Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 26th April 2022

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26 APRIL, 2022

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Rainbow voices soar There’s an exciting opportunity for local LGBTIQA+ people and allies to raise their voices and sing their hearts out in Kyneton: say hello to the Rainbow Voices Community Choir (RVCC).

The RVCC is about as welcoming as it gets too, calling for all crooners, from shower singers to professionals, to get involved with renowned musician and Kyneton resident Adam Przewlocki’s grassroots initiative.

“It’s never been in my interest to be involved in university level choirs, it’s been much more my interest to be involved in un-auditioned, all-inclusive spaces, to aim for something that is truly excellent,” Mr Przewlocki said.

It’s the first LGBTIQA+ choir in the Macedon Ranges, and Mr Przewlocki said he wanted to create a space where queer young people could come to feel safe.

RVCC is open to people aged 13 and older, from 4-6pm on Sundays at the Kyneton Community House. Details: admin@kynetoncommunityhouse.org.au.

Adam Przewlocki, Dawn Whittall and Pete Muntz from the Rainbow Voices Community Choir. (Damjan Janevski) 277256_01

Employers feel the pinch

By Elsie Lange While Australia’s unemployment rate remained at four per cent in March, some say the figure isn’t all cause for celebration – especially in light of workforce shortages across Victoria.

And it’s being felt close to home, throughout Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figure was described by the agency’s head of labour statistics Bjorn Jarvis as “the lowest the unemployment rate has been in the monthly survey”.

However, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said businesses are facing “acute pressures”.

“The stabilising of the unemployment rate at four per cent has coincided with the most severe

workforce shortages in 48 years alongside the highest job vacancy rates since records began,” Mr McKellar said.

Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne said he’d seen business owners were having to fill the gap in their workforce because it was so hard to find staff.

“A local fruit and veggie owner … has to do the deliveries himself because he cannot find anyone to deliver fruit and veggies,” Mr Osborne said. “Not only is he having to go and source the produce, with an early morning start, he then has to come back, pack it and deliver it, as well because he just cannot get someone to perform that role.”

He said a lack of workers in the country, either as international students or migrants, meant employees had more bargaining power

when it came to looking for a job.

“We don’t have those extra students doing those front of house or hospitality-type jobs,” Mr Osborne said.

Simon Fenwick, owner of Monsieur Pierre in Kyneton, said so far, 2022 had been “the hardest start to a year yet”.

“There’s not the 18-to-25 year olds that are looking for work in the [hospitality] industry, and they’re the sort of bread and butter as far as we’re concerned,” Mr Fenwick said.

Mr Fenwick put a lack of hospitality workers in the Macedon Ranges not down to immigration, but to the housing crisis in the region.

“A young family couldn’t afford to come up here and work, given there’s not the availability or the supply of rentals,” he said.

He said the worker shortages weren’t specific to hospitality either.

“There’s a real blight on the regional element of employment, I’ve been in hospitality for 35 years and I just don’t have the answer to it,” Mr Fenwick said.

Mr McKellar said the Australian economy was operating at “full capacity”, and an ambitious plan was needed to resolve the labour and skills shortages faced by businesses.

“Without a comprehensive strategy to address workforce shortages, businesses who are already stretched with an ultra-tight labour market will be pushed to breaking point,” Mr McKellar said.

“The next federal government must pull all the levers it can to address chronic skills shortages.”

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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 April, 2022

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Election phone blackspot pledge

By Elsie Lange Almost every day, in various local Facebook groups, residents in the Macedon Ranges discuss and debate telecommunications issues in the region.

Now, both major federal political parties have pledged to address the problem in the marginal electorate of McEwen if they win government.

On Thursday, April 21, the Labor party promised to provide $1.5 million in funding to help address mobile blackspots in Woodend and Gisborne South, if it wins the next federal election. Later that day, the Liberal party

announced it would build two mobile base stations in Gisborne South and Mernda, as part of its $28.2 million funding for 66 mobile coverage projects.

Telstra confirmed Gisborne South will be one of the 16 sites it will co-invest with the federal government to build mobile base stations to improve regional connectivity.

In a statement, Communications Minister Paul Fletcher and federal Victorian senator Greg Mirabella announced the construction of three mobile sites in McEwen, including a Telstra site and an Optus site near the corner of Couangalt Road and Blackhill Road in

Gisborne South. “Improving coverage on the urban fringe will help communities access vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed and stay in touched with loved ones,” Mr Fletcher said.

McEwen Labor MP Rob Mitchell said improving mobile coverage in the region would be a “top priority for an Albanese Labor government”, and said they would work with council on delivering the projects.

“Scott Morrison should have funded these blackspot locations by now, particularly given the high bushfire risk in our area and our emergency service needs,” Mr Mitchell said.

Replying to a post about the issue in a local community group, one Facebook user said “The challenge is that there is no mobile coverage in most of Woodend”. “So as soon as you step away from your property and wifi, call quality is an issue, sending an iMessage or any time of messaging app message is an issue, browsing a webpage or connecting to a GPS maps is an issue,” the resident said.

Liberal candidate for McEwen Richard Welch said he welcomed the government’s announcement. “Connectivity is critical for families, and we can’t support and grow our regional businesses without it,” he said.

Call for more cricket busts

Lions club members Ged McLaughlin and Les Saultry and young skateboarder Ryan.

(Damjan Janevski) 277507_02

Have a say on Romsey skate park The Lancefield-Romsey Lions Club wants your say on how to upgrade or totally replace the Romsey Skate Park.

On Sunday, May 15, the Lions club is inviting locals to bring a donation to enjoy a sausage sizzle, get their number plates secured and learn more about the skate park upgrade from its prospective designer, Darren White.

Lions club member Ged McLaughlin said the information day is aimed at gauging what

locals need in the recreational space, which has been up for discussion for some time.

“We need to know what the kids want, more the point, than someone at my age telling them ‘This is what you’re going to get’,” Mr McLaughlin said.

“The other thing is that we’re working with the council about doing is a street art competition on the toilet block.”

Mr McLaughlin said Bendigo Bank had already given the project $32,000 to get the

show on the road, but there’s a lot more funding yet to secure – to the tune of a few extra hundred thousand dollars.

“We’re going to approach everyone we can find to make up the difference of course,” he said.

The Lions Skate Park discussion will take place from 10am until noon on Sunday, May 15.

Down on the corner of Evans and Brook streets in Sunbury, commemorating its place in Ashes history, sit the four bronze busts of cricketing legends Don Bradman, Ivo Bligh, W.G. Grace and Dennis Lillee.

At a Hume council meeting on April 11, councillor Trevor Dance raised a general business item to look into the feasibility of adding two more late champions of the game: Shane Warne and Rod Marsh.

“Sunbury is the birthplace of the Ashes, and it’s a good opportunity to acknowledge these great, extraordinary legends who have just passed unfortunately in the last month or so,” Cr Dance said.

“It will only add to the story of cricket in Sunbury, and any associated tourism benefits as the country opens up that will follow for Sunbury.”

Cr Jodie Jackson said she looked forward to the officer’s report to council, considering the popularity of the existing busts, while Cr Jack Medcraft asked: “Where do we draw the line?”.

“If we go putting Shane Warne and whoever else next to those busts, it’s going to lose its effect of history, so we’ve got to be careful of what we wish for,” Cr Medcraft said.

Cr Jarrod Bell said he was in support of Cr Dance’s motion, but said he was concerned the street corner would become crowded and suggested the idea of a “cricketer’s walk”.

“Where we can memorialise and immortalise great Australian cricketers, and really play into the history of Sunbury’s cricketing history and Sunbury’s cricketing connection,” Cr Bell said.

Elsie Lange

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The number of people on JobSeeker on the rise Recent figures show there are more people accessing unemployment payments across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges now than two years ago, and there have been calls to raise the rate.

Data from the Department of Social Services, released in March, shows an increase in the number of people receiving JobSeeker and Youth Allowance, despite Victoria’s unemployment rate hitting four per cent in March, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In Sunbury and Sunbury South, there were 1301 people receiving JobSeeker and Youth Allowance in February, 2022, compared to 1201 people in March, 2020.

Across the Macedon Ranges, there were 917 recipients in February this year compared to 817 in March, 2020.

In mid-April, Labor confirmed it would go to the election with a policy to maintain the JobSeeker payment at just above $640 per fortnight for a single person without children, in line with the Coalition’s position.

That translates to roughly $46 a day.

Hume councillor Jarrod Bell has been vocal in his call to raise the JobSeeker rate and said anyone who believes $46 a day is enough to live on has no idea how much it costs to live.

“We are seeing, in so many places, rents going through the roof, we’re seeing fuel costs going through the roof, public transport costs,

health costs, food,” Cr Bell said.

He said the current rate would barely put food on the table and the increased JobSeeker payment during the pandemic had been good for those who needed it.

“Because [the government] recognised that it simply isn’t enough to live off, and what we’re doing is sending a message to job seekers that ‘Your subsistence is worth this much’, and that’s heartbreaking,” he said.

St Vincent de Paul Society national president Claire Victory said it was “crushingly disappointing” voters at the upcoming federal election would not be able to choose a major party that would lift the JobSeeker rate.

Recent Australian National University

modelling commissioned by the society found that increasing JobSeeker by $150 a fortnight, alongside a 50 per cent increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, could be paid for through minor tax changes for the highest income earners.

“This research shows there is no justification for being so brutal with people who cannot find sufficient work,” Ms Victory said.

“While acknowledging the need to be cautious about adding to national debt, there are many ways Australia could fund a boost to JobSeeker that lifts recipients out of poverty and restores their dignity, without affecting the budget bottom line.”

Elsie Lange

Call to change roofing policy

Locals gathered in Wombat Forest to protest VicForest storm debris removal operations.

In November last year, the New South Wales government moved to ban dark roofs in new developments to deliver more sustainable housing and reach its zero emissions target by 2050.

At a meeting on April 11, Hume councillor Naim Kurt raised the same issue, asking that officers prepare a report examining light coloured roofs and their efficiency.

“Climate change and the urban heat island effect is one of the big ticket issues facing our council and community,” Cr Kurt said. “It’s almost like Where’s Wally at the moment, when you enter new estates and try to find light coloured roofs … amongst the busting march of colourbond, ironstone roofing which has long been synonymous with Australian urban sprawl.”

Cr Kurt discussed recent University of NSW research, commissioned by the federal government, which found light coloured roofs could reduce temperatures inside a house by up to 10 degrees in a heatwave.

“This is an issue we need to take seriously, it’s one which the NSW government, in fact, has just put a ruling in to mandate lighter coloured roofs within housing estates,” Cr Kurt said.

“I’d like to see what mechanisms we have to try and encourage that within our municipality.”

Cr Jodi Jackson said she would support anything council could do to mitigate heat-related deaths in prolonged heatwaves.

“It is a really important issue for us moving forward,” Cr Jackson said.

(Supplied: Wombat Forestcare)

Outrage at tree clearing

By Elsie Lange Residents are “outraged” at a government salvage operation under way in Wombat State Forest, which they say is “complete overkill” in the proposed national park.

In a statement, a Wombat Forestcare said more than 100 people gathered at Babbington Hill in Lyonville on Friday, April 15, to gauge work undertaken by VicForests to clear the area from last June’s storm debris.

“The reality is that they are removing the large fallen tree trunks and leaving the combustible material,” Wombat Forestcare said.

“This operation cannot be considered to be substantially reducing the fire risk.”

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said Wombat State Forest was one of the hardest hit areas during the storms in June last year, which was why the government was working with VicForests and Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners to reduce risk to community safety.

“No trees are being removed unless they present a hazard or for operational safety,” she said.

A VicForests spokesperson said no felling is occurring in these operations and as part of the operation, they were prioritising the

clearing of heavy debris first.

“Once the heavy debris is removed, remaining debris will be able to be assessed and appropriate treatment determined to both reduce fire hazard and to help restore the undergrowth to its natural ecology,” the spokesperson said.

In a statement, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation said their priority was to “restore undergrowth to its natural ecology by removing the fallen trees”.

“We are actively working with VicForests as they assist our capacity to care for Country in the restoration and clean-up,” the statement said.

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Macedon ranges council state budget wishlist Macedon Ranges council has a hefty wishlist ahead of the release of the 2022-2023 state budget, to the tune of nearly $37 million.

There are a number of projects it wants funding for, first and foremost being the final $5 million for the second stage of long-awaited Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.

“Council acknowledges the contribution from state government of $14.8 million towards stage one and the recent exciting commitment from both major federal parties of $15 million towards stage two,” council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said.

“Total funding of $21 million is required for stage two and council is seeking a further $5 million from the Victorian government to see this project to completion.

“The current and projected population growth and the conditions of existing sports fields in the south of the shire make it imperative that stage two is delivered soon after stage one in order to meet continuing demand.”

Council is also seeking $18 million in funding to complete its section of the Daylesford to Hanging Rock and Kyneton shared trail, which includes $3 million in planning funding and $15 million for construction.

“It is hoped the Victorian government will make a contribution towards what will be a great asset for the community with its associated health benefits, and a significant drawcard for tourism going forward,” Mr

O’Sullivan said.

Also on council’s agenda is the Woodend Community Centre, for which it would like $6.5 million for an upgrade to transform it into a “flexible, sustainably designed centre” to meet the needs of the community “and provide economic development and tourism opportunities”.

Council is asking for $5.5 million for Kyneton Town Hall Reimagined to deliver a “contemporary theatre experience”. “… Capable of hosting significant events and performances, attracting visitors from outside the region to attend high-class acts in a high-class venue,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Council also wants $1.85 million for the Lancefield Kindergarten and Maternal Child

Health (MCH) Centre. “[The] project involves the building of a two-room kindergarten and MCH service in Lancefield to accommodate the increase in demand for both services in the Lancefield/ Romsey area,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Other “priority projects” council seeks funding for include electric vehicle charging stations, digital connectivity and communications, affordable housing, mental health service for young people, the Woodend Golf Club Clubhouse, the Healthy Landscapes Private Land Conservation Program and the Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study (East of the Shire).

Elsie Lange

McEwen one to keep an eye on

By Elsie Lange McEwen will be a seat to watch in the upcoming federal election and a Labor loss would be “disastrous” to the party, according to a Monash University political expert.

Senior politics lecturer, Dr Zareh Ghazarian, said while the new electorate of Hawke and the slightly revised division of Bendigo were both safe Labor seats, the marginal Labor-held McEwen would be “important”.

“Depending on how tight the opinion polls are and how accurate they are at the moment, it certainly will be one of those interesting electorates in Victoria to watch,” Dr Ghazarian said.

Population growth in the state led to a redistribution by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), establishing the seat of Hawke, which will be contested for the first time this year.

While the redistribution took parts of the McEwen electorate with it, it also gave the northern seat parts of Bendigo – increasing its margin from five to 5.3 per cent.

However, it’s still marginal, because at the last federal election in 2019, current McEwen MP Rob Mitchell won 55.02 per cent of the vote – not enough for the seat to be considered safe or even “fairly safe”, according to the AEC. And where a seat is marginal, residents can expect a lot of action, because both major parties – Labor and Liberal – want it.

The recent announcement of funding for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is a perfect example of what happens in marginal seats ahead of an election.

In early April, Mr Mitchell pledged $15 million in funding for the precinct if elected, and four days later, the Liberal McEwen candidate Richard Welch said he would deliver it. “[Labor] needs to hold onto the seats it currently has to have any chance of winning government,” Dr Ghazarian said.

“If it’s starting to lose seats that are on five per cent or more margins, then it’s a disastrous result for Labor.”

‘‘

You’d expect these seats to actually have higher margins at the end of the election - Zareh Ghazarian

’’

The political expert also said it would be “universal issues” at the forefront of voters’ minds when they head to the polls.

“The cost of living is something that a lot of people are talking about,” Dr Ghazarian said.

“Issues concerning service delivery, health care, education, schools and the broader economy – I think these are going to be really prominent issues across all electorates.”

While Dr Ghazarian was not stark about his predictions, he said there was a “general swing” against the federal government at the moment.

“You’d expect these seats to actually have higher margins at the end of the election as compared to where they are going into the election,” he said.

The federal election is on 21 May. Details: aec.gov.au

Australian Electoral Commission maps of the redistributed divisions of Hawke, McEwen and Bendigo. (Pictures: Australian Electorate Commission)

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6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 April, 2022

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No need for speed warn police

By Elsie Lange Over the Easter weekend, there were more than 60 speeding offences recorded in the Macedon Ranges during Victoria Police’s Operation Compass.

Police undertook the operation to increase road safety over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends.

In just four days, between April 14 to 18, there were 61 speeding offences recorded in the ranges, an increase of 12 on last year’s overall figures.

One speeding offence included the driver

‘‘

I hope that people will get the message and drive more carefully

’’

- Dwayne Sharam

caught allegedly travelling more than 140km/h over the speed limit on the Calder Freeway – 250km/h in a 110km/h zone at Woodend.

There were other increases on last year, including six instances of drivers disobeying signs/signals, compared to just one last year, and three mobile phone offences, compared to

zero last year.

Senior Sergeant Amanda Cohen, of Gisborne Police Station, said in light of the increase in speeding offences, she would like to remind the community to slow down as speed is a major contributor to road trauma.

She said the second phase of Operation Compass took place over the Anzac Day long weekend from 12.01am Friday, April 22 until 23.59pm on Monday, April 25, with a major focus on speeding drivers.

Speaking to the recent figures, Acting Sergeant Dwayne Sharam from the Macedon Ranges Highway Patrol, reiterated the need

for drivers to be more mindful, and drive to conditions.

“We seem to be seeing a lot of those offences occurring on local roads, which are in poor condition and not up to those sorts of speeds we’re seeing,” Sergeant Sharam said.

“I hope that people will get the message and drive more carefully, slow down, take some care and some time to where they’re going.

“They don’t need to get there in a hurry, we’d certainly prefer they get there safe and in one piece, rather than becoming a statistic.”

YEP! to new youth spaces

Christie McIntosh and her neighbour Emma know the power of building community by getting to know your neighbours.

(Supplied)

Helping neighbours get connected It’s the truth universally acknowledged the pandemic caused a lot of people to feel isolated – separated from their friends and communities.

That’s why Neighbourhood Connect is putting on Let’s Get Neighbourly Sunbury, a training and mentoring program to bring communities back together.

Christie McIntosh established Transition Streets Sunbury, which is focused on supporting neighbourhoods in sustainability, so she knows the importance of fostering community.

She said Let’s Get Neighbourly was a great initiative for the town.

“It is just another excuse to bring people together and connect our communities, especially following the last couple of years,” Ms McIntosh said.

Launching on April 30 from 2-4.30pm, Let’s Get Neighbourly’s first workshop will be held at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, where participants will be given free mentoring and workshops, support, tools and tips to gather neighbours and then to build local groups.

A follow-up workshop will take place in June, and in between participants will receive one on one mentoring.

The program is in partnership with national charity Neighbourhood Connect and Sunbury Neighbourhood House and funded via the Hume City Council Community Grants program.

To register, head to: www. neighbourhoodconnect.org.au/projects

Macedon Ranges council has announced the re-launch of its Youth Engage Program (YEP!), and will open two new youth spaces in Woodend and Newham this month.

Encouraging people aged 12-17 to connect with each other, youth services and the community through weekly events, activities, programs mentoring and workplace training, YEP! is all about bringing young people together.

The two new fortnightly youth spaces will run on alternating Wednesdays.

The first will take place 4-6pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood House and was launched on Wednesday, April 20.

The he second will begin at the Newham Town Hall from Wednesday, April 27, 4-6pm.

Council youth space facilitator Chris Fox said he’s “pleased” to partner with Woodend Neighbourhood House on the Woodend youth space, and urges young people in the area to head along.

“These are safe and supervised spaces where all young people aged 12 to 17 are welcome,” Mr Fox said.

“Entry is free with food and activities provided, plus we always have heaps of fun.”

Council’s director of community Maria Weiss said it was “great” to see the youth spaces open up.

“The need for youth spaces was the most common theme identified in the discussions between council and young people used to inform our 10-year youth strategy, Elevate,” she said.

Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/youth-spaces Elsie Lange

Elsie Lange

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Gisborne playground closed Concrete works will close Gisborne Adventure Playground from April 25 to June 30. In a Facebook post, Macedon Ranges council said it would be making the playground more accessible by installing a 125 metres of concrete pathway. “The project will enhance how people living with a disability can use the Gisborne Adventure Playground by providing compliant pathways between play equipment and connecting the playground to nearby the trails and carpark,” council said.

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Marie-Louise Pawsey is happy to provide safe travel to women in the north-west through Shebah.

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Just getting a cab or rideshare home from the train station after work can be difficult in outer metropolitan and regional areas.

This can be made even more stressful if you’re a woman, anxious about your safety in the car of a stranger.

That’s where Marie-Louise Pawsey comes in, she’s a rideshare driver using the Shebah app to provide safe passage to women.

Ms Pawsey lives in Glenroy, but travels all across the north-western suburbs to get people from A to B. “The feedback I’m getting is that [passengers] don’t want to be in a car with a man, if they can avoid it,” Ms Pawsey said.

“I feel like in the country, it’s even more reason to want to be safer, it’s a bit remote.”

Shebah is an all-woman rideshare app

launched in 2017, with a mission to help women and children using the platform to feel secure in the knowledge they are safe – drivers need a working with children check too.

Ms Pawsey said she’s one of just a few Shebah drivers in the northwest, and it seems people really appreciate what she does.

“Given that I’m reaching out to Sunbury, I feel like I’m providing a service that otherwise isn’t being provided,” Ms Pawsey said.

“The message is clear from a lot of the women I pick up, no matter where they are, they’re just so grateful to have Shebah.”

She said the women she drives have told her they feel like they are “driving with a friend”.

“It’s about us being safe and comfortable,” Ms Pawsey said Elsie Lange

Riddells Creek Community House is inviting all candidates for the seat of McEwen to take part in a community-run candidates forum on Wednesday, May 4. Candidates on the cards to attend are Labor McEwen MP Rob Mitchell, Liberal candidate Richard Welch, Greens candidate Neil Barker and Liberal Democrats candidate John Herron, with other candidates yet to RSVP. The forum, running from 7-8.30pm at the Riddells Creek Primary School Performance Centre, is a chance for the community to meet candidates, learn about their campaigns and ask questions. To register your attendance and/or your question please contact Lisa Linton on 54287836 or email manager@ riddellscreeknh.com.au.

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‘‘

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

‘‘

’’

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

’’

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

By Jessica Micallef The first concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury has been released.

Gap Road will be lowered under the rail line to preserve the character of the heritage-listed Sunbury station.

Construction on the project was brought forward to begin this year, with the level crossing expected to be removed by late 2022, and the remaining works completed in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 completion date.

About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Gap

Road level crossing each day, with the number expected to reach 27,000 in 2026, according to state government data.

A three-week community consultation period was held in November last year for the public to provide feedback on the design, landscaping and public artworks for the new level crossing.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull said more than 170 residents contributed to the preliminary design.

“The level crossing will be gone for good by the end of 2022, with a road under rail design as promised,” he said.

“This year we will see site investigations continuing as well as some early works, with

the majority of major construction towards the end of 2022.”

The level crossing removal is being delivered in conjunction with the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, which includes platform extensions, train stabling modifications and rail track power upgrades at Sunbury station to enable bigger and more modern trains to run on the line.

The line is expected to transport up to 113,000 passengers in peak hours every week when the Metro Tunnel is open.

“We promised to remove this crossing by 2025, but this vital project has been fast tracked to synchronise works between the level

crossing removal and the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade,” Mr Bull said.

“It means we will only need to close the line for an extended period of time once, rather than twice, resulting in less disruption and a level crossing-free Sunbury three years ahead of schedule.

“This is a critical project that will improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of our community and it is time to get it done.”

The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth crossing removed on the Sunbury line and is one of 75 “dangerous and congested” level crossings in Melbourne to be gone by 2025.

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Swim lesson wait times balloon

By Elsie Lange Last week it was revealed how long Hume children are waiting to learn to swim due to ballooning waitlist times at council-run centres.

At Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 113 kids under the age of three are on the waitlist, while 48 kids aged three to five years old and 134 five to 18 year olds are waiting for lessons.

Sunbury’s mum of two Ash Moreland said she was worried for her five-year-old daughter who has never had a swimming lesson.

‘‘

I just wanted her to be more confident around water, because she has no idea - Ash Moreland (Juan Salamanca via Pexels)

’’

“I try and take them to the pool myself, but obviously that’s time consuming and I’m not a swimming teacher, so I have no idea what I’m doing,” Ms Moreland said.

“I just wanted her to be more confident around water, because she has no idea.

“If she fell in the pool, she’d have no idea what to do – so I’ve committed to taking her to the pool as often as I can.”

She just wants swimming lessons as soon as possible at a council-run centre.

“The thing I find trickiest is there’s only one of me, and I have two children that have drastically different capabilities,” Ms Moreland said.

“My son is eight, and he wants to be doing jumps off the side and flips and all that sort of stuff, and my daughter is not confident enough to be in that depth of the pool, where it’s safe for him to do that.”

Last week, Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitfort told Star Weekly there were a number of factors that contribute to the variation in waitlist and enrolment figures at aquatic centres.

“The programs within each council facility vary with pool space availability and swim teacher availability – which is experiencing an industry-wide shortage since the beginning of the pandemic,” Mr Whitford said.

Mim Stoermer, a former Sunbury resident

now in Diggers Rest, said her three-year-old twins had been on the waiting list for the Sunbury Aquatic Centre for more than a year.

Ms Stoermer said while they had eventually been offered a place, she had in the meantime been accepted into a centre in Gisborne and now travels there for the lessons.

Ms Stoermer said there was a need for bigger facilities to account for population growth in the region.

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“I think with all the new estates that are planned, towards the airport and then planned along the Calder, there’s definitely a lack of [swimming pools],” Ms Stoermer said.

At a council meeting on April 11 after hearing the figures, councillor Trevor Dance asked officers to report back about what can be done to fastrack a reduction in waitlist numbers for swimming lessons.

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Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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Living with Parkinson’s disease

By Molly Magennis and Tima Halloum The number of Victorians living with Parkinson’s disease, estimated to currently be 57,000, is rapidly increasing and neurological disorders are now the leading cause of disabilities worldwide.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and many organisations and health centres across the nation launched campaigns to increase the public’s understanding of symptoms and treatments available.

ParKanDo is a support group in Melbourne’s west run solely by volunteers with a personal understanding of living with Parkinson’s.

Their mission is to increase the number and diversity of support options for people living with the disease, connect members with people who understand the impacts of parkinsons and whilst allowing them to form valuable connections with each other.

Pam West, ParKanDo co-leader and co-secretary, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009.

She officially launched ParKanDo just before COVID alongside current members Peter Wall and his wife Carmel.

With a background in project management and community development, Pam knew she wanted to do something that would help others going through the same thing she was.

While her journey with Parkinson’s has certainly been tough, she said the gratification she gets from helping others is invaluable.

“It’s given me a reason to get out and do something and the best high for me has been helping people, it’s a big part of my life,” she said. “Selfishly, as much as you give, you get back more and I’ve loved it.

“I’ve gone through the lows … I was mourning what I thought my life would be at this age and I really struggled with that, and

ParKanDo members Mimi Morgan, Pam West, Peter Wall and Carmel Wall at a Fight Parkinson’s Peer Support Group. (Supplied) Top right: ParKanDo co-leader and co-secretary Pam West. (Damjan Janevski) 248483_01 Right: ParKanDo recently implemented a new program called ‘chair yoga’. Peter and Carmel Wall tried out the new program alongside yoga teacher Leanne Cannan. (Damjan Janevski) 268108_03

then through the help of a great psychologist and friends, particularly my kids have been amazing, I realised yes life was over as i knew it but there was nothing to stop me building a new life.”

Mimi Morgan is also the current co-secretary of ParKanDo. She was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s in 2020, the same year her brother passed away from the same disease.

Mimi joined ParKanDo not long after her diagnosis, and said she would recommend support groups like ParKanDo to anyone suffering from a chronic disease.

She does acknowledge however that it can be a bit confronting seeing others with the same condition who are further along in their journey.

“It’s great but it’s a bit confronting because you see people, when you’re in early stages, and you see people in later stages and you wonder if that’s gonna happen to you,” she said.

“So I try not to think about that. I try to just concentrate on every day I get up [and] do what I can to fight Parkinson’s basically.”

For Parkinson’s awareness month, Mimi said that she wants people to know that

Parkinson’s is not just a movement disorder, and just because someone looks fine on the outside doesn’t mean they’re not struggling.

“I think there should be more awareness that it’s quite a debilitating disease, but also I want people to have hope you know, like they’ll find a cure or find some better medication that lasts longer.”

ParKanDo welcomes all new members, and the organisation constantly holds events and activities for those with Parkinson’s, chronic diseases and seniors.

For more information visit https:// parkando.org.au.

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Growing new connections

Tween a stroke warrior

(Damjan Janevski) 277335_04

By Elsie Lange Twelve-year-old Chloe Ferguson says she feels proud of herself for being named a finalist in national Stroke Awards.

The Kyneton tween is one of three young finalists for a new award titled the Stroke Warrior Award, recognising a significant contribution of a person under 18 in recovery, stroke awareness, fundraising or advocacy.

“I made a presentation about my stroke

and my dad and I raised awareness through Kyneton Football Netball Club and my dad’s work,” Chloe said.

Two years ago, Chloe, who is autistic, came down with a terrible headache and only after surgery did they discover she’d had a stroke.

She was in a coma for five days after the event, which her dad George said was “life changing”.

He said he wanted people to go and look up the Stroke Foundation and educate

themselves, because “it’s not just old people, it’s for young people as well”.

According to the Stroke Foundation, there are almost 450,000 people living with stroke in Australia.

“My family is very proud of me, but I haven’t told my friends yet because I want to tell them in person,” Chloe said.

She said she’s excited to be going to the award ceremony, with winners announced on Wednesday, May 4.

A community based not-for-profit organisation in Aintree is encouraging locals to connect through the love of all things food and gardening.

We Love Aintree aims to empower neighbourhoods across Melbourne’s west to forge a sense of belonging through the Aintree Garden and Cafe, the Eat Grow Garden initiative. The organisation is also planning to develop a new community garden in Aintree, which will include 20 garden beds for growing produce and host community events focussed on sustainability.

We Love Aintree founder Jono Ingram said the new community garden will be a place for the community to connect through the common interest of food.

Mr Ingram said We Love Aintree was founded with the aim to combat the growing issue of social isolation and loneliness within communities.

“It was all about trying to get local people to connect with one another to build strong relationships, to strengthen their community and to strengthen support,” he said.

The not-for-profit organisation also runs the Eat Grow Garden program, which employs people who may encounter barriers in traditional employment pathways and provides a supportive work environment while teaching them new skills. The Aintree Cafe & Garden also hosts a monthly book club as well as many events and workshops. Mr Ingram said the organisation is also starting to host weekly activities for parents with young children.

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Chloe is a finalist for the Stroke Warrior Award.

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Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

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Young voices help find solutions

By Elsie Lange When it comes to shaping policy and politics, it’s vital all parts of a community are represented and heard.

The appointment of the 2022 Sunbury Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) does just this, giving young people aged between 15 to 21 a chance to share their ideas and concerns and put forward solutions for challenges they and their peers might face.

Formed by Sunbury MP Josh Bull, the group is made up of inspiring young locals who have a lot to offer.

SYAC member Jesse Ramsay, 17, has been a member since 2019 and said he applied because he was passionate about representing young peoples’ voices in the community.

“At our last meeting we discussed what topic each member would like to focus on throughout 2022, with a range of suggestions being nominated, including climate change and mental health to youth participation in politics,” Jesse said.

“I think it’s important that young people in the electorate have an avenue to connect with government and influence policy.

“Josh Bull’s Youth Advisory Council gives

us an opportunity to come together and make real progress in addressing the issues that disproportionately affect young people.”

Mr Bull said the group exists because without young peoples’ voices, issues that matter to the next generation “don’t always get heard”.

“Their work and discussions will go towards helping shape future policies and they’ll play an integral role in advising me as their local MP,” Mr Bull said, “These inspiring young people have so much to offer and are fantastic advocates for young people in the Sunbury electorate.”

The 2022 Sunbury Youth Advisory Council with Sunbury MP Josh Bull. (Supplied)

Police briefs Kyneton man airlifted to hospital A 33-year-old Kyneton man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after he was found by a passer-by on Saturday, April 16. The man was discovered on Sturt Street just after 2am and man remains in hospital with serious injuries, police said. Police continue to investigate and are seeking public assistance. “Investigators believe the man was hit by a vehicle, which failed to stop at the scene, and are keen to speak to anyone who drove through the area around that time and may have seen a pedestrian,” police said. Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or make a report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Speeding on Calder Freeway

Local author Kelly Louise Jarris is delighted to have released her children’s book ‘Wonderful Wishes’. (Damjan Janevski) 276062_02

Wonderful wishes for local author Riddells Creek author Kelly Jarris describes having just released her children’s book, ‘Wonderful Wishes’, as a “dream come true”.

Which is fitting, since the story is all about where kids go when they sleep: into the magical world of dreams.

The rhyming book, illustrated by Rosy Sale, is the story of a little boy who travels through a series of wishes before bedtime.

“I think the kids really love to be able to go to bed, have a dream, and then discuss it the next day with their parents,” Ms Jarris said.

“That’s what my aim was, to originally be able to open up that conversation with kids as to what they’ve dreamt about – their imagination,

creative thinking.

“I’m hoping it does all that for them,” she said.

The mum of four boys said it was their many excuses to avoid bedtime which made her want to write the book and help get kids tucked in.

That must have resonated, because she said it hit number one on Amazon in Australia and number three in the United Kingdom for best bedtime story.

“It’s just been positive, I’m overwhelmed by it all,” Ms Jarris said. “A lot of the locals have bought it … they’re really grateful, I’ve had flowers when I’ve rocked up to their houses, pictures from their daughters and sons.”

She said she was especially grateful to Collins Booksellers Sunbury for supporting her latest release, and championing authors from the region.

“Michelle at the bookstore is just absolutely amazing and really supportive of local authors, I couldn’t thank her enough,” Ms Jarris said.

“I hope she realises just how she’s fulfilling local authors’ dreams.”

The prolific author’s next children’s book, ‘Imagine Our Special Place’, is set to be released in May. Details: https://amzn.to/3KU0anM

Police detected a vehicle allegedly travelling at 251km/h at Woodend on Sunday, April 17. The car travelling more than 140km/h over the 110km/h speed limit on the Calder Freeway about 12.30am, police said. “The vehicle was intercepted in Kyneton a short time later where the driver, a 42-year-old Hallam woman, was also seen to be on her phone,” police said.

“She is expected to be charged on summons with numerous offences including conduct endangering life, drive at dangerous speed and using a mobile phone while driving.” Police said the woman’s vehicle would also be impounded.

Speeding driver caught Kyneton police were “flabbergasted” to have caught a man allegedly travelling over 140km/h in an 80km/h zone on Friday, April 22 about 5am. Sergeant Johannes Stroeke said officers even double checked their radar when they found the car coming towards them at 146km/h on Edgecombe Road at Kyneton. A 19-year old Heathcote man has lost his licence for 12 months following the incident, police said.

Elsie Lange

Car thefts rise in the west as police say lock vehicle doors The number of cars stolen in Melbourne’s west rose five per cent between 2020 and 2021, new Crime Statistics Agency data reveals.

The data shows that Maribyrnong was the west’s hotspot for car thefts, reporting more than 482 car thefts per 100,000 people, a 7.7 per cent increase from 2020.

In comparison Brimbank reported 351.5 thefts per 100,000 people, making it the fifth worst local government area for car thefts in

the state. Melbourne City was the state’s worst, reporting 539.8 thefts per 100,000 people.

Brimbank Inspector Trevor King said the police force was working hard to reduce the number of car thefts in the city.

“This is done by actively targeting car thieves with uniform, transit police and PSOs regularly patrolling known hot spots to detect and deter offending,” Inspector King said, “Our local detectives are also working

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 April, 2022

hard to investigate offences while monitoring recidivist offenders.

“Car thieves are opportunistic and will generally look for an open window or car door.

“Thieves have also had to adapt their methods with many now entering homes specifically to steal car keys.

“These offenders want to get in and out of the property as quickly as possible to avoid being caught or confronted.”

Inspector King said people could reduce the risk of their vehicle being stolen by locking their car at all times – even when parking at home in the driveway or garage- and by securing the keys .

Other suggestions included parking in well-lit and secure areas if possible and not leaving valuable items, including tools, in your vehicle.

Max Hatzoglou

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Barat Ali Batoor.

(Cameron Lucadou-Wells)

A plight to safety Barat Ali Batoor works in Footscray for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. With lived experience as a refugee, he is well-placed to observe the hardships faced by the many refugees and asylum seekers that call Melbourne’s west their home. He spoke to Danielle Kutchel.

B

orn in Pakistan as a refugee, Batoor moved to Afghanistan in 2005 where he worked as a photojournalist for many major publications.

One of his highest profile pieces was a photo essay exposing the prostitution of ‘dancing boys’ by Afghan warlords, published in the Washington Post.

But the piece was not well received by authorities within Afghanistan, and Batoor soon began receiving death threats.

He and his family shifted back to Pakistan, but things there weren’t much better; as Hazaras, they were targeted for persecution by state-backed militants in the street.

That was when Batoor’s family told him to leave and seek asylum elsewhere.

He left behind his disabled mother and his sisters, who he said would have been too vulnerable to make the difficult journey under the guidance of people smugglers.

The journey to Australia was terrifying.

At one point, Batoor said he and his fellow refugees – close to 100 people, crammed into a boat floating on the open ocean – thought they had reached “the end of life’s journey” when their boat began leaking.

He survived and made it to a detention centre in Indonesia – from which he promptly escaped the follow morning.

He was among a group of eight men who removed the glass panes in the window that separated them from the outside world, slipping into the dead of night as the guards passed on their rounds.

The refugees had no shoes, as these had been taken during a strip search when they were captured.

The tall wall surrounding the camp was topped with shards of glass, so they wrapped their arms in bed sheets and used pillows to soften the climb, before leaping to freedom on the other side.

From there, Batoor called a media friend and asked him to cover the taxi fare to take the group to Jakarta.

True to his photojournalism roots, Batoor documented the whole journey, which was eventually turned into a SBS Dateline documentary called Batoor’s Journey.

The photos also won him several prestigious awards, including two Walkleys.

AMES asylum-seeker assistance team leader Lesley Eksteen and community guide Barat Ali Batoor. (Cam Lucadou-Wells)

He said he experienced a profound sense of relief when he arrived in Australia in 2013.

“I knew that this is going to be my home, my permanent home. I would be safe and not discriminated against and I wouldn’t have any safety issues,” he recalled.

But it was tempered by sadness for the family still left behind in Pakistan, and his fellow refugees in limbo in Indonesia.

He still hopes to be able to sponsor his mother and sisters to come to Australia.

“It’s still very difficult, we have been apart now for almost 10 years. They are there and I am here.

“What can we do?” Batoor said.

“My mother was worried about my safety, she didn’t want me to get killed in front of her eyes. They said I had to go.”

Refugees are often demonised by politicians and the press with the only help available to them in the form of people smugglers.

Batoor said this was his only option for leaving Pakistan.

“It is very difficult to get a visa for the neighbouring countries let alone to go somewhere safer, like countries that are signatories to the (United Nations) refugee convention. When they have genuine threats or reasons to leave their homes, it is almost impossible to get to those countries through proper channels.

“When the threats came, I didn’t have an option to go and apply for a visa. I had a

passport. Even if I had gone through official processes, I wouldn’t have got a visa to come to Australia.”

Then of course, there is Australia’s unforgiving refugee policy, which bans resettlement of refugees from Indonesia.

“They said ‘we are stopping the boats and the smuggling business because people’s lives are at risk at sea’. But what Scott Morrison failed to do was propose an alternative for refugees who are there with hope of resettlement,” Batoor explained.

“The right of a refugee is to seek safety.”

The policy has led to a spate of self-harm and suicide among refugees stuck in limbo, he said.

Australia’s border policy was thrust into the international limelight thanks to the Novak Djokovic visa saga in January. The saga also highlighted the plight of the asylum seekers locked up in The Park Hotel with the tennis star.

In the lead up to the federal election being called, the last eight refugees at the hotel were released earlier this month.

Batoor said the media and politicians had been complicit in the dehumanisation of refugees over the years by deflecting attention from their experience.

He said the common political narrative of refugees as a threatening presence was utterly false.

Across Australia, refugees are some of the nation’s best sports stars, or are working in law, or education, he said.

But he added that a human’s worth should not be assessed economically.

“That phenomenon of being a burden is a false narration by the government and some media outlets.

“I have never been a burden; I have been working since the day I arrived.”

With a federal election called for 21 May, Batoor said he hoped people would recognise the power in their vote.

He is advocating for an increase in the humanitarian visas being offered to those fleeing Afghanistan, fleeing daily torture and persecution.

He wants to see those refugees already in Australia, languishing on temporary

Photos from Batoor’s voyage to Australia.

‘‘

That phenomenon of being a burden is a false narration by the government and some media outlets. I have never been a burden; I have been working since the day I arrived

’’

- Barat Ali Batoor protection visas, granted permanent residency.

And he wants the ban on resettlement from Indonesia to finally be lifted.

“This is going to be a crucial election for over 30,000 people who are living uncertain lives,” Batoor said.

“We have witnessed many refugees who took their own lives because of the uncertainty and the unfair treatment by the government and the harsh policies.

“Your votes will matter and you have to choose candidates who are compassionate.

Your votes will help save a lot of lives.”

Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

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MY PLACE Christie McIntosh is a bit of a local food and sustainability legend. In 2019 she joined the Hume Enviro Champions program before going on to complete a permaculture design course to then establish the Hume Seed Library and Transition Streets Sunbury. She’s now the Hume healthy kids advisor for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. Christie tells Elsie Lange about why she loves building connections and community in Sunbury.

Tell us a bit about you and what you do?

I have recently joined the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation in the role of healthy kids advisor for Hume. For 20 years, the foundation has been championing fun, delicious, hands-on activities, really connecting with children and young people and switching them on to fresh, seasonal food.

We’re taking the foundation’s innovative food education approach beyond the school gate and reaching out to other areas of the community where families gather including sports clubs, community houses, libraries, schools and after school care.

I’m so excited that I can continue to make positive changes in my own community, but now with the incredible support of the foundation. There is already such a buzz around the initiative among my local networks, people are ready for change and I’m looking forward to introducing the pleasurable food philosophy that the foundation is renowned for. Collaborating with the local community, we hope to achieve amazing things throughout Hume over the next few years.

What’s your connection to Sunbury?

My husband and I have raised our two children in Sunbury for the last six years, but we both grew up in the Macedon Ranges – Sunbury was the ‘big town’ for us back then. I took part in the Hume Enviro Champions program in 2019 and since then I have immersed myself in my local Hume community through my sustainability initiatives including the Hume Seed Library, Transition Streets Sunbury and working with the local council to engage and connect our community groups.

What do you like about where you live?

I love our Sunbury community, every day many stories are shared about people helping

Christie McIntosh with her kids Cory, 8, and Hazel,5.

each other. I have seen all sorts of wonderful community initiatives pop up in recent years like sharing tables and street libraries. I feel incredibly fortunate to have some beautiful nature reserves and grasslands to wander through, and the view from the top of Mt Holden is definitely worth the hike.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

I’m looking forward to seeing the redevelopment

(Damjan Janevski) 277257_03

of the Jacksons Hill site, it is an amazing opportunity to share some history of our town and I can really see it becoming a vibrant community hub. If you asked my kids they’d probably request a traffic park playground.

of our favourite summer adventures, closely followed by geocaching or a picnic on the Village Green.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

I always look forward to my peaceful morning walks along Blind Creek. A family bike ride to the Nook to splash in the rockpools is one

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you Whenever possible I’d prefer to be riding my cargo bike around town, rather than using the car. I can carry both kids plus shopping on the back if needed and it makes the average errand so much more exciting.

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

April 21, 1992

April 22, 1997

April 23, 2002

April 24, 2012

The premier Joan Kirner, pressed to answer questions about the amalgamation of Macedon Ranges water boards, has passed the buck to Water Resources Minister, Steve Crabb.

Gisborne’s original shopping precinct is an eyesore Jacksons Creek ward councillor John Letchford said last week.

Vineyards in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges anticipate a slump of up to 50% in yields from this year’s harvest.

Finding Betty. Returning lost medals to the families of veterans is a very special kind of national service as Sarah Harris discovers.

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 April, 2022

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BEHIND THE NEWS

New mum faces a battle for life It’s supposed to be the happiest time in a pregnant woman’s life, bringing a healthy newborn baby home as a mum for the first time. For Katie Potts, the elation was abruptly and painfully cut short. Fatima Halloum talks to Katie about an illness that affects an estimated 15,540 Australians a year.

N

ot many people would describe being pregnant as “really enjoyable”, but Werribee’s Katie Potts does.

“All my blood tests and observations and everything was all perfect the whole way through,” she said.

“I barely had morning sickness, I was energetic, I went to the Foo Fighters a week before [my son] was born, It was the smoothest pregnancy you could possibly ask for.”

On March 14, Katie brought her son Magnus into the world and instantly became enraptured with him.

“I was in that newborn bubble, he’s everything you could dream of, just everything you want when you give birth.”

Katie said.

The bubble popped a week later, when Katie began feeling unwell.

“I thought it was potentially postnatal depression just because … I just had a baby and emotions are going everywhere and hormones and all that sort of stuff,” she said.

But as Katie grew weaker day by day she began to sense what she experienced couldn’t just be normal new parent exhaustion.

‘‘

I just had a baby and was ready to start the next stage of our life. It was pretty devastating

’’

- Katie Potts

“I still kind of thought it was in my head and then three weeks after he was born, I came to stay with my parents and that’s when we went to the doctors,” she said.

Katie’s blood test results showed irregular liver function and she was rushed to hospital.

“They thought there was an infection, for three days they were looking for infection and then they sent me for a CT and that’s when the bad news came,” she said.

The bad news was a diagnosis that was both inoperable and incurable.

“I was in disbelief when they said ‘unfortunately we’ve found that you’ve got cancer’. In my head, I was kind of like ‘it’s only a little bit of cancer, like it would be operable and it’d be fine’, but then obviously, my world was turned upside down pretty quickly,” Katie said.

Katie’s stage four bowel cancer had spread to her liver and she would need to undergo 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

“I just had a baby and was ready to start the next stage of our life. It was pretty devastating,” she said. “My initial thought was ‘cry’ and then I was like, ‘alright, I’m gonna beat this’ because I have to. I’ve got this brand new baby who needs his mum and I’ve got so much life to live.”

Katie said she’s tried to keep positive and believes she can beat the odds.

“Obviously, there’s been some moments of tears but mostly just trying to stay positive because I think if your mind gives up, your body sort of follows,” she said.

“Life is just beginning really. I’ve got so much to live for, not just for Magnus but for everyone including myself.”

To give Katie and her family physical and financial respite, her friend Jess started a GoFundMe page to help raise money.

In the seven days the page has been online, Katie has received more than $35,000 in donations and support from loved ones and empathetic strangers.

“It’s so humbling, there’s been such an outpouring from my work, from my friends, from my family, people that I haven’t heard from since primary school, I’ve been lost for words really,” Katie said.

Katie Potts and baby Magnus together in hospital.

(Supplied)

Jess has known Katie for more than 10 years and knows from when her own father was unwell how much of toll financial stress can have.

“I just thought if there’s anything that can make life easier for Katie and for Ben and especially for Magnus, that’s something I knew that a lot of people would want to do,” Jess said.

“So many people, I’m sure have said to her, ‘if there’s anything you need’ and I just wanted to give people an avenue to help and to do something.”

Jess said although the support has been overwhelming, it wasn’t surprising.

“I knew that there would be a lot of people that wanted to be there for her but I think it’s still quite overwhelming to see where it’s gotten so far,” Jess said.

Katie says she hopes people learn from her story and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

“I’m very diligent with my health and there were really no signs that I was unwell. That makes it really hard, because bowel screening in Australia is not until you’re 50,” Katie said. “But I just think even if people have a little niggle, don’t question it, just go to the doctor.”

Katie encourages people to live their lives like tomorrow isn’t a given.

“Especially the last two years when we’ve been in lockdown, it’s been a hard fog to come out of but I think life is not guaranteed, and I just want people to get out there and take all those opportunities and look after themselves,” she said.

Katie and Ben enjoying their new parenthood with son Magnus. (Supplied) Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Stop soldiering on and act now

By Christopher Carter, CEO of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

NWMPHN is calling for people to stop putting off visits to the doctor. (iStock)

digestive disorders, sexually transmitted diseases and cancers have become less common. Far more likely, people have been delaying routine screening, tests,cancelling appointments, or simply trying to tough it out.

But why? For many, clinics and hospitals are seen as high-risk environments for catching COVID-19. Others have delayed things because they were isolating, caring for sick family members, couldn’t afford particular

12544962-AV15-22

The coronavirus pandemic caused a lot of people to fall ill – but not all of them because they caught COVID-19.

Behind the stark statistics of daily case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths there is another story. We could call it the pandemic’s long shadow.

When the first wave hit, and every day since, thousands of people across our region decided to put off seeking help for other health matters.

Doctors call this sort of thing “deferred care” – the decision to delay seeing a GP about something new, or to opt out of a blood test or an X-ray, or to avoid a prescription renewal.

No one knows precisely how many people have done this, but experience overseas suggests it’s a big number – and this could cause trouble down the track, for patients and the health system.

There is a single, important message that all GPs, nurses and specialists agree on: don’t put care off any longer. Talk to your doctor, have a chat, act now.

As far back as late 2020, US researchers started calling the rise in deferred care the “hidden harm” of COVID-19. The situation has only worsened since then, but by how much is difficult to know.

Doctors in general practice and hospitals have seen a drop in presentations for a wide range of non-coronavirus matters. For some conditions, such as flu and some other infectious diseases, the dip was probably because movement restrictions, masking and lockdowns meant that fewer people were getting poorly.

It is very unlikely, however, that some other things, such as heart disease, diabetes,

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 April, 2022

tests or medications – or because the whole damn pandemic experience left them feeling anxious and depressed.

If you’ve had any of these experiences, please know that you’re far from alone!

One of the big problems with putting off treatment for what seem like minor matters, however, is that they can suddenly escalate into major problems requiring a stay in hospital.

For you, and for the hospitals, it’s a much better idea now to go make an appointment at your general practice,or have those tests you’ve been putting off. If you need an updated plan to manage your asthma, bronchitis or COPD, a GP respiratory clinic can help.

Better a doctor’s office, or a telehealth screen, after all, than an emergency department. Do it now, for everybody’s sake – but especially yours.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Re-engage, Re-activate, Resilience!

Hume council invites the community to take part in this interactive workshop to support organisations to build resilience and re-activate programs. On Thursday, May 5, 10am-noon at the Goonawarra Community Centre, 20 Dornoch Drive, Sunbury, the workshop will provide insights to take with you to your group, with opportunities to learn what support is available.

■ https://bit.ly/3vcvSpK

Lions Skate Park info day Head along to the Lions Skate Park in Romsey for an information day about whether to upgrade or rebuild the facility.

Bring a gold coin on Sunday, May 15, 10am-2pm, for a sausage sizzle and the opportunity to have your licence plate secured with soft screws. The prospective park designer, Danny White, and a council representative will be in attendance.

■ 0413 065 177

Sunbury kangaroo count Get involved in the annual Sunbury Kangaroo Count in the early morning of Sunday, May 1. Keep your eyes peeled for roos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, koala and feral goats, pigs and deer, too!

■ robert.irvine614@gmail.com

Comedy in Kyneton If you’re up for a bit of a belly laugh, the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow happening in Kyneton on Wednesday, May 11 is for you. There’ll be a range of great comedians on the night.

■ https://bit.ly/3EzUEV9

Sunbury Art Society Annual show Check out some gorgeous art at Sunbury Art Society’s Annual Show, at the historic Boilerhouse Gallery, Jacksons Hill. The show runs from Saturday, April 30 to Saturday, May 7, from 10am-4pm, with opening night on Friday, April 29 at 7.30pm.

■ 0407 062 568

Family History and Heritage Society If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury.

■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Let’s Get Neighbourly Sunbury This free training and mentoring program is open to everyone in Hume, guiding neighbours in how to support each other and build community. Workshops will be held the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Dr, Sunbury, with the first on Saturday, April 30, 2pm-4pm.

■ https://bit.ly/3jcan2D

Lancefield park run relaunch Lace up your runners and join the relaunch of Lancefield’s 5km park run, happening every Saturday at 8am at Lancefield Park.

No need to be speedy - participants can go at any pace. Make your way to 62 Chauncey Street, Lancefield, and remember to register.

■ https://bit.ly/3IEDB4L

Sunbury Seniors Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.

If you’re 55 or older and would like to make

John Warren has built a ‘crazy caravan’.

(Damjan Janevski) 277115_01

over a cuppa.

9747 8576

some new friends.

■ 0493 408 890

Club.

■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

■

Rotary club

Sunbury Seniors

Melton Men’s Probus Club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm.

■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.

If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends.

■ 0493 408 890

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

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

■ Val, 0418 138 214

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms. The friendly group of women enjoy outings, film mornings, speakers and presenters, as well as special events like holidays and bus trips. New members are warmly welcomed.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754 or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events.

■ 0406 493 734

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 Valley Ladies Probus Club

Melton Cycling 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

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 Friendship Group.

Melton Friendship Group Zonta club meets

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

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

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

Toastmasters

Mahjong group

French and Italian for over 50s

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

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

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

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

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

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

Musicians wanted Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players. It rehearses Tuesdays from 7.30pm, 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine.

■ Andrew Wilson, 0419 444 620

Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

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SIG N U P N O W !

Treehouses go full circle

Paul Muller working on one of the nesting boxes made from recycled timber by the Woodend Men’s Shed.

At the old sawmi ll on the Woodend Men’s Blackforest Drive, making tiny woode Shed members are n wildlife left homel homes for native ess by recent storms .

Microbats, mini-g liders, ringtail possums and hollow -nesting birds are just some of the species who have been gifted new real estate trees they once inhabi – made from the ted.

Woodend Men’s Shed president Kevin Davis said the organi sation has been providing nesting boxes species in the Maced to vulnerable some time, but have on Ranges for the recycled timber only recently used provid “We were using purcha ed by council. sed timber, but now the Maced on Ranges Shire is supplying us with planks that have been cut from storm-felled using those to manuf trees, and we’re acture the nesting boxes,” Mr Davis said.

“In a sense, it’s a the timber is being win-win. Because recycled back out into the environment these nesting spaces and it’s providing which have been removed from the environment by the storms.”

(Damjan Janevski) 270358_02

Call to flush toil et

By Elsie Lange

rules

In correspondenc e seen by Star Weekl A petition by Sunbu assistant principal In response to feedba Jared Dyson told parent y, calling for new trial ry College students is February ck, Mr Dyson said s on on March 27 that a “new system toilet rules to be scrapp bathroom in the city citing a lack of for bathroom opened 2 that another bathroom would ed, access during or something.“ hygien be during class time, A parent at the school wasting as major issues. e, anxiety and time which studen class time” would be trialled, in and that cleaners , who asked not to had been engage ts would named, told Star be d to maintain hygien The petition, with Weekly, said single cubicle, unisex only be able to access cubicles. over e in “fired up” 1000 bathro signatures so of oms at the centre far, says students about the trial. She her daughter the school. He said are said it first and Year 11 student foremost a hygiene the trial would be which leaves just three “outraged” by the rule reviewed Jessica Maxwell said issue. in the week beginn experiences while unisex toilets unlock Another parent, Sharon ing March 14. waiting for the toilet her during class time, ed “The , who did not want aim of for a cohort of more promp had her surnam 900 students. e published, said than access bathro this trial is to ensure students Faceboted her to share the petition to a she local oms that are centra believe ok group. majority of studen d Year 11 student Ashton l and highly ts using the toilets the “I was waiting in the Varapodio started visible, limiting opportunities for “probably doing it were the petition and told line and the space went to get out of class”. to be a gathering Star up and started knock these two boys point or a space Sunbury College at the toilets was “unbel Weekly the queuing extended to spend pesteri ing on the door periods of time out said students were principal Craig O’Bree trial. He said studen ievable” because of the Dyson said. of class,” Mr they ng the person to get out of there becaus encouraged to use ts were “scared ” to were taking too long,” e outside of class toilets the toilet, becaus go to times so they don’t she said.

The correspondenc e other students “And interru then their e also said studen the person who walked pt learning. had been a medica banging on the door ts with little year out was a l condition requiri in desperation or anger. seven girl.

“We’re continuing ng more frequent access would be accom to review how “Another time when is working, modated. this was pee all over the I went in there, there conversations and are engaging in ongoing toilet seat, like a public we welcom with our school community and e their feedback.”

Mary-Anne Thom as MP LABOR MEMBER

12532306-SG07-22

FOR MACED

ON DELIVERING FOR OUR COMMUNITY EDUCATION TRANSPORT JOBS A: Shop 14, Nexu HEALTH s Centre, 9 Good e Street, Gisborne, VIC MaryAnneMace 3437 don

P: 5428 2138 maryannethom E: mary-anne.thomas@parliam asmp ent.v

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18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 April, 2022

PUZZLES

5 4

6 3 2 7 8

4

DOWN Go by ship (4) Water fowl (9)

1 2

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7

8

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DECODER

No. 078

3 9 4

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

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3 LETTERS AMP DNA EEL EMU FAD GEE GET GIT HUN IMP LAS NON OUR PAD RED ROO RUN SAC SET TAR THE VAN WAN WAR

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ADDER AFIRE AIDES ALIVE ANELE AREAS ARISE ASIDE BERET BLADE BLUSH CARAT EGEST ELATE ENEMA ENTER ERICA EUROS FORGE HOUSE INERT INNER

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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”.

D

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 26 words: Very good

2 8 6 5 9 1 4 3 7

6 1 9 4 2 7 5 8 3

4 8 5 6 9 3 7 2 1

2 7 3 5 8 1 9 6 4

7 9 6 8 1 2 3 4 5

35 words: Excellent

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5 4 8 9 3 6 1 7 2

1 3 4 2 7 8 6 5 9

9 6 7 3 4 5 2 1 8

8 5 2 1 6 9 4 3 7

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4 LETTERS BEDS ERIN HIFI HREF NASA PLEA RHEA RIGA ROME SCAB STEP STET STIR TERM 5 LETTERS ABASE ACUTE

No. 078 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

2 3 5 6 9 7 1 4 8

6 1 8 7 2 3 4 5 9

3 5 7 8 4 9 2 1 6

S

A U N T

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A B I T T O N E L N A S

H A U

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8 LETTERS CENTERED IMPRISON INTIMATE LICENSED

7 LETTERS ADDED UP CREATOR OILSEED ROTUNDA RUPTURE UNUSUAL

11 LETTERS ACCESSORIES TRANSPARENT

Which country makes the bulk of the world’s zippers?

What year was construction of the Sydney Opera House completed?

7

What is the name of the contact sport based on formation roller skating around a track?

The interrobang was created to combine which two punctuation marks?

8

What is the more common name for melaleuca oil?

9

Does a koala (pictured) have fingerprints?

Borzoi, dunker and mudi are all breeds of what animal?

2 3

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

S

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6 LETTERS DETERS OSTEND SWEDEN UNWRAP

6

1

4

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INTER LINER MARGE MEETS MENUS NASAL OVERT PASTA RECUR SCALP SEETO SMITH SNAPS SONNY SPREE SWART SYRUP TIGER TONER UNION VISOR WAFER

29-04-22

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9 4 2 3 5 6 7 1 8

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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defer, deft, defter, drift, feed, feet, fete, feted, fetid, fidget, fight, fighter, fire, fired, firth, free, freed, freight, FREIGHTED, fret, fried, fright, gift, gifted, grief, heft, hefted, heftier, heifer, reef, refit, rife, rift, rifted, thief

3 2 1 7 5 4 8 9 6

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A R E A S

UWQ A B V Y O F S N I C

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5x5

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WORDFIT

5

Liechtenstein is bordered by one country to the east and one to the west. Which countries are they?

What animals were sent into space before monkeys, mice and dogs?

10 What is a quinzhee?

ANSWERS: 1. Dogs 2. Japan 3. Roller derby 4. East, Austria; west, Switzerland 5. Fruit flies 6. 1973 7. The question mark and the exclamation mark 8. Tea tree oil 9. Yes 10. A shelter made from a pile of settled snow

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B L U S H L I N E R A C U T E I D E S F M E N U S P S A C E L A T B E R E D R O R T I R I M U N I O N N G I T D A L I V A N S M I A R E A S S E E T O A D D E R

9

5 6 7 8 9 14 16 17

L P A L S E A P A M S E T E A T S T H U E N W E R M A U P

easy

Relating to sacred matters (9) Short piece of writing (5) Highest rank (inf.) (7) Mix (5) Towards the rising sun (9) Prefix meaning half (4) Provider of information (9) US state (9) Feeling a strong affection (9) Landed properties (7) Seance board (5) Jesus’ mother, in Latin (5) Sporting side (4) Timberdressing tool (4)

4

ACROSS 1 Footwear (4) 3 Professed (10) 10 Middle Eastern national (7) 11 Dinners (7) 12 Ease of being led (8) 13 Bestow (5) 14 Persia (4) 15 Agent of sales (10) 18 Country of origin (10) 20 Admirers (4) 21 Sleeping-place (5) 23 Masters (8) 26 Pilot (7) 27 Traumatised (7) 28 Interpreted (10) 29 Brink (4)

No. 078

T O N E R

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

S O N N Y

No. 078

A C C E S S O R I E S

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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as the authorised officer on behalf of TOP TIER RAFFLES 658862689 of 212/5 Beavers Road has applied to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation for a Commercial Raffle Organiser’s Licence.

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

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QUILTING TING “Beautiful Things Come together one stitch at a time”

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SPLIT SYSTEMS Installation Specialist QUICK SMART Lic. No 50051

Call John Kemp 0418 382 729

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• Over 50 Wide back Fabrics to choose from • 3000yd Signature cotton cones available.

Variegated & Plain • A range of Matilda’s Own Wadding • Gift Vouchers available

The permissible grounds for objection are specified in the Act and relate to the suitability of the applicant to be licensed. For further information contact the VCGLR at contact@vcglr.vic.gov.au or 1300 182 457.

12435707-FA03-20

HUMMINGBIRD MING MINGBIRD NGBIRD GB BIR R

Notification of Proposal to Upgrade NBN™ Radio Network Base Station Facilities As part of the fixed radio (wireless) component of the nbn Network, nbn is proposing to upgrade the existing radio network base stations at the following location(s) to improve service conditions: • Existing monopole at 42 Sauer Road New Gisborne VIC 3438 (3438006) The proposed works on site will involve: • Replacement of existing panel antennas with new antennas which are of similar size to the existing panel antennas • Installation of a new panel antenna • Removal of some existing panel antennas • Removal and installation of ancillary equipment including feeders, cabling and works within the equipment shelter

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nbn regards the proposed as a Low Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018.

In these circumstances, it does not require planning approval from Council.

Further information on these network upgrade works can be obtained by calling Christabel Amankwah on 0419 793 679.

Froggys CONTRACTING

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

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Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation GPO Box 1988 MELBOURNE VIC 3001

12546575-SN17-22

In accordance with section 8.5A.5 (3)(b) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, any person or organisation may object to the grant of this licence by giving notice in writing within 28 days from the date of this newspaper, stating the grounds for objection to:

(include your name, address and phone number)

12546403-NG17-22

SHARPENING & REPAIR SERVICES

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Written submissions can be sent to Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway Chatswood, NSW 2067 or via email to NBNCo. Submissions@servicestream.com.au.

The closing date for submissions is Monday 9th May 2022.

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Collector looking for front & top loading automatics, 40 years & older. Brands like Frigidaire, Bendix, Wilkins Servis, Inglis, Simpson & Pope Norge.

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

V Pets & Services ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

Professional Services

SPORTS QUIZ 1. The 2022 Commonwealth Games is being held in which English city in July and August?

2. And which South African city was originally awarded the Games, but had to withdraw due to financial issues?

3. How many teams compete in the Super Netball competition?

4. The Australian men's cricket team's new coach, Andrew McDonald, played his first-class career for which state?

5. Which soccer club famously won the English Premier League championship in 2015-16 against all odds?

6. In Formula One, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix used to be known by what name?

7. In the NRL, Craig Bellamy has been the coach of the Melbourne Storm since which year?

8. In the AFL, top-four contenders Fremantle Dockers have made the finals how many times in its 26-year history?

9. Which aggressive English batsman has scored two centuries so far in the Indian Premier League cricket tournament?

10. What does the term 'southpaw' mean, which is used particularly in American sports?

11. Who is the captain of Perth Glory's A-League Women's team?

12. Which Australian cricketer was recently admitted to hospital in India after a positive COVID-19 test?

Mashawn Lynch

13. Retired NFL star Marshawn Lynch is a minority owner of which NHL team?

14. In their recent Asian Champions League debut, which A-League Men's team drew 1-1 with Thailand's BG Pathum United?

15. In what place did Australia's men's national rugby sevens team finish at the 2022 Canada Sevens tournament?

16. Former NBA player God Shammgod is now a player development coach with which NBA team?

17. Which state did the Western Australia men's cricket team defeat to win the 2021-22 Sheffield Shield Final?

18. Lachie Hunter last played for which AFL club?

21. Who is the only winless side on the AFL ladder after five rounds?

27. In what month will the 2022 Australian MotoGP race take place?

22. Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for which Premier League team?

28. What energy drink sponsors sporting teams in New York, Leipzig and Salzburg?

23. Which two non-Victorian teams are entering the AFL Women's competition next season?

24. What sport is Ash Barty taking part in a legends tournament in June?

19. In what year did golfer Jack Newton win the Men's Australian Open?

25. In what year will the Commonwealth Games be hosted by regional Victorian cities?

20. Which team did the Sydney Roosters defeat 16-4 to win the 2021 NRLW Grand Final?

26. What was the nickname of the short-lived Rugby Super League team based in Adelaide?

29. The Penrith Panthers recently announced that coach Ivan Cleary and co-captain Nathan Cleary have both re-signed with the team until the end of what season?

30. Crease, raking the ball and slashing are all terms used in what sport?

God Shammgod 2904

1. Birmingham 2. Durban 3. Eight 4. Victoria 5. Leicester City 6. San Marino Grand Prix 7. 2003 8. Seven 9. Jos Buttler 10. Left-handed 11. Natasha Rigby 12. Mitch Marsh 13. Seattle Kraken 14. Melbourne City 15. Third 16. Dallas Mavericks 17. Victoria 18. Western Bulldogs 19. 1979 20. St. George Illawarra Dragons 21. Port Adelaide 22. Manchester United 23. Port Adelaide and Sydney 24. Golf 25. 2026 26. Rams 27. October 28. Red Bull 29. 2027 30. Lacrosse V

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WORKFORCE COORDINATOR

OPERATORS AND LABOURER

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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CALL 1300 666 808 Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Sporting lines of the new Subaru BRZ work well. (Pictures: Supplied)

Subaru introduces ‘neat’ coupe

By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse emergency braking.

The BRZ has no fewer than seven airbags; front, side, and head, plus driver’s knee.

Unusually these days the BRZ has a full-size spare wheel. Pretty handy if you’re considering track days and need to carry extra spares.

The two rear seats are all but useless for adults. Which is hardly a complaint considering this is a small sports coupe. Kids can travel in them but if you’re planning to do so frequently make sure to take them along on your test drive before deciding to buy a BRZ. I’m tall in the body and found the headroom to be less than I like, so didn’t have the driver’s seat set as close to the floor as I normally would.

If you’re considering buying a BRZ to drive on track days there’s a further problem when you wear a crash helmet. As I’ve said before, try before you buy and don’t forget the skid lid.

The sales guys at the dealership may find it odd when you turn up for a test drive - or perhaps see it as a compliment to their car.

The front bucket seats provide comfort for normal day to day use and have good lateral support for hard driving.

Even driving the BRZ on sealed country road it feels nice and solid. One bumpy dirt roads it’s perhaps stiffer than passengers would like. The driver has the steering wheel to help support them and it’s better. We didn’t drive on dirt roads as the BRZ isn’t likely to be sold to anyone who’s in that sort of country.

The larger engine has consistent torque through the rev range and this helps to provide a notable jump in responsiveness.

The engine’s smooth and quiet at in normal driving speeds, only when you get up to higher revs does it have the definite beat of a boxer engine. Owners love that.

Tyre noise is low on smooth roads but can become quite noisy when the roads are moderately rough you certainly feel the sounds rise, acceptable for a sporty car.

Driving

Summing up

The official fuel consumption is 9.5L/100km for the manual and 8.8L/100km for the automatic.

We averaged 10.0 litres per hundred in the manual and 9.3 in the auto.

It needs to run on premium unleaded 98 RON petrol which is often sold at 15 to 20 cents more per litre in our home areas of Brisbane and the Gold Coast - which is a major rip-off.

Subaru BRZ is something out of the ordinary these days - which is good to see in these times gas guzzling pickups and SUVs. It has excellent handling plenty of poke from the engine, particularly when it has a manual gearbox sitting behind it. Would I buy on? Probably not, because my ageing knees don’t like getting in and out of this low-slung machine.

In a time when gas-guzzling pickup trucks and SUVs are dominating sales in Australia it’s great to see that Subaru has introduced the next generation of its neat little BRZ coupe. And it’s a proper sports machines in that it’s driven by the rear wheels, not the front. More about that in a moment.

Styling The original design was very successful so Subaru has been smart in sticking to a similar shape. But it’s not just about looks, the new model not only looks great but is also more aerodynamic. All the vents, fins, and spoilers are functional, working to reduce turbulence.

Interior Cabin storage is rather limited, again because this is quite a small coupe. There’s only a single drink holder in the manual due to tight space on the console and room that’s taken up by the gear lever. Automatic models have two centre console drink holders. There are small bottle holders in each door.

A split-folding centre console box houses a 12V outlet, while USB ports are under the climate functions.

The boot volume is just 201 litres as measured

by Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) standards. This standard is generally regarded as more accurate than the SAE measurements used by most car makers.

Infotainment Subaru BRZ has an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in sat-nav. The speakers provide good quality sound during normal driving but can be drowned out a bit when on rough roads and on concrete motorways.

Engines / Transmissions The Subaru flat-four boxer engine is a 2.4-litre unit, up by 20 percent in capacity over the previous model. The result is 174kW of power and up to 250Nm of torque.

Transmissions are a six-speed torque converter automatic or six-speed manual. Both

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE BRZ 2.4-litre two-door coupe: $38,990 (manual), $42,790 (automatic) BRZ S 2.4-litre two-door coupe: $40,190 (manual), $43,990 (automatic)

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

have been revised from their predecessors, to not only handle the extra power and torque, but also to provide smoother shifts.

Unusually, we were given two cars to test for one week each, manual and automatic.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential. This is the only Subaru that doesn’t have all-wheel-drive, which is a major selling point of the company. Seems like Toyota had the most powerful argument about this.

Safety The Subaru stereo-camera-based EyeSight safety is now in the BRZ. Active safety functions are automatic

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 April, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Carton excited for Sunbury role

By Tara Murray New Sunbury coach Jace Carton said it was exciting times going forward for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association club.

Carton, who had been with Victorian Premier Cricket club Greenvale Kangaroos, was recently announced as the club’s new coach.

Having moved to Sunbury about five years ago, Carton had been following the progress of the club.

“I’m pretty excited about it,” he said.

“I moved to the area and followed them and looked at the results. I knew they had moved to the turf competition and were new in the VTCA and been promoted twice in three years.

“I applied for the role and went for the interview and got it straight away.”

Carton said with most of the playing group returning they had a lot of pieces already in place for next season.

He said they would look at adding a few recruits and were already talking to a number of players and would hopefully announcing a couple of signings soon.

Carton said they were confident of being up there again next season.

“They just missed out on finals after a bit of a rough start when the coach couldn’t commit and a few things didn’t go their way,” he said.

“I think we can fix a couple of things quite quickly. We’ll work on what they have to improve and we’ll look to have a couple of new recruits.

“Being able to play on Clarke Oval will be pretty big for the club as well.”

Carton has a background of working with younger players having been a development coach with the Kangaroos.

He will play a key role as the club looks to have an under-18s team in the future.

“It’s a different type of challenge for myself getting an under-18s side up and started,” he

said. “Being the only turf club in the area, it’s really big thing to have. We will look to attract good players for the under-18s who will be playing a high standard of cricket and then bring them through into seniors.”

Carton said as well as bringing in some new players they would like to add some more coaches as well.

He said with players and coaches with premier cricket experience, it would lift the squad not only on game day but also at training.

“Most of the players wouldn’t have had that structure at training before,” he said.

“We want to make training better, fun and exciting. We’ll start with working on their strengths, and then look at other things.”

As well as a new coach, the club will finally get to play home games at Clarke Oval, with a turf wicket finally installed.

Carton said they can’t underestimate what impact that will have on the club with players being able to play in Sunbury again.

Jace Carton.

(Supplied)

Gold medal lawn bowler is ready for nationals Australian gold medal lawn bowler Carla Krizanic departed her Sunbury home last Thursday to take flight to the Gold Coast in preparation for the 2021 Australian Champion of Champions.

The 2021 event was postponed last November and rescheduled to run over the weekend from April 23.

Krizanic won gold playing among a team of four in the 2016 World Outdoor Bowls Championship in Christchurch.

More recently Krizanic won silver in the 2020 national championships, which is the

same competition she will compete in this time around.

Speaking at Melbourne Airport on her way to the event last Thursday, Krizanic expressed her excitement for the competition which has brought a different challenge to her this year.

“I can’t wait because it’s been a long time since I won the state one which leads onto this so obviously it got postponed back in October last year so it feels like a long time coming, so I’m very excited to finally get a chance to go and play,” she said.

“The preps definitely been different to what I

anticipated it would have been.

“Back when I was supposed to play I would have been about 34 weeks pregnant so instead, I’ve got a four-month old baby with me so the prep hasn’t been ideal.

“I’m a bit busy with the kids these days so I’m going in with no great expectations but hoping to just play my singles game the way I know I can.

Despite the interrupted preparation, Krizanic said it has benefited her bowling in other ways through having more hunger to perform when she can gets out to events and

using the time she gets to train more effectively.

“It would be very nice to take home a gold medal,” she said.

“Definitely this event is a bit different preparation for me but sometimes that’s a good thing as well.

“Just hoping to go well yeah and to bring home some extra luggage, that’ll be awesome.”

For results, visit: https:// sunburymacedonranges.starweekly.com.au/ sport/ Max Hatzoglou

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Respect women.

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To learn more respectvictoria.vic.gov.au 12544775-DL17-22

Tuesday, 26 April, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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