Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 28th June 2022 by Star Weekly

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Year five pupuls Ksenia, Luca and Rejoice are excited to making nesting boxes using their Woolworths Junior Landcare grant. (Damjan Janevski) 286035

The kids at St Anne’s Primary School in Sunbury are excited to use their Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant to continue their sustainability journey. The 2022 grant round awards up to $1000 to primary schools to develop projects focusing on sustainable food production, waste management and enhancing native habitats. St Anne’s sustainability leader and teacher Jo Hannan said the school intends to use the grant to make nesting boxes and material dispensers for local wildlife. “There are a number of endangered species within our local area which we would like to create a safe habitat for, such as the Pardalote,” Ms Hannan said. “[Class five pupils] are super excited about this project. They love taking part in projects that make a difference and become very engaged with hands-on practical tasks.” Year five pupil Luca said it was important to care for the environment. “If we don’t look after our planet, our flora and fauna will continue to become more and more stressed,” Luca said.

Council backs rock plan By Elsie Lange Macedon Ranges council has voted to endorse the government’s revised Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan, but to lobby on concerns about a lack of detail on infrastructure and the relocation of sporting clubs. At a meeting on Tuesday, June 22, council debated the merits of endorsing the plan, which was revised following community feedback on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) draft Hanging Rock Master Plan. Councillors reiterated that their decision whether or not to endorse the plan would not impact the outcomes or concerns held by council as it was ultimately

a government process. Many said it was unfortunate council had not been privy to community submissions to DELWP on the draft plan. Councillor Annette Death said there was “a great body of work to be completed” in regards to developments. “The officer report outlines the final designs still need to be undertaken for parking, thinking through accessibility for people of all abilities … there’s a great deal of work that still needs to take place,” Cr Death said. “That extends to cultural and ecological considerations for the proposed pathways, lighting plans, in particular the engineering solutions for the road that’s crossing over the racecourse.

“I just think the plan in its current form does raise many concerns … not to say the least, the sporting clubs.” Amending an initial officer recommendation, council voted unanimously to note revised the master plan and push council’s continued work with DELWP on the detailed design of each of the facilities and infrastructure included. Council also voted to request DELWP undertake community engagement for each key design element and write to Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to express council’s positions. In addition, council would “prioritise actions and discussions with DELWP, the Hanging Rock sporting clubs and other

relevant agencies to secure new, permanent and appropriately funded facilities in close proximity to their current location to the sporting clubs impacted by the delivery of the final … master plan”. Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau said the final decision by council was “a better outcome than expected”, and hoped the government would take into consideration its apprehension. “Council has picked up on the plan’s deficiencies and on community concerns,” she said. The master plan has been submitted but not yet approved by Ms D’Ambriosio. Council is currently negotiating the sale of the precinct’s east paddock to the government.

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Budget celebrations in Woodend By Elsie Lange There is cause for celebration in Woodend following the adoption of the 2022-23 Macedon Ranges council budget on Wednesday night. The Woodend Golf Club and parents, teachers and kids at St Ambrose Primary School are delighted to have been allocated the funding they urged the council to include in their final budget. As part of the budget, council will embark on its highest capital works expenditure in the last six years – a total of $41.2 million. Star Weekly has reported on the golf club’s

campaign to council for $417,000 in funding to upgrade its dilapidated club rooms, and the news the money would come through made president Barney Hearnden emotional. “I’m absolutely delighted that after years of hard work … that council has endorsed a budget that will upgrade the club house to a standard that is safe, supports disability access and creates a community asset that can be shared with other community groups,” Mr Hearden said. He said he “couldn’t be happier”, and had called one of the members with multiple sclerosis who was excited to be able to walk into

the clubhouse independently, “without having to be carried”. “I’m actually a bit teary … this is one step closer to restoring some human dignity,” Mr Hearnden said. St Ambrose Primary principal Bronwyn Phillips was also beaming following the news that $480,000 would be allocated in the budget to install crossings outside the school. Last month, Star Weekly reported the school’s rally on National Walk Safely to School Day to raise awareness about a number of “near misses” children experienced at the intersection of Brooke and Templeton streets.

“We’re grateful and very relieved, because we did have genuine concerns for particularly the young people using that route … we’re delighted,” Ms Phillips said. “We really thank council for taking the time to look into it further and to actually budget to address this safety issue … it has been a high need for quite some years now.” She said once it was delivered, it would mean more children would walk and cycle to school with confidence. The budget also includes a rate rise of 1.75 per cent, keeping with the government’s rate cap and expects to raise $57 million.

Recognition for Allan Walters

Romsey Neighbourhood House manager Michelle Balthazar (front) with volunteers Alex McLeod, Nabo Baro, Michael Lopes and Judith McKayn at the new community foodshare. (Damjan Janevski) 285732_01

Community’s heart and soul food Tucked between the laundromat and St Mary’s Church in the village of Romsey is a little kiosk full of friendly faces, now home to a new community foodshare. The project by Romsey Neighbourhood House is about ensuring food access “to the whole community”, because the cost of living is so high. “We’re inviting the community to be part of the food security solution by being involved in the initiative,” house manager Michelle Balthazar said. “It’s a buy, swap, sell, take or

donate initiative, where if you can afford it, [you can] pay a donation to buy the goods. “We’ve got a range of fresh and non-perishable items to swap, if people grow an extra row or produce their own fruit or veggies, they’re invited to come along and swap.” The project is all about ending the stigma associated with needing a hand, and can even help locals generate an income from what they grow. “If you’re going through hard times, you’re welcome to register to be able to be

on a [monthly] credit system to take the fresh produce and non-perishable items,” Ms Balthazar said. “Help keep the initiative going by helping to donate towards it in either produce, products, or your time. We are hoping that will keep the initiative sustainable.” The foodshare is open every Tuesday and Thursday, but would welcome more volunteers to stay open all the time. Inquiries: 5429 6724

Hume council will seek the community’s feedback to name a pavilion at Eric Boardman Reserve after the late Sunbury Kangaroos president Allan Walters. In August last year the Sunbury community grieved the sudden loss of Mr Walters, who served as president of the Kangaroos for 13 years, also contributing to the club as a player, coach, committee member and team manager. At a council meeting on June 14, councillor Jack Medcraft said he was “really happy” to present the motion and begin the consultation process. “This is a [general business] item that I raised earlier, on August 9 last year, in recognition of the work Allan Walters did at the Sunbury Kangaroos,” Cr Medcraft said. “Sadly, he lost his life in an industrial accident, which shattered everybody at the time.” Sunbury MP Josh Bull wrote to council in August last year to propose the upgraded rooms at the reserve be named after Mr Walters. “He was the heart and soul of the Sunbury Kangaroos Football Netball Club … Allan played a vital role in the upgrade of the pavilion and social rooms at Boardman Reserve,” Mr Bull wrote. The pavilion at oval number three consists of a social and change room that are two separate buildings, sharing a walkway and veranda. Council is inviting feedback until close of business, Monday, July 18. Details: https://participate.hume.vic. gov.au/naming-proposal-allan-walterspavilion. Elsie Lange

Elsie Lange

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4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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Mayor laments complaint costs By Elsie Lange Hume mayor Carly Moore says she would like to see councillor complaints dealt with internally to avoid exorbitant legal fees, which have cost more than $142,000, council documents revealed. Speaking to ABC Melbourne on Tuesday, June 21, Cr Moore said she would prefer if costs of arbitration processes dealing with council in-fighting were not “formalised in initial stages”. “I’m an accountant, so I always think about the numbers, and $142,000 is really the equivalent of 70 households’ rates for an entire year,” Cr Moore said. She urged councillors to engage with each other in-person, because it was about

“understanding differences and respecting those differences”. “It’s okay to have a difference of opinion. There’s 11 councillors, we’re not going to agree all of the time,” Cr Moore said. “But we do need to work together to achieve great outcomes for our community.” The discussion followed council’s June 14 release of details and costs of councillor complaints against each other. Documents show council has spent $142,898 on complaints, including at least $48,583 on 21 internal arbitration matters brought by Cr Trevor Dance – one so far has found a breach of the councillor code of conduct. The most costly arbitration case was brought by a group of councillors represented by Cr Moore against Cr Dance, totalling $16,987 – in this case Cr

Dance had eight breaches found against him. Cr Moore told ABC once councillors raise a complaint, the organisation was “obligated to follow proper process that it mandated through the Local Government Act”. Responding to Cr Moore’s interview on ABC, Cr Dance told Star Weekly the internal process was “flawed”, and said the act was the “only avenue” available for complaints about conduct. He said some complaints came from residents, which he felt compelled to follow-up formally. Sunbury Residents Association president Graham Williams said while the organisation supports the view that all elected officials adhere to the highest conduct, the cost was unfortunate and potentially avoidable.

“Having to resort to resolutions that involve external, paid, and expensive arbitration services is in our view an unnecessary and avoidable drain on council’s funds – effectively the money that we the residents expect to see invested back into our community,” he said. “The money paid out as reported is only a part of the total cost – the loss of staff hours and productivity is also a significant cost. “It is a considerable disappointment that this has occurred in the first case and is still ongoing through various other arbitration processes.” Cr Moore told Star Weekly she felt disappointed council hasn’t been able to “utilise informal mechanisms through the councillor code of conduct to resolve issues that would significantly reduce costs”.

Movement at the station

Lucy Webster and Bianca Baginski holding posters for Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation’s NAIDOC week event on July 3. (Damjan Janevski) 286239_01

Celebrating first culture diversity created,” Ms Webster said. The event, happening at Sunbury’s Hume Global Learning Centre, will take place from noon to 2pm and feature a First Nations performance, kids activities, a coffee van and an opportunity to try bush tucker. A collection box will be at the door accepting donations of non-perishable items to assist those in need in the area. Ms Webster said NAIDOC gave First Nations peoples a chance to share knowledge and culture, and to celebrate “that we are part of the oldest living culture in human history”. “It’s all about people from different mobs

coming together and celebrating our culture as a whole,” she said. The event is open to the whole community, “for anyone and everyone to come along to”. “We’re hoping it’s a way for people to connect with each other, to share information about culture and how important it is to the Aboriginal community,” Ms Webster said. “It’s about sharing that awareness and celebrating together.” Details: https://www.facebook.com/ sunburyaboriginalgroup/ Elsie Lange

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Sunbury-Koorakoorakup sits on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples, and will celebrate National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week on July 3. Kamilaroi woman Lucy Webster is a community support worker at Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation and said the NAIDOC ceremony would be like “a great, big party”. “Our event is going to have an Elder coming to do a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony … we’re going to have a little market place with some local Aboriginal people selling some arts and crafts and things they’ve

The bridge over Gap Road in Sunbury is taking shape, with 20 concrete beams lifted into place and concrete poured for the bridge deck as works on the level crossing removal continue. Weighing between 20 and 40 tonnes each, the beams were placed by a 450-tonne crane and 250-tonne crane. According to the state government, the cranes were two of the three brought on site to assist with the build, which have been named Mad Dog, Picky Uppey and Thunder Strike by pupils from Sunbury Primary School and Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School. Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the placement of the beams signalled a ramping up of the project. “We’re removing the Gap Road level crossing three years ahead of schedule to align with works on the Sunbury Line Upgrade – ensuring whether you travel by car or train, your journey is safer and quicker,” he said. With the bridge beams in place, workers installed more than 50 tonnes of steel reinforcement and poured 210 cubic metres of concrete to form the bridge deck, according to the government. A tunnel boring machine has dug out more than 120 metres under Station Street, to create a drainage pip to prevent the lowered road from flooding. When trains return to the Sunbury and Bendigo lines on June 30, Gap Road will remain closed to traffic for another three months while 25,000 cubic metres of soil is excavated and the road underpass is built. Elsie Lange

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Calls to ‘accelerate’ road works By Elsie Lange Hume council has voted to investigate options to improve capacity at both the Riddell Road and Gap Road roundabouts intersecting with Elizabeth Drive in Sunbury. Jacksons Creek Ward councillor Jarrod Bell raised the issue at a council meeting on June 14, also asking for advocacy to the state government and local MPs to “accelerate any improvements”. “The two roundabouts in my general business item, the ones at Riddell Road and Gap Road … are struggling,” Cr Bell said. “They are only

one lane into the roundabout … in a number of situations where a vast majority of people would like to turn left on Elizabeth Drive onto Gap Road or onto Vineyard Road, they’re unable to do that because they’re waiting behind a row of 20 cars who are all trying to go straight ahead or turn right, and ultimately it creates massive backlogs. Sunbury Residents Association (SRA) president Graham Williams said the organisation had been “vocal over many years” about the need for works at both roundabouts and the stretch of Elizabeth Drive to give relief to locals dealing with “significant

uptick in traffic volumes”. “We also believe that there has been a significant recent growth in traffic as residents work their way around the current major construction projects on Vineyard Road and Sunbury Road, making the run from Rosenthal along Elizabeth Drive one of the popular routes for commuters, as well as significant numbers of trucks carrying spoil from new subdivisions,” Mr Williams said. “Additionally, local residents have expressed concerns about being able to cross Elizabeth Drive at the eastern end near the roundabout, as well as on Riddell Road itself to access the

local sports clubs and bus stops.” While Elizabeth Drive is under the jurisdiction of Hume council, Riddell and Gap roads are both state government roads. “There’s a layer of challenge and complexity there in trying to get some improvements at these roundabouts,” Cr Bell said. He said he did not believe traffic lights would be a solution at these particular intersections because he was “a believer in roundabouts … if only drivers knew how to use them properly”. Cr Bell said he looked forward to seeing the officer’s report on upgrades and to “rattle the cage to get them done”.

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a student.” When asked what she hoped students took away from classes with her, she said “to be a strong, responsible person, to be kind to others and to learn to give back to society”. “My husband and my family have all been absolutely delighted and they’re very, very proud about the fact that I’ve maintained my career, and they’re very proud of the fact that I’ve influenced so many lives,” Ms Trawn said. “But the other thing is, many of these children have influenced me. “They’re just beautiful.” Elsie Lange

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long-serving staff from across the state were recognised for their dedication to the public education system. Ms Trawn said a great challenge in her career was overcoming the technical difficulties and considerations the pandemic forced on teachers. “I did struggle at the beginning, but I was very lucky that there are many young people here at school who are very advanced with their technology skills,” Ms Trawn said. “They were just wonderful at taking me through step-by-step to build up my confidence. “It threw me back into the situation of being

Riddells Creek resident Kerry Trawn has been teaching Victorian primary school pupils for 40 years – last week she was recognised on the state’s honour roll for her service to public education. Ms Trawn has taught at Kilmore Primary School for more than 20 years, with some of the children of her former pupils coming through her classes. “[I feel] very, very proud. It makes you just stop and think, wow, I’ve influenced a lot of children in all the years that I happen to have been here,” Ms Trawn said. At a ceremony on June 19, over 200

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The Victorian government has announced it will invest $200 million to expand its Mental Health in Primary Schools program to every government and low-fee non-government primary school in the state. By 2026, 1800 school campuses will employ a mental health and wellbeing leader to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing. Announcing the program’s expansion, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said every child in the region will have access to “safe, tailored care” through their school. “This is a historic moment in building our new mental health system, and one that will make a profound change to the way we support Victorians for generations to come.” The program builds on a pilot with 100 schools in partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne – more than 95 per cent of the mental health leaders said the model improved the schools capacity to help students’ needs. According to a government statement, since the start of the trials students have improved their mental health and wellbeing, as well as social, academic and vocational outcomes. “The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System highlighted that schools play an important role in identifying children with mental health and wellbeing challenges who can then be referred to treatment, care and support if needed,” the government said.

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Hume calls for action on road By Elsie Lange Hume council will write to the state government about the “disrepair” of Sunbury Road, due to heavy loads, grime and lack of lighting. At a meeting on Tuesday, June 14, councillor Jack Medcraft raised a general business item to ask Roads and Roads Safety Minister Ben Carroll to look into the damage to the road, which he said was caused by “heavy loads being taken to Hi-Quality”. In the correspondence, Cr Medcraft would like to address the lack of road markings due to “soil residue”, the absence of reflective indicators on concrete road barriers and lack of lighting on Bulla Bridge. In addition, Cr Medcraft requested the council ask for greater police presence to “monitor the speeds of trucks coming and going to Hi-Quality”, while Cr Jarrod Bell added council should advocate for the duplication of Sunbury Road. “That road is being repaired, I know, and

they are going to do both sides of it,” Cr Medcraft said. “But the number of trucks that are going along there, and the weight of those trucks – the bitumen is just falling apart. “It’s a 60km/h speed limit from the top of the hill through to pretty much where Villawood [Estate] is, but you can’t see the barriers. “They’ve got these little poles to guide the trucks into Hi-Quality, they all run along there, but they’re all covered in dirt, grime, so you can’t see them until you’re right on top of them.” Cr Medcraft said it was “only a matter of time” before someone with poor eyesight hit a barrier, and raised in particular the part of Sunbury Road behind the airport. In mid-June, Star Weekly reported a number of drivers struggling on Sunbury Road due to dirt covering road markings. Cr Medcraft the issue was initially raised by a resident and he was pleased to take the item to the minister.

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When Rebecca Moore walked into the Kyneton post office after being named one of Australia Post’s 2022 Local Business Heroes, everyone clapped and cheered. They were “thrilled” to learn her business, Tea of Earth, was recognised for its special role in the community – it was the Kyneton Post Office postal manager Joanne Garreffa who nominated her. Ms Moore’s business was one of 57 chosen out of nearly 1000 entrants, with each recipient set to receive a Heroes Package of up to $5000 cheaper postage and packaging, mentoring, advertising in local post offices and a mail-out of postcards. “I’m very humbled by it, and it was great to get that recognition within my local community,” Ms Moore said. “Even to be nominated was such a thrill for me.” Ms Moore’s beloved tea shop has been

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kicking since 2017, but like many businesses suffered major blows when the pandemic struck, so she pivoted online. Ms Garreffa said she nominated Tea of Earth because she thought the mentoring support offered through the award package would help Ms Moore and boost the business. “Her products are amazing – I drink them and always buy them at the local shops – I even gave them as Christmas presents last year,” Ms Garreffa said. “Rebecca is always so thankful and appreciative of our support for her.” Ms Moore said during COVID, her local post office became “that friendly face”. “Because it was really the only contact during lockdown … they were so supportive and so caring there that it just made everything easier for me,” she said. Elsie Lange

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New health minister Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has been appointed health minister, following the exodus of five leading Andrews government ministers last week. Ms Thomas will leave her previous agriculture and regional development portfolio to upper house MP Harriet Shing. The Macedon MP will join Lily D’Ambrosio, Danny Pearson, Natalie Hutchins and Ben Carroll as new co-ordinating ministers across five government departments.

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The Kyneton Art Group is one of the latest recipients of Macedon Ranges council’s small project grants. At a meeting on Wednesday, June 22, council voted to allocate $1500 to the group to purchase teardrop signage, to increase promotion, attract new members and encourage more people to attend events. Art group president Anna McGrath said the sign would be especially useful outside their venue at Red Brick Hall during winter, reminding passers-by when they are in residence. “Everyone is welcome to come and join the group and participate in our events … on a Tuesday, we get together and we paint, we work on current projects that we’re putting into exhibitions, or individual members will also enter different art shows around the district,” Ms McGrath said.

Ms McGrath explained it can be hard to attract new members, especially following months of lockdowns – she hoped the grant would allow them to expand. “The sign would be put out during our annual exhibition, which of course in the last few years we haven’t been able to have, this is a major thing for our art group,” she said. She said the benefits of joining the group are many, especially with its low fee. Members can meet well-known artists and take part in workshops. “With the grant, it just gives us that opportunity to have one more thing around to gain the membership and keep it going. It’s important for younger people,” she said. “We have got a few younger members, so it’s great.”

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the federal government’s $11 million campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu this winter. RACGP president, Adjunct Professor Karen Price, said people aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older, people who live in aged or disability care and people aged 16 and over who are severely immunocompromised are eligible to receive a second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Elsie Lange

Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

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‘‘

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

‘‘

’’

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

’’

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

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

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

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

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

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‘‘

NEWS

You kind of think, hopefully I’ll die soon, that way they’re not going to get any more money - David Cail

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Disability pensioner David Cail feels trapped by his funeral insurance.

(Damjan Janevski) 281908_01

Trapped paying ‘junk’ insurance By Elsie Lange When David Cail’s younger sister Leanne heard he was still paying $43 a fortnight from his pension for a funeral insurance plan he signed up for 20 years ago, she couldn’t believe it. “It comes out of his food budget – there’s been times where he’s been living off a loaf of bread,” she said. Her brother is a 63-year-old disability pensioner from Sunbury, and after recovering from two debilitating bouts of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma since 2014, was this month diagnosed with terminal cancer in his brain. In the early 2000s, David saw an ad for funeral insurance on television. As a single man with no kids or partner he thought signing up for a $15,000 plan would take the burden off his family. But he still pays premiums to TAL Insurance company, years after he had paid $15,000. To keep his access to the $15,000 plan, David will have to pay premiums until he turns 90, or dies. “You kind of think, hopefully I’ll die soon, that way they’re not going to get any more

money and they’ll have to pay it out,” he said. He said even though it might have been in the fine print, he didn’t realise what would be required of him for decades. The disability pensioner said he contacted the company a couple of years ago to see where he was at with his payments. As a former actor who now sometimes relied on food banks to survive because of his cancer, he asked to be given back the money he’d paid, so he could put it aside himself and accrue interest. Later, David said he took out a $4000 plan for his elderly mother, in addition to his $15,000 plan. Documents seen by Star Weekly show David has paid more than $20,500 in premiums for the two plans. He no longer pays his mum’s premium as she is over 90 years old. When he asked if he could transfer his $15,000 into a better plan, he said TAL told him no – he would have to start from scratch. “Every fortnight, on my pension week, they take it out – $43.68.” Since Star Weekly raised the issue with TAL, the company has reached out to David to renegotiate his plan, but had not provided the

offer in writing when Star Weekly went to print. A TAL spokesperson said the company takes “very seriously” the importance of ensuring customers understand the products they purchase and the difference between insurance products and savings products. “Insurance works to cover the financial impacts of a specific event through a collective risk pool which covers the cost of all customer claims,” the spokesperson said. However, according to Financial Rights Legal Centre, many people who sign up for funeral insurance end up paying more in premiums than the benefit paid upon their death. The issue of funeral insurance has been thrust into the public spotlight recently after the collapse of Youpla, formerly the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund. The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC), which provides free legal advice and pursues litigation on behalf of vulnerable consumers across the state, describes funeral insurance as a “problematic product”. CALC assistant director Cat Newton said, “funeral insurance is junk”. “For every $1 people pay in premiums, a

paltry 29 cents is paid back to customers in claims across the industry,” Ms Newton said. “Anyone misled or concerned about their funeral insurance should seek legal advice, and can make a free complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.” If David lives until he’s 90 and continues on his current plan, he will pay $43.68 a fortnight for 27 years. Calculating the number of fortnights in those approximately 1400 weeks, he will have paid more than $30,000 to TAL. The TAL spokesperson said the company “takes great care” to identify where customers may be vulnerable. “We have a range of support options available for customers whose circumstances have changed. We encourage our customers to reach out and discuss those options with us,” the spokesperson said. David said he hopes his story leads to better regulation of the industry, and shows others in a similar situation they are not alone. “It’s $44 dollars I could have for more medication, when I need it. Or $44 to buy groceries that I really need,” he said.

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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Youth mental health win By Elsie Lange Youth Live4Life has been granted more than $750,000 over three years to support young peoples’ mental health and wellbeing across regional and rural Victoria. State Trustees Australia Foundation provided the grant to recognise the vital role Youth Live4Life plays as the only mental health education and youth suicide prevention model designed for rural and regional communities in the state. Youth Live4Life chief executive Bernard Galbally said the grant would help bring three new communities into the model. “[It] is our business plan to be able to bring on three new rural and regional communities year on year, as well as transition our existing communities to self sustainability,” Mr Galbally said. In April, the Macedon Ranges-founded organisation was also granted more than $850,000 to expand its award-winning youth mental health and suicide prevention program interstate by the previous federal government. State Trustees chief executive John Velegrinis said the Emotional Wellbeing grant being awarded to the organisation supports organisations with “a clear plan focused on mental health and building resilience”. “The foundation is delighted to make this multi-year grant to an organisation creating local partnerships and promoting community conversations on mental health and suicide prevention,” Mr Velegrinis said. According to the foundation, the three-year grant will allow Youth Live4Life to expand its presence through its geographic reach to nine communities across the state, as well as increasing marketing and communications to spread awareness.

Live4Life chief executive Bernard Galbally with students Isabella and Paris.

“Part of the funding is … to help our communications and marketing and help connect those dots within the communities,” Mr Galbally said. “It’s really interesting because a lot of communities have wanted to do things, and we just haven’t had the funding to do it.” Mr Galbally said following an evaluation, one of the main priorities raised at the

(Supplied: Kim Selby)

organisation was that “it’s not just about delivering mental health education for young people in schools”. “It’s also about training up those adults in the community, the parents, teachers, carers, sporting coaches, netball coaches etc, and that they’re also part of Live4Life,” he said. If you, or anyone you know needs mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Apply now for nature grants Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has encouraged locals to apply for state government grants to protect and restore the area’s natural environment. The 2022 Victorian Landcare grants and the 2022 Junior Landcare and Biodiversity grants are now open to get volunteers and kids on board. “These grants will help volunteers and youth across Victoria restore and improve habitats for our native plants and animals,” Ms Thomas said. “We know Victorians love being out in nature – and we are investing to ensure our precious and unique environment can be enjoyed by future generations.” As part of the Landcare grants, $3.5 million is available in grants of up to $20,000 to fund on-ground projects to look after the region’s land and environment. Grants of up to $500 are also available to help with group administration and running costs. A government statement said the grants are open to environmental volunteering groups, including “Landcare groups and networks, friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups to support the important work they do”. “This funding will assist our hard-working volunteers, community groups and youth to continue caring for our local natural environment,” Ms Thomas said. Details: environment.vic.gov.au/ grants.

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Artist’s work has no boundaries By Elsie Lange Gisborne artist Samantha Gardiner remembers playing in a rambling Jacksons Creek as a child, going down in bare feet and gumboots to push through the reeds. Ten of her artworks were on display in Auburn, California, until late June, as part of an exhibition titled ‘No Boundaries’, drawing on her nostalgia of people, place, memory and belonging. “Scattered in my artworks … are little bits and pieces of childhood memories, like drawing on sidewalks, playing hopscotch, making paper planes and flying them with friends,” Gardiner said. Her mixed-media pieces are dynamic and layered, moments of colour surface above neutral and darker tones, symbolic motifs superimposed over Basquiat-esque canvases. After being contacted by a curator in the United States asking if she’d be interested in contributing work to ‘No Boundaries’, she created 10 artworks over six months, working to the exhibit theme to create without frames or limitations – to show things raw. When asked how long she’d been an artist, Gardiner said “ever since I was little”. “I have memories of coming home from St Brigid’s Primary School … I’d walk in the door, open my bag and just start on the floor just drawing and colouring in and creating things,” she said. “There’d just be a string of things out of my bag to the bedroom.” Since she completed her tertiary art studies, Gardiner made a living through exhibiting and selling her works while working in the industry. “For the last two years, while COVID kicked in, I have built a studio and dedicated everyday to making art,” Gardiner said. “Just like a pig in mud.”

Samantha with her artworks: Bath Time in a Pirate Ship, made mostly with coffee (left); ‘Dear John’, a tribute to Gisbornites passed (top centre); Catch Me If You Can, about the nostalgia of growing up in the Macedon Ranges (centre); Moth Eater, a tribute to her mother (right). (Pictures: Supplied)

The artist speaks gently of her exhibited artwork Moth Eater, a tribute to her mum. A magpie or another similar bird sits larger than life on the canvas, white eyes, beak and wings emphasised by the dark on the piece, a ring of yellow circling around the creature’s torso. Upon closer inspection, the bird’s texture is created by the stamps of many paint-covered leaves, and a white moth sits at its feet. “[It] relates to my mum and memories of her

in the early days, when Gisborne didn’t have many shops,” Gardiner said. “She was the only hairdresser here, there were just a handful of people. There’s a lot of symbolism around the moth … almost like a voice from the other side or getting messages from the other side. “Meaning that my mum’s passed, but she’s still here. She’s enjoying the journey with me, so to speak, over in the states.” Another piece featured in ‘No Boundaries,’

Dear John, is a busy painting, featuring tiny detailed drawings of a chair and a writing desk, larger symbols of letters and cursive pencilled words across the piece. “That relates to lots of Gisbornites who we’ve lost along the way. Our friends and cousins and brothers and sisters and mothers and whoever they may be,” she said. To see more of Gardiner’s work, head to: https://www.samanthagardinerart.com/.

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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

A twist in the COVID health tale By Christopher Carter, Chief Executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network For a still-unknown proportion of people, even a mild case of COVID-19 can carry an unfortunate twist in the tale: a new set of symptoms, sometimes severe, that can persist for months. Some, such as brain fog, seem quite common, while some others are rare. Some come and go, others stay for a very long time. This is known as long COVID, or sometimes ‘post-COVID-19 condition’, and it can be a real problem – not least because doctors and researchers around the world are still struggling to agree on what it is. Does that sound familiar? Readers might be reminded of another condition, known as chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, which produces extreme tiredness and can leave sufferers homebound, even bedbound, sometimes for the rest of their lives. To make matters worse, for years after reports of the syndrome first emerged in the 1980s, many people – even some doctors – simply refused to believe it was real. It was a psychological issue, they said, or worse, an excuse for malingering. Today, chronic fatigue syndrome, abbreviated to CFS/ME, is recognised as a devastating illness – although its exact cause remains unknown. There is no cure and precious few useful therapies. This comparison is particularly pertinent, because, as one medical journal recently put it, a significant number of people with long COVID have symptoms “suspiciously similar” to CFS/ME. These patients report reduced ability to perform usual daily routines, and extreme tiredness after physical or mental activity. Many also experience sleep problems, loss of memory, and poor concentration.These continue at least for many months, but it is too

Research into long COVID is under way around the world. (iStock)

early to know whether, like pre-pandemic CFS/ ME, they may be permanent. Not everyone who develops long COVID will have chronic fatigue syndrome, of course. Many people report other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, palpitations, or temperature fluctuations. While not unknown in CFS/ME, they are not considered tell-tale signs of the condition. Of course, a big part of the problem is that there is no universally accepted clinical

definition of long COVID yet, because it is still a relatively new thing and most COVID-19 research over the past couple of years has focused on preventing or treating severe disease in the first phase. The World Health Organisation says long COVID often features “fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction … usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative

diagnosis ”. Research is under way around the world, trying to add a bit more meat to those bare bones. In the meantime, what can you draw from this? The main thing is that if you feel inexplicably tired for several months, a COVID-19 infection a few months earlier, even a very mild one, might be significant. Talk to your GP. And the other thing is, be kind to yourself. That exhaustion you feel is real.

Un’brr’lievably warm start to winter at zoo

Interesting new thermal imagery has revealed the clever ways that the animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo are keeping warm and cosy during Melbourne’s chilly start to winter. Akin to hopping into bed with an electric blanket, the wildlife is snuggling into warming shelters and bedding, and under heat lamps that have been cleverly installed throughout zoo habitats – all in view of rugged up visitors. Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature by identifying different levels of infrared light that are invisible to the naked eye. Colder temperatures are often given a shade of blue, purple or green, while warmer temperatures can be assigned a shade of red, orange or yellow. Among those detected engaging with their heated facilities are gorillas, cheetah, meerkats, tortoises and wallabies. Werribee Open Range Zoo African river trail keeper, Tamsyn Green, said the thermal images enable keepers to identify how the animals are interacting with their surrounding environment, including custom-designed heat sources.

“We’re always looking at ways to provide the the highest quality care to cater for each animal’s individual needs,” Ms Green said. “Many of the animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo are exposed to both hot and cold conditions in the wild, so we like to create habitats that provide animals with choice and control in their environment when the temperature begins to drop during winter. “Heat lamps are positioned over rocks and logs so animals can bask in their glow and warmth; heat pads have straw placed over them so they can snuggle into their bedding; and heated caves and shelters are also a hit during rainfall. Animals also have access to indoor facilities that are temperature controlled, too.” Ms Green said winter is a fantastic time to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo, with plenty of animal activity to see. “Animals can be more active during winter than during the peak of summer because they will move around their exhibits more frequently to burn energy and maintain body heat,” Ms Green said. “Also, many of these heated facilities are positioned on display, providing visitors with ample opportunity to see the precious and threatened species that we care for.” Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online. Details:zoo.org.au.

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

A meerkat under a heat lamp at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Zoos Victoria)

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Jalal’s journey to a safe haven Jalal Ahmadzai, his parents and two siblings, fled Afghanistan in August 2021 after the Taliban took control of the country. Now living in Craigieburn and working as an interpreter for AMES Australia, Jalal Ahmadzai spoke with Helena Abdou about his experience and shared an open letter to shed light on the plight of those who fled from Afghanistan.

alal Ahmadzai says he will always dream of the day he can return home and wonder the streets of Kabul. The 23-year-old, his parents and two siblings are among the hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees who fled the country after the collapse of the Afghan government in August last year. Ten months on, he can still clearly recall the day Kabul fell to the Taliban and mayhem ensued. “It started off as a normal day, we went to work and school,” he says. “Towards about 10 or 11am, there was a bit of chaos starting around the city, you could feel the tension. “There was nothing wrong, there was no fighting, but there was just a commotion. “People were just in a hurry and you could feel that something was wrong.

‘‘

We will be strangers wherever we go and the feeling of being homeless will never leave

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- Jalal Ahmadzai

“And then we got the news that the Taliban had apparently arrived at the gates of the city.” Jalal was working at a bank in Kabul when it was swarmed by people in a bid to withdraw their savings. “People had money deposited in the banks, and they were worried about the safety of the money so people wanted to withdraw the money,” he recalls. “But we couldn’t give them money because the bank didn’t have enough liquid money to give out. “Our team said that we need to evacuate the bank through the backdoor in groups of two or three because people are growing increasingly mad.” Not long after he left work that day, Jalal learnt that the president had fled the country. “With the news of his escape, the entire army collapsed, the army that was built over 20 years, collapsed in a matter of hours,” he says. That evening, the Taliban vehicles rolled into the city and thousands of people headed for the airport in a desperate attempt to flee. “It was like a stampede at the airport,” Jalal says. “The first three or four days was very bad, everyone rushed towards [the airport], people who had passports, people who didn’t have passports, people who had nothing, no tickets, no visa. “People were going to the airport with their electricity bill.” Jalal and his family decided to wait before making their move. “We left the country about 10 days after the fall of the government and went to neighbouring Pakistan,” he says. After fleeing to Pakistan, Jalal and his family decided to try to get to Australia. “We heard about Australia’s humanitarian visa, and then we applied for it and we just got it. I think it was because we lived here before for three years in 2012,” he says. Upon arriving in Australia for the second time, Jalal applied for work as an interpreter with AMES Australia, an organisation that sought to help refugees and asylum seekers with employment services and training. “When I arrived I started volunteering with

Jalal Ahmadzai is an Afghan refugee who fled the country last year after the collapse of the government. Left: Jalal with his friends back home in Afghanistan. (Pictures: Supplied)

AMES … I was one of the few refugees who was interpreting at the time … and because there was a big influx of refugees, and a lot of them could not communicate in English, I walked up to them and said I could help out for a couple of hours a day.” After a few months, he secured a job with AMES. As much as Jalal is enjoying his “wonderful” life in Australia, his thoughts don’t stray far from life back home.

In open letter to highlight the plight of those who fled Afghanistan, Jalal wrote: “Abrupt change, uncertainty and the unknown often strike fear into the hearts of humans. “When events take a turn for the worse at a time when one had been planning the complete opposite, it naturally puts one in a state of shock, blurs one’s judgment and makes one lose track of events that follow. “The swift collapse of the Afghan government on August 15, 2021 made all of that a reality for all the Afghan people.” Reflecting on his new life in Australia, Jalal

wrote: “Many of us succeeded in escaping the darkest regime, leaving behind our families, friends, and loved ones “Not only that, we left behind our lives, our dreams of graduating and serving our country. “We all can continue our lives outside Afghanistan peacefully, but there will always be a sadness engraved deep in our hearts. “We will be strangers wherever we go and the feeling of being homeless will never leave. “I will always dream of the day I can go back to my home and wander through the streets of Kabul.”

Tuesday, 28 June, 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

June 30, 1992

July 1, 1997

July 2, 2002

July 3, 2012

Massive interest bills, not council farming rates, were crushing farmers, rural financial counsellor Helen Grimmer said in Gisborne last week.

The re-opening of Gisborne’s Hamilton Street supermarket will mark a business boom in the town, says businessman Mr Viv Glenister.

Works on the Bendigo Fast Rail Project are expected to begin as early as November, after the state government announced a $182m contract for its construction.

Puppy love: Angela Valente discovers the lengths some people go through to treat and pamper their pets.

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30 years ago

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

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COMMUNITY

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

Bug expo It’s time! The big, three-day bug expo is coming to Woodend. Spiderman is rumoured to make an appearance. Entomologists will showcase their collections from all over the country. Fun for kids and adults alike. Running July 1-3 at the Buffalo Indoor Sports Stadium, Woodend, tickets are $5 for children, $15 for concession, $20 for adults and $45 for a family pass. ■ https://bit.ly/3tRWgVV

Bush tucker workshop Join Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri woman Joanne Russell in a workshop showing uses of Indigenous plants for food and medicine, as part of council’s NAIDOC Week showcase. Make your way to Sunbury Library for the event on July 5, from 6.30-7.45pm. ■ https://bit.ly/3ycFAuR

Learn origami Make magic out of paper at an origami workshop at the Sunbury Library. From paper cranes to boxes to little frogs, head down on July 4, from 2-3pm to learn the skill. ■ https://bit.ly/3baZ2iE

Knitting workshop Ever wanted to learn how to make a scarf, or have something to do with your hands on the train? At Sunbury Library on Thursday, June 30, you can learn the basic skills of knitting, including casting on, making stitches and casting off. It runs from 10am-noon and is free. ■ https://bit.ly/3HMQISH

Toolern Vale Primary School pupils Josh, Sophie, Rhys, and Peyton get to work in the garden. (Damjan Janevski) 285268_01

Family History and Heritage Society

If you’re a passionate crafter and want some company, why not head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older. ■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

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

Chill Out Sunbury

Lancefield park run relaunch

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

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

Craft and conversation

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

in the Sunshine community. Bookings essential. ■ Peter Nankervis, 0417 155 691

and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Senior citizens AGM Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

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

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

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

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

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

Senior citizens of Deer Park will be holding its annual general meeting on August 15. The meeting will be held at 1pm at 119 Station Road, Deer Park. For the election of the committee and general business. ■ 9363 7326

Seniors citizens meets The St Albans Senior Citizens group is welcoming new members. The group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am-1.30pm at The St Albans Senior Citizens Centre, corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans. Cost of membership is $10 annually and $1 entry on the days you attend. ■ Mary, 0408 396 691

Sunbury Seniors Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends. ■ 0493 408 890

Planting day Friends of Kororoit Creek will host a community planting day at the Lizard Lounge, 25-27 Fraser Street, Sunshine on Sunday, July 3, 10am-noon. Bring gardening gloves, digging tools and water bottles. ■ Jessica, 0449 069 962

Bacchus Marsh Market 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 Tuesdays from 7.30pm, at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine. ■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

Community wills day The Salvation Army in Sunshine will host a community wills day on Tuesday, July 19. For $100 you can make an appointment to have your will arranged or updated by a volunteer solicitor (simple wills only). All proceeds will support the Salvos’ work

Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at the gorgeous location of Maddingley Park. On the second Saturday of every month there will be a lovely variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

Take weight off naturally 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

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

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Getting cosy, for the earth

Jacob, Sienna, William and Gracie from Gisborne Primary School are rugging to take part in World Environmental Day.

Scathing spoil

By Elsie Lange

The Victorian Ombud sman has condem the state’s environ ned mental handling of the dumpin regulator over the Project (WGTP) spoil g of West Gate Tunnel including the Hi-Qua into the western suburbs, lity site at Bulla. The report, tabled by Ombudsman Debora Glass in parliament h on Tuesday, May 31, says the Environment Protection Author ity (EPA) failed to properly engage with commu groups over the nity soil accountability, which disposa l, and lacked in turn increased concern. local

(Damjan Janevski) 283453_01

The kids at Gisborn e Primary School rugged up in their got jumpers and scarves and beanies, going without power for one hour to celebra te this year’s World Environment Day. For went without heating the hour, pupils gadgets on Monda , electricity and y, June 6, helping them to understand why it is important to be mindful of the planet we live on. William, a pupil at said some classes the school, even challenged themselves to do even hour without power. more than one “It was really fun because we had heater, so we could no bring our Oodies,” William said. World Environment Day is a United Nations initiative, and this year’s theme is #OnlyOneEath , calling for “collec tive, transformative action to celebrate, protect on a global scale and restore our planet”. Held annually since 1973, it is the largest day for the environment – from Gisborne to Stockh olm, has millions of people now the event from all over the world taking part. “The reason we did electricity and help this is to save the environment,” William said. Elsie Lange

findings

It also found the EPA had approved versions of Environ earlier “The EPA, ment Management (EMPs) with “deficie Plans process, cut as with all departments in this government pressur nt information” due to the commu out the community aspects, and e “to ‘fix’ problem nity aspect, in a well as overlooking large project, is s”, as the most important aspect,” the human rights of locals. Mr O’Neill said. However, the report “Everyt hing that said the EPA’s decision the EPA has done to approve EMPs now is overshadowed by for spoil disposa their failure and “environmenta lly l sound” and didn’t was incompetence to do the basics local communities of their role.” place Ms Glass launche at significant risk. d the investigation Sunbur y residen in August 2021 followi t and founder ng of the commu Sunbur y Agains nities near three sites concerns from t Toxic Soil Facebook Marsh in Bulla, Bacchus page Chris O’Neill and “unreasonable psychosaid the EPA had put by the EPA Ravenhall, which were approved for logical stress” on community. the WGTP, after the dumping of spoil from the the discove in the project’s ground ry of PFAS chemicals water.

“This failure to provide appropriate information and communities to particip opportunities for ate when making approva l decision its s for for the Project was sites to receive the spoil unreasonable,” Ms said. Glass “It also gave no specific consideration human rights, even though human rights to very much a focus were for affected commu who were worried nities, about the impact of PFAS on themselves and their waterways and wildlife children, as well as .”

Mary-Anne Thom as MP LA BOR MEMBER FO

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9 Goode Street, Gisborne

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16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

PUZZLES No. 087

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

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

4 9

Relating to animals (10) Plunges suddenly (9) Ground (7)

10 11 12 13

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

2 19

1 4 2 5 7 3 8 9 6

2 5 9 8 6 7 1 4 3

8 7 6 1 3 4 2 5 9

1 4 3 9 2 5 6 7 8

5 8 1 6 7 3 4 9 2

Today’s Aim: 9 words: Good 14 words: Very good

DENIM EERIE ELDER EMAIL EVOKE GEESE IDLED INANE LADED LEERY MARSH MEDIA MEMOS NAILS NEEDS NOOSE OCTAL OKRAS PASSE PURGE REBEL

4 LETTERS BYTE EATS EVIL NEST PANT REAR REEF REIN ROTE STIR 5 LETTERS ACRID ADAGE AGLOW ALIAS AREN’T AVERT DEARS

RODEO SAFER SASSY SEEPS SEWER SHRUB SIDED SINUS SIRES SKITE SLABS SPANS STAVE STORM TERSE THESE TRITE UNTIE USAGE YESES

6 LETTERS BLOWIE CEASES MESSES ORGIES SISTER STONED

8 LETTERS AUDITORS HERETICS MINIMISE MISREADS 10 LETTERS HEADMASTER TARPAULINS

7 LETTERS AMASSES FRAMING ICEBERG READIER REELECT WAVERED

01-07-22

No. 087 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

G R E T

W O R S T E M O T E B E A R S

A S P S

4 3 2 5 9 8 7 1 6

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

$ / , $ 6

input, ping, pining, pint, piny, pity, pitying, punting, tinny, tiny, tuning, tying, typing, unit, uniting, unity, unpin, UNPITYING, untying

9 6 7 4 1 2 3 8 5

3 8 6 9 5 7 1 2 4

6 1 4 3 5 9 8 2 7

7 9 8 2 4 6 5 3 1

1 5 2 3 4 8 7 9 6

2 9 4 8 6 5 3 1 7

7 3 8 2 9 1 6 4 5

A S

8 6 5 9 1 2 3 7 4

9 3 7 8 4 6 1 5 2

4 5 8 3 6 7 2 1 9

6 1 5 4 7 3 9 8 2

9 6 7 1 2 4 8 5 3

5 2 3 7 8 9 4 6 1

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”.

19 words: Excellent

7 9 6 1 2 5 4 8 3

2 1 3 4 8 9 5 6 7

5 2 4 6 9 1 7 3 8

3 7 9 2 5 8 6 4 1

6 8 1 7 3 4 9 2 5

8 4 1 5 3 6 2 7 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

hard

medium

easy

1 4 7

3 9

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EMN A V FW J X T QU L

7 1 5 3 4

5x5

B G K I Z R O Y S C P HD

Which of the following is not owned by News Corp Australia: The Herald Sun, The Australian, or The Guardian? Catherine O’Hara (pictured) plays which character on the Canadian TV series Schitt’s Creek?

True or false: 40 per cent of Australia is covered by dunes?

Which Labor politician served as Australia’s first openly LGBTI head of government?

Between the World and Me (2015) and The Water Dancer (2019) are books by which US author and journalist?

In what year was social media site LinkedIn created?

Who wrote and directed the 2020 psychological horror film I’m Thinking of Ending Things?

Maggie and Elsie Rigby make up which Melbourne folk group?

Which month derives its name from the Roman god of beginnings, transitions and endings?

10 Who or what were Tim Tams named after? ANSWERS: 1. The Guardian 2. Moira Rose 3. True 4. Andrew Barr 5. Ta-Nehisi Coates 6. 2003 7. Charlie Kaufman 8. The Maes 9. January 10. The 1958 Kentucky Derby winner

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No. 087

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medium

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

Crown (6) Fleet’s vessel traditionally bearing the commanding admiral (8) Witness (7) Ships (7) Skilled painter (3,6) Web auction site (4) Indestructible (10) Concept (4) Church recess (4) Self-centred (10) Subtle emanation (4) Uncertain (9) Having a small piece broken off (7) US musician, — Smith (7) Number in fluid mechanics, symbol Re (8) Knowledgeable (6)

10 11 12 13 15 17 19 20 23 25 27

Organ (5) Cut (6) Howler (5) Affectation (4) In a state of agitation (8) Reckoned (10) Docent (8) Filmmakers (9) Indigenous politician, — Bonner (7) Greek poet, born in Lesbos (6) Concord (5) Ceased (5) Cicatrice (4)

5 6 7 8 9 14 16 18 21

ACROSS 1 4

No. 087

7 5 , 7 (

QUICK CROSSWORD

6 $ 6 6 <

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

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Mitsubishi Outlander 2012 - 2021 USED CAR CHECKOUT Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Mitsubishi Outlander is larger than average for its SUV class and can be ordered with five or seven seats. It’s been on sale Downunder since February 2003, in this Checkout we will cover models from January 2012 as these are noticeably more refined than earlier ones. On-road the Mitsubishi Outlander is capable and generally quiet and comfortable to ride in. Some owners complain about the amount of tyre noise on coarse-chip roads, others say they don’t really notice it. Styling was conservative in these 2012 Outlanders, that is until the April 2015 facelift when it received a striking version of the Mitsubishi’s Diamond Shield front as well as revisions to its tail treatment. In January 2017 Outlander gained a better on-road ride thanks to significant changes to the suspension, some of them based on Australian engineering feedback. It still kept its off-road ability and owners we know have done several moderately serous bush trips with no problems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto got tech updates in that 2017 upgrades. Safety items were again revised. Inside Outlander, there’s space for two adults and three children with good legroom and head space. Three adults can be carried in the back seat, but may find themselves being on the squeezy side. The optional third-row seat is strictly for small kids and, even then, isn’t particularly comfortable. It steals most of the luggage area, but that’s not unusual in this class. Powertrains are 2.0-litre petrol in the 2WD. Transmissions are five-speed manual and CVT automatic. The AWD models have a 2.4-litre petrol to provide more grunt if taken

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander; 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV; and 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander.

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Budget on spending from $5000 to $9000 for a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander LS; $8000 to $13,000 for a 2013 LS Limited; $11,000 to $17,000 for a 2013 Aspire; $14,000 to $19,000 for a 2015 LS; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2017 LS Safety Pack; $18,000 to $25,000 for a 2016 XLS; $23,000 to $31,000 for 2017 LS PHEV; and $29,000 to $39,000 for a 2018 Exceed PHEV or a 2020 Exceed.

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Listen for noises and feel for a reluctance to go into gear. Look over the interior for signs of rough use, particularly in the back seats if kids have run amok. We have had some reports of touchscreens that don’t react correctly or become dim at times.

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Outlander is well-built and generally reliable but, as always, we recommend a professional inspection after you’ve done initial checks. Though it’s nominally a 4WD few Outlanders are taken off road so if you see any signs of body damage – check the lower corners of the bumpers and the door sills – it’s probably best to look for another one. A powerplant that’s reluctant to start when cold, or which hesitates at any time is a cause for concern. Check the front of the petrol engine for water stains indicating possible water pump troubles. We have heard of a few problems in early continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). During your test drive the transmission should be quiet and smooth. If unsure, have a Mitsubishi mechanic check it out. Manual gearboxes should be light and smooth in operation. When they eventually wear out, the change down from third to second is usually the first to give trouble.

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Subaru’s ‘Rex’ won’t disappoint By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Subaru WRX, often tagged as the “Rex”, is high-performance machine that’s been a longtime favourite with Australian drivers since it first arrived Downunder in 1994. The latest model is offered as a sedan and station wagon. It comes in four variants: base, RS, GT and tS, and two engine/transmission combinations. Our test car was the GT Sportwagon and we thoroughly enjoyed our week’s road test as it operates in all conditions in the country or the city with not only stunning performance but quite good comfort that makes it suited to family transport as well as a semi-track machine if you want to take to a driver’s day at a racing facility near you. Subaru service intervals for the latest WRX are now at 12 months/15,000 km. Up from the six months/12,500 km on the previous models.

Pumped up guards and the air intake on the top of the bonnet give a purposeful look to the new GT Sportwagon.

Infotainment Styling Pumped up guards and the air intake that sits on the top of the bonnet - thankfully not underneath and out of sight as was stupidly tried a few years back. Cladding garnishes that run all the way around the car are finished in a honeycomb texture and are said to minimise the disruption of air around the vehicle and therefore improving stability.

WRX’s infotainment system is controlled through a portrait 11.6-inch touchscreen that’s easy to see and use. You can use voice commands to operate the system but, as is too often the way, they don’t always get the message correctly. A six-speaker sound system is standard in the lower cost models. The WRX RS and tS sedan models have a a premium 10-speaker Harman/Kardon setup. We certainly enjoyed the quality of sound in our test car.

Interior The second row is reasonably spacious and comfortable thanks to the increased size of the new model compared to the previous WRXs. Subaru claims there’s increased space in the back thanks to its slightly larger dimensions over the outgoing model. As is often the way they are better suited to two people than three. Unless the driver is very tall and/or likes their seat set well back in which case the person behind them might find legroom is fairly tight. WRX Sportswagon 492 litres of cargo space with all seats in use. This increases to 909 litres with the second-row seats folded down in 40:20:40. There’s a temporary spare wheel under the boot floor.

Engines / Transmissions The engine is a 2.4-litre flat-four ‘boxer’ unit and drives through all four wheels by way of a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. In CVT models a variable torque distribution centre differential has a nominal split of 45:55 biased towards to the rear wheels. The split can be altered depending on drive modes selected, with the WRX’s Sport settings have a rear-wheel bias.

Safety Airbags cover both rows of occupants and there are IsoFix child seat mounts on the outboard rear seats.

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE WRX sedan: $44,990 (manual), $48,990 (automatic) WRX RS sedan: $50,490 (manual), $54,490 (automatic) WRX tS sedan: $56,990 (automatic) WRX Sportswagon: $49,990 (automatic) WRX GT Sportswagon: $55,490 (automatic) WRX tS Sportswagon: $57,990 (automatic)

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

Standard features across the complete range include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist and a rear-view camera. For some odd reason those with a manual gearbox don’t have autonomous emergency braking and emergency steering. We feel this may come in the future as Subaru has long had an emphasis on safety.

Driving The new 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder

(Pictures: Supplied)

engine is pretty linear in its delivery and is delightful to sit behind. It’s happy to rev to close to its redline but we found it better to change a couple of hundred revs lower because it still drivers plenty of punch thank to the wide torque spread. Subaru says the WRX will use 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres of 95 RON petrol on the combined cycle. We averaged between nine and eleven litres per hundred around town and in the suburbs. This dropped to six to seven litres on easy paced country running. If you want to have a fang in the country - and of course you do! - it’s not too bad at nine to ten litres. Thanks to its four-wheel drive system the WRX Sportwagon is exceptional in its cornering. The chassis is nicely balanced and the steering wheel offers good feedback. Analogue dials with a relatively small driver-display screen which can toggle through various driving data as well as route guidance.

Summing Up With its affordable price and sharp performance the Subaru WRX has been a favourite of Australian drivers for more than two decades. This latest version is unlikely to dampen our enthusiasm one little bit.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Woodley’s future looks bright By Tara Murray Calder Cannons’ Heidi Woodley’s season was left in tatters following an injury in round one. Her focus was on getting back on the field, not what might come later in the season and the possibility of being drafted. But with plenty of support from her family and the Cannons, Woodley could be among those to hear their names called out on Wednesday night at the AFLW draft. Woodley said there were plenty of mixed emotions ahead of the draft. She has spoken to a number of clubs in the past few weeks. “I’m a bit nervous and very excited at the same time,” she said. “I’ve been just trying to compose my nerves and stuff and keeping a level head around what could happen and what couldn’t happen.” Woodley said the support from the Cannons, especially coach Ross Smith, had put her in the position she finds herself in heading into the draft. She said Smith spoke about what she could achieve and drove her to strive to be better. “The support from the Cannons and Ross had really helped me. “I was injured in round one and it was a bit of a downer. I was back in round seven for the Tassie game and I was happy with the end of my season. “I didn’t have any idea about the Vic Metro team. Ross was pushing for me to get in there and gave me a little bit of hope. “But I still didn’t think it would happen.” Smith would be right and Woodley was named in the Vic Metro squad. She played two games at the national championships. Woodley said she was grateful for the opportunity. “It was good to play with the top players in the country,” she said. “It was a massive step up from the NAB League.

Heidi Woodley playing for Vic Metro. (AFL Photos)

“I did pretty well despite not knowing many of the other girls. I played my role as a forward quite well.” Woodley, who sees herself as a mid-forward, was then selected for the all-star game against the AFL NAB Academy. She was then selected to attend the draft combine. The flu, which left her bed ridden,

meant that she couldn’t test. If she is drafted, Woodley won’t be the first person in her family to play at the highest level. Her grandfather, Allan Woodley, played 130 games for Hawthorn in the 1950s and 1960s, and won the Hawks best and fairest in 1959. “My grandfather, who played for Hawthorn, has played a huge part in my journey.”

Woodley said while getting drafted was the dream, she had plans for what lies next with her football if it doesn’t happen for her. “I’d be keen to go back to the Cannons and captain the side if I don’t get picked up.” The draft is being held at 7pm on June 29. To find out whether Woodley or any other locals have been drafted, head to www.starweekly.com.au.

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Collingwood player is currently being plagued by a series of off-field scandals?

4. In which European city is the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships currently being held until 3 July?

12. Which team did the Golden State Warriors defeat to win the 2022 NBA Championship?

2. Which big-hitting batsman is looking for a new BBL team after his contract was not renewed by the Brisbane Heat for next season?

5. Which French EPL soccer player famously kicked a spectator, kung-fu style, in 1995 after being verbally abused?

13. In their series versus the West Indies, which national cricket team became the first to record six ducks in an innings in back-to-back Test cricket matches?

3. Which Formula One team has won the last six Grands Prix after another victory in Montreal in Canada?

6. After 14 rounds, which Carlton forward is leading the AFL’s Coleman Medal for most goals? 7. Which Swedish player did US tennis player Jim Courier defeat in his two Australian Open final wins in the early 1990s? 8. Against which country did England pile on a record 4/498 in a recent One Day International match? 9. And in this match, which English batsman smashed 162 from 70 balls in the onslaught? 10. Kiwi racing driver Brendon Hartley won which famous motor racing event for the third time in June 2022? 11. A visa issue prevented two-time world champion Tyler Wright from competing in a women’s World Surf League event in which country?

14. Which Australian Basketball Hall Of Fame member is the latest to be elevated to Legend status? 15. Which Australian Basketball Hall Of Fame member came out of a nine-year international retirement to join the Opals’ squad for the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup? 16. What trophy will the winner of Australia v England rugby union Test series be awarded now that the Cook Cup has been retired? 17. Which former middledistance runner is the president of World Athletics (the international governing body for the sport of athletics)?

Tyler Wright 20. The Australian pair of Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock defeated a duo from Wales to win the PDC World Cup of which sport? 21. What two AFL teams traditionally played on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday? 22. Which NBA team had the first pick in the 2022 Draft? 23. Which national team did Australia defeat 94-63 to win the 2022 FIBA U16 Asian Championship?

18. Which Australian state capital hosted the 2022 Super Netball Grand Final?

24. Which Australian cricketer scored 99 in their recent fourth One Day International against Sri Lanka?

19. How many new teams will join the NRLW competition in 2023?

25. What position do the intials TE refer to in American football?

26. The Melbourne Vixens played which team in the 2022 Super Netball Preliminary Final? 27. Which company owns soccer teams in Salzburg, New York and Leipzig? 28. Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matt Stafford played 12 seasons with which NFL team? 29. Ty Cobb is a Hall of Fame player in which sport? 30. What sport will feature at the 2022 Commonwealth Games for the first time since 1998?

Brendon Hartley 0107

1. Jordan De Goey 2. Chris Lynn 3. Red Bull 4. Budapest 5. Eric Cantona 6. Charlie Curnow 7. Stefan Edberg 8. Netherlands 9. Jos Buttler 10. 24 Hours of Le Mans race 11. Brazil 12. Boston Celtics 13. Bangladesh 14. Andrew Gaze 15. Lauren Jackson 16. Ella-Mobbs Trophy 17. Sebastian Coe 18. Perth 19. Four 20. Darts 21. Melbourne and Collingwood 22. Orlando Magic 23. Japan 24. David Warner 25. Tight End 26. GIANTS Netball 27. Red Bull 28. Detroit Lions 29. Baseball 30. Cricket Tuesday, 28 June, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

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Jets fine tune in lead up to finals With a finals berth already secured the Sunbury Jets are keen to fine tune things in the back part of the Big V men’s state championship season. The Jets sit atop the table with just one loss after 14 rounds and have put together some good basketball. While happy with how things have gone, coach John White knows there’s still work to be done. “The guys have been great in terms of what we’ve been putting together at practice and putting out on the floor,” he said. “We’ve been doing it without a full squad for the entire season, which has been even more impressive. “We’ll look to keep it going.” White said they were hopeful they would have their full side available in the next couple of weeks, having not had the whole 12 available at one time so far. Trevor Clayton has missed the last few weeks, while Nathan Baker has been out with a broken foot.

White said the loss of Baker, who hasn’t played since round five, had been a big one. “The more players available the better,” he said. “Nathan is only a couple of weeks away. He was playing such a major role and we have really missed him. “It will take him a couple of weeks to get his mojo back and slot back in where he left off, but the other guys have stepped up and taken a lot of the load. “Guys have got good opportunities and we’ve come together as a squad and got the job done. We’ve had different starting lines and different rotations.” With some big wins on the board as well, most of the squad has managed to get some good court time. White said he had been impressed by teenagers Ned Caldwell and Bayley Lattenstein, who had made the most of their chances when they’ve got them.

Caldwell is part of the Jets normal 12 man squad, while Lattenstein has combined playing in the men’s and youth league men’s teams. The Jets were set to face the McKinnon Cougars on Sunday, after deadline. The Cougars entered the match sitting in fourth spot. White said their focus was continuing to prepare for finals. “We have secured a finals berth this year,” he said. “We want to maintain home court advantage. “We haven’t played our best basketball yet. We’ve played it in patches, but come play offs, it will be more physical. “We want to build consistency and hopefully secure home court advantage for the finals and stay on top of the ladder.” The Jets’ women’s side faced ladder leaders Wyndham on Saturday night, after deadline. Tara Murray

Akok making his mark By Tara Murray When Ben Akok stood between the goals for Riddell District Football League senior match between the Western Rams and Romsey on Saturday, it was a special occasion. Akok, who is in his second season of umpiring, was making his senior debut. As well as being new to umpiring, Akok has cerebral palsy. “I’m very excited to be umpiring my first senior match, before being told that I will be umpiring a senior match it did not come to mind at all so I was not expecting it,” he said before the match. “I’m looking forward to it. “When I was a kid being an AFL umpire is one of the many things that I said I wanted to do and last year I found a Facebook post by the AFL on becoming an umpire. I filled out the online form and few days after got an email from Riddell Umpires inviting me to training and welcoming me to the team.” Before getting involved in umpiring he had only been involved in football twice. He played at half time of an AFL match in 2011 and played one year in an interschool sport game in secondary college. Akok said his biggest challenge was the pressure he put on himself to make sure he gets everything right. He said his cerebral palsy meant he had to concentrate more than others do with umpiring. “Due to my poor balance I need to use more mental energy than others to make sure I don’t fall when moving between the posts,” he said. “Sometimes I’m moving slower and getting tired faster than others but I’ve seen a big improvement in myself compared to when I first started.” Akok said he wanted to go as high as he could with umpiring as he could and said he could see himself umpiring in the AFL in the future. He encouraged other people to get involved in umpiring. “I see no limit [to what I achieve], I just need to put in the work,” he said. “Not only do I see myself as a role model for people with different abilities in just getting involved in umpiring, but I believe I’m a role model to everybody as I know anyone can do and achieve anything no matter their ability or where they come from. It all starts with believing in themselves first.” Riddell Umpires president Addam Icely said Akok had really taken to umpiring and they were proud of what he had done so far. “Ben arrived for pre-season in 2021 after registering his interest on the AFL Vic website,” Icely said “He was very keen to learn and was able to learn at a rapid rate. Ben’s development improved to the point in early 2021, goals coach Richard Patterson approached me stating given

Ben Akok.

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 June, 2022

(Supersport Images)

Tigers are on the improve Lancefield is hoping to rattle a few sides in the run home in the Riddell District Netball League. The Tigers have a win and a draw after 10 rounds, but continue to improve each week. Tigers coach Michelle Rix said the vibe amongst the side and the club as a whole was really good. “We’re plugging away and there’s improvement each week,” she said. “We’re ecstatic with what the girls are doing. We’ve got one win and one draw, but that’s not our major focus. “That’s development and growth.” Rix said the development the side had made was on show against Macedon, which had lost just one game. While the Tigers lost 62-44, the first half showed that they are on the right track. “When we played Macedon we were two goals down at half time,” she said. “It was really amazing. An injury changed the dynamic and showed the improvement the girls had made. “They were buzzing coming off the court at half time. “Last year we did a similar thing with Riddell. The second time we play a big team, it helps. “The young girls now know what they’re up against.” One of the keys to the Tigers’ improvement was the shooting circle. With Jordan Furness ruled out early in the season, the combination of Tarnee Hammond and Darcee Ellard has been in the circle. Hammond sits second in the competition for goals scored, behind Macedon star Chloe Williams. “They are two local girls who are doing a lot of hard work,” Rix said. “We’re really happy with that combination. Darcee can still play in under-19s and Tarnee has come out of under-19s. “Hopefully we can keep them around and they can learn new structures and develop and help us be more competitive. “For Tarnee to be second in goals for someone so young is amazing. She’s shooting really well and at a good percentage.” The Tigers were set to play Woodend-Hesket on Saturday, after deadline.

(Supplied)

Ben’s rapid improvement, he wanted to put Ben in a game and the rest as they say is history. “Ben is always eager to continue to improve

Ish Sanders.

and learn his craft on the training track. He always has a beaming smile on his face and is much loved amongst his colleagues.”

Weakened Bulldogs sneak home against Tigers Gisborne was able to weather illness, holidays and injury to come away with an important win against Kyneton in the Bendigo Netball League on Saturday. The Bulldogs were already without Melbourne Vixens training partner Jordan Cransberg, but were hit with a further blow with Claudia Mawson hurting her ankle the previous round and a number of other players out across all the grades. Despite this and with a completely different shooting circle, they were able to beat local rivals, the Tigers, 43-37. Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said it had been a bit of struggle across all the grades with numbers on Saturday. “We were just grateful to get the win,” she said. “The weekend was a tough one and we were short across all the grades with school holidays, sickness and people away.

“Our under-17s had five players and we had to shuffle things to get on the court.” In the A-grade side, the Bulldogs were without Cransberg and Mawson, while Rhylee Connell was away at a wedding. It meant Alexandra Russ and Olivia Floreani had to come up from A-reserve to fill the shooting circle. Russ had only just been promoted to A-reserve, having started the season in B-grade. Rymer said while it took a bit to get used to a different combination, the girls did a really good job. “They were really impressive and made the jump up,” she said. “They were a bit nervous, but I can’t complain about the job they did.” Rymer said the match was a good test, with Kyneton keeping themselves in the game. “The game could have gone either way,” she said.

“We had our opportunities to put our foot down at times, but Kyneton kept bringing it back. “We are just happy to get the win.” The win cements the Bulldogs spot in third, with a number of teams not far behind. Kyneton sits in sixth, but is three and half games outside the top five. The Bulldogs have a bye this week, with Rymer said it had come at a good time. The following week they face Castlemaine. She said they were hoping the Mawson might be back, while Cransberg’s Melbourne Vixen commitments would also be over. Rymer said they had been hit hard with ankle injuries this year. “It’s the perfect time for the bye with school holidays.” she said. The Tigers this week face Strathfieldsaye. Alexandra Russ takes the ball strongly.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Bulldogs tame Tigers

EDFL Rupertswood lost a thriller to Roxburgh Park in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition. Having knocked over Airport West in the previous round, the Sharks had another tough test against the Magpies. The Sharks led by 34 points at quarter time but the margin was just eight points at three quarter time. Five goals to three in the final term would give the Magpies the 15.10 (100)-13.13 (91) win. Meanwhile it was a high scoring affair between the Sunbury Kangaroos and Hillside. After leading by 20 points at half time, the Sharks ran away with a 23.16 (154)-17.9 (111) win.

By Tara Murray There was plenty of heat as arch rivals Gisborne and Kyneton went head-to-head in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. With the Bulldogs sitting on top and the Tigers coming into the match on the back of six straight wins, this was one of the most anticipated matches between the sides in years. It was the Bulldogs that set the tone early, with seven first quarter goals. Both sides piled on the goals in the second quarter as the Bulldogs maintained the lead. The second half was a lot tighter with not as much scoring, with the damage already done, the Bulldogs won 18.11 (119)-9.6 (60). Bulldogs coach Rob Waters said they were keen to make a statement, after losing their first match of the season the previous round. “It was a good win against a good team,” he said. “We had a strong first quarter which was pleasing to have after a poor performance to run away with it. “We spoke to the boys at the break and said the challenge would come hard and we would have to withstand that phase. “Slow them down and keep control of the year. We had a few younger players in and it was exceptional for a young side.” The match was fiery at times, with tempers flaring in the middle two quarters. Waters said they’re arch rivals for a reason and there was a lot on the line. “All the boys pulled up fine,” he said. “A couple of boys got knocks and blood noses and we told them to wear them with pride.” Josh Kemp kicked six goals for the Bulldogs, while Luke Ellings chipped in with three goals. Macklan Lord, Ellings and Flynn Lakey were named their best. For the Tigers, Angus Nolte and Ryan Pretty kicked two goals each. Frazer Driscoll and Guy Dickson were named their best. The win cements the Bulldogs spot on top of the ladder, a game clear of Strathfieldsaye. The Tigers sit in fourth spot. Waters said the pleasing thing for the side was to get the win despite missing several key players. Jaidyn Owen, Pat McKenna and Braidon Blake were all outs from the previous round. “It’s pleasing to see the development,” Waters said. “For the club to lose some quality players and those guys to come in and play a role for us was really pleasing.” The Bulldogs this week have a bye, before facing Castlemaine the week after. Water said the bye came at a perfect time. “Our second bye of the year and we get a bit of a break and reset for the second half of the

(Joe

Mastroianni). 285812_01

FV Sunbury United has slipped to fourth in the FV state league 3 north-west season. United faced Fawkner in a crucial match on Friday night, with both teams in the fight for second spot. Fawkner scored in the opening half, before United levelled in the 77th minute. Fawkner would score the winner in the 87th minute, winning 2-1. In state league 4 west, Gisborne beat Truganina Hornets, 1-0 to keep in touch with the top sides.

Big V The Sunbury Jets upset ladder leaders Wyndham in the Big V women’s state championship on Saturday night. The Jets did all the damage in the first half, leading by 15 points at the main break. The second half was a lot closer, with just one point separating the two sides. The Jets got the win, 78-64. Maria Jespersen had 35 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

Ballarat FL The Sunbury Lions went agonisingly close to pulling off an upset against East Point in the Ballarat Football League. The Lions jumped out of the blacked and led by 29 points at quarter time. They still led at three quarter time, but the margin was back to 10 points. East Point kicked five goals to two in the final term to get the 12.15 (87)-11.8 (74) win. Jake Sutton and Tyson Lever were the Lions best. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Gisborne’s Luke Ellings marks.

(Joe Mastroianni). 285811_01

year. “We will get a few back, but some of those guys who came in put in some really good

performances and it will mean some hard decisions.” The Tigers this week face Strathfieldsaye.

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

Tuesday, 28 June, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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