicide. We looked at factors such as the role of LGBTIQ+ support groups, cultural awareness training for clinicians, the development of LGBTIQ+ centred services following discharge after a suicide attempt, and other factors. All three of the trials conclude in June. However, lessons and training modules arising from them are now being incorporated into health service responses around the country. And, indeed, the world. We found that in

the matter of post-discharge mental health support (known as ‘postvention’ in the jargon) there was almost no comparable work being done anywhere else. It is a tribute to all the people in the medical sector, community organisations and LGBTIQ+ community that, just a couple of weeks ago, the World Health Organisation acknowledged the NWMPHN suicide prevention work for its excellence and innovation. The trial findings and recommendations are now incorporated in the global body’s

officialtext, The WHO Live Life: An implementation guide for suicide prevention in countries. It seems that Melbourne’s reputation for diversity, tolerance, acceptance and love has not only been reaffirmed, but also recognised around the world. If this story sparks concerns for you, please contact: Switchboard, a peer-driven support service for LGBTIQ people and their friends and family, 1800 184 527; switchboard.org.au (3pm–midnight daily) Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au

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

30 years ago

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20 years ago

10 years ago

February 18, 1992

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Communities throughout the Macedon Ranges are being asked to identify local issues in the water industry so that a regional response to developments can be prepared.

Pets in the Macedon Ranges area are being shot to death by a drive-by sniper. At least seven cats and dogs have been killed or injured by the shooter (or shooters) since Christmas.

Joshua Synot, from the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Special School, cannot stop thinking about England. The 16-year-old will fly to East Sussex and stay at the prestigious Glyne Gap School after being honoured with an award for academic excellence.

More than the pigments of the imagination, tattoos embody rich cultural and social tradition, with lines frequently redrawn to ensure relevance to the modern tribe.

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EVERY WEEK

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!

.AU

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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• 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

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• 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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16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

PUZZLES No. 070

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

6 8 1 1 7 9 3

6 5 9 4 1

ACROSS 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

Surgeons’ instruments (8) Calms (8) Wattle (6) Made greater (9) Primary (4) Handsome nursery plant (6) Oral (6) Counter (7) Bankrupt (9) Bestowed (7) Definite (8) Still (8) Zigzag (6) Affirmation (6) Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6) Book ID (1,1,1,1)

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24

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

No. 070

DOWN

System without private property (9) Tie-on labels (4) Extension (3) Group of islands (11) Outlines (8) Orb (6) Falsehoods (4) Gives (7) From Stockholm, say (7) Sulk (4) Uniform (6) Material for floors (8) Anarchy (11) Qld city, Mount — (3) Masculine (4) Food (9)

2 medium

QUICK CROSSWORD

DECODER

No. 070

hard

3 2 6

4 2 5 1

10 11 12 13

5 LETTERS ABASE ACRES ADORE ADORN AGAPE AGATE ALIAS ALIVE ALLEN ANGEL APPLE AVAIL BRING CASEY CEDAR COCOA CORSE COSTA DRESS ELIDE

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good

9 2 5 4 1 8 7 3 6

7 8 4 2 9 6 1 5 3

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

C E

L A D E A V E N B O U T

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

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

No. 070

L D E R

3 9 7 2 5 1 6 8 4

ELUDE ERRED EVITA FACTS GENII HEARD IBIZA ISSUE LAPUP LEONE LOSER LOTUS MACRO NURSE OMEGA OWNER PANIC PESTS PRIOR RALPH RIVEN

SAUDI SEEDS SIREN SNEAK SOLAR STEPS STUDY SUPER TRUER 6 LETTERS CENTER GERALD METALS SEEMED

7 LETTERS BREAKER LOCATED PUERILE RAUCOUS SUPREMO WARRIOR 8 LETTERS PASSABLE PROCURES SIDESTEP SORCERER

04-03-22

6 5 9 8 3 1 4 2 7

5 4 6 1 8 7 3 9 2

8 7 2 9 4 3 5 6 1

6 4 1 7 3 8 5 2 9

7 6 9 3 8 5 1 4 2

8 2 3 4 1 6 9 7 5

4 LETTERS APSE BIDE CASA FAIR FRED HANS INTO ISPY LOAM ORBS RACE SAIL SARK SKIM

No. 070

COMPETING, cope, coping, epic, incept, inept, mope, moping, open, opine, optic, opting, pectin, pent, peon, picot, pigeon, pigment, pimento, pine, ping, pint, pinto, pitmen, piton, poem, poet, poetic, point, tempi, tempo, tope, topic, toping

2 1 3 5 7 4 6 8 9

4 6 7 3 5 9 2 1 8

G R A

3 5 9 7 1 4 6 8 2

1 3 8 7 6 2 9 4 5

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

4 1 8 3 6 2 9 7 5

7 2 6 9 5 8 4 1 3

1 4 3 6 2 7 8 5 9

8 6 2 5 9 3 7 4 1

9 7 5 8 4 1 2 3 6

2 9 7 4 3 5 1 6 8

6 3 4 1 8 9 5 2 7

5 8 1 2 7 6 3 9 4

1 5 4 9 2 7 3 6 8

4 7 2 1 9 3 8 5 6

5 1 6 8 7 2 4 9 3

9 3 8 5 6 4 2 1 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

34 words: Excellent

hard

M G 18

medium

easy

3 LETTERS ADO ADS ARE ECO EGO EMU EYE FOR GAR GOT HOT IDE MBA MIR ODE ONE OUT OVA RAT TEA TIE TOE TVS ZED

I O T UNQC S X H V E D

6 3 7

3 3 8

6 4

4 7

5x5

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

AWB L K R Z P J F YMG

2 5

1 9 7 8 8

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

What are the bars of a xylophone commonly made from?

In what year did Xi Jinping become president of the People’s Republic of China?

Who (pictured) starred as Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess from 1995 to 2001?

Roentgen rays are more commonly known by what name?

The first X-Men comic, The X-men #1, was published in what year?

What is the name for the letter X in the Greek alphabet?

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully were the main characters of which US television show?

Xenophobia is the fear of what?

What company produces the Xbox gaming console?

10 The first photocopier was produced by which US company?

ANSWERS: 1. Wood 2. Lucy Lawless 3. 1963 4. The X-Files 5. Foreigners 6. Microsoft 7. 2013 8. X-rays 9. Chi 10. Xerox

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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V Massage Therapists ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. V Pets & Services ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 10.00am Monday.

Labour Day 14th March

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CALL 1300 666 808 18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

12514849-JW40-21

ADVERTISE

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Australia’s national men’s cricket team is set to tour which country in March of this year? 2. How many co-captains did Wests Tigers recently appoint for the 2022 NRL season? 3. Which team was fined $10,000 for breaching competition rules during the Super Netball 2022 player-signing period?

4. How many own goals did New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore score in a recent 0-5 defeat to the US women’s soccer team? 5. Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matt Stafford played 12 seasons with which NFL team? 6. The Super Golf League is a proposed professional golf tour funded by which country? 7. Western United’s Ben Garuccio scored a scorpion-kick goal in a recent 3-2 win over which A-League Men’s team? 8. The Fijiana Drua are the newest team to join which six-team women’s rugby union competition?

Kyle Chandler

13. What US women’s national team was recently awarded equal pay to their male counterparts? 14. Touk Miller and Jarrod Witts were recently announced as captains of which AFL club? 15. Which country topped the medal tally at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics? 16. What famous athletics event is usually held each year over the Easter long weekend? 17. What sport does the movie and TV series Friday Night Lights, starring Kyle Chandler, revolve around?

22. Which AFL Geelong Cats player recently helped save a family from drowning at a beach?

26. How many Melbourne Cups did champion New Zealand-bred racehorse Phar Lap win?

23. During the Delray Beach Open, tennis player Stefan Kozlov was left fuming after he encountered what object on the court?

9. Jed Anderson last played for which AFL team?

18. In baseball, what is the most commonly stolen base?

10. Which Akron, Ohio-born basketballer was named MVP of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game?

19. What is the only sport to have been played on the moon?

11. What iconic sporting stadium did Eddie McGuire recently say should have a roof installed on it?

Milan

24. After approximately two-thirds of the season complete, which club currently tops the ladder in the English Premier League?

20. Which city will host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games? 21. Who was the leading run-scorer in the 2021/22 Ashes series across both teams?

27. By what scoreline did the Australian men’s cricket team defeat Sri Lanka in their five-match T20 series? 28. And which Aussie batsman was named player of the series? 29. The Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will host which major sporting event in 2026? 30. In which year was Australia’s last Test cricket tour of Pakistan?

25. Which Australian Paralympian has won 17 medals, including six gold, across four Paralympic Games?

1. Pakistan 2. Five 3. Queensland Firebirds 4. Three 5. Detroit Lions 6. Saudi Arabia 7. Western Sydney Wanderers 8. Super W 9. North Melbourne 10. Stephen Curry 11. The MCG 12. Sydney 13. US Women’s soccer team 14. Gold Coast Suns 15. Norway 16. Stawell Gift 17. American Football 18. Second base 19. Golf 20. Paris 21. Travis Head 22. Patrick Dangerfield 23. A sponsor’s BMW 24. Manchester City 25. Ellie Cole 26. One (1930) 27. 4-1 28. Glenn Maxwell 29. Winter Olympics 30. 1998

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12. What Australian city will host the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in September and October?

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Beware of falling in love with the Jolion

The Jolion has a fair way to go to beat rivals in ‘love’ match.

(Pictures: Supplied)

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Jolion sounds like one of those decent chaps in a Billy Bunter or Tom Brown’s Schooldays caper - a young toff in a starched collar and a top hat. It is, in fact, a compact sports utility vehicle from a Chinese company generally known for its cheap-as-chips workhorse utes. To add to the incongruity, we are told by the maker, Haval Great Wall Motors, Jolion is Chinese for ‘first love’. I suppose with a price range in the mid $20k, what’s not to love about the SUV. The ‘school bell’ first rang for Jolion in Australia with two variants - mid-grade Lux and range-topping Ultra, priced from $27,990 driveaway and $30,990 driveaway, respectively. These were later joined by an entry-level Jolion Premium model from $25,490 driveaway. The Lux was on test. Haval GWM continues to offer one of the best after sales and customer care packages in the industry with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years roadside assist and an attractive capped price servicing program.

Styling There is a touch of Hollywood about this ‘first love’. The spotlight falls brightly on a grille with sparkling finish and horizontal accents to create a bold, if flashy, show. The ‘main event’ is flanked by LED headlamps, foglamps and a most striking set-up of daytime running lights. The car’s profile is standard SUV lines, while the back is plain, if a little hunchbacked.

Interior Soft touch surfaces, aluminium-style accents and leather wrapped steering wheel give a premium look to the cabin on the surface, but hard plastic buts in to cheapen the image, not to mention the rubber surround of the rear-view mirror coming adrift at a touch. Seats, in Comfort-Tek material, are heated up front, the driver getting a six-way adjustable

Engines / transmissions Power is delivered to the front wheels by a re-engineered 1.5 litre turbo-petrol engine with 110 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Safety

AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Haval Jolion Premium from $25,490 (driveaway) Haval Jolion Lux from $27,990 (driveaway) Haval Jolion Ultra from $30,990 (driveaway)

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

spot. The rear has class-leading leg and shoulder space. Storage is taken care of by a central bin and a pair of cupholders in two sizes in the centre console, while door pockets can fit bottles. Boot space is not left behind, checking in at 430 litres, expanding to 1133 litres with the 60:40 second row stowed. A space-saver spare nestles under the floor.

Infotainment Connectivity is front and centre with a 10.25-inch colour multimedia touchscreen linked to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch LCD instrument display carries range of system info. The position of the touch screen on the centre dash of the test car had its problems, with air-con controls underneath easy to catch accidentally while resting the palm on working the screen. Audio is handled by a six-speaker system, while dual-zone air-conditioning keeps occupants in relative comfort.

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

Safety is expansive with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert standard across the range.

Driving New from the ground up like its larger sibling, the new H6, the Jolion, a replacement for the H2, is underpinned by Haval’s new global lightweight modular platform to appeal to a wide range of driving needs. The 1.5 litre petrol engine, with the turbo slow to catch on at times when setting off, delivered up to 110 kW and 210 Nm to the test car front wheels smoothly through a the seven-speed dual clutch transmission once the vehicle was up to speed.

As far as fuel consumption is concerned the claimed combined urban / highway cycle of 8.1 litres of premium unleaded per 100 kilometres, compared with the 10 litres per 100 kilometres recorded on test in a range of driving conditions. For those interested, four different drive modes - standard, eco, sport and snow - are available on demand. With eco snail-like and sport highlighting the small engine syndrome, standard was an acceptable all-rounder. After a serious bout of gardening, my back was worse for wear. I don’t think I could have enjoyed a long(ish) journey in the Jolion Lux. Despite looking good, the seats were hard and generally unsupportive. Loading from the rear had its problems with the tailgate not lifting enough to get the cargo cover out of the way, making it a prime target for a whack on the head. The dim boot surroundings did not help. The keyless entry also had a mind of its own - at times not unlocking the driver’s door to the touch of the handle. The key fob button was the back-up. Don’t get me on about the ‘spy’ camera with its constant eye on the driver from its elevated spot on the A-pillar. Whatever motivated the Chinese to come up with this Cyclops of a driver fatigue monitoring system? This one-eyed monster supposedly checks the driver’s concentration level and if it deems it to have elapsed, flashes up the message on the multimedia screen “Hey, don’t stray”. Other warnings included one about the position of the vehicle ahead (which wasn’t there). It all became a niggling bore.

Summary So, what’s not to love about the Jolion? Apart from the keen pricing, there is quite a bit, actually. The Chinese compact SUV could best be described as a work in progress.

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The Kangaroos’ female program bounds ahead The Sunbury Kangaroos female football program continues to grow, with the club looking to field two women’s sides and an under-18.5 side this year. Having struggled early last season for numbers and dropping a division, the Kangaroos have turned things around. With the majority of last year’s playing group returning and a number of new players coming on board, the club has entered two women’s sides. They will also have an under-18.5 side which the club didn’t have last year. Kangaroos’ women’s coach Ron Sikora said the aim was to make the program sustainable for the future. “When I came across and started talking to Allan [Walters] at the start of last year, you could see how passionate he was towards female footy and I think it’s only fair for that push to keep going. “I’ve always been passionate about female football and we’ve got the opportunity and we have to be the best club moving forward.

“Getting the players here and building the culture around fun and respect and still developing the game is the key. “I think people have just fallen in love with it and don’t want to leave.” Sikora, who is involved at Victorian Football League and NAB League level female programs, said the only players who weren’t returning were due to work commitments or stepping away from the game due to age. He said retention was one of the measures of success of a coach. The club has appointed Mollie-Ann Gregory as the under-18.5 girls coach. The side will also play in the EDFL. Gregory has played at NAB League level and has set up female sides at other clubs. Sikora said they had looked for someone with experience through the pathway system, to help cater for all players. Sikora said they were still looking for players for all three sides. “We have the ability to have 24 players per team and you have to factor in injuries and

holidays, if we can get it up to 28 per team that would be ideal.” Sikora said for anyone unsure whether football is for them, come on down and check it out. “Don’t be scared, if you haven’t played for a long time or are standoffish if we can cater for your level. I’ve coached for a fair while and have the ability to give a little more than a local coach. “We’ve got a one club mentaully and we’re looking to work with closely with the junior girls and will keep pushing that pathway.” Anyone interested in playing can contact Ron on 0414 296 100.

Sunbury Kangaroos’ Mia Briggs. (Damjan Janevski) 245813_03

High hopes for Sharks Rupertswood is aiming to build on its first season in the Essendon District Football League division 1. The Sharks were sitting ninth when the season ended early due to the pandemic with two wins, but had been close in a number of other games. Coach Arron Bray said the side was in a pretty good spot at this stage of the pre-season. “We’re going alright,” he said. “We lost a couple [of players] in Luke Sultana and Paddy Scanlon, but we’ve picked up seven or eight along the way. “Last year we were a very young group. We’ve looked to add a bit of experience.” Among those joining the club are Zak Saad, Brock Landt, Ben Said and Shaun Stewart, who are also expected to add some experience to the side. Bray said while they had signed a number of players, they would also get a number of players back from injury. The returns of players like Dylan Podolczak and Lochie Muir, who played two games between them last season, are set to make a difference. Bray said between new players, players returning and those returning after missing through injury, there would likely be 12 to 13 players coming into the senior side. He said he thought their first season in a new league was OK and was something that could build on this year. The Sharks were in a lot of games until three quarter time. “We were unlucky in a few games,” he said. “We went bull at a gate instead of slowing down and playing two pace football. The guys will learn from that. “We also debuted 14 players in 11 games, which was the most important thing for myself and the club. “A number of under-18s got the chance at a higher level and will be better for it.” Bray said the likes of Jordan Tentonello, Alex Misiti, Jackson Pranauskas and Jesse Harris were ones who really stood up when given opportunities last season. He said someone like Harris wasn’t expected to play seniors, but thrived when he got the chance. Bray said having had 12 months in the EDFL would also benefit the side going forward. “A lot of the senior guys got to have a look at it [the league] for the first time as well,“ he said. “If we had come over with our premiership side, we would have been up there. “This year, we’re aiming for the top four with the squad that we have.” Bray, who is in his second season at the club, said they had also put things in place on the coaching side to make it easier for him. “We’ve got a high performance guy to look

On the hunt for a coach The Sunbury Lions are on the hunt for a head coach just weeks out from the Ballarat Netball League season. Josh Burns was set to be head coach and coach the A and B-grade sides for a second season, but recently made the decision to step away from the role. It leaves the Lions without someone to look after their top sides ahead of the season getting underway on April 9. New Lions president Jack Medcraft said they were trying to get the word out and were desperately in need of some to take over the role. “I said to Josh that I needed reports every few weeks on how things were going,” he said. “About a week ago, he said he was choosing to head in another direction and focus on other things.” Medcraft said the role was a paid one and they would coach the club’s top two sides. The club’s A-grade side struggled last season having been a finals contender previously as the club blooded a number of younger players after key departures. Medcraft said the club was set up for the future, they just needed a coach on board. He said they had plenty of players to fill all five sides, but naturally the players wanted to know what was happening with the coaching situation. “We have a new precinct with two brand new courts,” he said. “There’s a brand new set up for netballers. “We would love to get a coach on board to help with the uncertainty heading into the season. “We’re taking steps to put things in place so we have a good season.” The Lions are also on the hunt for a football operations manager for the upcoming season. Inquires: 0411 701 526

Alex Misiti is one player who took his chances last season. (Damjan Janevski) 233496_03

after the fitness side of things and give me a chance to watch players individually a bit more. “It takes the pressure off me. Most of the

players are covering close to 70 kilometres a month.” The Sharks will kick off their season on April 2 against Airport West.

Tara Murray

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Sunbury United’s Steven Fogarty has stepped up this season. (Shawn Smits) 269994_01

One week at a time for United By Tara Murray

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Sunbury United continue to take it one week at a time in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. Sitting undefeated after 10 rounds and top of the ladder, the Bees could be forgiven for looking towards finals. Captain-coach Upul Fernando said they were happy with how things were tracking at this stage of the season. “We came up with a plan, but we didn’t expect to win 10 in a row,” he said. “We take it a week at a time, with all four teams working hard as a club. “The committee has backed me in, 100 per cent.” Fernando said the key to the first XI side and the other sides in the club this season was making sure that they were enjoying their cricket. He said the culture was really good with everyone stepping up and playing their role. “Everyone is backing each other up and that’s the best thing to be honest. “Enjoyment is the secret of our success.” Having lost Dilan Chandima after a standout season which included making more than 900 runs, Fernando said other players to step up and fill the void. He said there aren’t many players like Chandima available, a broader spread of contributors could share the workload. “We lost Dilan who got 900 runs, it was a bit of an issue who was going to take his place,” he said. “We’ve got a good mix of senior players and juniors. Senior players with 300 to 400 games experience.

“Damien Edwards has stood up on the big stage and has had big scores before. “Steven Fogarty has taken on some repsonsibily and Ryan Billinghurst is my vice-captain. “Our bowling strength has been led by Zach Forster with some steady bowling. Rajitha Mendis is a senior player, Amrit Sandhu and Senura Perera have been bowling well too. “They’ve all stood up in the big stages.” While happy with the season so far, Fernando said they still had room for improvement. The club’s last two games of the season are against second placed Gisborne and third placed Bacchus Marsh. The first of those games was on Saturday, after deadline. Fernando said after playing some of the bottom sides in recent weeks, has resulted in a slight drop of energy that they need to pick back up leading into finals. The club is already guaranteed a top two spot heading into the last couple of rounds. “There’s areas we want to improve on in the next couple of weeks,” he said. “We’re still improving and working on our strengths and weaknesses and we’ll hopefully get back to the level we need to be. “It’s a slow process but we are getting there. We’ve got another two weeks and it’ll be a good test for us and hopefully we’ll get a couple more wins.“ The Bees second XI currently sits sixth in the Johnstone Shield with six teams to play finals. Their third XI has struggled while their fourths are on top of the ladder.

United put plans in place for a strong season Sunbury United is hoping for a bit of luck as the side aims for promotion in FV state league 3 north-west. United was sitting in the top half of the table last season when it was called off, but found there was a gap between them and some of the top teams. President Greg Czapnik said it has been a tough couple of years for sporting clubs, but they were hopeful that the worst had passed. “We are starting again on March 18,” he said. “We have lost a few players from last year as you normally do, but we’ve also picked some players up. “We won’t know where we are sitting until about round eight. We’re looking for promotion and success, but we’ll need some luck and make sure we have no injuries or suspensions.” Czapnik said that had mixed reactions to

last season, having taken high hopes into the year. He said even if the season was completed, they didn’t think they would have earned promotion. “I don’t think we beat any of the teams above us last one game we shouldn’t have to one of the struggling slides “Even if the season progressed one and two teams might have been third or fourth. Upfield was the best team but far, while the Western Eagles beat us twice.” Lino Grech has been named senior coach again, having been in the role since 2017. Czapnik said they feel like this year’s squad has a bit of depth which they hope will hold them in good stead. “We’ve signed a couple of midfielders, a couple of strikers and a couple fo defenders. “We have got some good depth, which we

always seem to have at the start of the year like most clubs. “It can be hard to keep people if they are not playing, but we think we have a pretty good dressing atmosphere that people want to stay.” Czapnik said overall the club was looking good ahead of the season, but registrations for some of the junior sides had been a bit slower than they would have liked. The club had a registration day on the weekend, which they were hoping would kick start that. United’s top side will start their season under lights against Westvale. Czapnik said they tried a Friday night match last season and it was successful. “It was pretty successful with a big crowd.” Tara Murray

Carla Krizanic.

Lino Grech. (Sunbury United Facebook)

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(Bowls Australia)

GDCA Bacchus Marsh has moved back into the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup top two. On Saturday, the Bulls had a hard fought win against Romsey. The Bulls made 8-152 from their overs with Thomas Wardell top scoring with 35 not out. Romsey was bowled out for 142 with three balls remaining. With Gisborne losing to Sunbury United, the Bulls moved back to second. The Sunbury Kangaroos, Diggers Rest Bulla and Wallan were the other winners.

VTCA Sunbury needs a final round win and hopes results goes its way if it’s to play Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 finals. Sunbury sits three points outside the top four after a loss to Footscray United on Saturday. The Roar made 8-112 from their overs, with Brad Hunter top scoring with 22. Footscray United made 5-113 in reply, getting the runs in the 34th over.

Extreme kicks off

Bowls Sunbury had a strong win against Aberfeldie CBC on Saturday in Bowls Victoria pennant, division 1, section 1. Sunbury won three rinks on the way to a 95 (16)-70 (2) win. Lee Wesley, Mark Cowan and Marc Bullows were the winning skips for Sunbury. On Sunday, Sunbury lost to Glenroy, 100 (17)-76 (1). Mark Cowan, who was the best in the loss, skipped the rink that had a draw.

By Tara Murray and Oliver Lees Sunbury-based Melbourne Extreme matched it with some of the best bowlers in the world at the Bowls Premier League competition last week. Participating in the competition for the first time, Extreme were unlucky not to finish higher than they did after some unlucky results. The side missed finals. Speaking on day four of the five day event, Club Sunbury co-ordinator Lloyd Iaccarino said it had been a really good event for the club. He had previously 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 played each other twice, before a final series including four teams decided a champion. “There have been some seriously good players from around the world playing,” Iaccarino said. “It has been relentless. We are 2-10 in tie breakers [after the first 15 matches] which has been the difference. We seem to play really well in the two sets and they’ll [the opposition] have a good result to force a tie breaker, where we’re not having any luck. “The team is playing really well, it’s just one or two inches in it.” The Extreme team consists of Sunbury’s own Carla Krizanic, along with Glasgow Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Matt Flapper and Ali Forsyth, who was part of the BPL3 winning team. Krizanic said in the lead up to the event that

NAB League

Ali Forsyth. (Bowls Australia)

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. The team is coached by Kelvin Kerkow. Iaccarino said that being the club’s first season in the competition, they would take a lot of lessons from this event. The club had approached Bowls Australia to join the competition, and were ultimately selected to compete when the Melbourne Roys withdrew. “It’s the 14th edition of the event and some of those teams have been together for 13 events,” he said.

“The team has had to learn how to work together and get to know each other’s games. “The biggest challenge has been COVID last year, which restricted them training together. “They’ll get better next time.” The side will play in national events in April and May. Iaccarino said finally being able to get out there and compete at one of these events had been massive for the club. “A number of supporters have come down from Sunbury to watch,” he said. “It has been an absolute brilliant week, We are so proud to represent Sunbury here and the players are doing great.”

The Calder Cannons won a thriller against the Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League Girls competition on Saturday. The Cannons got off to a flyer in the first half and led by 15 points at the main break. The Pioneers continued to fight and two last quarter goals brought the margin back to within a goal. The Cannons held on, winning 6.5 (41)-5.6 (36). Cannons co-captains Olivia Manfre (two goals) and Reese Sutton (23 disposals) both played well.

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