Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 31st May 2022 by Star Weekly

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31 MAY, 2022

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Art bridges the gap

Main: Teena Moffatt and her kids Tiannah, 9, Ryder, 4, and Jirrah, seven months. Inset: Gap Road rail bridge artwork concept. (Pictures: Andrew Noble and Rail Projects Victoria)

Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara artist Teena Moffatt is the Sunbury-Koorakoorakup local chosen to create an artwork on the new Gap Road rail bridge, to be constructed in June. Moffatt’s piece will be imprinted on custom-designed perforated aluminium sheeting and installed on both sides of the bridge. “To be able to do the artwork on Wurundjeri Country is a privilege, and I’m very grateful to the people who have guided me on this journey to create the artwork that is specific to the area,” Moffatt said. Moffatt was chosen from a shortlist of Victorian First Nations artists by an advisory panel, including representatives from Creative Victoria, Hume council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. She drew inspiration from the area’s iconic volcanic plains, referencing Mount Holden, Jacksons Creek, the Organ Pipes and Rosette Rock. “My art connects my past, present and future. I do my work in honour of my grandmothers and grandfathers, my family and my bloodlines; to ensure my children feel a strong connection to their people and our traditional ways.”

Soil legal challenge fails By Elsie Lange Hume council may be forced to pay as much as $500,000 in legal costs to the state government after its Supreme Court challenge to the storage of spoil at Bulla was dismissed, a councillor estimates. The council took legal action to review a decision by Planning Minister Richard Wynne which allowed for the testing and disposal of contaminated soil at a site in Bulla. At a meeting on Monday, May 24, council voted unanimously to note the Supreme Court’s

judgment, in which Justice Melinda Richards ordered council to pay the defendant’s costs. Council also noted to make “provision for the payment of these costs in the 2022-23 council budget as necessary”, and not to pursue further action. Council told Star Weekly it could not provide a figure as Mr Wynne had not yet advised costs. However Cr Jack Medcraft said the legal challenge could cost ratepayers more than $500,000. “We were never going to win. Basically, you’re putting ratepayers’ money at risk to have

such action,” Cr Medcraft said. “As it’s turned out, we could be up for half a million dollars or more. That money could have been used in a lot of places around the city of Hume.” As reported by Star Weekly, Hume councillors voted unanimously in April 2021 to have the council’s lawyers initiate legal proceedings to review Mr Wynne’s decision. Council had estimated costs would be between $100,000 to $200,000, “but could be higher”. “If the application for a judicial review is not successful, there is a risk that the Supreme

Court could require that council pay the costs incurred by the minister for planning,” council said at the time. Cr Medcraft said he hoped Mr Wynne would decide not to recoup legal fees from the council. “Hopefully the minister decides that he’s not going to penalise us for standing up and asking questions for why he did what he did,” Cr Medcraft said. “I don’t agree with what he did, but at the end of the day, the government’s the government and they make the decisions and you have to abide by them.”

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Rock paddock sale to proceed By Elsie Lange Macedon Ranges council has voted to proceed with the sale of Hanging Rock’s east paddock to the state government, despite internal opposition. At a meeting on Wednesday, May 25, council passed a motion to negotiate a sale with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), but on its own terms. Some of those terms include that the sale is equal to or within 10 per cent of council’s current unreleased valuation, retention of the land as public open space maintaining natural and cultural values and for council to remain as part of the committee of management going

into the future. Council also decided to write to Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to highlight the “importance of alternative facilities for existing Hanging Rock sporting groups being identified, planned, funded and delivered”. Concern within the chamber was raised early, with councillor Geoff Neil proposing an amended motion for council not to proceed with the sale unless the government provided a suitable alternative site for sporting groups to relocate to. Crs Anne Moore and Rob Guthrie did not support the sale of the paddock before the finalisation and endorsement of DELWP’s draft Hanging Rock Master Plan.

While they sympathised with concern for sporting clubs, other councillors said the sale of the land would not impact whether or not the master plan was endorsed. Cr Janet Pearce introduced an amended motion to make sure council would be a permanent member of future governance and management arrangements of the Hanging Rock precinct, which was passed. “I want to assure the community that the funds [from the sale] will be set in a separate reserve, there’ll be transparency around that,” she said. Cr Annette Death said the decision was “really hard”, but council was in the best position to negotiate a balanced outcome for the community, council and government, as

the sale process could include conditions to tackle key concerns. “A risk to council is that [if] we delay or defer, the state government can undertake compulsory acquisition. The officer’s report notes this can occur without council consent on the agreement of the sale price,” Cr Death said. “But it actually goes further than that, because council could lose the option to have any conditions as outlined in this recommendation.” Community feedback to DELWP’s draft master plan is currently being considered for the final master plan to be submitted for approval in June.

Road upgrade a step closer

Sarah (front), Andrew, Conor and Brendan from BoilOver’s ‘BUOY’ cast.

(Damjan Janevski) 281755_02

BoilOver taking ‘BUOY’ to St Albans Sunbury-based inclusive physical theatre company BoilOver is ecstatic to finally perform its production BUOY after two pandemic years. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s (SCCH) BoilOver has collaborated with Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology’s SensiLab, disability-led arts organisation Your DNA and physical theatre company 5AngryMen to bring the show alive. The group is taking the show to the Bowery Theatre in St Albans on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4, thanks to funding from Regional Arts Victoria and Brimbank council. “Our aim is to push the boundaries, challenge perceptions and raise the bar on what artists with diverse abilities can achieve,”

BoilOver’s creative producer Carmen Maddison said. “In this production, the combination of high-tech audio visuals and aerial stunts featuring performers with a disability is something that hasn’t been done before in the Bowery Theatre and we’re really excited to be able to bring this to the Brimbank community and beyond,” she said. For 13 years, BoilOver has given disabled artists the opportunity to explore their skills and creativity in the theatre, led by arts industry professionals. The internationally acclaimed 5AngryMen – a group of performers, theatre makers, riggers and disability support workers – choreographed the incredible aerial

components of the show, helping the cast push through physical and emotional comfort zones. SensiLab tailored the technology to the needs of BoilOver’s artists, including AirSticks, which look like drumsticks but convert movement into sound, making music creation more accessible to people with disability. Ms Madison said BUOY takes the audience deep sea diving “within an oceanic dream where things are not all they seem”. “BUOY is a physical, bold, and visually striking contemporary performance where we explore stories of what separates us and what keeps us connected,” Ms Madison said. Elsie Lange

Last year, the community was invited to provide feedback on proposed safety improvements at Black Forest Drive to inform the design of the road upgrade – now that feedback is being implemented. Regional Roads Victoria is using the feedback to plot the road between Woodend and Macedon, with draft designs to be released for further community feedback in late 2022. Works expected to begin in 2023. In a statement, the government said the changes will enhance safety while “maintaining the current configuration”. “Proposed improvements currently being considered include installing pedestrian islands, upgrading intersections to provide safer access turning into and out of Black Forest Drive, road surface improvements, sealing entrances to key side roads and some driveway entrances and line marking,” the government said. “Regional Roads Victoria explore opportunities to install more signs that alert drivers to cyclists along the road and sealing the entrances to priority side roads and some driveways to provide smoother journeys for all road users.” The government announced the $6 million investment to improve the road in its 2021-22 state budget. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the government had listened to local concerns and would revise the drive to meet the needs of the community. “We’ll continue to work closely with the community to improve roads in the Macedon area to increase safety for locals and visitors,” Ms Thomas said.

Long awaited sports precinct is under way GREAT RANGE OF STOCK AVAILABLE

brings people together, keeping Victorians connected,” Ms Spence said. The project’s first stage was supported by a $14.8 million investment from the state government, as well as funding from council, Melbourne Water and AFL Victoria, set to feature a multi-sports stadium with three competition courts for netball, basketball, badminton and volleyball. To support the development of local football and cricket, and foster womens sport, an oval and pavilion with female friendly change rooms will be built too. The contract announcement was welcomed by Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson, who highlighted the precinct as a key project for the council. “This new multi-facility sports precinct

will allow residents to come together for a range of healthy activities and cater to team sporting needs to interact, develop and build community cohesion,“ Cr Anderson said. Longtime campaigner for the MRRSP Megan Condron said with more locals keen to sign up to play sport, the facilities would allow clubs to grow and give better access to competition within the ranges. “For us it’s about having a home and giving our juniors a choice, so they don’t have to make decisions based on whether or not their parents are able to drive them out of the region,” Ms Condron said. In a statement, the government said the project is set to create 68 full-time jobs during construction, and 23 jobs when operational.

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After years of campaigning, promises and planning, the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP) is finally under way, with Lloyd Group awarded the construction contract. Stage one of the two part project was launched on Friday in New Gisborne, with Community Sport Minister Ros Spence, McEwen MP Rob Mitchell, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and Macedon Ranges council representatives joining the community to celebrate the start of works. Ms Spence said New Gisborne was one of the fastest growing areas in the Macedon Ranges, and it was important that modern and accessible sporting facilities were available. “Community sport is not just important for our physical and mental health but it also

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Finn booted from Liberal Party By Elsie Lange Hard-right MP and Bulla resident Bernie Finn has been voted out of the parliamentary Liberal party and onto the cross bench for “disrespect”, following anti-abortion social media posts last week. Mr Finn’s former colleagues voted on the motion in a party room meeting on Tuesday, May 24. Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy said the motion was about “respectful discourse”, even citing Mr Finn’s previous

posts comparing premier Daniel Andrews to Hitler. “It’s not about what people are saying, it’s about how it’s said and it’s about behaviour, I think I’ve made that very clear over the last week and a half,” Mr Guy said. The push comes following Mr Finn’s controversial Facebook posts in which he said he was “praying” for abortion to be banned in Australia, even in the case of rape. Mr Finn told Star Weekly on Wednesday, May 25, as many as “five, six or seven” parties had approached him since last

year, including some “as late as yesterday”. He could not reveal who. “I’m very seriously thinking about it, I have rejected those approaches up until this point. But of course yesterday puts a totally different complexion on everything,” Mr Finn said. Following the announcement, footage showed Mr Finn making his way down the parliament steps toward a crowd of cheering supporters. In a Facebook post later that day, Mr Finn said “Until relatively recently, such was the strength of my support for Matthew Guy, I

would have taken a bullet for him. Today, he has decided to shoot one of his own through my head. Loyalty is not a word in his lexicon”. Mr Guy said the decision was “about leadership”. “I’m concerned about one thing – being a sensible, reasonable, alternative government and that is what we’re going to do, and that is what we are doing. It’s another example today,” Mr Guy said. Mr Finn said he would make an announcement in “the not too distant future”.

Free mental health help

Fiona Farrugia has created a mental health resource for locals to find the help they need.

(Damjan Janevski) 281839_01

A guiding light creating connections Fiona Farrugia has dedicated her life to helping people around her understand mental illness, and to guiding them in finding the support they need. She grew up in the Macedon Ranges and moved back when she started a family of her own – her knowledge of the place and its people is deep – which is why she seeks to support others through her mental health resource, Community. Connect. Create. (CCC). CCC is a regularly-updated website listing free or low-cost support and community groups in the ranges, with an option to receive

a quarterly PDF of services. She said it was her own inability to find a list of services and groups in one location which prompted her to create the resource. “This had me thinking how hard it would be for others to find the connection and supports they need, especially for someone feeling vulnerable and isolated,” Ms Farrugia said. “Sometimes you might not know what it is you are looking for until you come across it, so I decided to create a space that brings the information all together to give people the power to make an informed choice.”

Ms Farrugia sits on the committee of both P.S. My Family Matters and the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group, so knows a lot about what’s needed in the region. “I would like to see resources like this across many shires as I believe we can make deep connections within communities but knowing where to go for the information is the first step.” Details: https://communityconnectcreate. com.au/.

In June last year, a storm tore through the Macedon Ranges, scarring the minds and damaging the livelihoods of many locals. Ongoing efforts by Macedon Ranges council to address the financial and emotional stress experienced by residents have been welcomed, which now includes a free mental health event on June 15 at the Woodend Community Centre. ‘Where are We Now? A Storm Recovery Conversation’ will focus on the needs of storm-affected residents, led by clinical and consultant psychologist David Younger. Mr Younger has extensive experience giving helping communities, agencies and organisations across the country affected by natural disasters and emergencies. Council’s director of community Maria Weiss encouraged storm-affected residents to get involved, have a tea with others in the same situation, and hear from a professional about recovery. “Our community is incredibly resilient, but emergencies and severe events like the June 9 and 10 storm can disrupt everyday life for a long time afterwards. We know many residents are still cleaning up on their properties and that can take a toll on mental as well as physical health,” Ms Weiss said. “Join us at this valuable session to unpack some of the typical reactions you may be experiencing after an event, learn more about what support is available and connect with other storm-affected residents.” Doors open at 5.30pm, with tea coffee and snacks available. The session will start at 6pm, and RSVPs are required. To register: mrsc.vic.gov.au/ storm-support.

Elsie Lange

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

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Community round table ‘Reconciliation Action in our Community’ is taking place at Woodend Community Centre on Tuesday, June 7, 7pm to 9pm. The event includes an interactive discussion with community members who are keen on being involved in reconciliation action locally, a Dja Dja Wurrung Welcome to Country and cultural education talk.

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The bug expo is set to fill the whole Buffalo Sports Stadium and Bert Candusio is buzzing. (Damjan Janevski) 280150_01

EDITORIAL

Bug expo will be a buzz

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For bug lovers, having 1200 square metres of stadium entirely booked out by insect exhibitors might sound a bit like heaven. Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection (CVRIC) managing director Bert Candusio is so excited to welcome you to the gigantic entomology expo happening at Woodend’s Buffalo Sports Stadium in July. “Over 21 national exhibitors will be displaying an amazing assortment of rare native invertebrates never seen by the general public and of special note, the Cleve Herd Butterfly Collection will also be on exhibit for the first time,” Mr Candusio said. “This is perhaps the largest privately held collection of butterflies in Australia and represents over 35 years of collecting from the entire continent. “The collection will also be displaying Morpho Butterflies from tropical South

America and South East Asia.” If it sounds like he is absolutely buzzing, that’s because he is: as the head of the last collection representing the bugs of central Victoria, the expo, happening July 1-3, is a big deal. The event has also attracted sponsorship from the Bendigo Community Bank of Gisborne and District and Macedon Ranges council. “The stadium has now been filled with exhibitors from as far afield as Adelaide, Hunter Valley and Sydney, Brisbane and Kuranda in Queensland,” Mr Candusio said. “All kids will be amazed. “I’ve been absolutely thrilled with the exhibitor turnout and sponsorship support in what will be one of the most spectacular exhibitions ever to be staged in the Macedon Ranges.” Elsie Lange

Much-adored Tex Perkins is reuniting with Matt Walker for a duo show, playing at Kyneton Town Hall on Saturday, June 11. Tex is known for his work with the Cruel Sea and Beasts of Bourbon, and now this latest show will feature songs spanning the musician’s vast catalogue, as well as new material from their Fat Rubber band album.

Woodend Winter Arts The time has finally come! Get ready for this year’s Woodend Winter Arts Festival, showcasing the best of classical music from Australia and the world, along with a great literary and visual arts program. After two years, the fantastic fireworks display will be back at Buffalo Stadium on Friday, June 10. The festival runs over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, June 10 to 13.

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‘‘

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

‘‘

’’

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

’’

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunbury rail disruptions loom Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) is advising of upcoming out of hours works between Sunbury and Gisborne, and Calder Park and Sunbury, during scheduled closures of the Sunbury line from late May until June 29. From 9pm, Friday, June 3 to last service, Wednesday, June 29, a range of works in Sunbury and at Sunbury Station will take place. RPV said during this time, 200 car spaces in Evans Street car park at the station will be closed, but that all-day park can be found in the Horne

Street car park to the west of the station. RVP said all-day parking options are also available on surrounding streets. “Site laydown areas have been established at 2 Shields Street, 35 Wilsons Lane and at the southern end of the Sunbury Station car park. These sites are being used for the delivery, storage and assembly of materials. These sites will be used out of hours as required,” RPV said. RPV said the route for vehicles carrying materials would be along Holden Road, Calder

Park; Old Calder Highway, Diggers Rest; Watsons Road, Diggers Rest; McDougall Road, Sunbury; Shields Street, Sunbury and Gap Road, Sunbury. A Clarkefield Station, out of hours works begin 9pm, Friday, June 3 until last service, June 29. Clarkefield Station carpark will be closed for 24 hours on Thursday, June 9 at 7pm and on Tuesday, June 14 at 7pm. RPV warned of increased construction noise,

the use of generator-powered lighting towers and more construction vehicles on the road. Water will be used to minimise the spread of dust and traffic controllers will direct vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, RPV said. “Construction machinery will transport materials and access the rail corridor via the following locations: Raes Road, Sunbury; Williamsons Road, Sunbury; Settlement Road, Sunbury and Clarkefield Station, Clarkefield,” RPV said.

Community grants open

People connectors Shannon Sharkey and Andrew White hit the pavement as part of the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection program. (Supplied: Jeni Wren)

Direct connection on mental health One in four householders in the Macedon Ranges said they were living with mental health problems, with two thirds currently experiencing anxiety, new research has found. From October last year until mid-February, a program by Assisting Communities through Direct Connection (ACDC), partnering with local HMS Collective, went door-to-door to chat with residents in Gisborne and Romsey about how they were going. The project reached 665 people, with 330 completing a survey of how they experience mental health and the support they seek. Community Mental Health Australia

(CMHA) chief executive Bill Gye managed the ACDC Project and said the results in the Macedon Ranges highlighted important local issues. “The fact that one in five householders said that they would benefit from more support for their mental health indicates that many people do not take that important first step or may not know where to go,” Mr Gye said. This data allows local planners to get a better idea of what supports are missing, or what local services need to do to be seen to be more accessible or appropriate.” Funded by the Department of Social

Services, the ACDC Project is being implemented across the country to improve wellbeing and collect data with the assistance of the Centre for Social Impact. “I hope this report will be used to guide further mental health and wellbeing services into the local area,” Ms Wilkinson said. “While door knocking, several householders mentioned that lengthy wait times, and no services available locally … is a big factor as to why they don’t or can’t see someone for help.”

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Elsie Lange

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1681

$1,000

Community groups are invited to apply for Macedon Ranges council’s annual grants program, the Community Funding Scheme, until June 27. Not-for-profit groups can apply to share in $160,000 in funds to support programs and initiatives set to benefit the community and help council achieve its visions and goals. The funding will be allocated under four streams, including community and cultural development projects, enhancing the effectiveness of local community groups, supporting local environmental priorities and enhancing community places and infrastructure. Council’s community director Maria Weiss said the grants were a great way for local groups to source funding that would otherwise be difficult to get their hands on. “The Community Funding Scheme is there to support our local not-for profit community groups who play a fundamental role in strengthening community inclusion and wellbeing through their initiatives,” Ms Weiss said. “We encourage any groups in the Macedon Ranges who have a project that requires funding support to check their eligibility and apply for this fantastic opportunity.” Projects that received funding as part of last years’ scheme included the Macedon & Mount Macedon Community House to develop a land use master plan, the Regional Victorians of Colour Inc for the Chai and conversation project and Romsey Neighbourhood House for YOUTHINK. Applications for the grants can be made online through the administration system SmartyGrants. Details: 5422 033 or mrsc.vic.gov.au/ grants.

12551460-NG22-22

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MY PLACE Tom ‘Scotty’ Turley is a much-loved local around Woodend, volunteering for his footy club, the Woodend-Hesket Masters Football Club, and helping out with events like the farmers’ market. Growing up in a small country town in Scotland, Woodend reminds him of home. Scotty tells Elsie Lange a bit about his love for Woodend, its friendly people and his Tell us a bit about you and what you do? I was born in Scotland but the best decision I made was coming to Australia 44 years ago. I was told the best place to come to for my work was Melbourne. My first job in Melbourne was at the beautiful Windsor Hotel as a maintenance painter and decorator. There I met many interesting people. I then branched out on my own and have now retired to enjoy the country life in Woodend.

has so many fantastic people who make newcomers very welcome. After going to watch the masters football team train one night I was invited to help as the equipment manager and make sure everything is in order for training and games. The support they the club give each other is wonderful. After the storm last year they really supported and helped those who needed it to clear up their properties.

Where do you live? My wife and I moved to Woodend in 2016 to be near our younger son and his family. We built our home in Woodend while getting to know the area by our house … which we really enjoyed. We love our home from which we have a lovely view of Mt Macedon and the Cross.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. My favourite hobby is singing. I am currently a member of ‘Forever Young’ – a choir in Bendigo. The only criteria for membership is you have to be over 65. We usually perform once a year at the Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo but unfortunately COVID-19 has affected the last two years of choir. Also while a member of The Choir, whose conductor is Jonathan Welch, I had the pleasure of singing at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and The Royal Albert Hall. I spent many happy years in Melbourne singing light opera with several companies including The Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Savoy Opera Company.

What do you like about where you live? Our favourite part is the fact you can see native wildlife on a daily basis and enjoy visits from so much colourful birdlife. Having been born in a small town in Scotland that has hills all around I feel very much at home here. Even the weather reminds me of where I come from. Woodend

(Supplied)

ultimate delight in singing.

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Kids call for crossings

More drug and alcohol help

By Elsie Lange Woodend’s St Ambrose Primary School principal Bronwyn Phillips has been waiting years for safety crossings near her school to be built – so has the whole community. On National Walk Safeky to School Day on May 22, parents, kids, teachers and other concerned locals took to the streets to rally for Macedon Ranges council (MRSC) to deliver the safe walkways they’ve been waiting for. “We have had multiple close calls and near miss incidents,” Ms Phillips said. “The community is very frustrated because the council has failed to allocate adequate funds and follow through with what they said they would do.” The school sits on Templeton Street, which intersects at different points with Urquart and Brooke streets – both very busy as kids get to and from school. Two years ago, the school presented the council with a petition of more than 150 signatures asking for a crossing over Brooke street, where a crest limits the view of pedestrians and hardly gives enough time to stop. Council responded to questions from the community at a meeting on Wednesday, May 25, and said while funding had been allocated in the 2021-22 budget for the Brooke Street crossing, design complications had arisen, pushing back the process. The funding originally allocated for Brooke Street works was re-allocated to the crossing next to the school at Urquart Street, while design works at Brooke Street continue – these works are set to be completed in the July school holidays. MRSC assets and operations director Shane Walden said a consulting engineer proposed a “two-stage approach” for the Brooke and

St Ambrose Primary pupils rallying for crossings on Walk Safely to School Day.

Templeton streets intersection. “Stage one consists of a vehicle slow point on top of the rise to the east of the Brooke and Templeton street intersection, and stage two consists of an upgrade to the Brooke and Templeton street intersection,” Mr Walden said. “Council has advised the school that stage one and two of the project are pending approval in the 2022-23 council budget funding – although

NEWS

(Supplied)

not currently included in the draft budget – and if funded the stages would be delivered over two years.” Ms Phillips said she feels the process has dragged on for too long, as they were told “it was going to happen by June”. “It’s just another year and nothing’s happened … we really want assurance that they’re going to allocate adequate money to do this properly,” Ms Phillips said.

New programs to help people struggling with alcohol or drug concerns are coming to Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs later this month. The programs will be funded by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN). The funding will go towards LGBTIQ+ specialists Thorne Harbour Health (THH), and the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) in partnership with Drummond Street Services and Odyssey House Victoria. A project called Rainbow Recovery, run by Thorne Harbour Health, is introducing several therapeutic supports for the LGBTIQ+ community. The Rainbow Recovery project will include two time-limited peer support programs for specific LGBTIQ+ cohorts with the first being Rewired, an eight-week group program for men who have sex with men and want to change their relationship with methamphetamine. The second is Drink Limits, a six-week group program for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women (both cis and trans) who use alcohol. The YSAS alliance is also offering programs aimed at young people between 12 and 25 who intersect with multiple communities and are experiencing alcohol and drug challenges. The program seeks to provide complex AOD support to young people and their families across the northern, western and CBD areas of Melbourne.

Small acts make a big impact.

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kidswest 12551292-JW22-22

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘‘

It’s nice to think other people are benefiting - Trudy Smith

’’

Give blood so others may live Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is putting a call out for new and former blood, plasma and platelets donors across the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne to step up as cancellations remain at 50 per cent and need for blood products is the highest it has ever been, as Matthew Sims discovers.

ifeblood donor services executive director Cath Stone said the past two years had been difficult for the organisation. “It’s definitely pretty challenging at the minute and probably has been since the start of the pandemic,” she said. “As lockdowns have eased off … donors have found other places to be, people have been sick with COVID, they’re now getting sick with the flu, flying and visiting relatives.” Ms Stone said there have been a number of shifts coming out of the pandemic in terms of the availability of donors to come in and donate. “What we’re seeing during the pandemic is certainly a change in the seasonal behaviour of our donors,“ she said. “There hasn’t been a lot of cold and flu the last couple of years because we’ve all been locked down. “We know we’ve got, I think, a particularly challenging winter ahead of us.” Ms Stone said while demand requirements were about 29,000 a week two years ago, the organisation now required about 33,000 donations a week. “That jump has been quite astronomical in the last couple of years,” she said. “What we are keeping an eye on is just that ongoing demand as people are still catching up on the surgeries that they deferred during the lockdowns. “Our need for whole blood is the highest level that we’ve seen it in over 10 years.” Ms Stone said the organisation aimed to have three days of supply of all blood types in its manufacturing centre in Melbourne’s west. “We hold it so that we can meet patient demand at the minute,” she said. Ms Stone said 11 million Australians were currently eligible to donate but just 500,000 donate blood, plasma or platelets. “We would like to grow that number this year by about 150,000 new donors to really help ease off some of the pressures, particularly on our whole blood donors,” she said. Trudy Smith began donating when she was 18.

Plasma donor Trudy Smith made her 220th donation at the Airport West Donor Centre on Monday, May 23. She was joined by Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs trainee Ulysses. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 282132

“I think they had the mobile blood banks at university,” she said. Ms Smith said she saw her donations as volunteer work. “I like to do it because it’s helping other people,” she said. Initially donating blood, Ms Smith has now been donating plasma for the past 15 years at a number of donation centres, including the Airport West centre. “I find it very easy to do,” she said. “It’s nice to think other people are benefiting.” Ms Smith said almost anyone can donate and it is quick and painless. “The staff are very helpful,” she said. Donors can make three different types of donations when they visit a donation centre.

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

Whole blood donations take about 15 minutes, but donors must wait three months between donations. In terms of plasma, donors can donate for about 45 minutes every two weeks because the red blood cells are transported back into the body and less recovery time is needed. Plasma products last for about 42 days, while platelets only last for seven days. Platelets are used for trauma events, clotting issues and cancer treatments and can only be given by men who have donated plasma before. Ms Stone said they were hoping for a number of donors to roll up their sleeves across the Werribee, Airport West and Bundoora centres during June, as well as at the Sunshine, Melton and Williamstown pop-up centres. “We need just over 3000 whole blood appointments on its own,” she said. “You can almost double that if we’re thinking about plasma as well. Ms Stone said donated blood could travel anywhere in the country. “You may come in and do a donation at Werribee, it could end up at Royal Melbourne,” she said. “Just as equally, it could be sent right up to far north Queensland depending on your blood type and what availability is needed.” Ms Stone said centres were still experiencing a 50 per cent cancellation rate of appointments. “What is very difficult to do is to replace appointments on the day,” she said. Ms Stone said everyone should consider donating blood if they are eligible to do so. “One in three of us will need it our lifetime,” she said. “You don’t want it to be today that you find out need it, but you didn’t know that it was part of the critical supply of the nation’s healthcare system.” Ms Stone said the Lifeblood team was looking forward to National Blood Donor Week [June 13-19] and World Blood Donor Day [June 14]. “What we do see is a rally cry around blood donation and education,” she said. “It’s always a good week for us in June and it really gives us a bit of a lift.”

Ms Stone said the Lifeblood team was grateful for donors in Melbourne’s west. “The key message from us is always a thank you for the support,” she said. “We need to make donation accessible. “Most of our metro centres are now open seven days a week, later in the evenings.” Ms Stone said anyone who may have been ineligible a few years ago should look again at the eligibility requirements. “If you thought you were ineligible, always check. “We are constantly reviewing and updating our eligibility rules. “If you’re between 18 and 76, feel fit and healthy, check online or give us a call and we’d love to see you in centre if you are eligible.” Lifeblood spokesperson Genevieve Dobson said increased accessibility to a donation time slot for people in Melbourne’s west has arrived, with the Werribee donation centre now open every day of the week. “Werribee has been operating six days a week but the feedback we’ve had from donors is they would like more opportunities and flexibility,” she said. “We anticipate the extended opening hours will enable Lifeblood to collect an additional 50 to 60 donations every week, which is great news for patients.” Ms Dobson said there were about 500 appointments to fill in the first week of June. “The centre has recently undergone a facelift, with additional couches and an open and inviting space to help enhance the donation experience,” she said. The Williamstown pop-up donation centre at the Williamstown Town Hall will be open every day from Monday, June 20 until Friday, July 1. The Melton pop-up donation centre at the Melton Community Centre will be open every day from Monday, June 6 until Friday, June 17. The Sunshine pop-up donation centre at the Croatian Catholic Centre will be open from Monday, July 4 to Friday, July 8. Details: lifeblood.com.au or 13 14 95

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

United in green and black Soccer fans from across the western suburbs and Geelong were dreaming of green and black last week in the lead up to the club’s inaugural grand final. United overcame Melbourne Victory in the A-League Men semi final on May 21 to book a spot in the May 28 grand final against Melbourne City. Star Weekly spoke to fans – many of whom have supported United since its inception three years ago – about their love for the team from the west. The Camilleri family Hillside’s Leanne Camilleri and her daughters Shanae and Sharna have been fans of the club since “the very beginning”. The girls play for Calder United football club. “When something came to the west, we had to start following them,” Ms Camilleri said. She said the last week of anticipation had been “crazy” in the lead up to the final. “They’ve done well every year … but to finally get to the final is great,“ she said. “It’s just really good when we all get together, all the fans get together, we’re all sitting near each other with adrenaline and excitement. It’s fun supporting the team.”

Lionel, Michael, Jenni, Stephanie and Jessica Woollam. (Supplied)

The Woollam Family Hilda Vergles with her sons Zane, 11 and Zander, 14.

Jenni Woollam says her family, from Hoppers Crossing, have been members “from day one”. “My husband Michael was a previous Melbourne Victory fan ... when he found out that we were going to have a club in the west, he immediately sort of jumped ship and said ’nah, we’re gonna support our local,” Ms Woollam said. “[He] sort of dragged us along in the beginning ... but immediately felt connected to the Western United Football Club, it was something that brought our whole family together.”

(Supplied)

The Vergles family Bacchus Marsh’ Vergles family love to support Western United and were so excited to attend the big game. “We are excited for the big grand final, it’s going to be great,” Hilda Vergles said. She said it was great to have witnessed the club grow from the beginning. “It’s been phenomenal, we’re just so proud of all the people involved with the club,” she said. “It is just amazing and gives us

something in the west to be so proud of.” Ms Vergles said she loved supporting the club with her children as it reminded her of her own youth and how soccer brought families together. “It’s a beautiful thing, to share that with my family is even more important because when I was growing up, I had my clubs that I was a part of with my family and I still hold those memories very, very dear to me.”

Hillside’s Sharna and Shanae with their cousins Alara and Jayda. (Supplied)

Rachael, Aiden, John and Phillip Coumans from St Albans Park in Geelong. Even the Coumans’ family dog, Frank (picture top), supports Western United. (Ivan Kemp) Western United fans Roman, 12, Ronald, 8, and Monia Antonypillai. (Max Hatzoglou)

The Spiess family with dog Archie and the Smith family.

The Antonypillai family

The Spiess & Smith Family

The Antonypillai family has been supporting Western United ever its incepetion Since the beginning United have been using City Vista Recreation Reserve, the home of Caroline Springs George Cross and also Roman and Ronald’s junior club as a training venue. This has given the young fans a close look at the exciting players United have have over the year’s including their favourite, goalkeeper Jamie Young. Asked about what he likes the most about Western United, Ronald said: “That they made the finals and that they’re my favourite team in the A-League.” Mother Monia gave credit to coach John Aloisi who is in his first year as coach of the club. She was proud of the team’s ability to perform without a star player. “Coaches are very good, especially the boys, they are doing very good now,” she said. “We don’t have Diamanti on board but the boys are still giving 100 per cent.” The boys said it was nice to have a team representing where they live doing well in the competition

Point Cook’s Miriam Spiess believes Western United are the A-League’s underdogs. “They wrote off our coach John Aloisi, wrote off our club for the the finals, not oneexpertpickedustobeatMelbourneVictory,” she said. “We love being underestimated.”

The Howie family The Howie family from Kurunjang loves to get behind the green and black and had all their best fan apparel ready to go for the big match. Craig Howie said he had fond memories of taking his daughter and niece to a match after they’d attended a school holiday program when one of the players had remembered them and thanked them for coming to watch. “Ever since then, they’ve been hooked,” Mr Howie said. “It’s a great family team.” Howie family kids Leivi, 13, Kinley, 15, Shaylee, 12, Cedar, 12 and Jaxon, 6 were pumped for the big game. (Supplied)

The Coumans family

(Tracey Noonan)

Ms Spiess said she enjoys watching games with her friend, Bec Smith, and both families love the club, and the Unitedfamily. “People in the west should get behind the team so they can say ‘I was there for the first grand final win’,” she said.

John Coumans, 11, was supposed to be on school camp this week, but decided to stay home, fearing he would catch COVID and miss out on attending the game. “He was supposed to go on camp but there’s been a lot of COVID at school and he was worried about getting it and having to be in isolation and not being able to attend the grand final,” mum Rachael said. “He made the decision to lay low this week. He was disappointed but we’ve followed Western since the beginning.” Rachael’s three boys, John, Phillip and Aiden love the atmosphere that The Western Service Crew creates and know all the songs and chants and are more than happy to sit right in the middle of the active supporters group. “They are absolutely stoked,” she said. “We were shocked that we won on Saturday but the result was magnificent. We all agreed it was the best game we have been to.” The boys, from St Albans Park in Geelong, feel welcomed into the green and black family. “We went to Tassie for the two games they had down there,” Rachael said. “The players have just been so lovely. In fact the whole club has been amazing.”

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

May 26, 1992

May 27, 1997

May 28, 2002

May 29, 2012

Gisborne Council wants to know who changed the funding priorities on the Calder Highway from the Dalrymple Road death trap to the Kyneton bypass.

Deaths from leukaemia in Gisborne are three times higher than the state average, a health study released last week has revealed.

The president of Sunbury Kangaroos Football Club has resigned after the club committee passed a vote of no confidence in the club’s executive last Wednesday night.

Community pillars: Where would we be without volunteers?

12544962-AV15-22

30 years ago

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

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

Chill Out Sunbury Are you between 12 and 18 years old and want to engage with other young people, participate in activities such as trivia, games, art, music, competitions, personal development and more? Chill Out Sunbury is for you. It’s free and happens every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street. ■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVh

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club Get involved with a welcoming, fun, social group of women who have spread the word of ladies badminton since 1999. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am-noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Reserve, Wilsons Lane. ■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. The key theme for the coming months will be kindness. The chats take place every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon. ■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Sunbury badminton fun The Sunbury Badminton Club has a new extra playing time on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road, with equipment provided and coaching available. Playing for the first time is free. ■ sunburybc@gmail.com

Srimathumitha recently released a yoga album.

(Damjan Janevski) 282190_01

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

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

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

7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

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

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

Sunbury Seniors 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 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

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

Take weight off naturally

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

Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton. ■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Ladies probus

Toastmasters Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from

Food Handling course Melton South Community Centre is running

its next Food Handlers (HLTFSE001) course, along with Food Safety Supervisor (HLTFSE005 & HLTFSE007), on Saturday, June 4. These nationally recognised qualifications are valid for three years, and are essential for anyone working with food. Cost: Food Handlers – $65/$60concession, Food Safety Supervisor – $90/$85 concession. ■ 9747 8576

sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817 or Ros at the library.

Melton Friendship Group 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

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

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

Sunshine Community Brass Sunshine Community Brass is looking for new members to join its vibrant band of musicians. With over 90 years of history, the band is looking to grow for the future. Sunshine Community Brass is currently looking for trumpet and percussion players. It rehearses Tuesday from 7.30pm, 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine. ■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

Melton South Knit & Natter

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Zonta club meets

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh makes reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They’re looking for people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. Meets on the first Sunday each month at the Darley Neighbourhood House 2pm-4pm. Find the Facebook group for more details.

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

Melton Bridge Club

Mahjong group

The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic

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

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

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

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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

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16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

PUZZLES

9 9

9 4 6 1 8

3 8

7 5 4

4 3 1

2 hard

5 8 9 9 7

1 8 5

2 8

10 11 12 13

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

2 21

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

1 7 3 5 2 4 6 9 8

8 4 9 6 1 3 7 2 5

4 2 6 3 5 7 1 8 9

7 4 8 5 9 2 1 3 6

No. 083 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

M E N D

A S I S R E N A O W A N

4 LETTERS CRAG DISC ERGO IOTA LESS PAWS POET POPS SAWS SEEM SICS SNAP TRIO TRIP 5 LETTERS ADMIT AGILE

OTHER PARKA PASTE PENCE POSED RABBI RADAR RARES RESTS RHINO RUSES SHEEN SIGNS SKATE SNEER SPASM STEAL STEEL STING STRAW TIMES TOMBS TRAIT

TRIAL WINCE

SPANNER TURBINE

6 LETTERS BLASTS MESSES RAFFLE SPADED

8 LETTERS ATTEMPTS UPRIGHTS VAGRANTS VARIANCE

7 LETTERS AMATEUR LATRINE PERKIER SHINIER

03-06-22

O A R

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

A R E

7 8 5 9 4 1 2 6 3

2 1 7 4 9 5 8 3 6

3 9 8 1 7 6 4 5 2

3 5 6 7 4 1 2 8 9

6 3 2 8 1 5 9 7 4

1 8 7 9 3 4 5 6 2

dense, denser, dent, deny, dyne, DYSENTERY, ends, enter, enters, entry, erne, need, needs, needy, nest, nested, nester, nets, rend, rends, rent, rented, rents, resent, seen, send, sender, sent, sentry, sneer, stern, styrene, teensy, teeny, tend, tender, tenders, tends, tense, tensed, tenser, tern, trend, trends, trendy

9 3 1 8 6 2 5 4 7

ALIBI ALLOT ANGER APPLE ARIAS AROSE ASIAN AUNTS AWARE BANDS BRAKE CABIN CIRCA DIETS ELOPE FATAL FEELS FETED GEESE INANE KOALA MANES OKING

QUICK QUIZ

Who was the first Aboriginal member of parliament in Australian history?

Nguyen Tat Thành was a Vietnamese revolutionary better known by what name?

In which house did he serve: Senate or Lower House?

Which state did he represent?

Which area of land was the subject of dispute in the High Court case Mabo v Queensland (No 2) in 1992?

The Mau Mau Uprising was an anti-colonial war against British rule in which African country?

Who starred as the titular Irish revolutionary leader in the 1996 film Michael Collin?

Who was the first prime minister of India upon independence?

The daughter of India’s first PM also served as prime minister. Who was it?

5 7 4 1 3 8 6 9 2

5 6 2 7 8 9 3 1 4

. 2 $ / $

1 8 6 2 9 4 5 7 3

9 2 3 5 7 6 1 8 4

4 9 7 8 5 2 3 1 6

2 3 1 6 4 7 9 5 8

8 6 5 3 1 9 2 4 7

6 4 9 7 2 1 8 3 5

3 1 2 4 8 5 7 6 9

7 5 8 9 6 3 4 2 1

4 9 5 2 7 6 8 1 3

5 2 1 4 6 7 3 9 8

8 6 3 1 2 9 4 5 7

9 7 4 3 5 8 6 2 1

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

45 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

3 7 6 5 9

8 6

6 8

Q L

R J P GN C B A S MOH T

5x5

E X F V K I Z Y DWUQ L

3 LETTERS ADO AGE APE ARC ASS ATE EBB ELK FBI HAS HEN HUE KEN MAD NIT OFF OLD OWE PAS SOP TEN TOT WAG WIT

No. 083

10 Bobotie (pictured) is a national dish of which country? ANSWERS: 1. Neville Bonner 2. Senate 3. Queensland 4. Kenya 5. Jawaharlal Nehru 6. Indira Gandhi 7. Ho Chi Minh 8. Murray Islands 9. Liam Neeson 10. South Africa

6 1

7 4 1

WORDFIT

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No. 083

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3 1

DECODER

) $ 7 $ /

6 7 , 1 *

8 4

Preservative (4) Incapable of being seen (9)

2 7 + ( 5

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medium

17 19 22 23 25 26

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Cutting tool (8) Arachnid (6) Vital organ (5) Flowing (9) Water-surrounded land (6) Nonstop (7) Celebratory (8) Win by cleverness (6) Bosom (6) Authenticated (8) Hug (7) Inflated (6) Input devices (9) Sharp ringing sound (5) Sections of a game (6) Advantageously (8)

( ' % , % 6 & 6 + $ ( ' ( 0 1 , 7 2 ) % ) / $ 7 6 2 7 7 6

easy

Middle East republic (5) Inhabitant (8) Tableland (7) Condescend (5) Controlled (9) Woody plant (4) Unemployed person (9) British civil service (colloq) (9) Fierce storms (8) Edible ocean life (7) Marshy outlet (US) (5) Net (4) Subject (5) Unsightly (4)

3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16

ACROSS 1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

No. 083

) ( ( / 6

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

$ * , / (

No. 083

5 $ ' $ 5

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Shayna Jack won the final in what event at the Australian Championships held in Adelaide? 2. Which team won the 2021–22 English Premier League title? 3. Who won the 2022 Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix? 4. What is the annual AFL Indigenous round match between Essendon and Richmond known as? 5. Luka Doncic plays for which NBA team?

6. What Grand Slam tennis event traditionally takes place in September? 7. Which Australian basketballer currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBL? 8. What Australian city was recently announced as host of the 2022 FINA World Swimming Championships? 9. What sport gets its name from the soft, squeezable ball used in play? 10. What country will host the 2026 Winter Olympics? 11. Which popular Indigenous AFL player has retired with immediate effect at the age of 29? 12. In April, which former tennis champion was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on charges of hiding assets relating to bankruptcy?

Luca Doncic

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Jesse Owens

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Ford Escape features a large grille and headlights that run almost halfway to the windscreen. (Pictures: Supplied)

Ford powers into the EV market By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Our most recent road test review was of a Ford Escape SUV plug-in hybrid, which is usually tagged as a PHEV (Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle). It is the first Ford vehicle to be sold in Australia with any form of electrification. Ford is working hard at reducing future vehicle emissions in many ways. Amongst these will be the addition of electric power to all models, in the form of as well as standard and plug-in petrol/electric hybrids as well as pure electric EVs. Escape PHEV comes only in the ST-Line spec level, priced at $53,440 plus on-road costs. The petrol-only ST-Line sells for $38,490

Styling Ford Escape has a sensible shape that looks attractive without losing interior and luggage space by having a semi-coupe shape at the rear. This makes it relatively unusual in this class. The front is big and bold with a large grille and headlights that run almost halfway to the windscreen. The lower edge of the window line sloops up to meet the down sloop of the upper edge.

Interior The seats on our test Escape ST-Line were in a soft looking black colour with red stitching that gives a real upmarket feeling. Versatility is good as the second row of seats can be moved forwards or backwards to juggle between legroom and boot space.

However, there’s the common problem of loss of signal on the radio when the landscape and buildings get between you and a direct signal.

Wireless charging is standard in all Escapes, so compatible devices are ready to go at all times. The advanced 10-speaker, 575-watt set-up has been specifically developed and fine-tuned for the Escape ST-Line Plug-In Hybrid & Escape Vignale by specialist B&O sound engineers. A powerful set up lets you hear music as it’s meant to be heard. We certainly enjoyed this during our 447-kilometre week in the Escape Plug-In Hybrid.

MODEL RANGE Ford Escape FWD (P)

Powertrain Escape PHEV is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 165 kW petrol engine driving through what Ford calls an eCVT automatic. There’s also a lithium-ion battery and electric motor. These combine to drive the front wheels. When driven solely in EV mode you can expect a range of about 50 to 55 kilometres.

Safety Infotainment

AT A GLANCE

Every Escape model features Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Always scanning ahead, it alerts the driver of potential collisions and applies the brakes if an unexpected danger appears in front of the car. The SYNC3 system works if you’re in a crash that activates the airbags or shuts the fuel pump off, Emergency Assistance uses your paired smartphone to dial emergency services and provide them with your GPS location.

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

2.0 Escape FWD: $36,490 2.0 ST-Line FWD: $38,490 2.5 ST-Line PHEV FWD: $53,440 2.0 Vignale FWD: $47,090 2.0 ST-Line AWD: $41,490 2.0 Vignale AWD: $50,090 Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.

information into the driver’s field of vision, so they can keep their eyes on the road with a minimum of head movement. The system in the Escape is far better than that in many other marques because you don’t need to turn your head if you’re wearing polarising sunglasses. The 12.3-inch digital cluster reduces distraction by displaying only the information you need. You can change between unique colour themes according to which drive mode you have selected. The new platform, tagged as C2, means the latest Ford Focus is up to 90 kg lighter than the previous model. The platform provides increased rigidity as well as noise, vibration, harshness improvements.

Driving

Summing up

Escape PHEV can be driven as a pure electric (EV Now) or as a conventional petrol/electric hybrid (EV Auto). The Ford Escape comes with five selectable drive modes to suit varying conditions – normal, eco, sport, slippery deep snow/sand and trail. The head-up display projects key

Ford Escape PHEV is an impressive piece of modern automotive technology. It’s enjoyable to drive, even more so with the instant action when you use the accelerator. The price is a killer and the sooner our various Australian governments do something to assist buyers the better.

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‘Best win in a long time’ declares Burras coach Diggers Rest issued a statement in the Riddell District Football League with one of its best performances in recent years. In the top of the table clash with Wallan, the Burras played a consistent four quarter game on the way to the 15.9 (99)-8.11 (59) win. The Burras set the tone early and were able to build throughout the match, despite missing seven senior team players. Coach Jamie Lobb said this was now a reference point for the group going forward. “It was our best win in a long time,” he said. “The effort and pressure was the difference. We were able to shut down their free flowing running game.” The result was a massive turnaround from the last time the two teams met, with the Burras putting out one of their worst performances in a long time. Lobb said while it might have been in the back of the mind of some players, with a new

group and a new year it wasn’t something they focused on. Lobb said one of the most pleasing things was the younger players who have come in and played well. “We had a really young side in,” he said. “We had seven players missing and the kids came in and did what they needed to. “Matthew Webber was one. Jai Whilte in his first game in the seniors kicked two goals from the wing and Justin Tenaglia is in his first year full of seniors. “Our twos still got the job done and Wallan were undefeated. It’s great confidence and a reference point for the rest of the year.” Mitchell Day kicked five goals in the win, with Mitch Jensen kicking three. Ryan Mullen and Luke Delahey were named the Burras best. The win moves the Burras to the top of the ladder, percentage ahead of Riddell. Lobb said the guys who were missing would

still be out for at least another month and not expected back until after the bye. Marcus Calvaresi, James McMahon, Lachlan Ronaldson, Patrick Jackson, Sean Egan, Tom Taylor and Jaidyn Caruana are among those out. The Burras this week face the winless Western Rams. Facing a different pressure, Lobb said they will look to adapt to the challenge ahead. “It’s not about going out there and winning by 300 points,” he said. “It’s about getting games into the kids and just continuing to improve.” In other results, Melton Centrals got home against Lancefield 15.5 (95)-11.15 (81), while Macedon beat the Western Rams, 20.10 (130)-3.3 (21). Meanwhile, Romsey got an important win against Woodend-Hesket, 9.7 (61)-5.10 (40). Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb. (Joe Mastroianni)

Tara Murray

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Sports shorts EDFL Rupertswood returned to the winners list in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition. The Sharks were made to work hard against Moonee Valley to come away with the four points. The Fog led by 23 points at three quarter time, before the Sharks kicked six goals to one in the final quarter to win, 12.17 (89)-12.4 (76). The Sharks sit fifth, percentage behind third placed West Coburg. The Sunbury Kangaroos had a tough day against Airport West, losing 25.24 (174)-4.9 (33). In the women’s competition, the Sunbury Lions beat Pascoe Vale, while the Sunbury Kangaroos lost to Strathmore.

FV Kelvin Kerkow OAM, Ali Forsyth, Matt Flapper and Jessie Cottell.

Sunbury United had to share the points in the FV state league 3 north-west competition on Friday against Williamstown. The two teams finished 1-1 under lights at Langama Park. United remains second on the ladder, seven points behind Westvale Olympic. Gisborne also had to settle for a draw in state league 4 west against Westside Strikers. The final score 1-1. Gisborne sits fourth on the ladder.

(Bowls Australia)

Extreme stars By Tara Murray Melbourne Extreme exceeded all expectations and nearly took home the title at the Bowls Premier League 15. Extreme, which is run by Club Sunbury, was competing in the competition for the second time having made their debut earlier this year. After finishing second bottom last time, the side made it through to the grand final, losing to Melbourne Pulse in a tie breaker. Extreme coach Kelvin Kerkow OAM said the result was huge for the team and the program. The BPL has been likened T20 Big Bash cricket competition, as a model of the game designed to appeal to a younger demographic and a television audience. “We learned so much from the first BPL,” Kerkow said. “We played so well together and we learned a lot from the first one like new plans, when to attack, different combinations. “It all came together.” Carla Krizanic, Matt Flapper and Ali Forsyth again made up Extreme’s team. They won 11 of their 18 matches in the rounds to qualify for the finals. Kerkow said they had hoped to make the finals heading into the event. He said not only had they been able to plan better for this one, they were able to train and prepare for it more. “Carla had just had a baby last time so she hadn’t been playing a lot,” he said.

“She had been practicing, but without game time it can be hard. “We already had a strong team and she was even more valuable this time. Everyone else had stepped up from last time.” The tournament wasn’t without drama. Sunbury’s Krizanic had to withdraw late in the tournament, after testing positive for COVID-19. Jessie Cottell stepped in to replace Krizanic for the last two days of the event. Cottell is a highly credentialled bowler in Queensland, currently representing the state side. “It was devastating for Carla,” Kerkow said. “Jessie came in. She was the super sub. I know her as she’s from my club. She probably over achieved from what we were hoping to get from her.” Extreme lost their first final, but made the most of a second chance and won through to face Pulse for the fourth time of the event. It would go down to the final bowl. “There was nothing in it,” Kerkow said. “It came down to a tiebreaker. The plan was to make finals which we achieved, it would have been nice to win it too.” Flapper was the standout for Extreme and was named in the all stars team for his performances. Kerkow said they were hoping to have the same team come back for the next event in November, which is at the same location. “Playing from scratch we learned a lot from the first one. We’ll learn more again from this

Big V The Sunbury Jets continued their good form in the Big V men’s state championship competition on Saturday night. The Jets won all four quarters against the Blackburn Vikings on the way to an 88-53 win. Ish Sanders top scored with 21 points. The Jets women’s side also had a good win, beating the Pakenham Warriors, 85-64 with every player getting plenty of court time.

Ballarat FL The Sunbury Lions were brought back down to earth in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday. After winning their first game of the season the previous round, the Lions fell short on Saturday to Redan, losing 10.16 (76)-8.15 (63). Cooper Anderson kicked three goals in the loss, while Harry Power was named best. Matt Flapper. (Bowls Australia)

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one and hopefully we can go well again. “Overall it’s been excellent.” Club Sunbury bowls director Marc Bullows said they were thrilled with how the team had performed and represented the club.

Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Gisborne continues on its winning way in 2022 Gisborne is bouncing back in a big way in the FV state league 4 west women’s competition this season. The Sky Blues lost just one match in 2021 before the season was called off due to the pandemic. With 10 players leaving the club in the off season, coach Tony Trimboli has had to rebuild the side. After three matches, the side sits undefeated which has included two big wins. Trimboli, who took over as coach in 2020, said COVID had hurt them badly the last couple of years. “Last year we lost just one game against a side that we thought wasn’t in the right state league,” he said. “We then lost 10 players, including two pregnancies and a few younger ones. They

Gisborne’s women’s team with some of the junior girls. (Supplied)

wanted us to go up to state league 3, but we didn’t think we would be able to match it with them, so we stayed down in state league 4.” The Sky Blues have proven the last couple of

years that it doesn’t matter what age you are, you can play football. Last year they had three players in the 50s play, with a couple still in the squad this year. “One day we came across two sisters kicking with a lady,” Trimboli said. “It was their mum who had never played in her life and we asked if she wanted to train and have a kick. “We played her in the practice matches as a goalkeeper and she was really good. She’s injured at the moment but is keen to come back.” Trimboli said they had been able to get a number of players from Sunbury United to help fill the squad this year. He said they have also turned to youth. “We have five under-16s this year who are playing seniors. One of the young ones was just

Bulldogs building form By Tara Murray The buy-in from the playing group continues to push Gisborne in the Bendigo Netball League. The Bulldogs, who are traditionally in the mix in the A-grade competition, have had a good start to the season in all their grades. Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said speaking before Saturday’s match with Kangaroo Flat which was after after deadline, that it had been a really good start to the season. “We’re sitting quite high in all the grades, from 17s through to A-grade,” she said. “We have a huge game this week. “In most of the grades it’s either one and two, or one and three. They’re really strong and it will give us an idea on what we need to improve on.” The A-grade side sits third after six rounds, where the side was expecting to be. Rymer said the aim was to sit even higher before the season ends. For the Bulldogs this season there has been a mixture of new and old. Maddy Stewart and Tiana Newman are back again, while Claudia Mawson and Jordan Cransberg lead the includes. Cransberg is a Melbourne Vixens training partner, while Mawson of the Vixens Academy. Rymer said their impact on the club had been massive. “They are such great individuals and it’s not just what we see on the court,” she said. “Their knowledge is valuable for the young girls. Working with them, they are so crusiey and disciplined in the way they play. “They know what it’s like to be part of a team. They play high calibre netball and they rock up and train and are involved in the club.” Rymer said that it was Cransberg, who approached them about joining the club. She said straight away she was ready to buy into what they’re doing and not just rock up on game day. Cransberg is set to miss the next few weeks for the Bulldogs with the Vixens preparing for finals. “When we had that first conversation about what to expect she understood about being part of a team and building a culture,” she said. “We got Kirby Elliott from Riddell as well. It was about making sure they were the perfect fit. “We want to make sure we have the right people at the club.” The Bulldogs will also be without Newman in the coming weeks, with the midcourter pregnant. “There’s no replacing her on and off the court,” Rymer said. “She will be my little assistant on the side. It’s a huge loss with her experience.” Kiralee Collings and Emerson Lakey are both expected to step up in the absence of Newman. Rymer said they had already taken steps this season and were getting better and better each week.

Emerson Lakey is one of the Bulldogs up and coming stars.

Overall, she said things were going good with more depth showing across all the grades. “With Tiana out and a couple going overseas and injuries, it has been really hard balancing

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

(Shawn Smits)

the squads whatever grade they are in. We want people getting good court time. “I don’t want someone sitting on the bench the whole time.”

14 when she started training with me.” Trimboli said captain Taylah McIntyre had been massive both on field and off field this season. The Sky Blues were set to face Brimbank Stallions on Sunday, after deadline. Trimboli said the club wanted to continue to build the female program at the club. “None of the girls have ever won a championship, hopefully we can do that this year,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll have a few players come back next year and we’ll be an even stronger team and we can hopefully move into state league 3. “Any other girls who want to try out are always welcome. It’s like we are one big family.” Tara Murray

Essendon’s list taking shape Essendon’s inaugural AFLW list is taking shape with another five players committing to the Bombers for the upcoming season. The Bombers have now announced half their list with Sophie Van De Heuvel, Jacqui Vogt, Daria Bannister, Cat Phillips and Jorja Borg going to don the red and black. Van De Heuvel, Vogt, Bannister and Phillips add more AFLW experience to the list, while Borg has played in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition for the past three years. Van De Heuvel, a lifelong Essendon supporter, arrives at Essendon after 31 games at Geelong. She has made her name for herself as a half-back. Phillips is joining her third AFLW club, having played 44 games across six seasons. She was one of St Kilda’s inaugural co-captains, having started her career at Melbourne. Phillips’ St Kilda team mate Vogt is also making the move across to the Bombers. Vogt, a former soccer player, played 17 games in two seasons with the Saints, having been a key target in both the forward line and midfield. Bannister will provide a target inside the forward line, joining the Bombers from North Melbourne. The Tasmanian, Bannister spent most of her first three seasons at AFLW level on the side lines, having to overcome multiple injuries. Over the past two seasons, Bannister has played 21 games, taking her career total to 25, establishing a strong presence up forward and regularly hitting the scoreboard. Borg has developed her ruck craft over the past three seasons in Carlton’s VFLW side. Essendon general manager of football Josh Mahoney said the signings would influence the standards and expectations for the Bombers’ inaugural list. “From the very start, we will be setting high expectations and standards for our women’s team, and these five players will play a key part in establishing this culture,” he said. It was a big week for the Bombers, with players allowed to officially sign with the club as part of the expansion signing period. Ten players that had previously announced their intentions to sign with the Bombers, officially did so on Tuesday. The group is headlined by former league best and fairest winner Madison Prespakis, who joins the club from Carlton.

Hawks’ season is full of positives Woodend-Hesket is continuing to build in the Riddell District Netball League. Searching for their first finals appearance in the A-grade competition, the Hawks continue to tick a number of boxes. Entering the weekend’s match against Romsey, which was after deadline, the Hawks sat in fourth spot with five wins from seven matches. Hawks coach Meg Grbac said while they were juggling injury concerns across the netball program it had been a really good start. “It’s been really positive and there’s been a really good vibe at the club, in both netball and football,” she said. “I’m really pleased with how things are going. We have a lot of injuries across all the grades that we are trying to manage. “We’ve been trying to fill holes with what we have in the club.” The Hawks improvement has been on show

this season. They recently defeated Diggers Rest for the first time in A-grade, while they pushed ladder leaders Macedon, losing by three goals. Grbac said it showed the side that they aren’t that far off the top teams. “We went down to Macedon by only a few goals,” she said. “We didn’t take those opportunities that we needed to take. “All due respect to Macedon, they are a good team and it was a tough match. It drives us to get better and we take away what we can learn from the things we did.” Grbac said they were still trying to get the right combinations and rotations in the A-grade side. One area they are still working on is the goaling end. Recruit Abby Gilmore tore her achilles in the early part of the season. “Losing Abby was a big blow for the team

on and off the court,” Grbac said. “She is still around the club on the sidelines. “We did have the luxury of having three goalers at the start of the season. “Charlee Duff-Tyler has stepped up into the role as a 15-year-old. We have had Laura [Carland] our midcourter switch across into there at times to see different combinations and experience with what we can do.” Grbac said for the A-grade team, they would be disappointed not to play finals this year. While she has one eye on finals, Grbac is also looking at the bigger picture. “We want to continue to grow the depth across all the grades,” she said. “A-grade is doing well, but we want to make sure the other teams are and we focus on the whole netball squad. “There’s a lot of positives across the board.” Tara Murray

Reese Sutton.

Kereama takes on Spirit role

(AFL Victoria)

Sutton has high hopes By Tara Murray Sunbury’s Reese Sutton is keen to make the most of the opportunities that have been given to her on the football field. Having started playing football for fun, Sutton quickly became one of the top players in the state with the Calder Cannons. Now with the possibility of being drafted in late June, Sutton is excited by what might come. “I only started playing [seriously] two years ago,” she said. “For me it was just fun, but my dad and brother really got into it. “So when I was given all these opportunities, I thought maybe I could start something and really enjoyed it. “I’m really excited [by the draft] as I just want to know what is going on with my life. Also extremely nervous, as I have to think of a plan b if nothing goes right.” After deciding she wanted to focus on football, Sutton worked really hard in the off season to have an impact in her top age year at the Cannons. It worked as she was named as Cannons co-captain and she finished fifth in the league

Woodend-Hesket coach Meg Grbac. (Supplied)

best and fairest award and third in the club best and fairest. “I feel like I have improved so much from last season,” she said. “I think for me having a whole midfield of girls being drafted that I really had to step up. That was something that I wanted to do, I love football and to play I had to put the effort in during the pre-season and did really well.” Sutton would also be named in the Vic Metro early in the season. She was told that she would have to play a NAB League game before officially being named in the team. “I felt like I played one of my best games in the season, to show I’m worthy of being in that team.” Sutton said her biggest asset in her game was her tackling and defensive pressure. She tries to model her game on that of Richmond star Monique Conti. “My tackling has improved so much for me,” she said. “I’m a really good defender and I can read the play really well and use my quick hands to get out of those tough situations. “I really like Monique Conti, as she’s really

quick with the ball and good hands and kicking.” Last week, Sutton was among those to test at the AFLW draft combine. This year they only had to complete a two-kilometre time trial. Sutton, who was happy with her time, said after the trial that it was her first time running a time trial like that. Heading into the draft, one of the people Sutton is regularly speaking to is her brother, Jake Sutton. Jake played with the Cannons and is currently on Essendon’s Victorian Football League list. “I speak to him a lot and he always asks me to watch the videos of games and highlights as he wants me to help me improve as well,” Sutton said. “He knows how big of an opportunity I’ve been given and so does my dad.” While the draft is Sutton’s focus, she also has her eye on making her debut for the Bombers, in their VFLW program in the coming weeks. “It would be really good and it would be a really good experience, just to lift my game up even more and see what is is like to play against the bigger bodies.”

Sunbury Jets coaching director Kennedy Kereama will again be in the Women’s National Basketball League senior coaching hot seat. The former West Coast Waves and New Zealand national head coach was last week announced as the Bendigo Spirit’s coach for the 2022-23 season. Kearama, who has been an assistant coach at the Canberra Capitals and Melbourne Boomers in recent years, said he was also keen to get another opportunity in one of the best leagues in the world. “I’m absolutely thrilled and excited,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I’ve always wanted to be coaching at the highest level, but it’s always been about timing. “And it’s been about being the right person for the job, it’s always been an ambition of mine.” Kereama, who coached the Jets’ women’s sides to three straight titles, was combining his coaching director role at the Jets, while being part of the other WNBL programs. He said this new role will allow him to continue the work he has done at the Jets. “It will be the way it has always been,” he said. “Sunbury has built a really formidable program and it’s something to be proud of. We want to continue to build on that and now I can hopefully build something similar at Bendigo with the WNBL program.” Kereama comes to the Spirit which has recently become a new ownership. On court, the Spirit finished last season in fifth spot. Kereama said having watched them first hand last season, he knows they weren’t far off. “The program has a strong tradition with a rich history,” he said. “They’ve been a very tough proposition to coach against the last couple of seasons. “I will get to work with some of the athletes in the world. I want to help the side become competitive every game. “The difference is adding a couple more pieces to the program. They weren’t far off.” Tara Murray

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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