Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 22nd March 2022

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A honey pot of learning

Isobel Campbell was delighted her design was chosen for the Salesian College honey. (Supplied)

Things are looking pretty sweet for attendees at this year’s Rupertswood Harvest Festival, where Salesian College will be selling honey from their onsite bees. While the honey-making process is still being developed by the school’s farm team to be incorporated into their agriculture curriculum, students have been involved in the design and entrepreneurial side of the venture. Year eight student Isobel Campbell was delighted her artwork was selected as the design for the honey. “My two most favourite interests are the environment and art, this combined my love for both,” Ms Campbell said. Acting farm manager Peter Syrimi said setting up the project and working beekeeping into the students’ learning would help them understand the importance of every creature within complex ecosystems. “As an amateur beekeeper for 14 years, setting up the apiary was relatively easy and enjoyable, as well as getting industry suppliers to come on this journey with the college, knowing the benefits the project would have,” Mr Syrimi said. After two years, Rupertswood Harvest is back on April 1, with live music, food vans, student exhibitions, farm animals and local business stallholders.

Crime falls in the Ranges By Elsie Lange The overall crime rate in the Macedon Ranges decreased 26 per cent last year, while it fell 18 per cent in Hume. From robbery to arson, stalking to drug manufacturing, Crime Statistics Agency data demonstrates a general downturn in most recorded offences. In Gisborne, the crime rate plummeted by 25 per cent, 20 per cent in Kyneton and 41 per cent in Woodend. Sunbury recorded a 16 per cent downturn

in crime, while Diggers Rest and Bulla experienced increases in crime, at 33 per cent and 29 per cent respectively. Bulla’s increase can be linked to a sharp increase to breaches of orders – in 2020 there were just eight offences, in 2021, there were 71. Breaches of orders include breaches of family violence orders, intervention orders and bail conditions. The crime behind Diggers Rest’s increase was theft, with 42 offences recorded in 2021, compared to 15 in 2020. A spokesperson from the Macedon Ranges

crime investigation unit said he has seen the reduction in crime on the ground, especially since they adopted a “community policing approach” about six months ago. “We’re engaging at the policing level with these offenders, where we refer them to programs to treat the cause of their offending, whether it be drug use, or alcoholism, or breakdown of family, or breakdown of financial circumstances,” the spokesperson said. He said a change in personnel and a younger police force in the region had a tangible impact on communities in the region.

“We’re not above the community, we are the community,” he said. Victoria Police regional operations Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said they were “pleased” Victoria had the lowest number of victims in the state since 2010. “While it is likely that overall crime will increase as the community returns to normality, the early signs are relatively positive,” Mr Nugent said. “To date, we have not seen a rapid return across all crime categories, with police intelligence indicating overall offending still remains below pre-pandemic levels.”

Mary-Anne Thomas MP

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


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Historic bridge removal starts By Elsie Lange Macedon Ranges council has expressed its disappointment that the removal of Bunjil Creek Bridge in Gisborne has commenced. The 148-year-old bluestone bridge is being removed as part of the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Melbourne and Kilmore roads, despite council’s push to have it heritage-listed. “Despite efforts to protect the historic bridge and a number of trees through expert heritage advice and strong local community backing,

the minister for planning has not supported council’s request for interim heritage protection based on the heritage values of the bluestone bridge,” Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson said. “Whilst council understands the importance of improving our shire’s key intersections and bridges, and investments by the Victorian government to support this, we strongly felt this did not need to come at the expense of protecting a significant heritage structure.” Macedon MP Mary-Thomas said she understood locals were “passionate” about

Gisborne’s heritage, which is why they would ensure bluestone removed from the bridge is treated carefully and re-used on the project. “Our engineers have worked with the Macedon Ranges Shire council every step of the way, exploring all options to retain the existing Bunjil Creek Bridge, including a bridge over bridge design,” Ms Thomas said. “Melbourne Water advised the Department of Transport that the proposed bridge over bridge option was not acceptable as it increased the flood impact on residential properties – a fact the department made clear to council some

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time ago.” It is understood a photographic inventory of the bluestone blocks will be prepared, outlining dimensions, the number of blocks and suitability for their reuse. But Cr Anderson said the removal of the bridge would be a loss. “Once our heritage assets are removed, no plaque can adequately demonstrate their historical relevance, heritage importance, nor the artisanship to build these reminders of our past,” Cr Anderson said. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”

Teaching you what to do in a mental crisis

Shaun Mott may well be one of the most prolific sportspeople in Sunbury. The young man, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a junior footy player, is thankful to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) helping him to achieve all he has. Which is a lot: he’s represented Victoria in national powerchair soccer competitions, at the National Electric Wheelchair Sports Championships, even Australia at the 2018 powerchair hockey world championships. And he’s thankful to the RCH for their support along the way – that’s why he’s getting behind this year’s Good Friday Appeal and charity auction at Villawood Properties’ Redstone community in Sunbury. “I gave junior footy a go in the under-10s for a season and it was about that time when tests at the Royal Children’s Hospital confirmed that I had muscular dystrophy,” Mr Mott said. “Hospitals can be daunting but my experiences at the Royal Children’s have all been positive, especially since the new hospital opened. There was always lots to do, to keep kids smiling and happy. They try really hard to make it a good environment,” he said. On Friday, April 15, a no-reserve auction will take place to sell a fully-furnished, entirely donated Vogue 34 by Henley Homes at Villawood’s Redstone, with all funds going to the RCH. Mr Mott’s career began at Rupertswood Football Netball Club and they are keen to back the Good Friday Appeal to support the hospital too. “We all want to help raise a record-breaking amount for children in need, but for me it’s personal,” Mr Mott said. “I wouldn’t be living the life I am without the team at the Royal Children’s”.

Knowing what to do in the middle of any crisis is difficult, but when it comes to a mental health emergency, there are a lot of unknowns about what to do and who to call. To address this, PS My Family Matters and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health will host a forum to discuss the ins-and-outs of how a mental health emergency can be dealt with on Wednesday, April 6. The forum, ‘What to do in a mental health emergency’, will feature presentations by speakers from Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Emergency Mental Health and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, as well as a question and answer session. PS My Family Matters president Tamara Yeend said calling triple-0 in a mental health emergency can be a “step into the unknown”. “People often ask us, ‘What will happen when emergency services come to my house? Who will come to the house? Should I ask for a crisis assessment treatment team (CATT)? What is a CATT team?’” Ms Yeenda said. “These issues can add a high level of stress to an already difficult situation.” The event will run from 6.30-7.30pm, and will include a focus on strategies for developing a mental health safety plan through a template available on the evening. If you need mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Details:https://www.trybooking.com/ BXCNO

Elsie Lange

Elsie Lange

Shaun Mott is backing this year’s Good Friday Appeal. (Supplied)

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

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


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Slow uptake for kids’ vaccines By Elsie Lange Hume residents aged five to 11 years old remain the least vaccinated in the state. Just 38.4 per cent of children have received a vaccination – the lowest number of any local government area (LGAs). Hume council pandemic response manager Brooke Watson said council is focused on supporting all eligible residents to receive the vaccine. “Council has a team dedicated to improving vaccination rates, and to encourage five to 11 year-olds to receive the vaccine, we have been

supporting pop-up vaccination clinics in schools and as well as providing additional accessible and culturally-friendly pop-up sites,” Ms Watson said. She said council’s engagement with the community has shaped their approach to offering vaccinations. “As a result, we’re continuing to establish pop-up sites at locations that our community frequent such as our leisure centres and shopping centres, where walk-up vaccinations are offered,” Ms Watson said. “This approach has made the vaccine more accessible to our community.

“We’re also partnering with local organisations, sporting clubs, community facilities to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate environments for community members to receive a vaccination.” A spokesperson from the Department of Health said they’ve made it simple for parents and carers to vaccinate their children. “Providing child-friendly vaccination centres, pop-up vaccination clinics and school-based programs across the state,” the spokesperson said. “Vaccinating kids against COVID-19 does

Chest is a treasure trove of caring

Book a visit to the library

Since the pandemic began, an abundance of community-led organisations have worked tirelessly, with great compassion, to take care of those who need it most. In the face of coronavirus or fires or floods or devastating storms, it’s been everyday people who’ve made the difference – and the Woodend Community Chest is testament to this spirit. The group, founded by Reverend Melissa Clark, Grant Hocking and Barry McDonald and came off the back of a pandemic food bank, started after the June 2021 storms. “The day after the night of the storm, I was walking down High Street in Woodend, and people were coming up to me and putting cash in my hand and saying ‘Go buy whatever you need for whoever needs it’,” Ms Clark said. “It was amazing, but it didn’t feel right – I wanted some sort of transparency about it. “We set up a bank account and we called it Woodend Community Chest, so people can donate into it and we can make sure community members in need have what they need.” Ms Clark is the priest at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Woodend, which worked as a sort of base for drop offs when the food bank was in action. Since June 2021, they’ve distributed more than $5000 worth of vouchers, food through local grocery stores, school and lockdown supplies, and they’ve even paid for someone’s car registration. “We don’t have tax deductibility, it’s purely a bank account – money comes in, money goes out, and we’ve got beautiful people who give five dollars each week,” Ms Clark said. The organisation isn’t tied to the church and the town trusts Reverend Clark and the people who oversee the fund – trust, empathy and kindness is what the project is about. “We know that we’re going to be able to help anybody who comes to us, that’s such a good thing,” she said. Elsie Lange

more than protect them from serious illness – it helps protect their parents and carers, their friends, their school and their local community. “It’s easy and safe to get your children vaccinated – simply walk up to any state-run vaccination centre, head to a participating GP or pharmacy, or drop by a pop-up vaccination clinic in your local area.” While more than 95 per cent of Hume residents 16 years and over have received their second dose of the vaccine, the percentage of those with the third dose has only just reached 50 per cent.

Reverend Melissa Clark, Grant Hocking and Barry McDonald are the organisers of the Woodend Community Chest. (Supplied)

A well-stocked, maintained library is a magical place to be. At least, you’d think so – except just 7.89 per cent of Hume’s population are active borrowers at libraries across the large municipality. That’s despite 83 per cent of Hume library collections being younger than five years old, according to Hume’s local government performance report. Councillor Jarrod Bell spoke to the issue at a council meeting last month, and described it as “close and important” to his heart. “We know that here in Hume we have an outstanding library service,” Cr Bell said. “They’re innovators, they’re passionate about the service that they deliver, and they are delivering, what is in my opinion, one of the best library services in Victoria. These numbers tell the same story.” The statewide average of libraries with well-maintained collections under five years old is just 64 per cent, and Cr Bell said it shows Hume is “investing” in the resources their residents need. Cr Bell said his “call to arms” was for residents to head to their local borrowing spot. “It’s yours for the taking, join the library, become an active user,” Cr Bell said. “Take advantage of the films, the books, the online services, and the programs.” He said by the time the next report comes around, he hopes to see the percentage of active borrowers jump to 20 per cent. “I challenge every single councillor around this table: next opportunity you’re engaging with members of the community, sign them up to the library.”

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


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Pilot program provides hope for rough sleepers Forty-five people sleeping rough on the streets of Hume were helped to access homelessness support services during a nine-month pilot of a council homelessness pathways program. Hume council appointed a homelessness pathways officer in April, 2021, as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sunbury, 16 people were reported through the program as sleeping rough in 2021, and 20 people in 2020 – higher than other suburbs in the municipality. A report tabled at a council meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, recommended the program be funded for another 12 months as part of council’s 2022-23 budget.

According to the report, 45 people were connected with material aid and legal and/or housing services during the first nine months of the program. While some people received one-off support from the homelessness pathways officer, others received regular assistance. Prior to April, 2021, council did not have a dedicated resource to address rough sleeping or homelessness, the report said. Councillor Jarrod Bell said he believed the program was unique to Hume council. “No one else is doing this, and everyone else should be doing this,” he said. “If I can say that there is a good thing or a

good outcome of the panmedic, it’s that Hume City Council has taken the initiative to take this approach.” Cr Karen Sherry said there were many different reasons why people slept on the streets, including family breakdowns, addiction, disability or the loss of employment. She said the program was delivering targeted assistance to help people get back on their feet. “Without adequate support and services rough sleepers can find themselves in a spiral of disadvantage,” she said. “It is one thing to be unemployed … but it is another thing to not even have a home base to look for a job from and to store your belongings.”

Business goes to sleep

Crime briefs Police catch speeding driver A 50-year-old man from Sunbury was intercepted by police after travelling almost 90km/h over the speed limit on the Calder Freeway on Friday, March 11. Macedon Highway Patrol detected the Holden sedan was travelling at 189km/h in the 100km/h zone. The man eventually stopped in Wilsons Lane, Sunbury, but refused to undergo a preliminary oral fluid test and drove off. “He is expected to be charged with driving at dangerous speed, failing to stop on police direction and refuse preliminary oral fluid test,” a police statement said.

By Elsie Lange When Siobhan McGrory opened her Forty Winks franchise on one of Sunbury’s main strips 32 years ago, she didn’t think its downfall would be road works, a pandemic and a train line upgrade. The last four years have been a blow to her business, and in turn, her livelihood. She’s devastated to be closing its doors, and feels as if her needs as a business owner were not properly compensated or taken into consideration since road upgrades outside her shop began in 2017. “The site that I have is the number one spot in Sunbury, we get 19,000 cars per road per day along Gap Road, and Horne Street … that’s why they did the upgrade,” Ms McGrory said. “It was a nightmare … it took two years, they cut the electricity line, they cut the gas line, it took them half a week to do half a driveway, customers couldn’t get in and out. “People totally by-passed us, figures just plummeted big time.” While the works took place between 2017 and 2019, Ms McGrory said her business suffered major financial losses – Forty Winks experienced a 20 per cent reduction in turnover in 2019 compared to the previous three years. Just as sales had started to recover in the beginning of 2020, coronavirus hit. Had it not been for JobKeeper, she said the store wouldn’t have survived until now. But with the Gap Road level crossing removal project under way, she doesn’t believe she has a viable business to sell anymore. The project will force Gap Road to close between Horne and Evans streets from May 30 to late 2022. Responding to questions from Star Weekly, a Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) spokesperson said they were working closely with traders, Hume council and the Sunbury Business Association to limit disruption to businesses while they complete the “much-needed” project. “Works to remove the dangerous and congested Gap Road level crossing will be completed later this year, making Sunbury safer

As part of the program. the homelessness pathways officer worked with VincentCare and Merri Outreach Support Services to help people access support services. Data from VincentCare found that between September, 2020, and September, 2021, 1158 people from Hume accessed its support services. The data shows that 274 people were from Craigieburn, while 222 were from Broadmeadows and 152 from Sunbury. Cr Sherry said the number of rough sleepers in Craigieburn and Sunbury was increasing at “an alarming rate” highlighting the fact that homelessness was “no longer a Melbourne city problem”.

Check your notes Police have reminded Macedon Ranges shopkeepers to check the cash bills they receive. In a post to the Eyewatch Facebook page, they said they urged people to check their $50 and $100 notes. “High and low quality counterfeit notes have been reported across the Macedon Ranges. Please keep an eye out and report anything that is suspicious,” police said.

Fire danger period

Siobhan McGrory is devastated to see her business close.

and more connected, and boosting opportunity for people and businesses in Melbourne’s growing north west,” the spokesperson said. It is understood RPV provided wayfinding and ‘open for business signage’, local advertising, window cleaning, driveway widening, and is paying for advertising and signage for Forty Winks’ closing down sale. Ms McGrory’s request for a 10-year franchise renewal required her to spend $150,000 to $200,000 on upgrades for her store, but she

Enter/Exit via Horne Street

(Supplied)

couldn’t justify the investment given her current sales figures. She said she’s sad for her staff, especially her store manager, Grace, who’s been there for 10 years, who will lose their jobs – but celebrates what the store has achieved in its more than three decades. “I have even been selling beds to the grandchildren of my original customers – how good is that?” she said. Everything must go in the store by Thursday, March 31.

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The Fire Danger Period for the Macedon Ranges ended at 1am on Monday, March 21. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) ask residents to take care with any burnoffs, and register the burn off by phoning 1800 668 511 or at https://firepermits.vic.gov. au/ before lighting them up. The CFA reminds residents to comply with council bylaws, as well as monitoring and controlling burnoffs.

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Hume ‘untangles’ from pokies By Laura Michell Hume council will work with gaming venues on council-owned or managed land to divest themselves from electronic gaming machines. The plan is one of a number of future actions the council plans to take to tackle gambling, according to its annual gambling report for 2020-21, which was tabled during a council meeting on Monday, March 15. According to the report, council, in its capacity as a landlord/licensor, will begin to investigate opportunities with interested gaming venues on land owned or managed by

‘‘

I am really disappointed to report that Hume city is now the city with the fourth highest losses in the state of Victoria. - Joseph Haweil

’’

council to rid themselves of poker machines. Cr Naim Kurt said the move would help council “untangle“ itself from electronic gaming machines. Council will also work with Deakin

University on two research projects aimed at investigating the impact of gambling advertising on young people and the impact of gambling sponsorship at a local level. The report raised concern about an increasing trend in Hume’s poker machine losses compared to other local government areas, noting that the municipality recorded the sixth highest EGM losses in the state in 2018-19, rising to fifth in 2019-20 and fourth in 2020-21. More than $72 million was lost at Hume gaming venues in 2020-21. In Sunbury, nearly $5 million was spent across five gaming venues between July 2021

and June 2022. Cr Joseph Haweil said the report aimed to raise awareness about the impacts and “staggering losses“ of gambling in Hume. He said he feared the city may soon record the highest pokies losses in the state. “I am really disappointed to report that Hume city is now the city with the fourth highest losses in the state of Victoria. We are going backwards,“ he said. Cr Haweil said there was a need for greater regulation of the gambling industry. “We realise that we can’t put the genie back in the bottle ... but reasonable things like $1 bets ... are not being pursued,“ he said.

Bitten by the expo bug A massive entomology expo is happening in Woodend in July and it’s set to be un-bee-lievably good fun for insect larvas, at least entomologist Bert Candusio thinks so. Mr Candusio, Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection’s (CVRIC) managing director, said the expo will give entomologists, private collectors and insect breeders a chance to showcase their work. CVRIC, which is now the last collection representing the bugs of central Victoria in existence, will showcase its collection alongside exhibitors from all over Victoria and even New South Wales from July 1–3. “It’s going to be pretty exciting and absolutely wonderful, especially for the kids, I mean the kids are going to be thrilled,” Mr Candusio said With an art show, displays of insect photography and a giant butterfly pantomime,

Mr Candusio is sure the expo will cause a buzz of interest around entomology. “One goal of the expo is getting people to realise that okay, koalas are cute and cuddly, and panda bears look amazing, however, if you really want to conserve the cute and cuddly mammals and birds that everyone is familiar with, you need to start from the ground level of invertebrates and insects,” Mr Candusio said. “[They] form the foundation of all terrestrial ecosystems.” Elsie Lange

Entomologist Bert Candusio can’t wait for the CVRIC expo in July. (Supplied)

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Photography exhibition The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is putting on a feast for your eyes – check out the Magnificent Macedon Ranges Photography Exhibition happening this Friday, March 25 to Sunday, March 27. The show, held at the Dromkeen Conference Centre in Riddells Creek as part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, will showcase the beauty of the region through the lenses of its residents. Opening night will take place on Friday, March 27 at 7pm, and attendance to the show is free. On Saturday, March 26, there will be the chance to meet the photographers and discuss their images from 2pm-4pm. The show is open 7pm-9pm Friday, 10am-4pm on Saturday and 10am-2pm on Sunday.

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Fifty years ago, in 1972, Organ Pipes National Park was proclaimed. Its stunning and unique basalt columns were formed from ancient molten lava, and rise up in a rocky facade like an organ in a cathedral of Australian scrub. With the park’s creation came the establishment of the Friends of Organ Pipes National Park (FOOPs), to protect and regenerate the area to its original glory, and they want more people to join them. Celebrating their 50th year, FOOPs convener Loretta Beliniak said 15 to 20 people make their way down to a working bee on the fourth Saturday of every month to take part in caring for the land straddling Brimbank and Hume. “We are preserving the national park, it’s the closest national park to Melbourne. “We’re regenerating the area … it was completely farmed out and full of artichoke

Macedon Ranges Youth Summit

thistle, but to get involved, people are bringing back what used to be there,” Ms Beliniak said. “Planting trees, planting understory, and now we’re going to be looking at revegetating along the Calder with beautiful grassland species.” Ms Beliniak said it was “so nice to see” the return of native animals after FOOPs re-planted the area’s indigenous tree species. “We get this great feeling when we’re doing our sugar glider monitoring and our bat monitoring that not only are we looking after the flora, but we’re actually bringing back the fauna and giving them habitat,” she said. Their next working bee will be a joint event for Clean Up Australia Day. To be a part of it, head to the Organ Pipes National Park visitor centre at 9am on Saturday, March 26.

Macedon Ranges council invites young people who aren’t in high school, are working in the Macedon Ranges or are engaged in post-secondary studies to be involved in the 2022 Youth Summit. On Tuesday, April 5, council wants people aged 12-25 to give their feedback on the work council does for and with them. From 9.30-3pm at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute, there’ll be guest artists, inspiring talks and activities wrapped up in an opportunity to connect with other young people. Email: tjaensch@mrsc.vic.gov.au FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Elsie Lange

YOUR INVITATION

Lunch on us! DATE

29 March, 2022

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12:30pm lunch

To give you an update and more information about the Village, we would like to invite you to a complimentary luncheon. Enjoy a two-course meal in style! This complimentary event, exclusive to residents and special guests of Point Cook Village, is a great opportunity to get to know others who are thinking of joining the vibrant Point Cook Village community. Registration is essential and attendees must be, or must be accompanied by a person of retirement age.

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More detail wanted on sick pay By Elsie Lange On Labour Day, Premier Daniel Andrews announced a sick pay guarantee for casual workers – but it’s argued there’s not enough detail about how the scheme will be rolled out. Michael Osborne, president of the Sunbury Business Association, said on face value anything that helped protect workers was important, but there was not enough information about how the sick pay guarantee will work. “I’m a big believer that for every action

there’s a reaction – it’s a great initiative, but something’s going to have to give,” Mr Osborne said. “If the small business operator has to cop the brunt of this, then something’s going to have to give, whether they pass it on in terms of cost to the customer, or they feel it’s another nail in the coffin of trying to employ people. “Because it’s just getting too hard,” he said. The sick pay guarantee is a $245 million scheme aimed at providing people in insecure work with up to give five days a year of sick or carer’s pay at the national minimum wage,

and workers can now enter in the two-year pilot program. The government will fund the first two years of the program, which they say will generate healthier workforces and lower staff turnovers. “The last two years have shown just how difficult that choice can be for casual workers – so we’re doing what we can to make sure it’s a choice they don’t have to make,” Mr Andrews said. But Mr Osborne said it could become a “nightmare” to administer, and said it’s a

“tough one” to deliberate because there wasn’t enough detail. He said creating a scheme where some are entitled to sick leave before others could “build resentment”. “Either make it all in, or no one in,” Mr Osborne said. He said the pandemic had shown that it can be difficult for small business owners and the general population to navigate the rules of entitlement schemes. “If you bring something in, make it simple to understand,” he said.

Love all for all abilities South Gisborne Tennis Club (SGTC) celebrated 21 years of its all-abilities program on Sunday, March 20, and Gail Scott couldn’t be prouder. Ms Scott is the current co-ordinator of the program and in different roles has been watching it grow for 15 years, giving more than 150 people with disabilities the chance to learn and love the sport. “It’s about building confidence, it’s about being sportsman-like, it’s about being healthy, it’s about wellbeing, it’s about mindfulness,” Ms Scott said. “It just ticks every box, and the best thing is they all go off smiling. “They all come back the next week which is even better.” Ms Scott said a number of organisations within the disability sector have become involved with the club, with nine of the participants deciding to take up tennis outside

of the all-abilities program too. The open day included a number of tennis activities, and two wheelchairs were available for people to experience the effort it takes to play in one. Ms Scott said the all-abilities program gives people with disabilities the opportunity to break down barriers and make new friends. “It’s not about the money, it’s not about loading up with numbers – it’s just about giving access to opportunities,” Ms Scott said. She said one of the best bits of feedback she received about the program was in a letter from one of the participants’ parents. “The letter said she loves to come to the tennis club because it’s her happy place,” Ms Scott said. Details: sgtennisclub.com.au/all-abilities/ All-abilities tennis players Maurice, Steven, Anna, Shane, Kyle, Amy and their coach Jeremy. (Supplied: South Gisborne Tennis Club)

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


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NEWS

Green waste finds new purpose By Elsie Lange The green waste treatment site at Romsey has now processed 63,000 tonnes of trees and storm debris in its first six months following the June 2021 storm and flood event. “This is so much more than dealing with debris,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said at the announcement on Friday, March 11. “This facility is processing trees that have meant so much to the communities who have lived amongst them, and seeing those trees returned to their communities as product is

a great outcome.” From supplying men’s sheds across regions, providing 50 kilometres of fencing to residents and primary producers, milling 11,500 stakes for council, creating firewood, processing fish balls to enhance river systems and processing 180,000 cubic metres of mulch, the facility has both recycled and delivered. Funded through the state government’s $105 million response to the June storms, the facility has partnered with Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) and Macedon Ranges council to take part in the BRV residential clean-up program.

Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan praised the facility for all it had contributed to the community since its inception. “The Romsey facility has allowed us to not only clear and process trees and debris faster on an enormous scale, but up-cycle the timber into products that create a benefit for our residents, such as firewood, tree stakes, fence posts, and smoking chips,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “It’s been a collaborative effort all the way and I would like to acknowledge this significant partnership with Bushfire Recovery

Victoria. Partnering with Bushfire Recovery Victoria allowed us to scale our operation and process trees from other storm affected parts of Victoria, leading to a better outcome for not just our community, but so many others.” Ms Thompson said it was great to see the wood processed through the BRV program put to good use, with “not one bit of it wasted”. “Since its establishment in July 2021, the Victorian sate government has invested $3.5 million to establish the facility and ensure it can process the large volumes in the most sustainable way,” she said.

Chido finds her voice Doctor by day and comedian by night, Sunbury-based Chido Mwat’s debut Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) show is all about finding her voice. As an introverted person, creating She-Nanigans The Show was a chance for the Zimbabwean comedian to step outside herself and tell her story, with the help of a hand-picked cast of actors and improvisors. The cabaret show, filled with a range of performance styles including sketch, storytelling, music, dance and drag, is about telling people to treat her with respect. “When I’ve been treated poorly, I haven’t had the courage to say anything, but this show has a through-line of how it is that I got to the point where now I can say, ‘Hey, please don’t speak to me that way’,” Mwat said. Directed by 2018 Moosehead Winner Hayley Tantau and mentored by ABC’s Annie Louey, Mwat’s She-Nanigans The Show will donate 20 per cent of its ticket sales to the Multicultural

Centre for Women’s Health, whose mission is to be the voice of migrant and refugee women in Australia. She said her love of comedy started when she was young and said she’d spend her weekends at home watching late shows with Conan O’Brian and Saturday Night Live. “I really felt what you’d call ‘seen’ by the comedians, they’d talk about all these jokes and things and I’d feel connected and less alone,” she said. “That’s primarily why I did comedy, because it was that feeling of connection I could feel with other comedians.” Mwat hopes the show will encourage and nourish a community of culturally and linguistically diverse women to find their voices. She-Nanigans The Show is supported by The People of Cabaret, Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria and will be happening at Motley Bauhaus in Carlton, April 4-10, and The show on Friday, April 8.

Sunbury’s Chido Mwat will debut her cabaret show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. (Supplied)

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Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11


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Police crack down on road rules By Laura Michell A rise in fatal and serious injury collisions on Hume roads over the past 12 months has prompted Broadmeadows police to launch an operation targeting speeding, distracted and alcohol-affected drivers. Known as Operation Northern Lights, the operation involves officers from Broadmeadows police station and Fawkner highway patrol. The operation will ramp up next month to include police from Sunbury and Craigieburn as well. Broadmeadows Sergeant Denis Busic said police wanted to do more to address the

worrying increase in fatalities. He said about seven people had died on Hume’s roads this year. “With COVID … and highway patrol being stretched over the division … I wanted to give members an opportunity to enforce road rules again and engage with the community,” he said. “Bascially we are trying to be there for the community. We already do hoon stuff … all the high-end stuff is dealt with by highway patrol. [The operation] is looking at cars coming and going all the time, driving too fast, unregistered dirt bikes – this is a risk for us, it is difficult to deal with but we are trying.

“We remind people that drink driving is still not acceptable.” In the operation’s first few days, police issued 11 infringement notices, one defect notice and impounded a vehicle after the driver was found to be suspended from driving. Sergeant Busic said police were sharing offences detected as part of the operation on the Eyewatch -Hume Police Service Area Eyewatch page, with one post in particular drawing a lot of attention. “A post about an unrestrained child generated a lot of interest,“ he said. “That generated a lot of shock. People couldn’t believe people still do that.” Police also shared a post about a man who

Hitting the road for war torn Ukraine Ukraine Association Sunshine president Andrew Makohon will ride 500 kilometres in four days to bring attention to the horrors being faced by Ukraine in its war with Russia and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the association. Wearing half green and gold on one side and blue and yellow on the other side, Makohon will take on the riding challenge to commemorate the cultural contribution European migrants have made to the Australian community. He will start his ride at the Bonegilla Migrant Camp located just pass Wodonga, which was the first point of call for many migrants, and finish at Station Pier in Port Melbourne where the post war migrants first landed and disembarked. Raising money for R U OK and the Benalla Migrant Camp Photographic Exhibition, Makohon’s riding path will retrace the steps of the first post World War 2 Ukrainian and European migrants. Mr Makohon, who is of Ukrainian heritage, has been able to learn first hand about European migration to Australia through his grandmother who turns 98 this year. Mr Makohon said frustrations have been shared among the Ukrainian community through the pandemic and the current climate in Ukraine where the country is battling to hold on to its independence and freedom. “I discovered very quickly that I found myself carrying mental concerns and frustrations, and that was shared by a lot in our community,” Mr Makohon said. “For me cycling was the way to be able to reset your compass and try to keep on top mentally without letting it get too much.” This is what led Makohon to take on this bike ride challenge and raise money for R U OK, a non-profit organisation advocating for people to have conversations with others. Makohon also wants to take on the ride to recognise the positive impact migrants have made to the Australian community. “I have often been intrigued about the story of those post world war two migrants, in a family sense with my grandparents, but on a broader sense with all of the migrants and displaced

Andrew Makohon.

(Joe Mastroianni) 270885_04

people that found Australia as a new home,” Makohon said. “It struck me that one of the ways I could pay tribute to the legacy of what they have established here in Australia and how they have interwoven their rich cultures with the Australian one, would be to re-ride their first footsteps in Australia. “It resonates with generations of those early migrants especially in the western suburbs where so many of them might not have had higher education skills for reasons of war and other circumstances but they did form a big part of the community in the western suburbs. “You could speak to anyone that went to school around Sunshine, Footscray, St Albans

areas and you had many different cultures. “It was quite enriching because each of us brought our culture to school whether it was via the lunches we ate or interests you had. “From my ride perspective, my intention is to draw a reminder to an amazing history and the challenges the first generation had who didn’t have cousins that future generations were able to have.” The back of Makohon’s top will say no one rides alone in hope that people can rally around the ride and support the cause and meaning behind it.

blew almost four times the legal limit after being spotted riding an unregistered motorbike in Gladstone Park about 10am on March 9. The rider was stopped by police and asked to do a breath test. Police said he returned a reading of 0.192. The man’s licence was suspended and his motorbike was impounded for 30 days. Sergeant Busic said police were also keen for the community to share their concerns with them. “Any policing issues that they are concerned about, or any questions, we are happy to help out,“ he said. “If people have any specific issues, the first point of call is Crime Stoppers or email broadmeadows.uni@police. vic.gov.au.”

A sensory feast at Hume Harvest fest Your senses are in for a treat with an upcoming food, wine and music festival in Sunbury – get ready for Hume Harvest on Saturday, April 2 at The Nook. In partnership with Victoria University, the festival will feature performances from well-loved Australian musicians, including Pete Murray, Gretta Ray and the Pierce Brothers and more. Participating wineries bringing you tastings alongside delicious local food include Goona Warra Vineyard, Marnong Estate and Arundel Farm Estate. Hume mayor Carly Moore said: “Anyone attending Hume Harvest can expect a delightful experience of food, wine and live-music at a picturesque location. “The past two years have been difficult for our community and Victorians alike. We are proud to host this festival which showcases Hume City and inspires visitation to our region. “Hume City is the closest wine region you’ll find to Melbourne’s CBD.” The venue is a 35-minute drive from Melbourne, with a special drop-off area for ridesharing services. While there’s no parking at the festival site, there’s free parking at Sunbury Station and the Hume Global Learning Centre. A free shuttle bus will ferry festival-goers to the venue every 10 to 15 minutes. General admission tickets are $20 (18+) and children under 12 can enter for free accompanied by an adult. Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au/ humeharvest Elsie Lange

Max Hatzoglou

Tullamarine toxic buffer land is ‘not safe’ for development Westmeadows residents are calling for Hume council or the state government to declare that “buffer land“ between the closed Tullamarine landfill and existing houses can never be built on, after plans to build an industrial and residential precinct on the site were knocked back. MAB Corporation had proposed to build about 227 dwellings and 41 industrial lots on the site at 140-204 Western Avenue and 47-67 and 69-99 Wright Street as part of an amendment to Hume’s planning scheme, but the plans were rejected by a majority of Hume councillors at a meeting on Tuesday, March 15. Council received 326 submissions on the proposal, the majority of which were opposed

to it. Opponents to the plan argued the buffer land was needed to protect existing residential areas from the landfill site. Council officers had recommended councillors refer the amendment to an independent planning panel. The planning scheme amendment was the third proposed for the Western Avenue land in recent years. Amendments were prepared by the council in 2012 and 2015 but were abandoned following formal exhibition. The Wright Street land was not included in the previous proposals. According to planning documents, the land is no longer needed as a buffer between the landfill and existing houses and is safe to

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

develop. The documents state that while a 2014 environmental audit found the land’s groundwater was contaminated to a depth of 15-25 metres, the land is “suitable for industrial and sensitive uses (including residential)“ as long as construction does not interfere with the groundwater and access to landfill monitoring boreholes on the site is maintained. Deputy mayor Sam Misho questioned why council should risk approving the amendment when the site’s groundwater was contaminated. “I am not satisfied it is completely safe,“ he said. “I would be very hesitant to support my family members to consider living on the site.“

Terminate Tulla Toxic Dump Action Group president Kaylene Wilson described council’s decision to reject the amendment as the “best outcome ever“. “It was like being in the movie The Castle. The little guys took on the big guys and won,“ she said. Ms Wilson said it was time for council and the government declare that the land should never be built on. “Council and the government needs to find a way to ensure the land gets put back into the community by way of a park of the likes,“ she said. Laura Michell


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NEWS

Be resolute about your health By Elsie Lange A former journalist, Daron Jacks from Woodend is not used to being on the other side of the table. But the 48-year-old knows the power of telling a story to inspire others to act, because after being diagnosed with and treated for stage three bowel cancer, he thinks it’s vital people take notice of their bodies. This month is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – also known as bowel, colon or rectal cancer – and it’s the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia. His symptoms, excessive weight loss, stomach cramps, lots of visits to the dunny and blood in his stools, were easy to palm off because he was fit, young and enjoyed a beer.

‘‘

I just put it aside and went, nah, it’ll never happen to me - Daron Jacks

’’

“The symptoms are there, and they’re easily dismissed,” Mr Jacks said. “I found every excuse in the world as to why things were going wrong, but then I looked back and thought I had signs five years before. “I just put it aside and went, nah, it’ll never happen to me,” he said. Three months before finally getting a colonoscopy that confirmed his diagnosis, which had been delayed due to lockdowns, he had been misdiagnosed with anxiety. It was his wife, Nicole, who kept urging him to seek medical advice. “I was being a typical bloke … if it wasn’t for her I don’t know how far I would have pushed this out before I got help,” Mr Jacks said. A new RESOLUTE clinical trial could help deal with the backlog of cancer diagnoses, put off by the pandemic – Jacks, who underwent another type of trial, wants people to get involved.

Daron Jacks said he wished he’d listened to his body sooner when he was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer.

“If no one’s doing [trials], we’ll never get closer to a cure,” he said. Led by Australian researchers and experts from the GI Cancer Institute, Zoom-style tele-trials will be added to the RESOLUTE trial, recruiting patients from metropolitan and regional hospitals. Associate Professor and RESOLUTE principal investigator Jeanne Tie said the study plans to recruit 75 advanced bowel cancer patients to gather evidence to reduce death and discomfort from the disease.

(Damjan Jenevski) 272179_02

“For patients like Daron, Colorectal Awareness Month is a time they share their stories in the hope that more Australians will seek the vital early diagnosis and testing that can save lives,” Ms Ties said. Mr Jacks, a father of three teenage girls, said his experience made him want to “grab the chance to do things”. As a keen player for the Woodend-Hesket Masters Football Club, he said fear of missing out, or FOMO, was one of the hardest things to navigate.

“Last year, when they played and I couldn’t play, that was just horrendous,” Mr Jacks said. “My last game I played, I had a port still in my chest and it was probably taking a risk, but my wife just looked at me and said, ‘For god’s sake, go and have a kick’.” He said telling his story inspired people in his life to go and get tested, and they felt lucky they did it. “If it can happen to me, it can happen to you – it’s an old cliche,” Mr Jacks said. “You just don’t want to go through this.”

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

March 17, 1992

March 18, 1997

March 19, 2002

March 20, 2012

The ability of the Macedon Ranges Water Authority to cap water rates this year is in doubt.

Roll up, roll up, roll up! One of Victoria’s biggest and brightest community festival has come to town for the 21st time. Yes, the annual Sunbury Fair will be on once again this weekend.

The furore surrounding the decision to close Sunbury Private Hospital maternity ward went to Federal Parliament last Monday.

Necropolis now: Did we really think they’d go gently into the good night? It’s the baby boomers’ party and they will die how they want to. Sarah Harris reports.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13


BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Giving cricket and life a crack South Sudanese-born cricketer Akon Mawien has been through a lot in his life. His incredible resilience has helped him get through many challenges, including a stint in jail, and forge a new life for himself in Australia as he tells Max Hatzoglou.

B

orn in a small village in Tonj, South Sudan, Akon Mawien was just two years old when he suffered a life threatening injury after a table collapsed on him, splitting his head open. Mawien had to flee his home to receive medical treatment, 1130 km away in Kenya. At the time, no one in his immediate family would have thought they would not see him for another 16 years. There’s a story to tell here. Luckily, with the right medical help, Mawien recovered from the accident. With Mawien in Kenya were his uncle, aunt and cousins who lived in the refugee camp and looked after him while the rest of his family were back in the village in South Sudan working on the farm. After Mawien fully recovered, his parents agreed to let him stay in the refugee camp in Kenya with his cousins as the potential opportunities, including resettlement in Australia, were too good to turn down.

‘‘

I had those experiences that I wouldn’t have gotten if I went to a community that didn’t embrace me

’’

- Akon Mawien In 2002, after two and a half years in the camp, the extended family was granted asylum by Australia. It would be 16 years before Mawien was reunited with his immediate family, when he and his cousin, Ringo, travelled back to the family village in South Sudan. For the first time Mawien was able to hear about the accident which injured his head from his parents. “I was able to go back, meet my mum, meet my dad and they told me the story of exactly what happened,” Mawien said. Mawien was also able to see remains of his skull that his mum had kept. “It is pretty weird to see pieces of my own skull,” Mawien admitted. “It goes to show that it was a pretty serious incident for it to break chunks out of my skull.” Mawien took it as a lucky charm however as it brought about a life changing opportunity for him through his move to Kenya and, ultimately, Australia. “I was able to survive it and I was able to come to Australia just because of an incident like that and it has come out better on the other side.” Since moving to Australia, Mawien has lived the majority of his life in Brimbank. Unfortunately living in Australia meant contact with his parents would be limited as communication with his family’s village is almost non-existent. The only way Mawien has been able to keep in touch with his family is through his older sister, Akuach, who lives in Juba, 544km south-west of the family’s home village. Living away from his parents with his aunt and five cousins in Australia, Mawien said he commonly thought about his mum and dad and what life would be like having them around. “I wish I grew up with my own mum and my dad, and had that privilege,” he said. “Those sorts of questions always come to my mind.” Mawien, like many refugees in Australia, appreciated and benefitted from the support he was given since arriving in the country. “The best thing about making friends in Australia was they could be there for you as a support and I had that,” he said. Determined to embrace Australian life, Mawien joined his local cricket club, Sunshine Heights, which started his incredible cricketing journey that now sees him playing and living in Adelaide. “I had those experiences that I wouldn’t have

Main: Akon Mawien as a junior cricketer at Sunshine Heights Cricket Club. (Star Weekly) Top right: Mawien celebrating his first wicket for Melbourne University Cricket Club on debut. (Arj Giese) Centre right: Mawien receiving his Brimbank Athlete of the Year award in 2014. Bottom right: Akon Mawien with cousin Ringo Mawien in South Sudan in 2018. (Pictures: Supplied)

gotten if I went to a community that didn’t embrace me,” he said. Mawien along with other primary school friends, including South Sudanese kids, were able to join Sunshine Heights thanks to the help of teacher Matthew Shawcross, who invited the kids to his club for a bat and bowl. This led to amazing experiences for Mawien and his friends, including cricket trips overseas to Greece and Sri Lanka. The club also offered a strong network of support. With a talent for fast bowling, Mawien quickly progressed through the ranks, winning the Brimbank Athlete of the Year award in 2014. Mawien then represented the western region as a fast bowler and was close to making the under 17 Victorian state team before injuries hindered him from playing. Mawien suffered multiple injuries that kept him out of the game for long periods. “It was a very stressful period for me being away from a sport you enjoy,” he said. “You’re not able to play because it hurts when you’re playing so it is hard to accept sometimes that you have to take time away from the game to rest up. “At a young age like that, it’s hard to keep yourself away from sport, you always just want to be in the action so it was a hard period.“ A series of injuries meant Mawien could not play cricket or work in his construction job, leaving him unemployed, short on money and lacking the support network that comes with belonging to a sporting club. Suddenly, Mawien found himself mixing with the wrong crowd, which led to criminal activity involving two robberies in 2016. Determined to get back on the right track, Mawien learnt from his mistakes and has bounced back, becoming a stronger person despite the adversity through his love of cricket. “Reflecting on it, I just see a young kid that thought he knew what he was doing, that didn’t reach out to his friends and coaches and just let them know that he needs some help,” Mawien said.

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

“At that stage you think you know everything, you think you’ve got it sorted out.“ His biggest lesson was to seek help from others and to speak up in difficult times. “Lean on your coaches, lean on your family, it’s better off to get it off your chest because things build up.” Mawien avoided a jail sentence in 2019 as the judge deemed his actions to be out of character. He faced a month in custody after the incident and a challenging year of strict bail conditions, signing in with police three times a week and having a 7pm curfew. “It was really difficult but I knew I had to accept the consequences of my actions which is something that you don’t really think about when you’re that young, but I knew I had to accept it. “I knew it was my fault and got myself into that position so for those two years, it was really hard.” Mawien remembers a key moment that sparked a change. “I remember being in my cell and I just told myself ‘this is not a place that I want to be in, I’ve got people that have sacrificed too much for me to just throw away my life like this’, so I made a promise to myself that when I got out, I was going to do the right things.” A trip back home to the village in South Sudan to meet his mum and dad after 16 years was a step to getting back on the right path. Helping Mawien’s recovery was also his comeback to Sunshine Heights Cricket Club, where he was able to reconnect with the game he loved. In his first season back, Mawien’s talents shone through as he snared 25 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. Towards the end of the season, a former Heights teammate invited him to a session with Victorian Premier Cricket club Melbourne University. “The uni boys were really good. The coach at the time, Antony Keely, was really welcoming and they got around me and it was easy to make a decision to play there the following season,” Mawien said.

Bowling right arm fast, Mawien made the move and debuted in the first XI in his maiden game for the club. Mawien scored the winning runs for Uni and was stoked to play after overcoming so many hurdles. “It was an unreal experience to be honest,” he said. “It was nerve racking. I was really nervous, but it reassured me and told me, ‘look at the end of the day you can really give this a good crack’. “Two years ago, from not even playing cricket to debuting in the ones, it gave me hope that things were still in reach and if I keep working hard, who knows where things could end up.” Mawien has since moved to Adelaide where he has been invited to train with the South Australian Redbacks team on multiple occasions and represents his premier club, Prospect District Cricket Club. He has also been mentoring fellow fast bowlers. Mawien was also grateful for the opportunity to train with the South Australian state team for a few weeks. “That was a great experience, having coaches like Jason Gillespie and Luke Butterworth give you feedback and tips is awesome,” he said. “And even the batsmen themselves. It is always encouraging to be able to talk to guys at the next level and know that you’re not too far away from them. “It was a really enjoyable experience.” Reflecting on his journey, Mawien is proud of the resilience he has shown. “I feel like I’m a really resilient person and made the most of the second chance that I was given.” Mawien’s dream is to begin a professional cricket career in the next few years. “Hopefully you can see me running around on the cricket field professionally in the next few years whether that’s big bash, shield cricket or overseas. “I will keep working on my construction career in the meantime but for now, I’m trying to give cricket a good crack and see how far I can take it.”


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COMMUNITY

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

CWA art exhibition Are you up for seeing some cute and quirky local art? Head to Creative Art Exhibit by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Central Highlands Group. Happening at the Mechanics Institute in Lancefield on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday April 10, opening at 10am both days.

Sunbury mental health forum Do you feel like you’d know what to do in a mental health emergency? Check out Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s mental health forum on April 6, at 6.30pm, taking place at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3igWHTO

Sunbury over-40s night If you’re over 40 and looking for a great time listening to vinyl and dancing to tracks from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, head to the Sunbury Over 40s night. From 8pm, old school DJs will play five hours of music on April 9 at Club Sunbury. Tickets are $25. ■ https://bit.ly/3KQfdi3

Orpheus in Lancefield Feel like a spot of opera? Presented by Savoy Opera Company, Orpheus in the Underworld is coming to the Lancefield Mechanics Institute on Sunday, March 27 at 3pm. $35 for adults and $10 for children. ■ https://bit.ly/3ImbEP1

Photography in Mt Macedon Feast your eyes on the beauty of the Macedon Ranges and head along to the Macedon Ranges Photographic Society’s Magnificent Macedon Ranges photography exhibition, happening from Friday, March 25 to Sunday, March 27. Housed in the Dromkeen Conference Centre in Riddells Creek. Opening night will be held on the Friday night, 7pm. 102 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. ■ https://bit.ly/367XuUy

Sculptures and wine For lovers of art and wine, Art in the Vines at Hanging Rock Winery, on until April 25, could not be more of a perfect outing. You can even enjoy a guided cellar wine tasting. 88 Jim Road, Newham. ■ https://bit.ly/3tHZFpz

Exhibition in Mount Macedon If you’ve got a hankering to see some stunning Japanese paper cords and kimono fabric? Look no further. Head to The Gallery Mount Macedon to see works by Anna Konecny and Yukimi Breaden. 684 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon. ■ https://bit.ly/3hS2BdN

Learn volunteering in Sunbury The community is invited to the Volunteering for All ‘Mini’ Expo in Sunbury, teaching you why lending a hand can make such a difference. Make your way to the Hume Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street in Sunbury on Tuesday, March 29 at 10am. ■ https://bit.ly/34OXOXw

Volunteering, diversity and inclusion Explore how organisations can be more inclusive in creating volunteer opportunities where different lived experiences are taken into account. To tune in online to hear Bwe Thay, Serap Filiz and Emanuela Savini, RSVP to the Hume council program by Wednesday, March 23. ■ https://bit.ly/3MZy3oN

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

The photo of the week is of artist Rob Mancini with his WILD WEST installation.

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

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

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

(Damjan Janevski) 272777_01

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

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

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

Garden club The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Senior citizens club Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities are offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 years or older and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

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

Interested in learning to play Mahjong? The game is a tile-based game that is derived from China where it was developed in the 19th century. U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

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

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

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

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at Melton

Country Club at 10am. New members welcome. ■ 0425 705 150

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

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

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

Community singing group If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from 60’s and 70’s. They meet Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

Learn how to pamper Discover how to give relaxing beauty treatments in Melton South Community Centre’s deluxe facials workshop.On Saturday, March 26, 10am-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, 9am- noon. Participants can learn the art of making the perfect meat-filled or meat-free for friends and family. ■ 9747 8576

Tuesday, 22 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

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

• Sunbury Brad Teal Real Estate Sunbury 54 Evans Street • Sunbury Reliant Real Estate 11/114-126 Evans Street • Sunbury Muffin Break Shop 2/24 Evans Street • Sunbury Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Shop 2-28 Evans Street • Sunbury Terry White Chemist 83-85 Evans Street • Sunbury Gap Road Medical Centre 46 Gap Road • Sunbury United Fuel Sunbury 47 Gap Road • Sunbury 7-Eleven Sunbury 128 Gap Road • Sunbury Asia Finest Shop 4&5, 106-126 Gap Road • Sunbury Puma Service Station Sunbury 96 Horne Street • Sunbury Woolworths Supermarket 25-47 Horne Street • Sunbury Big W - Sunbury 25-47 Horne Street • Sunbury BP Service Station 53-55 Horne Street • Sunbury Sunbury Day Hospital 7 Macedon Street • Sunbury Hume Council Offices - Sunbury 40 Macedon Street • Sunbury Sunbury Information Centre 43 Macedon Street • Sunbury Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street • Sunbury Community Health Centre Unit 12-28 Macedon Street • Sunbury McKwen Drive Milk Bar Shop 1-3 McEwen Drive • Sunbury Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba 16 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Foodworks on Melba 16-18 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Melba Cafe 22 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Mitchells Lane Milk Bar 192 Mitchells Lane

• Sunbury Just Planet 37 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury An Apple a Day Natural Health Store 49 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury The Spotted Owl 93 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury Cafe Circe 109 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury IGA Supermarket - Sunbury 98-122 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury Killara Family Store - Sunbury 57 Phillip Drive • Sunbury Strathearn Glen Corner Store 10 Strathearn Drive • Sunbury Sacco & Saba Cafe 2/20-30 Sussex Street • Sunbury Rosenthal Shopping Centre 90 Vineyard Road • Tylden Tylden Store 36 Trentham Road • Woodend Keatings Real Estate - Woodend 83 Calder Highway • Woodend Coles Supermarket - Woodend 61 High Street • Woodend II cafe 66 High Street • Woodend Andrews Cafe 77 High Street • Woodend Fox in the Chamber 90 High Street • Woodend Jellis Craig Real Estate - Woodend 91 High Street • Woodend Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts 95 High Street • Woodend Woodend Newsagency 101 High Street • Woodend Paysanne Cafe 112 High Street • Woodend Bourkies Bake House 115 High Street • Woodend RT Edgar Real Estate - Woodend 124 High Street • Woodend BP Service Station - Woodend 130 High Street • Woodend Woodend Community Centre High Street & Forest Street

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


PUZZLES No. 073

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.

3

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

5

7 6 9 2 3 5 4 6 2 2

3 4

9 1

4

Thin (6) Egyptian god of the afterlife (6) Playground (5) Great rock or snow fall (9) Least sufficient (9) Force out (5) First-aid item (6) Lots (4) Pig meat (4) Long-distance racehorse (6) Practice (5) Unashamed (9) Variety of nut (9) Level of a building (5) Bears (6) Actor, — Brie (6)

10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 073

Hardy (7) Having a pleasing shape (7) Formula (6) Takes by theft (6) Sham (4) Relating to the planet Mars (7) Dry spell (7) Tropical storms (8) American football (8) Composed of incongruous parts (7) Weepy (7) Provide (6) Annoyance (6) At the top (4)

3 5 6 7 8 9

ACROSS 1 4

easy

5

QUICK CROSSWORD

16 17 18 19 21 22 23 26

DOWN Pelt of ocean mammal (8) An Australian state capital (8)

1 2

DECODER

No. 073

8 4 1 3 5 4 6 8 5

6 5

8 hard

3 5 1

5 7 4

6

7

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

T

3

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Today’s Aim: 4 words: Good 6 words: Very good

T

O

N

I

A N

I

4 LETTERS ARGO ATOM EROS GETS HERE IONA MARE MEAD MUST PASS POPE POST SAME SARA

No. 073

IDAHO INDIE IRATE KENYA LABEL LANCE LARGE LATHE LLAMA LOGOS MAHDI MAILS MAMBO MARIO MATER MISER PLATE PLEAD PLUSH PRESS REAMS

SAMOA SCALE SIGMA SWEET SYNOD TENET TRIED UNION UTTER 6 LETTERS DERAIL ENCAMP HERNIA INSIDE

7 LETTERS GALLANT HINTING MAGENTA MARKING ROLLING TOPSPIN 8 LETTERS DETAILED DOORSTOP ORIENTED PALATIAL

anion, anoint, anon, anti, INANITION, iota, nation, nota, tannin

No. 073 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

E

4 3 2 5 6 7 8 9 1

1 9 8 3 2 4 5 7 6

8 6 3 4 7 2 9 1 5

2 4 9 6 5 1 3 8 7

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

25-03-22

QUICK QUIZ

1

The Jacobin Club is associated with which historical revolution?

7

Who directed the 2022 Disney film Turning Red?

2

In which country is Krakatoa located?

8

3

In what year did Krakatoa famously last erupt, destroying 70 per cent of the island?

Which of these sports was not introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics: 3x3 basketball, freestyle BMX, 5x5 Rugby?

9

4

Which political party has ruled Singapore since becoming independent in 1959?

What is the literal English translation of the term 'de jure'?

R

8 3 5 6 1 9 2 7 4

5 7 6 1 8 9 2 3 4

E D Y

L V E

E

A S E L I T R O S A R S

E N T

S

Y

5 LETTERS ADAGE AGATE ALARM AMASS AMONG APRIL ARRAS ASSAM BINGO CRETE DATES EATEN EDGES ELITE ENDOW ENTER EWERS FLAGS GRANT HINGE

1

S

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

E E

15

L R

3 8 4 7 1 5 6 2 9

9 1 5 2 3 6 7 4 8

2 6 9 7 5 4 3 1 8

7 4 1 3 8 2 6 5 9

9 7 4 1 6 8 5 2 3

4 9 7 3 8 2 1 5 6

7 6 4 1 5 8 9 2 3

9 3 2 4 6 7 5 8 1

1 8 5 2 3 9 6 4 7

8 4 6 9 1 3 2 7 5

3 2 1 5 7 4 8 6 9

L

10 11 12 13

N

I

A

9

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”.

9 words: Excellent

S I

8

9-LETTER WORD

9

6 8 3 5 2 7 9 4 1

5 1 2 4 9 3 8 6 7

4 5 8 9 7 6 1 3 2

3 9 6 2 4 1 7 8 5

1 2 7 8 3 5 4 9 6

5 7 9 8 2 6 3 1 4

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

R

5

14

3

medium

T

4

J

easy

E

3

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

hard

5x5

2

3 LETTERS ACE AFL AGE ALA AND ANY ASP ENT ERA GAR GAS GEM HOE ILL INC IRE LAS NBA NIT PEA RAW SHE TEE YEA

KQG B I L F S R D AO P

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

U V Z C Y MXWN E H J T

2

WORDFIT

5

Which two monarchs were placed on the British throne after the 1688 Glorious Revolution?

6

The Matterhorn (pictured) straddles the border of which two countries?

10 Hepburn romanisation refers to the commonly-used translation method of which language into the Latin alphabet? ANSWERS: 1. French Revolution 2. Indonesia 3. 1883 4. People's Action Party 5. Mary II and William III 6. Italy and Switzerland 7. Domee Shi 8. 5x5 Rugby 9. 'By law' 10. Japanese

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17


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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Australian golfer recently won the so-called 'fifth major', the Players Championship?

5. What team is the winner set to then face in the 2022 A-League Women Grand Final?

2. The NRLW has announced plans to expand to how many teams by the year 2024?

6. Who is the current captain of Australia's women's national cricket team?

3. Which Formula One racing driver has announced plans to add his mother's maiden name to his own? 4. Which two teams are set to compete in the 2022 A-League Women Preliminary Final?

7. Which country is currently hosting the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup? 8. Babar Azam is the current captain of which national men's cricket team? 9. What medal did Australian decathlete Ash Moloney win at the 2020 Olympic Games? 10. Why was the start of a recent Oklahoma City Thunder v Memphis Grizzlies NBA game delayed? 11. Which Australian cricketer comically fell into a hotel swimming pool in the lead-up to the Second Test against Pakistan? 12. Russian F1 driver Nikita Mazepin is being replaced at the Haas team for the 2022 season by which Danish driver?

13. Who is the CEO of the AFL Women's football competition? 14. What was the nickname of the Australian men's rowing team that won two gold medals in the 1990s? 15. In the First Test against Pakistan, how many wickets did Australia take for the entire match, which ended in a dour draw?

Serena Williams

16. Who is the current captain of the Australian men’s national soccer team? 17. Which Australian Super Rugby team is based in Canberra? 18. Which AFL club 'won' the 2021 wooden spoon, the 14th in their history? 19. Which Williams F1 driver won the first race at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne in 1996? 20. The emerging Western Australian wicketkeeperbatsman, Josh Inglis, was born in which country? 21. The Gujarat Titans are a new team in which sporting competition taking place in April 2022?

Nick Kyrgios

22. What cricket team lost their first three games to Australia, West Indies and South Africa the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup?

27. Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur and what Australian female tennis player all reached the fourth round of the 2022 Indian Wells Masters?

23. Minnesota Timberwolves player Karl-Anthony Towns recently scored a team-record how many points against the San Antonio Spurs?

28. Brisbane Lions will play which Melbournebased club in the 2022 AFLW finals?

24. What African country was the first to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup? 25. What AFL team does Ben McEvoy captain? 26. What AFL stadium recently had two new large scoreboards installed at the ground?

29. Which director recently provoked controversy by comparing herself to Venus and Serena Williams? 30. What city will host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games?

2503

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Join the Gisborne team to provide accurate and timely scheduling of direct care services to help our home care clients live their best lives. Benetas is hiring a proactive leader to manage our direct care workforce, with a keen view to maximising client wellbeing in the home, and the overall client experience of employees and clients. To succeed you will have experience in: • A complex logistics or rostering/scheduling environment • Managing a remote workforce including the track record of building capability and communication with employees • Certificate IV in Aged Care and/or Disability or Business Administration or a relevant field

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A pocket rocket from Audi By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring It’s taken a long time, but Australia has finally caught up with the Audi SQ2 pocket rocket sports utility vehicle. With a worldwide shift to SUVs, after some years on sale in Europe, Audi has taken the opportunity to launch a refreshed version of the performance compact Down Under. Audis with an ‘S’ prefix in the model designation are generally accepted to have something special and the SQ2 is no exception. How does zero to a hundred kays in 4.9 seconds sound? It’s all down to a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, mated with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the maker’s famed quattro all-wheel drive. Plus, sport suspension and progressive steering to ensure performance is up to sporting scratch for a compact SUV. And what’s the price of this driving experience, as I did over an all-too-brief week with the super-SUV. It’s $64,400 when you take in on-road costs.

Styling Up front the SQ2 eschews modern-day sports utility vehicle matt black radiator grille for a highly decorative pattern of shiny metallic swirls and straight lines, flanked by Matrix LED headlamps, dynamic indicators and large geometric air intakes. Side on, the car maintains SUV status quo with square proportions from bonnet to boot, the only concession to crossover coupe styling being a shallow dip of the roof approaching the C-pillar. Nothing can compare with the bling of the front, except maybe the red brake calipers lurking behind five double-spoke V-style 19-inch alloy wheels and double twin chrome exhaust tips poking from under the rear bumper.

Interior The cabin is straight off the Audi performance car shelf. Front occupants are firmly welcomed

The Audi SQ2 quick to introduce a new level of performance to the compact SUV segment.

by heated sport seats in Nappa leather with ‘S’ embossed black upholstery. The ‘S’ logo is repeated on the three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifts and multifunction buttons. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with S-specific display has a configurable information display, while an 8.3-inch dash-mounted screen features MMI navigation plus, smartphone interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio and Audi Drive Select info.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Safety The SQ2 features the Audi Pre-Sense basic system, with adaptive cruise control with stop/ go, active lane assist and side assist (blind spot alert). Also included are Pre-Sense City, with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also, on hand is Parking System Plus, front and rear, with rear view camera and park assist.

Driving Infotainment Occupants can be entertained via a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, featuring 14 hi-fi speakers outputting a total of 705 Watts. Wireless phone charging is a convenient fixture.

Engines / transmissions Four cylinders in line add up to 1.984 litres developing maximum power of 221 kW between 5300 and 6500 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2000 to 5200 revs on Premium unleaded petrol. Power is put to ground through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

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

At the heart of the SQ2 performance is the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, capable of delivering peak power of 221 kW at 5300 rpm, and 400 Nm of torque between 2000 and 5200 revs. The test vehicle, taking on conditions ranging from crawling through heavy city traffic to motorway cruising and lung-busting acceleration on country twists and turns, performed up to par. The engine growled menacingly only when pushed. Long-term fuel consumption worked out at around 10 litres per 100 kilometres compared with the maker’s combined claim of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Hmm. Audi Drive Select gave the driver a chance to

match the car with his moods at the flick of a switch on the dashboard and its connection to a centre-console knob. Efficient mode dumbed down acceleration, while softening the ride to almost soporific standards. Comfort and Automatic dialled up power, plus stiffer ride and handling, while Dynamic sharpened the lot enough for a teeth-rattling ride on even slightly sub-par road surfaces. Individual mode defied deeper investigation due to the absence of a track with a clear run. A head-up display was missing and noted. Leg room in the rear was cramped with a tall driver in front. But the boxy exterior made for ample head room in the cabin. Boot space is on the slim side (355 litres, with the floor at its lowest) but there’s added convenience loading and unloading with a power tailgate, whose opening can be programmed for height.

Summary Which motoring enthusiast would not be tempted by Audi’s devilish little compact SQ2? The 60K-plus price tag may be a stumbling block for some, but you do get a lot of kit for the price. And Audi has finally come to the party with a five-year warranty.


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SPORT

Youth get set to step up for Romsey Romsey is flying under the radar this pre-season ahead of the Riddell District Football League. While many clubs have added some key players and signings, the Redbacks believe that their biggest improvement will come from the existing playing group. Coach Paul Kennedy said things were travelling well ahead of the season kicking off on April 2. “It has been a long time, we’re looking forward to it,” he said. “We’re travelling okay and sort of been going under the radar. We’re pretty much signed everyone from last year and added a few players from here and there, so there’s a lot more depth. “We think we have a stronger side than last season.” Kennedy said 12 months of working together on the game plan was showing through, with massive improvements on the track compared to last year.

He said it was the younger players he was keen to see what they could do this season. “The biggest improvement will be from the young group,” he said. “We were one of the younger sides last year and with an extra year and preseason and they’ve got bigger. “Corey Pertzel, Dean Walsh, Callum Sankey, Joshua Emonson and Liam Muir … we will look to see a lot of them during the year. “Hopefully Ben Way will still play this year. He is terrific with the young boys out there as well. “Our under-19s will be a pretty strong side as well.” Kennedy said there were some former players who were either returning to the club or considering it, which would help strengthen the side and it would flow into their reserves. Jimmy Carroll is back, while Kennedy said Chris Burkett might also return.

Aiden Smith, who is coming across the Geelong and District Football League, is one recruit who Kennedy highlighted. Kennedy said they had a tough draw to start the season, with matches against Wallan, Riddell and Diggers Rest in the first month. He said they were hopeful to build into the season and be among the top sides. “We might not be at full strength early with cricket finals and cricket trips,” he said. “Last year we finished fifth with 7-4 and I think we have a stronger side. “Finals is the main for us. We think we are good enough to play finals and we’re planning to play finals.” The Redbacks start their season on April 2 against Wallan at Romsey Park for the CFA Cup. Tara Murray Nathan Blair.

Recruits bolster Hawks

(Shawn Smits) 272915_01

Lions after coach, players

By Tara Murray Key signings late in the pre-season have bolstered Woodend-Hesket ahead of the Riddell District Football League season. Things have picked up for the Hawks late in the piece, after a quieter period before the Christmas break. New coach Josh Pound said things were going well and they were excited for the season to get underway. “It’s been really good,” he said. “Before Christmas it was about getting everyone excited about playing football again. “We’ve got a few new recruits late in the piece and we’re happy with who we have picked up.” Pound has looked to use his contacts at his former club Aberfeldie to add to the Hawks squad. Midfielders Jack Arceri and Frank Fazzolari have come across from Abers. Former Essendon forward and Pound’s premiership teammate at Aberfeldie, Courtney Johns has also come across. Pound said they were unsure how much Johns would play due to work commitments, but said he had already made a major impact at the club. “He hasn’t played the last couple of years, but he’s still in good shape,” Pound said. “He provides good leadership to the younger players at the club. “We have a good stock of 18-19-year-olds, and he’s mentored them in a short period of time. On the field, you can’t buy that sort of experience and when he gets on the field we think he will have an impact.” Pound’s cousin Tom Pound has also joined the club and will provide a target up forward. With a growing number of youngsters ready to step up, Pound said it was an exciting time for the club. He highlighted Tobi Duff-Tytler as one player to keep an eye on. “He played every game last year as a 17-year-old and has grown again,” Pound said. “He is able to play multiple positions and we might see him more in the midfield. I love the way he goes about it.” Pound said they had lost a few players, but felt like they had been able to fill the holes they needed too. He said the challenge in the early part of the season was bringing all the players together. “We’ve brought in some guys who for an extended period of time play footy together,” he said. “They know how to play together, it’s about bridging that gap.” For Pound it has been a learning curve throughout the pre-season having taken on the coaching role. He said there had been plenty of support for himself.

Sunbury Lions are pulling out all the stops to attract a new A-grade coach and players for the Ballarat Netball League season. The Lions are without an A-grade coach a couple of weeks out from the season, while they’re still on the hunt for players. Josh Burns was set to be head coach and coach the A and B-grade sides for a second season, but recently made the decision to step away from the role. It leaves the Lions without someone to look after their top sides ahead of the season getting underway on April 9. Lions president Jack Medcraft said they had started to put together this coaching panel, but need an A-grade coach to complete the coaching panel. Among those part of the new look panel is Stacey West who is the performance lead at Netball Australia. The club’s A-grade side struggled last season having been a finals contender previously as the club blooded a number of younger players after key departures. Medcraft said the club was set up for the future with new courts and top grade facilities, but they needed a coach on board. He said the club was also on the hunt for players to finish off their sides. Some existing players have looked to go elsewhere with the uncertainty surrounding the coach. The Lions are offering free membership to netball players along with the Netball Victoria registration fee to be paid by the club. “We have a new precinct with two brand new courts,” he said. “There’s a brand new set up for netballers. “These are the best facilities in the area. “We would love to get a coach on board to help with the uncertainty heading into the season. “We’re taking steps to put things in place so we have a good season.” Inquires: 0411 701 526. Tara Murray Woodend-Hesket captain Alastair Rae. (Shawn Smits) 272771_01

“It’s going really well and I’m learning every session,” he said. “The guys are believing in what I’m doing. “Alastair Rae, who is the captain, has been a massive help. Paul Podbury, is the ex-president, and will be my right hand man as a non-playing assistant coach. “Chris Oliver, an ex-St Kilda ruck, will be an

assistant coach and help with the midfield. I don’t think the midfield was where we wanted it to be last season.” Pound said they were aiming to play finals this season, having not played finals in more than 10 years. The Hawks will kick off their season on April 2 against Lancefield. Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21


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Riddell takes to the court with new look line up A new-look Riddell will take some time to settle in the Riddell District Netball League. After strong 2021 season, where they were on top of the ladder when the season was called off, the Bombers are hoping to again be in the mix. But with just two players from last year’s squad coming back full time, it will be a very different looking line up. Coach Adam Boldiston said he was looking forward to seeing the new line-up on the court. “It’s a totally different line up,” he said. “The two Close sisters, Lauren [Nolan] and Ellen are back again, but apart from that it’s a new line up. “While it’s a new line up, it’s not entirely new to me.” Boldiston said Taryn Munro wouldn’t play this season due to pregnancy, while Ash Hardy is travelling. Kirby Elliott has joined Gisborne, while Tara O’Grady will play on the other side of the city.

Boldiston said Ruth Smith and Elly Randell might play some games, but can’t commit full time. While there are some outs from the squad, Boldiston said he was excited by the players who have joined the club. “I’m bringing across Beck Anstey,” he said. “And I’ve recruited a couple of girls from the Sunbury Lions, Shelby Holter and Lara Turner. “They’re young girls and it’s great to give them opportunities, I really enjoyed coaching them at Lions. “They are both good young talents. Shelby’s dad used to play football for Riddell, she’s kind of excited to be playing for the club. “It’ll be an interesting different dynamic.” Chelsea Tobin has moved back up to A-grade having previously played in the club’s top side before. Maddy Brown, who won the club’s under-19 best and fairest award last season, has also stepped up. Boldiston said while they had lost some

experience in the mid court, he was excited about what the new side can do. “I’m gaining some speed with the two new midcouters,” he said. “Shelby when she is on can shoot the same volume of goals as Tara. “I think still really strong defensively with Beck Anstey and Loz Nolan. They’re going to be very experienced defensive duo and they are going to win us plenty of ball.” Boldiston said it could take some time for the side to gel together. The Bombers will have a good test first up, facing Macedon on April 2. “They are always a good yardstick when you come up against them, ‘’ he said. “We’ll be something a little bit different, I don’t expect us to be fantastic to start the year.” The club is still looking for B-grade and C-grade players for this season. Boldiston sadi ideally a couple more defenders and shooters would be good to fill those grades. Tara Murray

Bombers’ first signing By Tara Murray For Essendon’s first AFLW player Georgia Nanscawen the Essendon Football Club feels like somewhere she can belong. Having been part of the club’s Victorian Football League women’s team since 2019, the VFLW co-captain was recently announced as the club’s first signing as it enters the AFLW season next season. Nanscawen said the realisation that she would be part of the Bombers first squad was still settling in. She had been expecting to head into a meeting for initial discussions about what the AFLW list might look like, when she was given the news. “It’s a bit of a funny situation at the moment with the VFLW still happening, so there’s been a lot of things to focus on. “After a couple of days I started to come to the realistation that it has happened. It’s a huge honour and I’m extremely proud. “What it means to be part of the historic club and a new era and new chapter that hasn’t sunk in yet.” For Nanscawen whether she got selected by Essendon or not, it was where she saw herself playing her football the next few years. The club getting an AFLW license was something that was in the back of her mind last season. Despite winning the Lambert-Pearce Medal as the VFLW best and fairest winner, Nanscawen decided not to nominate for the AFLW draft. “I didn’t nominate last year,” she said. “I had discussions with a few close people around me about do I put myself out there. “Essendon feels like a place that I can develop and the really good opportunity to play the best footy I can. “I was keen to continue to stay at Essendon in either the AFLW or the VFLW if I wasn’t offered an opportunity.” This will be Nanscawen’s second shot at the AFLW after being part of North Melbourne’s team in 2018. Having played just six club games in Western Australia before she was rookie listed, Nanscawen said she is better prepared this time round. “I was drafted by North Melbourne straight out of the Australian Hockey team. I played that first season and then was delisted. “I then joined Essendon in the VFLW and Essendon has really developed my football over the last four years. “I’ve had a journey and had a really good couple of strong seasons. I’m proud of how I’ve developed. “It’s an honour and I want to show them how I can go in the AFLW. I’m a lot better prepared and want to see how I can push myself.”

Shelby Holter has joined Riddell. (Shawn Smits)

Locals in Vic AFLW squads Several players from across Melbourne’s north-west will test themselves against the best under-18 female talent at the 2022 NAB AFLW National Championships. Vic Metro and Vic Country squads were revealed last week, with the first game between the two sides taking place on Sunday, after deadline. Players from the Western Jets, Calder Cannons and Northern Knights featured in the metro squad. The Western Jets had the equal most players in the squad with six. Jets’ skipper Charlotte Baskaran, who is from Caroline Springs and plays at Aberfeldie, headlines the group. Keilor’s Montana Ham, Caroline Springs’ Kiers Whiley and Caitilin Sargent, Point Cook Centrals’ Laura Eliot and Yarraville-Seddon’s Krystal Russell were also in the squad. Calder Cannons pair Abbey McDonald and Reese Sutton are both in the squad. It was announced last week that the pair had aligned with the Sunbury Kangaroos as their local club for this season. Both are also on Essendon’s Victorian Football League list. There were also four Northern Knights players in the squad in Banyule’s Ava Jordan, Fitzroy’s Rylie Willcox, Diamond Creek women’s Brooke Plummer and Darebin’s Lulu Beatty. Calder Cannons’ Jacara Egan broke new ground by being the first Indigenous woman to coach a Victorian team on Sunday, when she led Vic Metro. There is also a local feel in the country side, with Bacchus Marsh’s Jamie Lee Speakman who plays for the Greater Victorian Western Rebels, part of that team. The carnival will continue throughout April, with teams from South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, NSW/ ACT and the Allies, which includes players from Tasmania and Northern Territory for the first game with players from NSW/ACT incorporated into the Allies for the other two matches. Each Victorian team will play three matches at the carnival. There will be a triple header at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval on April 22.

Georgia Nanscawen in action for Essendon’s VFLW list.

(Joe Mastroianni) 268247_01

Tara Murray For now, Nanscawen is focused on Essendon’s VFLW season. The club had four wins and draw from its first five rounds. “It’s been a really strong start to the season,” she said.

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

“It’s an acknowledgement of the work we have done the last few years under Brendan Major. “It’s a great start to the season, but we know there’s a few more challenges that will pop up.”


Tigers on the right path for a successful season From barely anyone training each week to 40 guys on the track some nights, things have turned around at Lancefield Football Club. With a focus on just getting people playing football and then progressing from there, the Tigers have seen the club grow ahead of this year’s Riddell District Football League season. Coach Tom Waters is thrilled with how things are coming along. “It’s pretty good at the moment,” he said. “When I came back to the club, it was about trying to get guys back training. We used to have eight guys turn up to training. “Now we have 30 to 40 turning up. We don’t have superstars, but we’ve got guys who want to play football. “Getting numbers on the track is a starting point and we’ll progress from there.” Waters said more than dozen new players had joined the club in the off season, including

some from overseas who had never played the game. He said others had included people who had moved to the town and others who just wanted to play with their mates. For Waters on field this season, it’s about closing the gap between them and the top sides. The Tigers won just two games in 2022. “We were a couple of points down against Wallan at half time and then they beat us by 100 points,” he said. “We were in each match up and up with some of those teams for a quarter or two quarters. “We have to play four full quarters to compete with them. We don’t have the top end talent and haven’t recruited liked them and have a group that want to play with their mates. “But we still want to knock off a few teams above us. Waters said some of things he had been

working on were starting to show through during training. “Looking at the intra club, they look more attacking. They were really defensive, as they tried not to get beat by 100 points. “We will get opened up, but we have to take some risks with the game plan and style of footy we want to play. “We’re on the right track.” It’ll be a few big weeks for Waters and the Tigers as they look to get an idea on their best line up. Waters said they weren’t sure who their best team was at this stage, “A few guys have looked promising at training, but we won’t know until the practice match. “For us everyone is seen as a senior player, who has the opportunity to play a role. Everyone is a chance to play seniors.”

The Tigers start their season on April 2 against Wallan.

The Tigers will be without an under-19 side, but look set to have two under-17 teams in a positive sign for the future. The Tigers start their season on April 2 against Wallan. Tara Murray

Lions after coach, players

Mick Allen was on fire on Saturday. (Joe Mastroianni)

Gisborne savours win By Tara Murray Gisborne is making sure it savours the moment after winning through to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup grand final. The Dragons won through to the decider after beating Sunbury United in their semi final on Saturday. For the Bees, it’s a straight sets exit from the finals, having gone through the regular season undefeated. Dragons captain Jason Wilson said group was keen to enjoy the moment, with grand finals not something that comes around every year. “Myself, Mick Allen, Darcy Nolan and Jay King have played in some of the recent flags we’ve won,” he said. “For the others this is all new for them. There’s some pretty young guys in the side too, it’s a good mix of experience and youth in the side. “We spoke about… they’re not easy to get to and not easy to win. “It’s a privilege to play in grand finals. I’ve

said to the boys don’t take if for granted it might not ever happen again.” On Saturday, the Dragons didn’t get off to the best start against the Bees. When they settled into the game, things turned in their favour. “We didn’t start all that great, but after about 12 to 15 overs, we then we got two wickets in an over and I thought it changed the game,” Wilson said. “We consistently took wickets throughout and that kept them from taking a swing at the end as they didn’t have the wickets in hand. “It was a really good comeback from our guys they were in the box seat.” The Bees were bowled out for 130 with seven balls remaining. Jay King took 3-20. Wilson said having played matches against the Bees and Bacchus Marsh late in the season, where the scores were around the 180 mark, they were thrilled to restrict them to that total. Gisborne made the runs with ease, finishing 1-131. Mick Allen made 92 off 119 balls, to continue his good run of form. Wilson said they didn’t have to take any

chances in the run chase. “It’s a luxury as a captain to have one of the best bats [Allen] in country Victoria, probably two of the best bats with Patty [Pat McKenna] who just as good if not better. “We didn’t have to take too much risk having to score at three an over. “It was alway going to be hard for them, they were going to have to the wickets so we just made sure not to take too many risks. “We put on a good partnership of 89 and that sort of took the wind out of them.” The Dragons will face Romsey in the grand final, after Romsey upset Bacchus Marsh. Romsey skittled Bacchus Marsh for just 46. Wilson said while many people wouldn’t have predicted a Gisborne and Romsey grand final, he said he knew that Romsey were capable of knocking off any team. The grand final will be played on Saturday at Gardiner Reserve in Gisborne. “If you can do the basics reply well, don’t have to do too much more,” Wilson said. “Hold your catches and field well they make a big difference.”

The pieces are starting to come together for the Sunbury Lions ahead of the Ballarat Netball League season. After losing A-grade coach Josh Burns late in the piece, the Lions have been working hard behind the scenes on the netball program. While the club is still looking for an A-grade coach, they’ve locked in their other coaches including Netball Australia executive general manager of performance Stacey West. West’s daughter plays at the club and she was keen to ensure her daughter and the rest of the netballers were getting the support they needed. “At the start of this year, my daughter was coming home so enthusiastic to play and then there was the unknown what was going on. “I was speaking to the club and I asked how can I help. They asked would I be happy to help with some coaching. I’m thrilled to do it. “I’m passionate about netball and community netball. It’s nice to get back to grassroots netball.” West said the club had been so welcoming since she got involved. She said the focus this season was building back up the netball program that they can build on in the future. “They’ve been really open to the suggestion around some of the changes about building the netball back up. “There’s four coaches who are working together across all the grades. We’re looking at a shared coaching model and I’ll look to provide support and mentoring. “The focus for his season is really enjoying netball in a supportive environment.” Former Lions premiership coach Kim Bailey will help coach during the season, when West heads to the Commonwealth Games with the Australian Diamonds. The club’s A-grade side struggled last season having been a finals contender previously as the club blooded a number of younger players after key departures. The Lions are still looking for players across all their grades to strengthen their sides. The Lions will kick off their season on April 9. Inquires: 0411 701 526.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23



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