Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 8th March 2022 by Star Weekly

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Treehouses go full circle At the old sawmill on Blackforest Drive, the Woodend Men’s Shed members are making tiny wooden homes for native wildlife left homeless by recent storms. Microbats, mini-gliders, ringtail possums and hollow-nesting birds are just some of the species who have been gifted new real estate – made from the trees they once inhabited. Woodend Men’s Shed president Kevin Davis said the organisation has been providing nesting boxes to vulnerable species in the Macedon Ranges for some time, but have only recently used the recycled timber provided by council. “We were using purchased timber, but now the Macedon Ranges Shire is supplying us with planks that have been cut from storm-felled trees, and we’re using those to manufacture the nesting boxes,” Mr Davis said. “In a sense, it’s a win-win. Because the timber is being recycled back out into the environment and it’s providing these nesting spaces which have been removed from the environment by the storms.” Paul Muller working on one of the nesting boxes made from recycled timber by the Woodend Men’s Shed.

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Call to flush toilet rules By Elsie Lange A petition by Sunbury College students is calling for new trial toilet rules to be scrapped, citing a lack of hygiene, anxiety and time wasting as major issues. The petition, with over 1000 signatures so far, says students are “outraged” by the rule which leaves just three unisex toilets unlocked during class time, for a cohort of more than 900 students. Year 11 student Ashton Varapodio started the petition and told Star Weekly the queuing at the toilets was “unbelievable” because of the trial. He said students were “scared” to go to the toilet, because other students had been banging on the door in desperation or anger.

In correspondence seen by Star Weekly, assistant principal Jared Dyson told parents on February 27 that a “new system for bathroom access during class time” would be trialled, in which students would only be able to access single cubicle, unisex bathrooms at the centre of the school. He said the trial would be reviewed in the week beginning March 14. “The aim of this trial is to ensure students access bathrooms that are central and highly visible, limiting opportunities for the space to be a gathering point or a space to spend extended periods of time out of class,” Mr Dyson said. The correspondence also said students with a medical condition requiring more frequent access would be accommodated.

In response to feedback, Mr Dyson said on March 2 that another bathroom would be opened during class time, and that cleaners had been engaged to maintain hygiene in cubicles. Year 11 student Jessica Maxwell said her experiences while waiting for the toilet had prompted her to share the petition to a local Facebook group. “I was waiting in the line and these two boys went up and started knocking on the door pestering the person to get out of there because they were taking too long,” she said. “And then the person who walked out was a little year seven girl. “Another time when I went in there, there was pee all over the toilet seat, like a public

bathroom in the city or something.“ A parent at the school, who asked not to be named, told Star Weekly, said her daughter “fired up” about the trial. She said it first and foremost a hygiene issue. Another parent, Sharon, who did not want her surname published, said she believed the majority of students using the toilets were “probably doing it to get out of class”. Sunbury College principal Craig O’Bree said students were encouraged to use toilets outside of class times so they don’t interrupt their learning. “We’re continuing to review how this is working, and are engaging in ongoing conversations with our school community and we welcome their feedback.”

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Objection holds up new carpark By Elsie Lange The construction of a proposed multi-deck carpark in Sunbury has been delayed until late August, despite a lack of car parking in the town centre. At a meeting on February 28, councillors spoke to a report on council’s statutory planning and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decisions, including an initiating order in relation to the proposed car park lodged by an objector. Cr Jarrod Bell expressed his frustration at

the decision to review council’s approval of the car park planning application. “I completely understand objector’s rights to go through these processes through VCAT, but to see that we are now at a hearing date of August 23 to 25 later this year before we can even get some closure and maybe some progress on this incredibly important project,” Cr Bell said. “That is incredibly disappointing for the Sunbury community, who are crying out for increased commuter and retail parking in our town centre.”

Cr Bell said he and Cr Jack Medcraft were determined to make sure the car park is built “for the community”. “Providing hundreds of new spots to keep the centre of Sunbury functioning,” Cr Bell said. “I don’t know what mechanisms we have as a council, or other pressures to bring that forward. “This is something that should be expedited, this is something that should be put to the top of the list.” Cr Trevor Dance, who attended the meeting

via Zoom, said he would “sit back and look in interest” at the progression of the issue. “I’ll be watching it very closely, it’s such a significant project in Sunbury,” Cr Dance said. In a live stream on Facebook following the meeting, Cr Bell said the “really important project” was being “held up”. “We’re talking 600-700 car parks that will absolutely change the way, and improve access to parking and the way we use central Sunbury,” he said. “I was really disappointed to see that.”

Sunbury train line update

Scarlett, Evie, Charlie and Harper.

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Cleaning up with Gisborne primary With gloves and rubbish bags at the ready, the kids at Gisborne Primary School were happy to be lending a helping hand for Clean Up Australia Day. From the school yard, to Jackson’s Creek, to the surrounding streets, pupils in years three to six got down on Friday, March 4, to do their part as a school. Year four teacher Penny Keehner said pupils have been learning about sustainability and recycling, and would be using the clean up as an opportunity to sort the plastics and waste. “We’ve been doing waste management all year,” Ms Keehner said. “In the classroom I actually have six bins,

where we sort out all the rubbish, and the other classes are following suit as well.” Some of the kids told Star Weekly how excited they were to be involved in keeping the environment clean and safe. “I am happy to be cleaning up the creek because people chuck things in there and it is not good for the environment,” Harper said. Charlie said:“Hopefully Clean Up Australia Day will teach people not to throw rubbish away in the environment”. Clean Up Australia supplied the school with the bags and gloves they need to make the day run as smoothly as possible, keeping the pupils safe too.

Pupil Brian said the Clean Up Australia initiative “keeps our fish, birds and animals safe as we clean up the environment”. Scarlett also said she was glad to keep “all the animals safe and away from rubbish pollution”. Ms Keehner said she’s teaching the kids how far rubbish can travel, to help them see the bigger picture. “Because Jackson’s Creek feeds into the Maribyrnong River, which then feeds into the bay. “Whatever we drop in the rubbish at Jackson’s Creek ends up in the bay.”

New high-capacity trains are a step closer for residents using the Sunbury line, after crews worked day and night to connect substations and complete upgrades. The 24/7 works were completed over six days in late February, connecting Talmage Street in Albion and Willaton Street in St Albans into the network, as well as completing upgrades at a substation at Diggers Rest. Other new substations included in the upgrade include Delahey, Footscray, at St Albans Road in St Albans and at Calder Park rail yard. High-voltage cabling between substations and the rail corridor were also installed. Longer, more accessible platforms, upgrading tracks and expanding train stabling will also be included in the line upgrade. Progress was also made on the piling and retaining walls for the new rail bridge replacing the Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury, which is set to be removed by the end of the year. To preserve the heritage-listed Sunbury Station, Gap Road/Station Street will be lowered under the existing rail line, and new paths for pedestrians and cyclists are on the way. In other works, the Sunbury Road upgrade will add lanes on Sunbury Road between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest Road, and traffic lights, walking and cycling connections and a new bridge over Jacksons Creek are incoming. “This work is a big step towards enabling bigger, more modern trains to run on the Sunbury Line, connecting passengers to the Metro Tunnel and saving up to 40 minutes on a return journey to Parkville or St Kilda Road,” Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.

Elsie Lange

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Hanging Rock commercial fears By Elsie Lange The Victorian government has been urged to rule out commercial development in the east paddock of Hanging Rock. Northern Victorian Liberal MP Wendy Lovell said this month that she called on Planning Minister Richard Wynne to ensure long term protection of the area. Her comments came in response to the government’s Hanging Rock draft master plan, which she said discusses the construction of a new visitor centre and a permanent stage. Ms Lovell said residents were concerned

about possible plans to build a new visitors’ centre in east paddock, while they were also wary of the possibility of commercial development given proposals in 2013 for a conference centre and hotel. “I call on the minister to ensure the necessary planning amendments are made to strengthen planning protections for the Hanging Rock Precinct and guarantee east paddock is protected from commercial development in the long term,” Ms Lovell said. The government is yet to purchase the east paddock from Macedon Ranges council and negotiations about the monetary value of the

site are ongoing. Friends of Hanging Rock president Nathan Alexander said one of the key views from Hanging Rock is over to the east, and that any sort of visitor centre in the east paddock would be visible from the rock. “One of the qualities that people really appreciate in going up the rock is that sense of naturalness on the rock, and a sense of looking over a natural landscape,” Mr Alexander said. “The less that the landscape around the rock is urbanised, has infrastructure on it, has lots of people living in it – the less that occurs the better. As such, putting a visitor centre in the

east paddock, to my mind, would be a poor decision.” Star Weekly asked the government if it would rule out commercial development in east paddock once the land is purchased, but it declined to answer that question. “The Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan will safeguard Hanging Rock and the surrounding area, ensuring environmental and cultural assets and values are protected,” a Victorian government spokesperson said. “Purchasing the east paddock is an important part of protecting the Hanging Rock precinct for current and future generations.”

Modern times for Romsey primary

Fiona Farrugia with her artwork.

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‘Art bombing’ the Macedon Ranges The streets of the Macedon Ranges have been transformed into the tranquil hallways of an art gallery, with four works dotted across the shire to encourage conversations about mental health. Spearheaded by Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevent Action Group (MRSPAG) and funded by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), the artworks seek to help the community to practice self care, and to reach out when times are tough. Artist Fiona Farrugia has one of her pieces

on display at the Coffee Corner in Gisborne and said she’s passionate about community care, infusing her wellbeing into her art. “It’s often that I’m looking at my environment for my healing,” Farrugia said. Located in Kyneton, Romsey, Gisborne and Woodend, the artworks feature a QR code to take viewers through to artist biographies and their experiences of mental health, as well as providing important information about local services, resources and training. The Macedon Ranges has a higher suicide

rate than the statewide average and MRSPAG chair Steven Power said the group was keen to champion these artistic messages of hope and recovery. Other pieces include a multimedia installation at the Macedon Ranges Shire Council office in Kyneton by Aimee Thompson, a mural at Woodend’s Holgate Brewhouse by Mark Ingalll, and Lachlan McKenzie’s oil painting at Romsey Hub. Details: http://www. mrspag.com.au Elsie Lange

A $3.2 million upgrade of Romsey Primary School is complete, providing pupils with bigger classrooms and better facilities. The state government funding has elevated buildings into modern spaces boasting new robotics and coding technology, as well as a new science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) centre and a 3D printer. The upgrade also included improvements to outdoor areas, car park lighting and addressed existing maintenance issues. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas visited the primary school on Friday, February 18, to celebrate the completion of the works. The school was involved too – principal Kimberly Nicolls, assistant principal Sally Davies, and all the school captains, leaders and pupils joined in to honour the occasion. “We’re ensuring local students have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and every child is given every chance to succeed,” Ms Thomas said. “Local families and kids can now enjoy great new facilities at Romsey Primary School,” she said. “The STEAM centre delivers a fantastic new space enabling children to pursue 3D robotics technology, coding as well as science, arts and maths. “We made a promise to the teachers, parents and students at Romsey primary to upgrade their school and the Andrews Labor government has delivered.” Elsie Lange

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need. Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

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Reparations offer is welcomed By Elsie Lange The state government’s Stolen Generations reparations package has been called “a step in the right direction” by Sunbury’s leading First Nations organisation. Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation chair and Kamilaroi man Peter Webster said there were a number of Stolen Generations in Sunbury and surrounds, and this announcement would help them reconnect with their culture and their people. “People lost language, they lost belongings,

they lost the connection to land when they were removed,” Mr Webster said. “It’s not a compensation package, it’s a healing package to help those people heal and reconnect, and hopefully find what they’ve missed in their life.” Designed by the Stolen Generations Reparations Steering Committee, the package will include $100,000 reparations to those who are eligible, a personal government apology, access to programs for healing and connection to Country, and the chance to share their story. The state government acknowledged that

reparations would never make up for what happened to those who were stolen from their families and removed from their land. Mr Webster, a member of the Stolen Generations from New South Wales, said he’s watched attitudes change over the years. “It’s fantastic to see a government in Australia is looking at First Nations people, the longest surviving culture in the world,” Mr Webster said. He said he hopes for more understanding from all Australians about First Nations people and the history of colonisation.

“You have a look at other parts of the world where similar sorts of things have happened, and they accept that,” Mr Webster said. “But for some reason, here in Australia, no one wants to go and say, ‘Well you know what? What happened was really bad and should never have happened. It’s part of our history and acknowledging history – it’s not about blaming anyone, it’s not saying that one person’s more responsible for what happened than another person – it’s acknowledging that history. Because without acknowledging it, how do you move forward and rebuild.”

Diversity on the agenda

Emma Haslett, Chloe Donnellon, Matisse Donnellon and Emma Donnellon are excited for the new gear for the club. (Supplied)

Cricketers bowled over by grant The kids at Lancefield Cricket Club are having a ball after finding out they are getting more gear, thanks to the Australian Sports Foundation’s (ASF) Active Kids Grants program. Distributing more than half a million dollars worth of sporting equipment and uniforms to 144 clubs across the country, the grants are aimed at helping them bounce back after two difficult pandemic years. The 31 kids at Lancefield Cricket Club will be some of the 27,000 children in Australia to benefit from the program, and club secretary Pauline Goodes said the gear will make it easier for more children to get involved in the sport. “It means that kids can come in and have a go, and parents don’t have to worry about

forking out all this money for new gear,” Ms Goodes said. “If they think that their child might change their might, that they might do one season and then not come back – often they don’t, and they do stay for a few seasons and then parents will buy some gear.“When you buy a whole kit, it does add up and is pretty expensive.” The grants, funded by the Dickinson Foundation, were awarded to clubs of all sizes and for a range of sports, including water polo, archery, rowing, mountain biking, rugby, tennis and cricket. ASF chief executive Patrick Walker said they are “thrilled” to be announcing the recipients, but that there were “far more” applications than grants awarded. “Unfortunately, the events of the past

two years have had a devastating impact on community sporting clubs around Australia and have left young Australians in particular, without a vital outlet of physical activity and social connection,” Mr Walker said. Dickinson Foundation director David Dickinson said: “Every child deserves to have an active childhood but to make that a reality, we need to give clubs the means to start rebuilding their resources and programs”. The Lancefield Cricket Club grant is a win for young girls playing sport too, with more under-11 girls playing there than ever before. “Our focus is that all kids are welcome and that everybody gets a chance,” Ms Goodes said.

A panel of LGBTQIA+ voices, championing diversity and connection, will take part in the Birds of a Feather lunch in Kyneton on Friday, March 11. Coinciding with Daylesford’s 25th ChillOut Festival running over the Labour Day long weekend, the panel will include ChillOut Festival president Matt Clarke, army veteran Yvonne Sillett, Pride Foundation Australia board member Ian Gould and Bendigo drag queen Polly Filla. Guests will discuss a range of topics, from work, to finding community, to the experience of being queer in a regional area. Open to adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex, the Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Country LGBTI Inclusive Program (CLIP) is set to be “shining”. “With a nod to ChillOut’s silver jubilee theme of ‘our time to shine’, we pay homage to LGBTIQA+ people shining across central Victoria, ” said CLIP volunteer and organiser Nathan Allwood. “The Birds of a Feather quarterly luncheons aim to enrich the lives of local LGBTIQA+ adults by providing a safe and affirming space to share their stories and create meaningful connections.” Belinda Brain from CLIP reiterated the value of coming together in person, to share a meal and conversation. “We know through the work that we do in the community that older LGBTI people are more likely to be single, live alone, and may find it challenging to live openly and feel accepted,” Ms Brain said. The lunch and panel session will take place from noon to 2.30pm at the Shamrock Hotel in Kyneton and it is essential to RSVP.

Elsie Lange

Financial incentives for kinder teachers. Teachers not currently working in the sector: Join or re-join the sector and be financially rewarded with $9,000. All qualified teachers: Get up to $50,000* on top of your salary for positions at high-priority services. Search and apply for a position that suits you via the new Jobs Board at vic.gov.au/kinder *Terms and conditions apply, visit vic.gov.au/kinder

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HUME HUMECITY CITYCOUNCIL COUNCILCOMMUNITY COMMUNITYUPDATE UPDATE

COVID’s grim HUME Hume death toll By Elsie Lange The tragedy of the Omicron wave in Hume has been revealed, with 35 deaths across the municipality since December last year. Data provided to Star Weekly by the Department of Health showed Hume ranked high among municipality death tolls in Victoria – seventh in the state – with 943 total deaths across Victoria between December 8, 2021 and February 21, 2022. Thirty-seven per cent of Victorians who died were not vaccinated with at least two doses, and 33 per cent were not vaccinated at all – only eight per cent of people who died had been vaccinated with their third dose. “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic,” a Department of Health spokesperson said. “The data is clear that getting your third dose will significantly reduce your chances of going to hospital, going to ICU or dying from COVID-19. “If you’re yet to get your third dose, it’s easier than ever – just walk in or book at a state-run centre, head to a participating GP or pharmacy, or drop by a pop-up vaccination clinic in your local area.”

Hume’s third-dose vaccination rate has risen 7.2 percentage points in the last two weeks after pop-up clinics became available in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Kalkallo. The high death toll in Hume emphasises the impact COVID-19 has taken on lower-socioeconomic areas across the state, based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics socio-economic index. “We all personally know someone that is at a greater risk of becoming severely sick or dying from COVID-19 if they catch it – whether that be an older loved one or someone with a medical condition,” Hume pandemic response manager Brooke Watson said. “The research is clear, getting the third dose means you’re significantly less likely to pass the virus on to a more vulnerable member of our community or to become severely ill yourself. “To date, more than 87,000 third doses have been given across Hume city, with thousands more being administered every week. “Our community responded in droves in 2021 to become one of the highest double dosed communities in Victoria and I’ve no doubt Hume city can do it again as we head into winter.” Macedon Ranges death toll was significantly lower at 12 deaths since December.

9205 2200 hume.vic.gov.au hume.vic.gov.au/app @HumeCityCouncil contactus@hume.vic.gov.au

Being active is an important part of being healthy – but finding an activity that motivates you to get moving can be challenging. That is why we’ve created the Get Active Expo, offering a program of over 180 free fitness, health and wellbeing activities and events. Regardless of your age, gender or ability, there is something for everyone - from gym classes and sunrise yoga to tennis, BMX, calisthenics, dancing and lots more. The expo runs throughout March with activities on daily in locations across the city, so bring along your family and friends to get active! Scan the QR code below for more information and online registrations. Cr Carly Moore, Mayor of Hume City

Hume Harvest Join us for a celebration of food, wine and live music. Brought to you by Hume City Council and Victoria University, Hume Harvest will be taking over The Nook in Sunbury on Saturday 2 April. Enjoy live performances from Pete Murray, Gretta Ray, Pierce Brothers and more while sampling food and wines from the region. Tickets are $20 and include a tasting glass. Scan the QR code below to visit our website for more information.

Kindergarten applications open now Did you know that you can apply for kindergarten two years in advance? Children can commence kindergarten from three years of age. That means that if your child was born before 30 April 2020, you can register from tomorrow. Taking part in a quality kindergarten program at an earlier age increases children’s learning, development, health and wellbeing. Scan the QR code below to find out more and make an application online.

Community Event Sponsorship Applications for the 2022/23 Event Sponsorship Program are now open. Event Sponsorship is our way of supporting organisations and businesses to host events that will benefit the Hume City. We welcome applications for events big and small. Round 1 applications (for events held between July and December 2022) close next week. Scan the QR code below to find out more. Mamma Mia! is finally taking the stage at Kyneton Bluestone Theatre. (Supplied)

Mulching days in March

Mamma Mia! on stage Lockdowns, postponements and virtual rehearsals – it’s been a long journey getting Kyneton Theatre Company’s production of Mamma Mia! to the stage. Arts events organisers across the state have become wary of putting on shows without a contingency plan, so that’s why when the company began rehearsals in July last year, they learnt every musical number in the show. To be exact, that’s 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits – including Dancing Queen, Money, Money, Money and Take a Chance on Me – in just four weeks. Then, Victoria went into lockdown, and they took their rehearsals online. “We quickly discovered we couldn’t really manage the music on Zoom, but everyone did all their lines and we did two rehearsals a week,” musical director Caroline Schmidt said. “The cast had all their lines and everything down by the time we were allowed out again, in November.” Ms Schmidt said it was “fantastic” to finally be able to perform again, especially with eased mask restrictions too.

“It really feels like a return to normal and it feels like a return to the theatre,” Ms Schmidt said. “We haven’t been able to touch the bluestone theatre for two years nearly, and for those of us who do a show every year, we’ve really missed the community that we have, we’ve missed showing off, we’ve missed the opportunity to put something together and get a real sense of achievement. “Coming back is more special, in some ways, than when we’re doing a show normally.” The show is happening every weekend in March at the Kyneton Bluestone Theatre, with a mix of matinee and evening performances taking place. It’s the biggest technical show the company has done so far and Ms Schmidt said that everything from the musical numbers, to the dancing, to the lighting to the live band will make a trip to the theatre worth it. “We’re putting on a really high energy show and the cast is fantastic,” she said. Details: https://bit.ly/3Mp3fNN Elsie Lange

We offer mulching days in locations across the city to help residents dispose of branches and clippings. In March, there are mulching days in Tullamarine (Sunday 6 March), Coolaroo (Sunday 20 March) and Sunbury (Sunday 27 March). Scan the QR code below for essential mulching information and more mulching dates.

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Customer Service Centres Open Monday to Friday Craigieburn 9am–4pm 75–95 Central Park Avenue Sunbury Broadmeadows 44 Macedon Street 1079 Pascoe Vale Road 12532871-JC10-22

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Charged-up for learning

Briefs

Kids at Sunbury Primary School were charged-up on science talks in late February as they extended their International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations. Experts from energy infrastructure company Jemena and services provider Zinfra delivered online talks with women role models working in the energy sector, aiming to spark kids to get interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers. More than 200 pupils across Sunbury, Coburg West and Mickleham in years five and six took part in the digital talks, delivered as part of the Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA’s Bright Future STEM program. Zinfra and Jemena strategy analyst Kristen Stribley said it’s important for pupils to get introduced and interested in science, maths and technology subjects early on at school. “The energy sector offers a range of interesting and diverse career choices – at Jemena and Zinfra we have roles ranging from the crews who build and maintain electricity and gas networks, to engineers who are helping to design green hydrogen and biomethane facilities, to IT professionals who develop and support the online systems that underpin how we manage critical energy,” Ms Stribley said. “As someone who enjoyed humanities subjects like English and History at school but now has a more STEM focused career, I want all kids, and especially girls, to know it’s important to keep an open mind, explore different subjects and never be afraid to follow your dreams.” Findings from the STEM Equity Monitor 2021 data report and a 2019-2020 Youth in STEM Survey showed women make up less than a quarter of students studying in the area, and that teachers and parents are a powerful influence on young people’s career decisions. The students explored how energy and electricity work and took part in experiments,

There will be an information session for residents in Bulla to learn more about Melbourne Airport’s third runway project. The session will also include the chance for people in the community to ask any questions they might have. It will be taking place at the Jack McKenzie Community Centre on Wednesday, March 9, from 6pm to 8pm. Register online to take part. Details: https://bit.ly/3IH1oBX

Airport runway information

Artist callout Just Another agency is looking for three Macedon Ranges Artists to take part in a mural and augmentation project. Any artists interested in being involved should email hello@justanother.com. au with a biography and five images showing the sort of work they do. Deadline for entries is March 14. A student engages with the online science lesson. (Supplied)

and schools received information packs and activities. “AMMA is thrilled to work with Jemena and Zinfra to deliver this remote opportunity for students to engage in STEM at an early age,” AMMA operations director Tara Diamond said. “In particular, female industry STEM role models play a critical role in the program to help break down gender stereotypes and inspire young girls to follow a passion for STEM. “As the program continues to grow and evolve, with expanded initiatives and new and improved activities, we’re proudly continuing to inspire the next-gen of STEM professionals and resources and energy workforce.”

Macedon Ranges photo exhibition An exhibition of photographs taken by members of the Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is happening at the end of March. The photographs will feature the scenery, people and activities of the Macedon Ranges Region. Opening night is Friday, March 25 at 7pm, and the exhibition will be open over Saturday, March 26 to Sunday, March 27, at 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. Details: https:// bit.ly/3pCdK6D FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Elsie Lange

Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication 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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Every third dose protects everyone you love Getting your third dose of the vaccine now, won’t just protect you. It will help protect your entire family. From the oldest to the youngest, getting your third dose now, means you’ve done everything you can to protect everyone you love from serious illness.

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Overseas tourists start to flow By Elsie Lange International tourists are back in town and Macedon Ranges tourism is ready to welcome them with open arms. Daylesford Macedon Tourism chief executive Steve Wroe said although international visitation to the region accounts for just under 10 per cent of total visitation, it was “sorely missed” while borders were closed. “When overseas tourists come, they spend big and they hang around – domestic travellers typically spend a little over two days, while international visitors spend a bit over a week,” Mr Wroe said. “It’s a high yield market. “Operators are excited, particularly the

larger businesses, who are usually more interested in the international business.” Mr Wroe said since the borders had only recently opened, they were yet to see a sharp uptick in overseas tourists in the area, but that visitation as a whole was “very strong”. “Research tells us that people are seeking access to nature, some indulgence and a focus on personal wellbeing,” Mr Wroe said. “Our region offers all of this and our proximity to Melbourne means that we are the beneficiaries of a really strong surge in pent-up demand.” Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association president and owner of Braeside Mount Macedon Country Retreat, Andrew Towner, told Star Weekly he hopes the strong

return to regional Victorian travel from Melbourne and interstate will extend to international travellers too. “The popularity of nature-based experiences makes the Macedon Ranges a popular choice with visitors,” Mr Towner said. “When combined with the character of our heritage villages, our artisan producers, cool climate wineries, and fantastic restaurants, the Macedon Ranges is a very attractive destination.” But sustainable visitation is key: Mr Wroe said it’s vital there is a consistent flow of visitors, that they spend money and spend time in the area. “What we don’t want, is high volume and low yield – in other words people blowing

through, buying a pie and a coffee, and going on their way,” Mr Wroe said. Both Mr Towner and Mr Wroe said they were excited for the state government’s plans for Hanging Rock. “It is hoped that this iconic nature-based experience can finally receive the upgrade it deserves to create a world-class visitor experience for locals and visitors alike, and protect the area for generations to come,” Mr Towner said. Mr Wroe said: “From a product point of view, we’re excited about the potential of Hanging Rock. “This world-famous site needs to become world-class and the masterplanning work that is going on will help achieve that vision.”

House auction for RCH Looking after an unwell child is hard enough as it is – adding the anxiety of a pandemic to the equation has been a nightmare for the families of sick kids. But it’s the staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) who make their lives easier, working through lockdowns, taking on new protocols and facing nervous patients to keep kids and families safe. This year’s Good Friday Appeal Charity House Auction, Villawood Properties’ largest philanthropic initiative, is now giving back to those workers – with this year’s Henley Vogue 34 home, situated in the brand-new Redstone community in Sunbury, up for auction. Families with connections to the RCH Foundation and Rupertswood Football Netball Club in Sunbury gathered together

at the home on Sunday, February 27 to show their gratitude to the hospital and its staff. Kellie Spencer’s son Mitchell has been a regular patient at the RCH since he was just four years old, when he was diagnosed with a bone cyst in his upper arm. He loves playing football, and even though his diagnosis could have been a barrier, the RCH has been there every step of the way to monitor the issue to keep him healthy and allow him to play. “The Royal Children’s is a real eye-opener when you see how sick its kids are,” Ms Spencer said. “But it’s brilliant and you get all the support you need.” This year’s home will be auctioned on Friday, April 15.

Sunbury RCH kids with Good Friday Appeal chair Penny Fowler and executive director Rebecca Cowan, together with Henley’s Tony Blackshaw and Villawood’s Alan Miller, at the Redstone Charity House. (Supplied)

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10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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NEWS

Record gambling losses in Hume By Elsie Lange

family violence,” he said. “We strongly believe that the limited and often overstated economic benefits of gaming machines are far outweighed by the financial burden gambling places upon vulnerable individuals and groups within our community.” Two Hume hotels were in the top 10 venues with the largest EGM spends in the state between June and December last year: the Gladstone Park Hotel ($5,635,242) and the Roxburgh Park Hotel ($5,625,072). The council area ranked fourth across the state for pokies spending in December 2021, as well as fourth statewide between July 2021 and January 2022. Hume community services director Hector Gaston said the council actively works alongside organisations, peak bodies and state and federal governments to minimise the

harms of gambling, recognising the need to reduce the number of EGMs across Victoria. “In 2019 Hume City Council adopted its Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, which informs council’s public health approach in minimising the negative impacts from gambling on Hume communities,” Mr Gaston said. “Council also has ongoing collaborations with members of various gambling associations and networks, including the Alliance for Gambling Reform, the Victorian Local Governance Association and Municipal Association for Victoria.” Mr Gaston said Hume would continue to implement its Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy in response to recent gambling losses. “And will remain committed to creating a city that supports the health and wellbeing of its residents,” Mr Gaston said.

(Rail Projects Victoria)

Hume broke records with more than $12.5 million spent on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in December 2021, the largest expenditure in the region in almost two decades. According to data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the local government area reached a peak of $12,545,741 gambling losses at the end of last year, before dropping back to $10,801,325 in January 2022. Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello told Star Weekly the $23.5 million lost to poker machines in Hume over the course of December and January meant more than $100 lost per person in the region. “[It’s] a sobering reminder of just how

dangerous this predatory industry is to our safety and wellbeing,” Reverend Costello said. “Records were broken across the state with $250 million being lost by Victorians in December alone. “Many of the LGAs with the highest losses are also some of the most stressed communities in our state. Families across Victoria are being shamelessly preyed on by corporations looking to make a quick buck.” Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, board chair Peter Donlon said it was their duty as a health service to take a leadership role as an “outspoken opponent” of poker machines in the community. “The availability of gaming machines has been shown to have a direct link to a range of individual and community harms including the increase in high-risk gambling, poor physical and mental health and an increase in

Temporary closure of Station Street

Senior audiologist Marc Vandenberg and former AFL player Billy Brownless. (Supplied)

Keep an ear on the hearing expert With years of experience as an audiologist in the Melton and Sunbury areas, Marc Vandenberg has an intimate understanding of how hearing loss affects the community. “They call it the hidden handicap, because it’s something you can’t see, and it’s something people don’t go out of their way to address,” Mr Vandenberg said. “Studies show that people wait eight to10 years before doing something about [hearing loss]. “Hearing loss happens over time. If you are

continually exposed to excessive noise, the damage is permanent. So the message is all about conservation of hearing, and limiting that exposure.” On March 3, Mr Vandenberg marked World Hearing Day alongside Hearing Australia. The annual day of acknowledgement was established to raise awareness of the prevalence of deafness and hearing loss in Australia. According to a Hearing Australia survey, only 23 per cent of respondents had checked their hearing in the past 12 months, while a

further 25 per cent don’t recall ever testing the sense. Mr Vandenberg said there is also a stigma attached to losing your hearing, which makes people less inclined to get tested or wear hearing aids, despite the profound benefits. “Anyone can contact us for a free hearing check at any time,” he said. To book your free hearing test, head to the Hearing Australia website. Details: www. hearing.com.au Oliver Lees

Westbound lanes on Station Street will be closed between Barkly and O’Shanassy streets from Monday, March 7 to Friday, March 11 as part of the Gap Road level crossing removal project. The closure is part of stormwater installation works. Traffic management will assist access for construction vehicles, as well as pedestrians and cyclist movements, and residential properties will remain accessible at all times. Rail Projects Victoria said detours and wayfinding will occur to help traffic move through the area. “One westbound lane will be reopened each day after works to facilitate through traffic,” Rail Projects Victoria said. “These activities are expected to generate medium levels of noise.” Details: https://bigbuild.vic.gov. au/projects/sunbur y-line-upgrade/ construction/work-notifications Elsie Lange

Agribusiness forum folds despite ‘positive’ achievements After nine years, the Macedon Ranges Agribusiness Forum will come to an end due to waning membership and involvement. At a meeting on February 23, council unanimously decided to dissolve the forum as a committee of council, thanking members for contributing to its achievements. Formed in 2013 in response to the Macedon Ranges agribusiness plan, the forum has been supportive in a number of council’s farm and agribusiness initiatives, providing relevant strategies and advocating for local industry sectors. At the meeting, Cr Dominic Bonanno agreed

with the officer’s report to council, which said the agribusiness forum had “had run its race”, that the COVID-19 situation had taken a toll, that Zoom meetings lacked a personal touch and that it was best to “acknowledge positive achievements, and move on”. Cr Janet Pearce said the “wonderful” advisory committee decided the moment was too challenging to continue. “We know the world and agriculture is changing a great deal and we see it through the lens of sustainability best practice and innovation,” Cr Peace said. “It’s never been more important to protect

our agricultural land and food and fibre security, and to be open to new approaches and opportunities. “The forum helped us look towards this.” Cr Peace said the farmers and other people on the forum over the years have been wise, diverse and generous in sharing their time and knowledge with the Macedon Ranges shire. She wanted to reassure residents it was “not the end” of council support for agriculture and agribusiness, with an opportunity for a group to operate to other local industry sector peak bodies.

“It is with a heavy heart, but our shire is so much richer for this forum, and we want to thank and hope that you continue to be involved and share your thoughts and knowledge with us,” Cr Pearce said. Mayor Jennifer Anderson said there’s “there’s other things out there” for agribusiness, and despite the council no longer having an agribusiness strategy, it has been incorporated into its economic development strategy. Elsie Lange

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Wild ways to cool off at the zoo The calendar season may have ticked over from summer to autumn, but forecasts are still trending high. On days where temperatures rise above 25°C, zookeepers at Werribee Open Range Zoo get creative to provide ample opportunities for the animals to cool off. Savannah keeper Laura Harbridge said that while the animals are perfectly adapted to cope with soaring temperatures, enrichment experiences, such as flavoured ice blocks, misters and sprinkler systems, are tailored to offer new and novel experiences with an icy cold pay off. “Our animals are a mix of African and Australian native species, so they’re built for this climate,” said Ms Harbridge. “We find most of the animals take care of themselves, as their exhibits at the zoo are built to mimic their wild environments, and include plenty of shade and water. “We offer various enriching experiences to our animals every single day. Even when it’s hot, we’re focusing on offering differing stimuli, such as flavours, scents, textures and physical sensations. The cool-down is an added bonus.” Just like humans, mental and physical activity are critical to animal wellbeing. Zookeepers provide a variety of activities, experiences and habitat designs to encourage animals to use their senses, move their bodies, and display natural, species-specific behaviours.

A wallowing rhinoceros making a splash. Right: Ice blocks are a favourite on hots days at Werribee Zoo; An Africa wild dogs cools off on a hot day. (Pictures: Supplied)

For the southern white rhino, this involves rolling around in wallows to slather on a layer of moisturising and sun-protecting mud. While for nimble fingered vervet monkeys, this includes receiving pieces of maize and frozen fruit in an ice block to promote their fine motor skills. Ms Harbridge says that while the calendar

season has changed, we all still have a job to do to help out our native neighbours. “Keeping fresh water available to wildlife should be a year-round activity. We often see extremely hot days through March and April, so maintaining the bird baths and other wildlife-friendly water vessels remains important.”

Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org. au and all ticketholders 18 years and over are required to provide proof of full vaccination and follow current Victorian Government directions at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au. For more information, visit zoo.org.au.

ADJUSTABLE MASSAGE BED by

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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NEWS

MY PLACE Senior Sergeant Amanda Cohen has just been appointed officer in charge in Gisborne. Working in the police force for 17 years, she strives to drive cultural change in the male-dominated workforce. In her previous role as a detective sergeant at Armed Crime, she implemented firearm prohibition orders to curb firearm related violence in Victoria. Having lived regionally, she knows how important policing can be in regional communities. She spoke with Oliver Lees about what she hopes to bring to the role.

Growing up we moved every few years due to family work commitments, this meant I experienced living in the inner city as well as regional townships. However, since moving to the Macedon Ranges seven years ago, I don’t see myself moving any time soon. It’s the closeness of the community, our shared experiences and the sense of looking out for each other that provides the right environment for my young family to grow. In your 17 years of experience at the force, you’ve driven a message of inclusivity and female participation. Why is it important to you to drive this change? As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, I am passionate about driving cultural change and encouraging women to rise up through the ranks. It’s not just about equality, it’s about equity and the recognition that people of all backgrounds, including gender, have unique talents and skills they can bring to policing. I firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are key drivers of organisational success, which ultimately has huge benefits for the community. You’ve previously spent time in Melbourne working as a detective sergeant. Are there significant differences in the role of police in regional areas, compared with metro? Yes and no. Operationally these two roles

are worlds apart but as a leader it is about knowing and understanding your people – if your people are heard and supported then they will be able to do their job. My members at Gisborne Police Station are experienced police officers who understand the role of regional policing. I will support them to continue the good work they are doing in our community. As the officer in charge of a regional police station, you are naturally more embedded in the local community than you are as a detective in a metropolitan area. I am really looking forward to getting to know community members from all walks of life over the next few weeks and months, which is why I will be hosting ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events on the first Wednesday of every month at various locations to be advertised via our Facebook Page – Eyewatch – Macedon Ranges Police Service Area. I encourage everyone to come and have a chat about any issues or concerns they may have. Do you have a sense of certain issues or areas of concern you would like to focus on as officer in charge at Gisborne? My priority is to ensure the local community feels engaged with their police force, as this is essential in fostering trust and confidence. Police are here for the community first and foremost and we are ready to listen with open ears. We’re also humans with families and other interests – we’re proud of our community and we want to work together to create a safe and happy environment for everyone.

(Damjan Janevski) 269059_01

What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges?

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

30 years ago

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

February 25, 1992

March 4, 1997

March 5, 2002

March 6, 2012

Federal member for Burke, Neil O’Keefe, is confident that Prime Minister Paul Keating’s economic statement on Wednesday will provide a boost for hard-pressed automotive parts suppliers Flexdrive in Gisborne and VDO in Kyneton.

Plans for a kiosk and interpretive centre at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross have been opposed by the Macedon Range Conservation Society.

Hopes to save Ansett and the jobs of hundreds of workers from the Sunbury region were dashed last Wednesday after a rescue bid by the Tesna consortium collapsed.

It stirs the blood, sets hearts racing, ignites passions and, for a few hours every weekend, turns friends into foes. Football brings followers both pleasure and pain and for some, it’s more than just a sport. It’s an obsession, as Cameron Tait found out.

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

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Watching on as the world weeps When Russia officially invaded Ukraine on February 21, the world watched on as millions of civilians rushed to flee the country, and those who stayed took up arms to defend their nation. Molly Magennis spoke to two local Australian-Ukrainians about how it has felt to watch a country they love suffer under the threat of destruction.

or those with Ukrainian heritage in Australia, watching on from almost 13,000 kilometres away as Russia invades its democratic neighbour has been nothing short of devastating. Despite many being born in Australia, they have an unwavering connection to their heritage and culture. Olenka Hrynevich is the secretary of the Ukrainian Association in Sunshine, established in 1952. She’s a first generation Ukrainian-Australian, after both her parents and grandparents escaped from Ukraine during World War II. A lot of her early childhood memories were steeped in her family’s culture, including participating in Ukrainian scouting, traditional singing, and Saturday morning Ukrainian classes. “It was very important to both my parents and both sets of grandparents to bring us up immersed in that culture as children,” she said.

‘‘

I just still can’t even put into words how unfathomable it is

’’

- Roksolana Cyxo Watching the war unfold from Australia, Olenka said the overwhelming emotion she’s been experiencing is helplessness. While it has been amazing to see the world banding together and getting behind her people, she’s worried not enough action is being taken to actually help them on the frontline. “We gather in groups here and we support each other and we try to do what we can, but there’s that sense of helplessness that the aid from the world, it’s alright to gather, but that aid actually has to be proactive, and something needs to happen,” she said. “It’s not just raising the awareness, but we need action from around the world.” Roksolana Cyxo lives in Footscray, and is a third generation Ukrainian-Australian. Despite being born in Australia, like Olenka, her heritage is a huge part of her identity. She agrees that while the support from the rest of the world has been remarkable, Ukrainians need to take on this fight themselves. “I do think fundamentally that it’s important that Ukraine fight this fight for itself, because this is a process of Ukrainians’, I guess self determination to a certain extent,” she said. However, no-fly zones enforced by NATO, which would prevent Russia from launching airstrikes, would be beneficial she said. “I am kind of stuck between Ukraine needs to fight this, but it is also fighting it for the whole democratic world.” Roksolana has extended family living in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, in western Ukraine, and said she has been trying to keep in touch with them as much as possible. “We message with them and it’s really not, we don’t really chat about what’s happening but more, just to make sure that they’re okay, and kind of finding out what they’re doing,” she said. “They’ve essentially just decided to stay where they are.” Roksolana said she spends hours upon hours everyday on social media and watching the news, bewildered by the fact that something like this is actually happening in the 21st century. “How can this actually happen in today’s world when we have apparently learnt from the world wars, and the fact that wars don’t really get you anywhere?” she said. “I just still can’t even put into words how unfathomable it is.” Olenka said her mother has also been watching on in disbelief, saddened at the fact that after being declared independent over 30 years ago, Ukraine is still fighting for its freedom.

A woman runs as she flees with her family across a destroyed bridge in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 2. 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Centre: Members of the Sunshine Ukrainian Association have been attending rallies in the city, and have invited the community to tie blue and yellow ribbon on the fence of their community centre to show their solidarity with Ukraine. (Pictures: Supplied) Above, left to right: Olenka Hrynevich in Kyiv; Roksolana Cyxo and her husband; Refugees from Ukraine wait at the railway station in Chelm, from where they will take a special train to Warsaw, Poland. (Pictures: Supplied and EPA/Bartlomiej Wojtowicz)

“She’s just so sad like all of us because she thought it would finish when her parents were hiding her in the bomb shelters in the ‘30s. “They thought that, finally, what they’d been fighting for all their lives had come to fruition, and now 30 years later, it’s threatened.” Olenka describes Putin as a “unstable man”, who has instigated a “selfish act” to leave some sort of egotistical legacy behind. “[He wants] to be not known as someone who saw the Soviet Union crumble, but he wants to regain that power again, it’s a personal thing,” she said. “His ultimate goal is to destroy anything

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

that’s Ukrainian, and he denies that there is a history.” Roksolana said she believes Putin has a world view that Ukraine is not an independent nation, but rather an extension of Russia. “I read something yesterday that essentially Putin has become a victim of his own propaganda, he has started believing his own propaganda,” she said. “I think it’s the product of a lunatic and it’s just ridiculous that he has so much power to be able to mobilise a country’s military and nuclear weapons and everything. This is what happens when there are totalitarian regimes

and there’s no balance of power.” Despite Russia’s huge military forces, Roksolana refuses to consider the prospect of a Ukraine governed by Putin. “That thought hasn’t crossed my mind because I refuse to believe that that would happen because I believe so strongly in the will of the Ukrainian people and increasingly, that we’re being supported internationally by pretty much every other country in the world. “Although there will be a ton of destruction and loss of lives and loss of livelihoods and loss of future, I cannot accept that this will end with Russia taking over Ukraine completely.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Repair Cafe Sunbury Do you want to learn how to fix your belongings and save them from landfill? Head to the Repair Cafe in Sunbury on Saturday, March 19, at 10am, at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ Sharon, 0411 301 611

Kyneton LGBTQIA+ panel To watch an exciting, diverse panel of LGBTQIA+ voices discuss a range of issues, from work, to finding community, to life as an LGBTQIA+ person in a regional area, head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Birds of a Feather question and answer session on Friday, March 11, at noon. 120 Mollison Street, Kyneton. ■ https://bit.ly/3pwwZPc

Craft at Hanging Rock Got a hankering for some Australian-made products, gourmet foods and home-grown produce? Head to the Hanging Rock Craft Market on Saturday, March 19 from 9am to 2pm. 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. ■ 5976 3266

Sunbury skin care Are you interested in learning how to blend essential oils to make products perfectly suited to your skin? Head to a free natural skin care demonstration at Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury on Saturday, March 12 at 2pm. ■ https://bit.ly/3tmrELl

Kyneton farmers market With more than 50 stalls selling goods, there’s bound to be something for everyone at the Kyneton Farmers Market. Chat to farmers and meet the makers on Saturday, March 12, from 8.30am to 1pm. 35 Piper Street, Kyneton. ■ Catherine, 0434 820 618

Learn how to pamper Discover how to give relaxing beauty treatments in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming Deluxe Facials workshop. The event will be run on Saturday, March 26 from 10am to 1pm. Tickets are $60 or $55 for concession holders. ■ 9747 8576

Pie workshop Ever wanted to learn how to make the perfect pie? Melton South Community Centre is hosting a savoury pie masterclass on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 from 9am to noon. Participants can learn the art of making the perfect meat-filled or meat-free for friends and family. ■ 9747 8576

Writers and Readers Festival 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 between March 17-26 includes workshops, author talks, panel discussions, writing, storytelling and more. ■ https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ writersfestival

Photographer’s choice pic is of Roberta Joy Rich who has a new exhibition at the Footscray Community Arts called ‘The Purple Shall Govern Exhibition’. (Damjan Janevski) 270254_01

core tenets of mental health and wellbeing; fostering diversity, inclusion, connection, courage and belonging along the journey line. ■ https://www.knowshowgrowfestival.com/ program

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 group Duke Street Community Centre has set up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday, 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 suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting. ■ 9311 9973

Football Taylors Lakes Football Club is seeking male and female players for all age groups from under-8s to under-18.5s. To be eligible, children need to be born between July 1, 2003, and April 30, 2015. ■ Julie, 0409 259 389

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

Mental health festival

Rainbow Coffee Club

Breaking ground as the first dedicated mental health festival of its kind in Brimbank, the Know Yourself, Show Yourself, Grow Yourself Festival aims to raise awareness and normalise conversations about mental health. The weeklong festival will run from Monday, March 21 to Friday, March 25, at Sunshine Heights Primary School, and feature a free public program bustling with workshops, guest speakers and experiences centred on

Join the Rainbow Coffee Club for coffee and conversation on the last Friday of the month. The next catch up is on Friday, February 25, 11am at the Social Foundry Kyneton. Connecting LGBTIQA+ people of all ages. ■ Belinda Brain, healthpromotion@scchc.org.au

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every

different tracks in Wyndham. http://ow.ly/JpJR50HOVuN

Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

■

Join Landcare 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

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

Toastmasters Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

The Friends of Presidents Park meet on the first Thursday of the month, 10am–noon. Meet in the carpark near the river and Shaws Bridge. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

U3A Werribee U3A Werribee Region is a not-for-profit organisation consisting of semi-retired and retired residents of Wyndham. It conducts a variety of weekly classes run by volunteers. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220

Education volunteers EdConnect Australia is on the search for Wyndham residents to mentor and volunteer with students for the 2022 school year. The charity places volunteers in local schools to help improve the lives of vulnerable young people and equip them with life skills. EdConnect Australia offers training and support to its volunteers. ■ www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/volunteer/ or 1800 668 550

AL-ANON meets

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

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough.

Senior citizens club

Williamstown Craft Market

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

Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. From 10am-4pm. ■ https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-CraftMarket

Hikoi Brothers

Diabetes support group

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

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

Garden club

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

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Valentine’s at Hanging Rock

Celebrate Valentine’s Day under the stars at Hanging Rock with a special movie screening of Peter Weir’s 1975 film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. The film, which is the 1967 novel by an adaption of the same name by Joan Lindsay, revolves around the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a Rock on Valentine’s picnic to Hanging Day Moviegoers are encour in 1900. aged to bring their own picnic for dinner, a chair, rug and a blanket and get cosy as the drama mystery film is screen ing. For a bit of fun, come classic 1900’s costum dressed in a The film night is on e. Saturday, February 13 from 7pm at Hangin g Rock, 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children or $60 for a family of two adults and two children. To book: bit.ly/3pzPyji

(Supplied)

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

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Anti-vax leaflet slammed ‘‘

Jessica Micallef

By Jessica Micallef

Let’s not

McEwen MP Rob let false lies Mitchell is urging Sunbury residents to “tear spread as being facts up and throw anti-vaccination leaflets away” . It’s that may appear their letterbox. in dangerou s - Rob Mitchell Mr Mitchell said residen ts had notified him last Monday (Februa leaflets is from ry 1) about anti-vaccinatio American-based leaflets about the n IDoNotComp company, COVID-19 vaccine ly, which labels that had global been dropped in their movement that oppose itself as a letterbox. The leaflet, seen by s COVID-19 regulations. Star Weekly, stated should “avoid the people “It’s danger COVID and claims the “vaccin vaccine at all costs” People will ous that people are getting this. read e could this and wonder if potentially be he more deadly than it’s true,” said. “We are seeing the virus”. Mr Mitchell believe out … it’s all garbage these theories being put s the sender of . Tear the leaflet up the put it in the bin.” and

’’

RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES

How healthy is

Mr Mitchell said only contacted him about Sunbury residents had be done to combat potenti was concerned peoplethe leaflets so far, but he misinformation ally “deadly in surrounding areas ”. would also receive He said people should them. consult a doctor The leaflet also has or medical address to the organis a QR code and a web vaccinations professional when it came to and medica urged people not to ation’s site. Mr Mitchell “We don’t know who l treatment. scan the code. these people are and “It’s for your own that is why safety,” he said. “It we have medical experts from an American-base comes ,” he said. “They have decade d organisation which s you’d think wouldn to understand these in training and learning ’t be so callous and things. They are the to make a stateme stupid to talk to. people nt like risk of dying of COVID ‘most people have no “Let’s not let false -19’. lies spread as being “This from a countr It’s dangerous. facts. y where tragica lly more than 440,000 deaths “What we have achieve have been recorded.” d in Victoria … Mr Mitchell said an amazing job is more work needed to people spreadi and the last thing we need is ng theories.”

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • Bulla BP Service Station - Bulla 84-86 Bulla Road • Bulla Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street • Clarkefield Coach and Horses Inn - Clarkfield 50 Station Street • Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road • Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway • Diggers Rest Houdinis Cafe e Cucina 52-56 Old Calder Highway • Gibsorne Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street • Gibsorne Morgan’s SUPA IGA Gisborne Brantome Street • Gisborne Brad Teal Real Estate - Gisborne 40 Aitken Street • Gisborne Kennedy Hunt Real Estate - Gisborne 33 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Real Estate - Gisborne 38 Brantome Street • Gisborne Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Foodworks - Gisborne 24 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Gisborne Nursing Home - The Oaks 5 Neal Street • Gisborne Puma Service Station Gisborne 23 Robertson Street • Gisborne Caltex Service Station - Gisborne 4 Station Street • Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop - Kyneton 199 Burton Avenue

• Kyneton RT Edgar Real Estate - Kyneton 10 High Street • Kyneton Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street • Kyneton Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street • Lancefield Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street • Macedon United Service Station - Macedon 313 Black Forest Drive • Macedon IGA Supermarket - Macedon 20 Victoria Street • Macedon Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street • Malmsbury General Store 75 Mollison Street • Monegeeta Newsagency 2076 Melbourne -Lancefield Road • Mount Macedon Mt Macedon Post Office 341 Mt Macedon Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Nursery 675 Kilmore Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Post Office 80 Main Road • Riddells Creek Foodies - Riddells Creek 86-88 Main Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Supermarket 2 Station Street • Romsey Chess Property - Romsey 102 Main Street • Romsey IGA Supermarket - Romsey 107 Main Street • Sunbury Leeburn and Co Real Estate - Sunbury 6 Brook Street • Sunbury Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street • Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street • Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street • Sunbury The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Shop 2b/15-17 Dornoch Drive • Sunbury Goonawarra General Store 23-25 Dornoch Drive • Sunbury Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531 Elizabeth Drive

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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, 8 March, 2022

PUZZLES No. 071

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

8 1 5 7

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Synthetic material (7) Tiny, six-legged creatures (7) Cast down (11) Expanse (3) Manually (2,4) Poster (7) Shortage (4) Valuation (10) Senior managers (10) Andamooka gemstone (4) Argue noisily and angrily (7) Of a tribe (6) Official (3) Common joint injury (11) Late (7) Association of individuals (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 22 25 26 28 29

No. 071

Agreement (4) Gaseous fuel (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Surreptitious (11) Harm (3) Beachwear (7) Rib-like structure (5) Absence of motion (10) Showy (11) Society below the surface (10) To place imortance on (9) Blasphemous (7) Horrible (5) Actor, Oscar – (5) Sole (4) Unhappy (3)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 16 18 21 23

24 27

DECODER

No. 071

8 8

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

4 6 2 5 1 3 9 7 4

4 5 9

10 11 12 13

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

K R 21

7 3 9 4 6 5 2 1 8

4 9 5 2 7 3 8 6 1

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good

C D

4 LETTERS ABLY ADZE AIDE BUSH CLAM HANS HIDE HONG OHIO ORBS SAIL SETH TROY USDA 5 LETTERS AGATE

3 6 2 1 5 8 4 9 7

9 5 4 3 8 1 6 7 2

6 LETTERS FATIMA KELPIE STATIC TARMAC

7 LETTERS ACCOUNT CANDIED HITACHI ICELAND MIDWIFE NIGERIA 8 LETTERS LEBANESE OVERFLOW PARENTAL WOMANISH

11-03-22

What is the name of the Greek appetiser of fried or grilled cheese (pictured)?

What was the name of the first and only studio album recorded by the Sex Pistols?

What were the names of the three mascots of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games?

Which Australian drama series was set in the fictional town of Pearl Bay?

True or false: khaki is a synthetic fibre?

Which number does the Roman numeral L represent?

10 Monitor, anole and horned are all kinds of what animal?

C R E W O A L A N T E R

S K I

Which classic nursery rhyme is said to be a reference to the Bubonic plague?

What does the acronym NASDAQ stand for?

No. 071 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

What kind of musical instrument is a clavichord?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

O O T I

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

C T

SEATS SICKO SIFTS SPANK SPAWN TENET TERRA THING TRIPS

aced, aces, acid, acre, acrid, arced, arcs, caddie, caddied, caddies, caddis, cadre, card, carded, cards, care, cared, cares, case, cased, cedar, cider, cried, cries, dace, dice, diced, dicer, dices, disc, discard, DISCARDED, erica, iced, ices, race, raced, races, rice, sacred, scar, scare, scared, sidecar

6 7 3 5 2 4 9 1 8

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

HYENA IMAGE INNER LEAPS LEWIS LINEN LUCIA MAINS MANIA METAL OMEGA OPERA OUTDO PAYEE PETIT PRATE RECAP RESAT RIVEN SCENE

No. 071

8 1 7 4 6 9 5 2 3

5 3 1 7 4 6 2 8 9

7 8 6 9 3 2 1 4 5

7 6 1 2 8 4 3 5 9

1 8 5 6 4 9 7 3 2

4 2 3 1 5 7 8 9 6

AGENT AIMED ANGEL ANOMY AROMA ASCOT ASHEN ASIAN ATOLL BANNS BRAVE BRING CHEAP CORSE DREAM ECOLI EERIE ENDOW EVITA GENII

W L

5 6 1 3 2 8 9 4 7

4 8 2 1 9 7 5 3 6

3 2 5 6 4 1 8 7 9

6 7 9 3 2 8 4 1 5

2 4 8 7 9 3 5 6 1

5 1 7 8 6 2 9 4 3

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”.

44 words: Excellent

6 7 4 8 5 9 3 2 1

1 9 8 7 3 2 6 5 4

9 4 3 2 1 6 7 8 5

2 5 7 9 8 4 1 6 3

8 1 6 5 7 3 4 9 2

9 3 6 4 1 5 2 7 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

hard

5x5

8 2 7 9 2 6

2 5 9

3 LETTERS AGO ASS BIZ EEL HAT HER HIC HUN ISH ITA KEN LEE MIR NAG NIL PAY RAP REC REP SPY SRI TIE TIM TRY

U CO S B ANH Y T I GQ

P F E L MX J D V ZWK R

WORDFIT

ANSWERS: 1. A stringed keyboard 2. Saganaki 3. Syd, Olly and Millie. 4. 50 5. Ring a Ring o’ Roses 6. National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (System) 7. Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. 8. SeaChange 9. False 10. Lizard

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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We accept payment by: (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

1188650-RC25-15

SPLIT SYSTEMS Installation Specialist QUICK SMART Lic. No 50051

Call John Kemp 0418 382 729

www.quicksmartcontracting.com.au

An application for a planning permit has been made which may affect you. THE LAND AFFECTED BY THE APPLICATION IS LOCATED AT: LOT 2 PS 401691J P/Kerrie 1164 Kilmore Road RIDDELLS CREEK VIC 3431 THE APPLICATION IS FOR A PERMIT TO: Use and Development of a Telecommunications Facility THE APPLICANT FOR THE PERMIT IS: Saq Consulting Pty Ltd THE APPLICATION REFERENCE NUMBER IS: PLN/2021/350 CONTACT OFFICER: DAMIEN HODGKINS SENIOR STATUTORY PLANNING OFFICER P: (03) 5421 9689

CONTRACTING

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services Pergolas • Decks • Retaining Walls • Renovations • Landscaping

12533274-HC09-22

MACEDON RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL

Froggys

Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

ALL AROUND REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING

177646

ABN 44 021 708 152 Tel: 9309 2351

CDB-L 60362

David: 0425 811 882 Ash: 0403 619 333

Free Quote All Suburbs Insurance Elevation

17 Years Guarantee 10% Pensioner Discount Council Permit Supplied Computer Levelling

12532110-SG03-22

977914

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ANTENNA MAN

In person

Real Estate

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES

https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/BuildPlan/Planning-Permits-ApprovalsForms/View-planning-applicationsonline 40 Robertson Street GISBORNE VIC 3437 8.30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday

Labour Day 14th March

To make an objection or submission to the Responsible Authority, it must: • Be in writing • Include your name and mailing address (email address optional) • Additionally for objections include: • Reason/s for the objection • State how you would be affected by the granting of a permit • Any suggestions on how to address concerns. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. A prescribed objection/submission form is located on Council’s website at https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Build-Plan/Planning-Permits-Approvals-Forms/ Object-to-an-application. Objections and submissions can be emailed to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or posted to PO Box 151 Kyneton Vic 3444 or delivered in person to any Macedon Ranges Shire Council ofﬁce. The responsible authority will not decide on the application before at least 14 days after the date the last notice under section 52(1) or (1AA) of the Act is to be given. If you make an objection, the Responsible Authority will inform you of its decision. Privacy statement Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to protecting your privacy. Please note that your personal information will be used solely by Council for that primary purpose or directly related purposes. Council may disclose this information to the applicant and their representatives, neighbouring property owners and/or occupiers and any other parties who may have an interest in the application. If you included any personal or identifying information about another person in your submission, please ensure you have informed that person you provided their information to Macedon Ranges Shire. Council must make a copy of this objection available for any person to inspect free of charge under Section 57(5) of the Act. If you fail to provide this information the Macedon Ranges Shire Council will not be able to advise you of any consultation or decision making forums or the decision regarding this matter, but you may access this information by contacting the Council. The person(s) objecting understands that the personal information provided is for the registration of their objection and the processing and assessment of a planning application. If you object the Council must consider the objection unless you withdraw it.

SAME DAY SERVICE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

V Massage Therapists

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12538736-NG09-22

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If you do not have access to the internet, over the phone assistance is available on 0499 369 728

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

You can view all relevant planning permit application documents as follows:

Online

V Builders & Building Services

0418 384 796

Bookings are made through Eventbrite, go to mrsc.vic.gov.au/free-firewood-2022

Planning And Environment Act 1987 Section 52(1)

Classified deadlines for Tuesday, 15th March issue of the Sunbury-Macedon Star Weekly as follows:

Friday 11th March at 10am 12537298-AV09-22

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Rainbow Dolls 1235322622-PB22-17

12435707-FA03-20

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

V Air Conditioning

Free Delivery All Areas Phone Peter

Council has a limited quantity of free firewood available. Firewood is up-cycled from storm waste and so stock is limited. Please do not book if you have already collected free firewood. Multiple collection bookings will be cancelled automatically and only the earliest collection time will be kept.

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Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 10.00am Monday.

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Romsey Firewood

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Celebrations

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Buy & Sell in the

V For Sale

MURRAY RIVER REDGUM BONE DRY FIREWOOD

12534975-SN06-22

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

12521636-DL45-21

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PLACE YOUR 12400498-CG38-18

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CALL 1300 666 808 18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

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Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au

V Positions Vacant

Mental Health Clinician/Consultant Part-time (4 days) Funding to 30 March 2023 $85k - $95k p.a + Super + NFP Salary Packaging

Who we're looking for We are looking for a Mental Health Professional to support small businesses across the region affected by recent events including storms, fires and the pandemic. You will be comfortable providing training to small groups, delivering workshops online and in person, and working with affected business owners to provide 1:1 mental health support and referrals to relevant services including financial counselling, business advisors and psychosocial supports. You’ll enjoy meeting with stakeholders, business owners and industry leaders as you build relationships throughout the region. You will be part of an innovative and supportive state-wide team of mental health clinicians/consultants. Desirable Qualifications and Experience: x Degree level qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, Nursing or related fields x Familiarity with the challenges and rewards of small business. You will conduct regular meetings via face to face and a virtual setting. Through the development of webinars & workshops showcasing relevant wellbeing topics, you will provide a combination of direct support to members and referrals to internal and external service providers based on the assessed needs while increasing knowledge and capacity regarding mental health in the region. What you'll be doing You will develop links with other regional services, provide mental health promotion information and events, offer individual support to clients, and general wellbeing advice to bigger employers and community organisations. Ideally, you will have a small business background which will assist you to support business owners who are experiencing an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

Next steps To learn more and ‘Apply’ visit the EACH careers page. https://www.each.com.au/careers/

12539733-SG10-22

What we offer EACH offers all staff benefits by offering Not for Profit Salary Packaging, a flexible workplace strategy, opportunities to grow and develop and support through a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program.

12539436-JW10-22

V Positions Vacant

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OPERATORS AND LABOURER 1 x Excavator Operator 1 x Loader Operator and 1 x Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

0428 568 004

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12538737-SG10-22

FARMHAND Wanted someone to do general farm tasks on established property close to Sunbury. Cattle experience is necessary.

Here’s an opportunity to join a medium size disability service provider with over 40 years’ experience in providing globally recognised high quality support services. Golden City Support Services is a boutique not for profit, for-purpose, community based, disability support provider, based in the regional city of Bendigo, with services extending from the Macedon Ranges to the Murray River as well as Bendigo. The positions we offer are ideal for those without previous experience. You will be supported throughout your career with us, through continued expert paid training. This is the ideal career move if you have a customer service background but want something different and more rewarding than hospitality, retail or sales. If you are available for early mornings, sleepovers and weekends - this could be the job for you! To apply for a position please go to the careers section of our website and fill in an online application: www.gcss.org.au/careers/positions-vacant/ or if you would like more information please call Reanna on 5434 2777. Your next step starts with your next step.

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

12537079-JC08-22

Part-time receptionist with 3 years experience in medical centres. send CV to magdy@saintmary. com.au

Full time position. Duties will include:Admin work and adhoc duties. Computer knowledge is essential. Saturdays required. Contact Norm after 5pm

12400545-LB38-19

WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATOR & ADMIN DUTIES

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Motoring 12321532-HM36-16

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Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU The blanked off front ‘grille’ is the only obvious cue this Volvo XC40 is electrically powered. (Pictures: Supplied)

Auto style leader goes electric By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Our road test car this week is a Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin, which was particularly interesting as our family car is a Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription that we have owned for three years. It will be fascinating to find out how the two compare both in performance and the latest in technology. And decide if we hold onto our existing car or go the electric route.

Styling These days Volvo is one of world’s automotive style leaders and in my opinion the XC40 is the best shape from the company in many years. With a chunky, almost cheeky look it has an upright slightly-concave grille. In the Recharge the grille doesn’t need to take in air to cool the engine so is blanked off and has a very large Volvo badge in the centre. Deeply sculpted lower sections of the doors and upward swept D-pillars with lights in them also add to the looks.

no engine there. The small front boot has been nicknamed the frunk – short for front-trunk. Many owners use the frunk to store the electrical charging cables.

Interior

Powertrains

The XC40 is a bit larger than others in its class at 4425mm long, 1863mm wide and 1652mm high. Every cubic centimetre of the interior space is put to good use. It has seating for five, but four adults and a child makes more sense. There’s slightly less foot-space in the Recharge as the battery under the floor steals some of it. The Scandinavian styling is simple almost to the point of being minimalistic in the dashboard area. There’s excellent storage space in the door pockets as the Volvo designers avoided taking up space with audio speakers. There’s also out-of-sight storage in drawers underneath the front seats. There’s even Volvo’s funny little rubbish holder that can be removed from the car when you get home and emptied out there. The load area is slightly smaller than that on the petrol and diesel models because the boot floor is higher in the electric model. There’s also a small boot under the bonnet as there’s

Our Volvo T4 Inscription has 140kW at 5000rpm. The Recharge Twin has more than double that, 300kW at just one rpm – that’s right, one rpm. It has two electric motors, hence the Twin in the name. Each motor produces 150kW and 330Nm, one drives the front wheels, the other the rear. That’s 660 newton metres which is the sort of grunt developed by a big petrol V8 displacing seven litres. Official energy consumption is 25.5kWh per 100km. We averaged just under 20kWh during our 355km test period. The official range is 418km as measured by the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) and we looked to be getting close to that figure.

Infotainment We certainly enjoyed the clarity of the Harman Kardon premium sound system, as the electric Volvo is very quiet inside it adds to the enjoyment.

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

The portrait shape of the infotainment 9-inch inch screen makes more sense than landscape ones because you can see much further ahead on the sat-nav map. Volvo Cars’ driver infotainment system (Sensus) provides smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety The Swedish company’s approach to safety has never faltered over the many years it has focused on this vital feature. A host of features in the help avoid a crash, or minimise injuries if one does occur. The 360-degree camera system in our test car provided an overhead view of the Volvo and its surrounds – it’s almost as though a small drone with a camera is hovering over you. Great fun!

Driving Volvo’s Clean Zone two-zone climate system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver what Volvo calls, “Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside”. It certainly is a pleasant place to be. The front seats are large and comfortable. In the rear I can sit ‘behind myself’ (I’m 180cm tall) with leg room to spare.

You don’t need to start the Volvo. Simply put your foot on the brake and select Drive or Reverse with a conventional ‘gear lever’ and the electric motor is ready to go. Somewhat oddly there’s still space for a Start/Stop button, but it has been blanked off. It can be driven as a one-pedal due to energy regeneration when slowing down. This can be a bit aggressive at first but we soon adapted to this and it became a personal challenge to avoid using the brakes at all. This is another clean feature as there’s no brake dust being created. People may ask why you need a family SUV that goes from zero to 100km/h in under five seconds. But the acceleration means you spend less time on the wrong side of the road when overtaking. And it’s really good fun to beat someone off the traffic lights who is in a big V8 with a lumpy idle who thinks he can whop you in a drag race. Childish? Yes, but what’s wrong with that! Handling is very good, with steering that almost seems to read your mind. The Recharge Twin has a lot more weight due to the heavy batteries - it weighs in at 2158kg, compared to our XC40 Inscription’s 1657kg. But it handles well as a fair bit of the weight is low down due to the heavy battery. Some road surfaces created more tyre noise than we anticipated. In particular the concrete surfaces on the motorway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane were louder that in our own Volvo XC40 turbo-petrol. Possibly due to the low rolling resistance tyres.

Summing up Electric power is the way of the future and Volvo is very Swedish in wanting to minimise global warming. Though the Recharge Twin is based on a vehicle using an internal combustion engine the conversion to make it an EV works well. Will we replace our turbo-petrol Volvo XC40 with an electric one? No, because we do a lot of long-distance holiday trips and charging would be slow in most places. We will wait until the 800 km battery and five-minute fast chargers arrive and buy one, if the price is right.

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The Hawks keen to keep building The momentum is growing at Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District Netball League. The club is coming off their best season, including the A-grade team sitting in fifth place and the under-19s on top, when the season was called off. With plenty of new faces and the majority of players sticking around, the Hawks are looking to build on those results. New coach Meg Grbac said things were going really well. Grbac joined the Hawks last season and made an instant impact winning the Ryan Medal for the best player in the competition. “The numbers are absolutely amazing across all four grades,” she said. “Everyone seems to be enjoying it so far. It’s been much better [number wise] than in previous years. “I think that’s definitely off the back of the results. The under-19s won the minor premiership.

“Everyone started to play some good netball. It was a shame, not to finish it off. Success encourages everyone to come back.” The Hawks have made three changes to their A-grade side to fill some holes. Ty Coppinger, who was named in the RDNL team of the year in 2018 while at Macedon, returns to the league. She adds flexibility to the side being able to play a number of positions in the midcourt and defence and has played in the Victorian Netball League. Abby Glimore, who played for Rupertswood in the 2018, will provide a target in the circle. She played at Eaglehawk last season. Charlee Duff-Tytler has been promoted from the under-19 team into the A-grade side. Grbac said she was settling into the coaching role, after stepping into the role after Carly Arkinstall decided to step away. She said she was really enjoying the challenge.

“It’s something new for me, a new challenge,” she said. “Everyone is super excited and has been absolutely supportive from the committee and players. “It will be a bit of a challenge also being a player. It’s something I have to kind of get my head around. “The support from Kellie [Duff] and Anne-Louise [Lindner] have really helped me. I couldn’t step into the role without them.” The Hawks will start their season on April 2 against Lancefield at home. Grbac said they were keen to get the season underway. “We’ve got a great starting point,” she said. “Everyone is enjoying it. “We’ve returned to training and getting back to normality. It would be amazing to have a full season of netball.” Tara Murray

Abby Gilmore, when she played for Rupertswood, has joined Woodend-Hesket. (Marco De Luca) 270974_01

Sports shorts GDCA Rain ruined the final round of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. All five matches ended in draws. Two matches, Wallan and Sunbury Kangaroos, and Romsey against East Sunbury got under way, but weren’t completed. Sunbury United, Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Romsey, Wallan and Diggers Rest will play finals.

GDCA A final round win has seen Riddell secure a finals spot in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield. Riddell made 4-196 in reply to Aintree’s 9-193 to seal the win and give itself a chance of finals. With Sunbury United losing to Bacchus Marsh, the Bombers jumped above them into sixth. Macedon, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, Aintree and Gisborne are the other teams that will play finals.

GDCA

Stephen Treweek has led from the front as captain.

Macedon has claimed the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s premiership without a ball being bowled in the grand final on Sunday. Set to face Lancefield Black in the grand final, mist and a wet pitch from heavy rain, meant the game couldn’t go ahead. The Cats were awarded the premiership, after finishing the regular season the higher of the two teams. It’s the first season the Cats have had a women’s side. Their under-17 girls teams also made the grand final.

(Damjan Janevski) 258008_09

Positive signs for Roar

Bowls By Tara Murray No matter what the result was at the weekend, Sunbury has earned respect in Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3. The Roar entered the final round, which was after deadline, needing to win and hope a result went their way to make finals. While finals in their first season in division 3 was something the club was aiming for, president Brendan Doyle said the the club had shown that they could match it with the top sides. “It was obviously disappointing with the weekend’s result, as we could have sealed finals berth away [with one round remaining],” he said. “It’s not ideal, but from where we were at Christmas. We were out of the race, but we’ve put in a massive push. “We’ve come together and I’ve been really pleased with that.” Doyle said they always thought they would be competitive in this division, after two

successive promotions, but it was a matter of putting it all together. He said under captain Stephen Treweek, who had led well from the front, the side was able to start finding the right mix. “We changed things up,” he said. “We thought we would be quite competitive and the depth in the club has proven that. No matter how far we go this season, we have been able to hold our position in third grade. “We’ll look where we need to go to get up into second grade now.” Doyle said they had been really pleased with the emergence of Murphy Boyd as a bowler and said that Blake Watson and Lachie Treweek had also taken steps forward with their cricket. He also highlighted the opening bowling partnership of Jason McGann and Jason McGowan as one of the reasons for that second half comeback. “We have the best two opening bowlers in the competition.” While this season has been tougher than the first two in the VTCA for the Roar, Doyle said

they would take plenty of positives out of it. “In a sense, losing games can strengthen a team and it’s a good experience for them,” he said. “Last year we only lost one or two games. It will help us be better situated for next year.” The Roar have already started focusing on next season. The club is advertising for a coach. They will also finally get to play at home again, with the turf wicket being installed at Clarke Oval. The club has played its home games at Progress Reserve in Coolaroo its first three seasons in the VTCA, while waiting for the turf wicket to be installed. “We’ll be finally able to play at our home ground,” he said. “It’s an exciting position. We have a great list already and we’re speaking to a few players to strengthen the depth. “We have a great club and product and will have a brand new facility. For the result of Saturday’s match against Werribee Centrals, go to www.starweekly.com. au

Sunbury went two from two on the weekend in Bowls Victoria Pennant division 1, section 1. On Saturday, Sunbury beat Essendon at Sunbury. Despite winning just one rink, Sunbury won 86 (13)-82 (5). Mark Cowan was the winning skip, while Lee Wesley’s rink was a tie. On Sunday, Sunbury beat Altona Sports, 101 (15)-80 (3). Wesley’s rink won 39-16, while Marc Bullows rink won 26-11. Glenda Wesley was the standout in the win. Despite the two wins, Sunbury remains in eighth spot. Sunbury faces ladder leaders Moonee Valley in the final round. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

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Cats positive ahead of RDFL season The appetite is high at Macedon ahead of the Riddell District Football League season. The Cats were sitting second when last year’s season was called off and were playing some really good football. With the majority of the group returning, coach Al Meldrum said the group was keen to get back out there. “There’s been three pre-seasons for nine games,” he said. “The appetite is there for our group. “We put ourselves in a good position last year, who knows what would have happened? We were playing a good brand of football. “Going off last year, we might be there at the pointy end. We can use that confidence this year.” The core group has returned for the Cats, but there are a couple of big outs. Shaun Harrison has gone to Heathcote to play under a good friend and new coach Andrew Saladino, Sean Rilley is looking to try his luck in the Ballarat Football League, while Seb Miletic has moved to Queensland.

On the other side, the Cats have brought in four recruits. Brody Lamplugh comes from Gisborne and will play up forward, while Zach Baggs played in the Central Murray Football League. Great mates Declan Phyland and Todd Delahey have also come across. Both played together at Bacchus Marsh, with Delahey previously playing with Diggers Rest also. “All four guys we’ve managed to bring are rippling blokes off the field,“ Meldrum said. “We’re pretty positive again, but we don’t know how it will play out.“ The Cats will have a new captain, with James Wright standing down from the role. Zach Smedely has been appointed the new captain. “It’s a changing of the guard,” Meldrum said. “Nipper sat down when the season get canceled and he raised it. He said ’I think it is time, there’s enough people to choose from’. “It was always going to be his decision. He’s a fairly decorated player in the club and league. “Zach has been a really good player for a

number of years.” In a massive bonus for the Cats, their junior program is growing. The club will field two under-15 and under-17 teams, along with an under-19 team. Meldrum said this was really important for the club and something he had been keen to push. “For a small club to have two under-15 and under-17 is really good,” he said. “We didn’t have under-19s in 2019. We were going to have a team in 2020, but the season didn’t go ahead and then we ignited it last year and got the boyds back on the field. “It really gives us that comfort that we are doing things the right way in the junior program.“ Tara Murray

James Wright has stood down as captain. (Shawn Smits) 271022_01

Jets’ Big V push in 2022

It’s been a solid first season for the Sunbury Kangaroos in the top grade. (Joe Mastroianni) 260360_04

Roos’ solid first season By Tara Murray Sunbury Kangaroos will see their first season in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup as a success. One of three teams promoted in the off season to make it a 10 team competition, the Kangaroos had three wins on the board heading into the final round. Kangaroos president Shane Woolley said they would have taken a three win season at the start of the season. “It’s exciting given we have one side,” he said. “We were really close to pulling the pin at the start of the year. “We were just struggling for numbers and it came together at the last minute. We’ve won three games with one game to go. “On top of those three games, there were another three we lost by under 15 runs. It could have been better, but I’ll take three wins.” The Kangaroos had nothing to lose moving into the top division, with the association deciding that the teams that went up would be

in the top grade for three seasons. The fixture was made to make it easier for them, with the lower teams playing more games against each other. “One of our concerns was that one of the teams that came up would go straight down. “We could come in and have a feel for the competition and not worry about going down.” With just one team, the Kangaroos lacked depth and that consistency of having the same playing group each week. Woolley said that made it hard at times with 19 players having played at least one game, with no one playing every game. The Kangaroos are hoping that next season they can have at least two senior sides, if not three to provide more depth and be more competitive in the McIntyre Cup. Woolley said that there were some exciting times ahead for the club, which has played this season with no club or social rooms. He said the partnership within the Sunbury Kangaroos Sporting Club, which was a long term dream of his and the past football club

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

president Allan Walters, continues to grow “The club has done really well and has been really well supported,” he said. “The new club rooms will be massive. We haven’t really been able to have the social side this year, we’ve been living out of our ‘bunker’. “Hopefully we can get some consistency in the first side and build the club back up with some more senior sides.” The Kangaroos were set to face finals bound Wallan in the final round of the season on Saturday, after deadline. It was set to be an interesting final round of cricket, with the sixth and final finals spot on the line. Diggers Rest Bulla, which was sitting sixth, was set to face Rupertswood, while Woodend, which was sitting seventh, was due to face Gisborne. A top of the table clash between Sunbury United and Bacchus Marsh was also set to be a must watch, while Romsey was to host East Sunbury in the other match. For results, head to www.starweekly.com.au.

Some of the Sunbury Jets young stars will get their chances in the Big V men’s championship division this season. Under new coach John White, the Jets have looked to some of the talent within the club, while providing some experience around them. White, who had been coaching the Jets’ women’s side, said he made a few changes to the squad. “We are really looking forward to it,” he said. “We are pretty happy with how the group is doing. “Coming into the men’s program gave me a little bit of an opportunity to change the feel of the group. “Bring in some different personalities and athletes into the club. Give some junior kids something to aspire to.” Ish Sanders is the biggest recruit for the Jets. The star in the Jets 2019 division 1 championship win, returns to the club where he has had so much success. “He has picked up where he has left off,” White said. “I had lots of conversations with him and I’ve been able to sit back and watch him now. “He’s still competitive and he hasn’t changed his ways. It’s a really good opportunity to work with him.“ Max Barkeley has come across from Camberwell Dragons. White said that he had taken his time to find his feet, but needs to play at this level. A second import, Gerald Blackshear, arrived in the country last week. White said Blackshear would add a bit of size to the team and would straighten them up. White is also excited to see what some of the young players can do. ’There’s guys right on the cusp that are stepping up,“ he said. “Guys as young as 18 are stepping up into this group. “We’ve put quality talent around them. They will make mistakes and grow with the program. “Hopefully it’ll entice younger players to stay at the club.” White said having done research on their opposition they felt like they would be more than competitive this season. “Our expectations are really high and the expectations will be to be in the play off. We feel we have a quality group and we are confident we will be around the business end.” Tara Murray

The future looks bright for the Calder Cannons An extended Calder Cannons program in the NAB League Girls competition has uncovered some talent of the future. The Cannons are running two teams this season, a development side which plays futures games and the normal under-19 team. Cannons coach Ross Smith said it had been a really good experience for them having the bigger squad and two teams. “Last year we had 33 girls, this year we’re up to 54 girls and running the two teams up until this week. “There have been five development games. It’s a real look at the future and we have a lot more depth in the program. “It has been really rewarding and we’ve already had some of those younger players make their debut [in the under-19s] in their first year.” Smith said some players as young as 15, have been given an opportunity in the top team, which is currently sitting 4-1. Smith said he was pretty happy with how

the side was sitting, but admits they were ‘fortunate’ to get across the line in a couple of games. He said the focus remained on the bigger picture. “It’s not necessarily about making finals, but it does give you an extra game or two. “We’ve done okay with depth and the next couple of weeks will tell us where we are at. “If things don’t go to plan, we’ll look to play some more younger players.” After having four players drafted last season, the Cannons are hoping that a few more will get their opportunities later this year. He said the talent this season wasn’t quite as obvious this season. “We’ve got some potential good footballers who are still coming on,” he said. Two Cannons players, Abbey McDonald and Reese Sutton are in the Vic metro squad. Smith said McDonald, who missed the last couple of games through injury, was their best player.

Amy Gaylor (right) has been a tackling machine for the Cannons. (Joe Mastroianni) 265355_35

Sutton, one of the side’s co-captains, was added to the metro squad last week. “She has been in really good form and has gone to another level,” Smith said. While those two have been the standouts, Smith said a number of other players had really

Bombers soar to the top By Tara Murray The hard work in the pre-season is paying off for Essendon in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition. The Bombers have been the most impressive team in the first three weeks and sit atop the ladder with three wins and a big percentage. Bombers coach Brendan Major was happy with how things were trackng so far. “I would say overall it has been really good,” he said. “It’s been an opportunity to work on the things we worked on in the pre-season. “To kick as many points [overall score] as we have has been a positive. That is the most pleasing thing, the scoreboard reflects the hard work that we’ve done. “It reflects what we are trying to do.” In the Bombers most recent match, they accounted for old rival Carlton. The Bombers blew the game open in the first half with 13 scoring shots to two. They led by 65 points, before the Blues kicked some late goals. The Bombers taking the win, 12.7 (79)-4.3 (27). Major said they were good for three quarters of that game. “It was another good solid performance,” he said. “We got a bit tired in the end and it’s something we will talk about. We let the foot off the gas and got a bit fumbly. “It’s something to work on.” Federica Frew kicked six goals in the win, while Amelia Radford led the way with 25 possessions. Major said they had been able to share the load around in the first three weeks. “With a vision a lot easier to get, it’s easier to identify scoring options going forward,” he said. “It’s been a pretty even contribution. Some of the girls haven’t played a lot of footy and are doing well. “Our backline is going well. When Carlton kicked goals, they played some good football. “We’re making teams play good football to score against us.” While the Bombers are flying early days, Major said they still had plenty of work to do thorughout the season to continue to improve. He said cleanness with the ball was one area they would look to improve. “We’ve been able to identify what we need to do quite well,” he said. “The ability to execute for an extended period of time, isn’t something that will happen straight away. “It’s something that we will need to build on throughout the whole season.”

Courtney Ugle.

(Joe Mastroianni) 268247_14

The Bombers were due to face Wiliamstown on the Saturday at the Hangar, after deadline. The Seagulls were 1-2 in their first three matches, including losing to Collingwood by 20 points in their last match. Speaking before the match Major said they had no major injury concerns. “Williamstown play a physical style of

football,” he said. “They will be a big challenge for us.” Meanwhile the men’s VFL season will get underway on March 25. The 21 teams will play 18 games each in a 22-round home-and-away season. The Bombers will start their season on March 26 against Geelong.

impressed him and the coaching staff. Ellie Sbeghen has taken on the main ruck role and is getting better and better each week at a rapid rate. Kasey Lennox, who is one of the 19-year-old players, is playing back up ruck having previously spent most of time at the Cannons in defence. Co-captain Olviia Manfre has kicked a number of goals and made her debut for Essendon’s VFLW side. Smith said Mali Mclaoed had done quite well and had draftable qualities, Heidi Woodley had looked good before getting injured, Amy Trindade and Kayley Kavanagh are both playing well as first year players. Another is Amy Gaylor, with Smith saying she’d be nearly leading the tackle count in the competition. The Cannons were set to play the Tasmania Devils on Saturday in Tasmania, after deadline. For that result, head to www.starweekly. com.au

Kemp joins Coburg for ‘22 Gisborne’s Josh Kemp will get a second shot in the Victorian Football League after signing with Coburg for the 2022 season. Kemp, who played with the Calder Cannons, was on Essendon’s VFL list the last two years, playing one game in 2021. He played six games with Gisborne in 2021, kicking 12 goals. The 21-year-old told Coburg’s website he was excited to be joining the Lions and is looking to make a statement this season. “Really excited to be here obviously, [it’s] a young group who’ve got something to prove. It’s good to be on board and hopefully I can prove some people wrong this year,” Kemp said. “I’m a tough matchup forward, [I] have an eye for goal and can hopefully stand on a head here or there”. Lions coach Andrew Sturgess was impressed with Kemp’s drive to earn a spot. “I rang him and said there’s an opportunity to come and trial for a spot, he said I’d be there within a couple hours of me calling him and came down the first night,” Sturgess said. “He’s brought aggression, competing and hunger to earn a contract that’s why he’s ended up on our list.” He joins former Cannons players Harry Andronaco, Flynn Gentile and Riley Mason on the list. Kemp is the final signing for the Lions, who will have 42 players on their list this season. Coburg chief executive Sebastian Spagnuolo said they were happy with the final addition to the list for 2022. “Josh’s signing sees our 42-man list for 2022 now complete and we are very excited by the maturity, leadership, combination of youth and experience, talent, work ethic and character of the group as we now head into our practice matches and then season proper.” The Lions were sitting 16th when last season was called off. They will start their season in round two on the first weekend of April, with the side having a bye in round one. Tara Murray

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