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Kids’ creepy crawly tales

Chris Humfrey’s Creepy Crawlies will be released in late July. (Supplied: Buzz Group)

In his latest book, Macedon Ranges zoologist, TV presenter and author Chris Humfrey wants to teach kids that when it comes to amazing animals and wildlife, Australia has it all. ‘Chris Humfrey’s Creepy Crawlies’ invites readers to take a look at the beguiling world of Australia’s invertebrate creatures. “There are thousands of them here in Australia if you know where to look. With just a magnifying glass and some gloves, you can safely explore your own backyard and find fascinating creatures,” Humfrey says. He thinks invertebrates don’t get the attention they deserve, even though they play an integral part in looking after the environment. “In a healthy world, all animals are interconnected and vital for harmony and balance, including invertebrates and ourselves,” Humfrey says. “We just wouldn’t survive in the long-term without them, so let’s not forget about the bizarre, unusual and sometimes dangerous creatures too.” ‘Chris Humfrey’s Creepy Crawlies’ is published by New Holland Publishers, available in August.

Sunbury’s housing jump By Elsie Lange Sunbury’s growth in house prices is bucking metropolitan Melbourne trends, according to recent data, and it could be down to its “balanced” rural living coupled with proximity to the city. June data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) showed Sunbury’s median house prices soared 5.9 per cent compared to the previous quarter – while the rest of metropolitan Melbourne experienced a 2.9 decrease. The median cost of units went up too – by 11.8 per cent, while median metropolitan unit

prices decreased 1.3 per cent. Raine & Horne Sunbury branch manager Brendon Grech said the reason house prices were increasing was because of the demand for “good value”. “It’s only 45 minutes to the [central business district] of Melbourne and offers a both metro but balanced rural lifestyle with easy access to everything,” Mr Grech said. He said in his experience, people were less inclined to live in the “hustle and bustle” of Melbourne’s inner suburbs, but want to be close enough so it’s “commutable”. “Sunbury’s unique, in the sense that if you want to live that metropolitan quiet life …

you can, but it also offers a good offers in a quiet lifestyle, so if you want to know your neighbours, want the community and the involvement, you’ve still got that too,” Mr Grech said. While metropolitan prices were down, Sunbury’s increase is reflective of a broader trend of an exodus to suburbs more than 20 kilometres from the city – annual growth for outer Melbourne houses has grown by 12.6 per cent. REIV president Richard Simpson said Melbourne had recorded an “over 23 per cent increase in home prices over the last two years”.

“The market remains strong, especially across regional Victoria,” Mr Simpson said. “As expected, we saw a slight decrease in metro Melbourne as the market adapts to the current rising interest rate environment.” In line with the increase in median real estate prices in regional Victoria, Riddells Creek experienced a 9 per cent increase in house prices in the June quarter – well above the 1.3 per cent increase across the board. However, Gisborne’s median unit prices took a plunge – down 9 per cent compared to the 2.8 per cent increase in median unit prices across regional Victoria.

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Concern over Lancefield complex By Elsie Lange A proposal for a 12-dwelling development in Lancefield is causing concern among residents who fear it could damage the “character” of the town. The proposed development sits on Main Road in Lancefield, near Lancefield Lodge, and neighbour Elaine Montalto believes “once high density developments are allowed to take off in small country towns, they won’t stop”. “Developments like this don’t just affect the surrounding properties, it affects the character

of the entire town,” Ms Montalto said. Ms Montalto said she’d spoken with other neighbours who shared her concerns about the proposal, in which there are “provisions for 26 cars”, 12 three-bedroom dwellings and a new proposed driveway. “This does not take into consideration there is likely to be more than two visitors for 12 dwellings,” Ms Montalto said. The application is currently being advertised on the property at Main Road, with submissions closing on July 22. Macedon Ranges council will then review the objections

and submissions. Alexandrou & Associates Pty Ltd is listed as the applicant for the planning permit currently on display at the property. The applicant, Michael Alexandrou, declined to comment. Another neighbour, Sharny Smith, said her initial thoughts were, “this is not what we moved to Lancefield for”. “We moved from Westmeadows to Lancefield because we wanted space, because we wanted a decent backyard because we wanted not to be cramped in right next to people,” Ms Smith said.

Rallying around to help Tim’s fight

“[In] this proposed build … their building will be two metres from our fence, and ours [is] three metres from our fence. So potentially, [it’s] going to look right into my children’s bedrooms. “Which is concerning, and is not what we signed up for when we came to Lancefield.” Long-time resident Ms Montalto remembered a “similar” application about 10 years ago for the development of 10 dwellings on the same strip, which she said was rejected by council and later rejected by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Independent party for west

When 23-year-old Tim Trewin found out about his cancer in his thymus, his first thoughts were of his family. The Sunbury resident was diagnosed with Thymic Carcinoma earlier this year, which is a rare form of the disease. It became metastatic, and spread to his upper skeleton. While it is treatable, it is incurable, and he and his mother, father and sister have a long road ahead. But even now he said he’s thankful. “My functionality is great for someone who has cancer, I’m grateful for the time I spend with family,” he said. Some days are more painful than others, and the chemotherapy has been hard on his body too. It’s not surprising Tim’s mind went to others before he thought of himself – his dad, Shane, has dedicated 18 years of his life volunteering with Sunbury Country Fire Authority. Both Tim’s parents are struggling with work since the diagnosis. To help them through this time, Tim’s aunt Narelle started a GoFundMe pahe, with a goal of raising $50,000 so the family can focus on their boy. So far, they’ve raised more than $12,000. “This fundraiser is to give Tim’s beautiful family the ability to focus on being there for him every step of the way,” Narelle said. “The funds will importantly lessen Tim’s worries for his family and the financial impact, it will assist with caregiving needs, medical expenses and will also help alleviate ongoing financial demands.” Narelle said she hoped the fundraiser would give Tim the chance to keep living life the way he wants to, to make “more precious memories”. Tim said he hoped to keep doing the things he loved, and encouraged everyone to do the same. “Take advantage of your health, take advantage of everything in everyday life. Even now, I still feel grateful, even though I’m not as healthy as other people,” he said. Details: https://bit.ly/3RLPgo2.

Western Metropolitan MP Catherine Cumming has convened a new party for independents ahead of the state election. After launching the campaign to reach 500 members of the Independence Party about a week ago, she reached the goal within five days. Dr Cumming said the number of independent MPs who won seats in the state election showed her the potential for independent MPs to win seats in the federal election. “It’s been in my mind for a few years now,” she said. The Western Metropolitan region covers the Sunbury District. Dr Cumming said she would wait for another week before officially submitting the registration for the party. “I feel like it was a good response,“ she said. “I have another 10 days to go.” Dr Cumming said the aim of the party was to ensure the west was not neglected. “In the west, we are ignored,” she said. “All the lower house seats are Labor. They have forgotten the west for a long time.” Dr Cumming said the party’s outlook would also be to provide people who are feeling “politically homeless” with a representative with a local voice and the opportunity to have a say. “All members are allowed to have a conscious vote,” she said. Dr Cumming said one of the party’s goals would be to advocate for an inquiry into the state government’s expenditure during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We want to know where the money has actually gone,” she said. “There seems to be a lot of waste”. Details: independenceparty.com.au Matthew Sims

Elsie Lange

Timothy Trewin (right) with his dad Shane, sister Cindy and mum Paula.

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Lessons to learn in First Nations walking history State and local government representatives last week visited the Upper Coliban Reservoir to see recent upgrades, which celebrate First Nations history and geography of the area. The upgrades included the construction of a new shelter, known as a Mayam, and a walking trail, called Djangi Walendjak. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was “wonderful” for Macedon Ranges locals and visitors to be able to go and learn. The site features paths and landscaping adjacent to the spillway, as well as interpretive signage telling stories and sharing knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples. According to a government statement, the site also features black glass incorporated into the concrete slab, “to represent the tachylite mine that was submerged by the formation of the reservoir”. “Tachylite is a rock that was used by Dja Dja Wurrung peoples for making flaked stone tools,” the statement said. Djandak, a subsidiary of Djaara – formerly the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation – designed the Mayam using traditional shapes, also incorporating natural materials and landscaping. “Local sandstone and bluestone has also been used in the landscaping and local timbers used as structural beams in the shelters and toilets,” the statement said. “The plants have been selected due to their traditional significance to the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples through their use as food and fibre plants.” Coliban Water partnered with Djaara in the upgrade, and Ms Thomas said it was “another great example of two corporations working together to acknowledge Indigenous history and culture in the region”.

Briefs Progress at Gap Road A lot has been happening down at Gap Road in Sunbury. Workers have now dug underneath the new rail bridge, and are more than halfway through removing 25,000 cubic metres of soil. Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) said once the soil is removed, work will begin on the new section of Gap Road to run under the bridge. The bridge deck is complete, trains are running and overhead power and signalling infrastructure is back between the level crossing the Sunbury Station. Buses will replace trains between Sunshine and Sunbury stations from 9pm, Saturday, August 13 to last service Tuesday, August 23 for major works.

Call for forest firefighters

Upgrades at Upper Coliban Reservoir celebrate First Nations history. (Supplied)

Djandak Enterprise economic development general manager Steve Jackson said the Coliban River and surrounding areas were significant for the Dja Dja Wurrung people. “This project has been a great opportunity to have Djandak staff on Country building this important infrastructure,” Mr Jackson said. Coliban Water managing director Damian Wells said the corporation “loved partnering on country with Djaara”. “To ensure that their history and culture is visible in the landscape so that we may all learn and share understanding,” he said.

The state government wants to recruit 300 forest firefighters ahead of the upcoming fire season, with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas describing it as a “great employment opportunity”. Three hundred project firefighters will be recruited to work with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), with the government encouraging Victorians who to apply. In a statement, the government said the new positions are for a range of seasonal roles including “general firefighters, fire support officers and rappel crews”. Applications close on July 31. Details: ffm.vic.gov.au or call 136 186. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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

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Sustainability group urges action the story of “crisis and decline” in the country’s environment. “And of a decade of government inaction and wilful ignorance,” she said. The 2021 report covers 12 thematic chapters: Antarctica, Air Quality, Biodiversity, Coasts, Extreme Events, Climate, Heritage, Indigenous, Inland Water, Land, Marine and Urban. “Indigenous knowledge and connections to Country are vital for sustainability and healing Australia,” the report said. “Indigenous people have cared for Country across generations, yet Indigenous knowledge and world view are rarely incorporated, valued or accessed by non-Indigenous environmental management.”

resources to manage and protect our precious environment and preserve the biodiversity of animals, plants and insects which is acutely stressed and threatened by the destabilised climate,” Dr Gormley-O’Brien said. He said the recent establishment of the Cobaw Biolink, a network of native vegetation linking Macedon Regional Park with the Cobaw Forest, was an “excellent example” of the steps that need to be taken to protect the planet. Though it completed by scientists last year, the report’s release was held back by the former government until after the federal election. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the report was a “shocking“ document that told

Sunbury’s Elsie Grundy turns 100

Living local fund now open

Sunbury’s Elsie Grundy turned 100 years old this month, and she said she was “feeling happy”. Born in West Ham, London, she lived there for 20 years with her family before being bombed during World War II, forcing them to move to another British town called Bedham. There, she began working in a factory making motor shells, and met her future husband, Eric, at a dance soon after the war. They had one child, Mark. In 1963, Elsie’s life took a turn when her husband died. She was left to look after her elderly father, and bring up an 11-year-old boy. Following her son to Australia, Elsie settled in St Albans in the 1980s. She did ballroom dancing, loving big bands and swing. Now, she has three grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. She said her secrets to a long life were to “pray to God every day, and do good”. Independent and full of grace, Elsie is well loved at her nursing home Calvary Goonawarra. Elsie said it was “being happy, making friends and [loving] everyone” which brought her joy. Hume councillor Jarrod Bell visited the nursing home last week to wish Elsie a happy birthday. “It was special to hear from her son Mark the stories of her life and the changes she has seen in her time from her work during the war and her emigration to Australia from the UK,” Cr Bell said. “Happy 100th birthday Elsie.” Elsie Lange

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Sunbury’s Elsie Grundy has turned 100 years old. (Supplied)

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has announced the state government’s Living Local Fund is now open for councils and community organisations to apply for support. The $20 million fund is for a range of projects, including improving public spaces and streetscapes across the state. Ms Thomas said it was “great” for towns to have the chance to upgrade their shared areas “to bring communities together”. “The Living Local Fund is a great initiative to provide the infrastructure and equipment that our communities need, while supporting local jobs and the economy,” Ms Thomas said. In a statement, the government said the fund is part of an initiative designed to ensure local towns in the Macedon electorate have what they need to thrive. Through the fund, local councils and community organisations can apply for two types of grants. For infrastructure projects, grants between $20,000 and $200,000 will be available to fund projects like new playgrounds, community gardens, splash pads, art and community halls. Grants between $2000 and $20,000 will also be available for community organisations and councils to do minor refurbishments and buy new equipment. “The Fund is designed to support a wide range of locally led projects and equipment purchases for community organisations to improve livability,” the government said. Applications close on Sunday, August 14. Details: djpr.vic.gov.au/living-local.

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Climate change, habitat loss, invasive species and resource extraction are to blame for the “poor and deteriorating” health of Australia’s environment, according to a recently-released government report, and the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG) wants to see action locally. The State of the Environment report, penned by independent scientists from across the country, found “changing environmental conditions mean that many species and ecosystems are increasingly threatened”. Authored by Professor Emma Johnstone, Dr Terri Janke and Dr Ian Cresswell, the

far-reaching report states that any inability to properly manage pressures on the environment will continue species extinction and damage ecosystems, and therefore society and economy. The report said that resourced, innovative and renewed action on the environment could “turn things around”, as the country lacked a framework to deliver “holistic” environmental management. MRSG president David Gormley-O’Brien said while it was imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, it was “not enough”. “Closer to home, in the Macedon Ranges, we need to draw upon science, Indigenous experience, local knowledge and government

By Elsie Lange

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Gathering for homeless awareness By Elsie Lange There are more than 116,000 people experiencing homelessness in Australia on any given night, and a local health organisation is inviting you to a soup kitchen during Homelessness Week to raise awareness. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH), who help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, is inviting people to come and be a part of a community lunch in Kyneton on Tuesday, August 2. Homelessness Week runs from August 1 to 7, with an aim to educate people about what

homelessness looks like and how they can make a difference. Homelessness is varied and each experience is unique – from rough sleeping to couch surfing, to sleeping in cars or tents. SCCH housing team leader Kate Weston said there were only about 45 public housing properties across the whole of the Macedon Ranges. “These have long-term tenants in and only one or two become vacant each year,” she said. “In the past 12 months we have assisted over 200 families and individuals, 28 of those have been young people under the age of 25. “We have also responded to 48 emergency

accommodation requests.” Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 census found there were 1648 unoccupied dwellings in the Macedon Ranges. With interest rates high, rental prices going up and the costs of utilities, fuel and groceries skyrocketing, SCCH expects housing insecurity to increase. The organisation’s small team of housing workers assist people in finding short-term emergency accommodation in a hotel or motel, as well as case management and advocacy to help improve a person’s situation and find long-term housing.

But SCCH urges that options are “increasingly limited”, and is seeing housing affordability hit people across the whole community. “Often people have no option but to move out of the area in order to find affordable accommodation,” Ms Weston said. “But this is far from ideal and causes great anxiety as families are separated from the community that they know and where their support network, schools and jobs are.” The soup kitchen is on Tuesday, August 2, from noon until 1pm at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute, 81 Mollison Street.

Get your ideas in for Games

A snap rally of protestors concerned about log removal in Wombat State Forest. (Supplied: Wombat Forestcare)

Snap rally for Wombat State Forest Last week, a snap rally took place in Gisborne as protestors voiced their concerns about the VicForests removal of logs felled by the treacherous storms in June last year . More than 50 people attended the protest, including members of landcare and conservation groups, Wombat Forestcare members and the Sybil Disobedients (XR Ballarat), calling for the government to stop “environmentally destructive salvage logging”. On July 15, the rally made its way to Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thompson’s office to issue a letter of demand to their local member. Ms Thomas said the government understood and respected the right to peaceful protest and would “continue to ensure the appropriate environmental protection measures are in place during this work”. “These works are happening in direct response to treating hazardous trees after the severe storms and no trees are being removed unless they present a hazard or for operational necessity and no clearfelling,” Ms Thomas said. However, a statement by landcare group Wombat Forestcare said the salvage operations had seen “hectares of forest cleared for machinery and log storage, wide tracks carved

through the forest and heaps of inflammable branches and bark created”. Wombat Forestcare convener Gayle Osborne said failing to give Wombat State Forest national park status “failed to protect its threatened species including the Greater Glider, recently listed as ‘endangered’.”

It is understood ecological surveys were conducted by VicForests’ ecologists in line with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning guidelines, which were incorporated into planning and storm recovery processes. Elsie Lange

Macedon Ranges council is encouraging residents, community groups and local businesses to pitch ideas for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following the state government’s call-out. Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said it was a “fantastic opportunity“ for the community to back a significant event that would showcase the region’s beauty internationally. “We encourage our community to think of events or activities that could support the Commonwealth Games and associated celebrations, and that could be hosted right here in the Macedon Ranges,“ Mr O’Sullivan said. “Whether it be sporting, training or cultural events, or ideas that utilise our facilities and natural assets. This could really give an economic and tourism boost to the region, not only during the games, but for a long time to come.” In a statement, council said local governments, peak bodies, Aboriginal organisations, businesses, groups and individuals were all eligible to submit ideas that align with the vision of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. According to council, ideas should fall into one of the following seven categories: • Cultural program (e.g. arts, festivals, entertainment) • Sporting program and training (e.g. demonstrations, activities, training venue/hosting) · Education program (e.g. school curriculum) • Partnerships and collaboration • Business innovation • Live sites and local activations • Legacy (e.g. facilities, services, resources) Council said it would also be making its own submission, putting forward ideas including sporting and cultural events and using its iconic landmarks as backdrops. Submissions close on August 12. Details: https://www.vic.gov.au/ victoria-2026-commonwealth-gamescall-for-ideas.

Hume Inspector backs You’ve Been Checked campaign Hume Inspector Dean Clinton is urging residents to take notice of Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers Victoria’s new campaign to remind Victorians to check their cars. Data from Crime Statistics Agency shows 14,881 motor vehicle theft offences were recorded statewide in the year to March 2022, with more than 47,000 thefts from motor vehicles during the same period. In Hume, there were 1690 thefts from motor vehicles recorded. The ‘You’ve Been Checked’ campaign

encourages car owners to be more careful about leaving their vehicles unlocked, or leaving their valuable items on display. Inspector Clinton said he knew in Hume almost half of thefts from and of cars and a significant proportion of burglaries related to unlocked cars and houses. “We often are telling people in order to try and help us prevent crime in Hume, reduce our crime significantly … that it’s actually really important for people to check their cars every time, not to leave their cars running with the

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 July, 2022

keys in them, even if they are a delivery driver for instance and also to lock their houses,” Inspector Clinton said. “Not just the front door, but the back door, and the internal garage door. “The reason being is that a lot of people will just walk around and they will just [commit] a crime of opportunity, they’ll just try doors to see if they can get an easy set of keys, cash out of the console… if the car’s locked, they will potentially just move on.” Inspector Clinton said while it was paramount police caught the offenders and was

not victim blaming, it was also important that people knew simply locking their belongings would reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime. “It really is just crime of opportunity, so we really want to hold the offenders accountable and no one should be opening other peoples’ cars and committing thefts full stop… at the end of the day if people lock their cars and lock their houses … it just makes it that little bit harder,” he said. Elsie Lange

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‘Frustration’ at council timing By Elsie Lange A Sunbury business owner is suffering another blow due to traffic issues caused by upgrades in the town – this time it’s pedestrian crossing upgrades taking place during his prime trading hours. Rusty Owl Sunbury owner Peter Ralph said Hume council’s weekend upgrades to a pedestrian crossing at Evans and Brook streets has been another blow to his business on top of works to remove a level crossing, which has closed Gap Road between Evans and Horne streets. “It stops people from coming into town. If you’re driving into Sunbury and there’s another gridlock on a Saturday and you’re going

‘‘

It stops people from coming into town

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- Peter Ralph

shopping, it’s easier just to bypass Sunbury and go to Watergardens, or go anywhere else,” Mr Ralph said. The next load of works at the pedestrian crossing were set to take place at the weekend, after deadline. Jacksons Creek Ward councillor Jack Medcraft said the reason the works had to happen now was because the council had received federal government funding for the upgrade, and had to use it within a specific

time frame. “We really had no choice, it had to be taken up otherwise we would have lost the funding for it,” Cr Medcraft said. However, Mr Ralph just wishes that it wasn’t happening on Saturdays, which is when he might recoup his losses from other works going on. “Do it Sunday, do it any other day, apart from the busiest shopping day we have in Sunbury at the moment,” he said. Hume infrastructure and assets director Adam McSwain said council recognised the community might be impacted with a level crossing removal underway nearby and investigated options to minimise traffic problems.

“Two Saturdays were chosen to undertake the works, as mid-week traffic had higher hourly volumes at peak times of the day and more buses travelling through the intersection, resulting in significant traffic impacts,” Mr McSwain said. While businesses adjoining the intersection were notified in early May, Mr Ralph said it’s the congestion, not the proximity, which could drive people away. Cr Medcraft apologised to businesses owners like Mr Ralph. “I know how hard they’re doing it with the railway crossing, it’s really caused some major issues, but I suppose at the end of the day we’re going to have roads easier to use and pedestrian crossings that are better to use,” Cr Medcraft said.

Councils compete to save lives

The junior players at Gisborne Soccer Club are sick of their soggy oval and want action. (Supplied: Gisborne Soccer Club)

Gisborne club wants action on pitch It’s something the Gisborne Soccer Club has wanted for years: for their local pitch, Dixon Field, to have its drainage problems fixed. “Each year we always have games called off because of puddling and unplayable surfaces, particularly on the main pitch which is where the floodlights are,” club president Richard Smart said. “This year’s been no different.” There are more than 220 kids and 70 to 80 adults playing across teams who have to compete to use the ground for training at night after work or school, because the other pitches are too dark. But the clay-based soil on the main pitch means balls won’t roll, which isn’t ideal for a

soccer club, and all the traffic causes the pitch to become a “mud bath” when games are played at the weekend. Mr Smart said the club had spoken to Macedon Ranges council about the development of the Dixon Field Master Plan, which is progressing, but not fast enough. The club wants more floodlit areas, another pitch, drainage work completed and the installation of all-weather, astroturf pitches. “It’s quite rare for a football club, particularly of our size, to have nothing, no investment in sporting infrastructure that covers the services,” he said. Council assets and operations director Shane Walden said the masterplan had been prepared

and would be presented to council at a “future” meeting. “The master plan identifies a number of improvement opportunities to the playing surfaces of Dixon Field. Council has submitted a funding application to the Victorian Government to undertake the detailed design for the development of a second full-sized soccer pitch including drainage, irrigation, lighting and support infrastructure,” Mr Walden said. However, Mr Smart said “planning is no good to anyone, unless it’s followed-up by actually implementing it“.

Councils are battling it out this winter to save the most lives by donating blood through a Lifeblood challenge. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is running a competition from July 1 to September 30 to see which local government area can donate the most blood or plasma. Residents can participate by registering for an online blood donor account, joining their council or shire team and booking in to donate. maore than 300 local government areas and teams have registered for the challenge. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood made an urgent national call for donors last week, after rising cases of flu and COVID-19 were causing blood stocks to dwindle. Lifeblood spokesperson Cath Stone said 33,000 donations are needed every week to support patients. “As a national organisation, we need others around the country to step up and ensure patients continue to receive the blood and blood products they need.“ To book visit lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95. Olivia Condous

Elsie Lange

Song-loving Duane has learnt to expect the unexpected There’s no denying Melton community radio DJ Duane Zigliotto is passionate about the annual Eurovision Song Contest. The 979 FM radio presenter has run a weekly radio show called Eurozone for the last 30 years, and has broadcast from the famous competition for 20 years. His decades of reporting from the contest was recently recognised with a service award from the European Broadcasting Union. Mr Zigliotto said one of the things he loved most about the event was that one could always “expect the unexpected.”. “It’s a crazy event … it’s a huge audience in Europe,” he said. He recalled many fond memories of

interviewing Eurovision artists, such as English singer Cliff Richard, as well as a two-time winner of the competition Johnny Logan. “Johnny Logan, he won it twice for Ireland … but he was born in Frankston, so I say to my friends from the BBC that [Australia] has won it twice because he was born in Frankston,” Mr Zigliotto said. Mr Zigliotto, who is better known by The Captain DdZ when he’s on the airwaves, broadcasts his Eurozone show each Monday afternoon on 3RIM radio from 4pm. The show is the only radio programme in Australia that covers the Eurovision song contest. So far, he’s presented 1560 shows and

interviewed more than 3000 artists. “When I went in 2000 for the first time, I spoke to some of the Europeans and when I said, ‘I’m from Australia,’ they said, ‘Oh, you’re from Austria?’,” he said. “They never thought of Australia coming when I started, but now it’s more common.” He’s had an illustrious 50-year-long career in community radio and isn’t paid for his coverage of Eurovision, but is happy to do it out of love for the contest. “I do it for the love, for the community stations … [the recognition] is much appreciated.” Olivia Condous

Duane Zigliotto was recognised for 20 years of reporting on Eurovision. (Damjan Janevski) 287818_04

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

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Accessible tourism welcomed By Elsie Lange A Macedon Ranges tourism operator has welcomed the state government’s plan to make tourist destinations, community facilities and public spaces more accessible for people with a disability. The government’s 2022 Changing Places funding round is now open, providing $5.4 million to build 30 fully accessible changing facilities across the state, each one with a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system and enough space for two people. Macedon Ranges Accommodation

Association president Andrew Towner, who also owns Braeside Mount Macedon Country Retreat, said he welcomes any funding opportunities to increase accessibility in regional Victoria. “Sometimes these areas can be overlooked and it’s high time that this issue is addressed,” Mr Towner said. The government said funding of up to $180,000 is available to local governments and popular tourism destinations to build restrooms with adult change tables and hoists. “It’s a good opportunity for council to audit their facilities and possibly tap into this funding to increase their accessibility in their

facilities,” Mr Towner said. The government said there are more than 325,000 Victorians who rely on accessible facilities when exploring destinations, parks and events, and Companion Card holders were eligible for a free Master Locksmith Key to access the new buildings. “The Labor government is also investing $2.5 million in new Universal Design grants to improve the accessibility of community facilities and public spaces,” the government said. “Small grants up to $100,000 and large grants of up to $500,000 will go to building accessible infrastructure in existing facilities.” When announcing the latest round of

Artists place creative vision on show Unique perspectives of the west are on show as part of the RedWest Creatives Co-Op’s first art show after re-emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘HOME West’ art show is running until Thursday, July 28 at 5 Sargood Street in Altona. RedWest Creatives Co-Op president Paul Zahra said the show features works across a number of mediums from about 40 local artists, including sculpture, painting and digital illustrations. “This will be our first non COVID-impacted show and we are really looking to reconnect the community once again,” he said. “We will definitely have a creative melting pot of nature, culture and all round diversity on full display. “’HOME West’ exclusively features RedWest members showcasing a vast array of artworks from the talented western suburbs of Melbourne.” The exhibition will be open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, from 11am until 3pm on Saturdays and from 9am until 5pm on Sundays. The RedWest Creatives Co-op is a creative co-operative operating in Melbourne’s west whose mission is to strengthen the arts sector. RedWest works to secure a variety of opportunities such as pop-up exhibitions and performances, events for artists, and by providing services to local artists for its members. Services include the auspice of grants, public liability insurance, advocacy and support in working with the local council and providing access to networks and promotional opportunities. Details: www.redwest.org.

funding, Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Colin Brooks said the government was ensuring the state’s well-loved tourist spots were opened up to everyone. “Small renovations to community facilities can make a very real difference. The Universal design grants will help improve access so that more people can get the best out of their day-to-day lives, without worrying about accessibility.” According to the Changing Places website, there is currently only one facility in the Macedon Ranges – in Gisborne. Details: http://www.vic.gov.au/changingplaces-funding-round.

Specialist staff boost for north Additional specialist staff will be deployed to Northern Hospital in a bid to help ease the impact of the latest COVID wave on the healthcare system. The specialist staff members, including offload nurses to help ambulances offload patients quicker, triage doctors and discharge co-ordinators, will be deployed by the state government to 12 major hospitals, including Northern Hospital. These staff will work together to help offload, assess and treat patients faster and help progress patients more efficiently through their care journey, the government said. The new specialist staff come as Victoria moved into stage three of the health system’s winter response, which the government said would unlock additional levers to manage the pressure on the health system, including the use of private hospital capacity to support public patients and converting more hospitals to tier one streaming services – giving Ambulance Victoria more local options to transport COVID positive patients. Since June 22, there has been a 99 per cent increase in Victorians in hospital with COVID-19, a 60 per cent increase in ICU admissions due to COVID-19 and a 47 per cent increase in workforce furlough, according to government data. In the first week of July alone, there was a cumulative absence of more than 10,000 staff across the system. Premier Daniel Andrews said healthcare systems around the world were under pressure as we battle new COVID variants. “Giving our nurses and doctors an extra pair of hands and making improvements that help patients flow through our emergency departments faster will ensure Victorians get the care they need faster as Australia faces a difficult winter,” he said.

Matthew Sims

Lan’s ‘Gateway to the West’ will be featured at the exhibition. (Supplied)

Northern Health virtual emergency department to expand The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at Northern Hospital will be expanded to enable up to 500 patients per day to access the service. The virtual emergency department was launched by Northern Health in October 2020, enabling patients to self-present to the hospital by using their phone or laptop. Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited Northern Hospital on Monday, July 18, to announce the expansion of the program as a part of a $162 million package to improve Ambulance

Victoria’s operations. Paramedics are able to connect suitable patients to the program, while on scene, for virtual assessment, management and referral. The eligibility criteria for the VVED will also expand to people living in residential aged care facilities and everyone on the COVID-19 Positive Pathway Programs, the government said. “Health care systems around the world are under pressure as we battle new variants alongside other respiratory illnesses – this package forms part of our plan to support our

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 July, 2022

healthcare workers and get Victorians the care they deserve,” Mr Andrews. “We’ll have more paramedics working alongside our nurses and doctors, to get more support to Victorians who can be treated in their home. Plus the tools to get patients the best care in the right place if they need to go to hospital.” The virtual emergency department has supported more than 28,000 patients since it was launched and achieved an average ambulance and/or emergency department diversion rate of about 71 per cent of all patients

seen, according to the government. As part of the funding, a new rostering pattern for advanced life support paramedic crews will be trialled across four ambulance service areas in metropolitan Melbourne, delivering more flexible shift arrangements and optimising fleet availability. Ambulance Victoria Offload teams will also be expanded to a total of 14 major public hospitals, including six existing sites, to enable timely patient offload and support ambulance availability.

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Council celebrates residents By Elsie Lange What is a place without its community? Last week Hume council held its Resident Recognition Awards to celebrate people in the municipality doing their bit to help others and make Hume a better place. Mayor Carly Moore said it was “fantastic” to see people come together to celebrate the work of “amazing residents” at the ceremony last week. “It’s really important that we acknowledge all that they do to contribute to the Hume community,” Cr Moore said. Sunbury resident Natasha Child said she “wasn’t looking for recognition” when she received an award for her service to the town. Ms Child was recognised for her more than a decade-long service as a committee member for the popular SunFest, and her commitment to local sport and young people as a member of the Sunbury Softball Association and group leader of First Sunbury Scout Group. “I feel strongly about volunteering in my local community,” Ms Child said. “I can give up my time to help the youth of Sunbury, in particular. Scouts has been a passion of mine for eight years, and prior to that I was with SunFest helping out. “It’s exhausting but absolutely rewarding.” She believes Sunbury can only thrive “off the back of so many people volunteering”, and hoped her award would inspire young people to lend a hand. “[It’s about] instilling a sense of community in them and a sense of service to the community as well,” Ms Child said. Satinder Chawla from Craigieburn received a certificate of appreciation from council for his participation in the development of the I Love Hume campaign. The project featured community members

Natasha Child with her son and partner as she receives a Hume Resident Recognition Award from Hume councillor Jarrod Bell.

sharing stories about living in Hume and what they cherished about it. Mr Chawla said the community had given him “so much”. The actor and sportsperson has been active in Hume for some time, including serving as a multicultural ambassador to organisations such as the AFL, participating in charity work and founding the Landmark Community

NEW

Sports Club. During the pandemic, Mr Chawla has made films in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Hindi and English, to raise awareness about the virus. “I try to spread love,” Mr Chawla said. The 65-year-old grandfather said he hopes to inspire others to be generous.

(Supplied: Hume council)

“I’m now 65 … the youngers love my attitude, I am still working for community … wherever they need me, I am always here,” he said. When asked if his family would be proud of him for being recognised by council, he said “100 per cent”. Find the full list of recipients here: https:// bit.ly/3Or8Wur.

and sports balls that float

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

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The daily battle of chronic pain National Pain Week runs July 26 to 31, highlighting the difficulties those with chronic pain suffer every day and how hard it is to access care for something that is often invisible and hard to diagnose. Elsie Lange spoke to three people about their diverse experiences of pain and how it’s shaped their lives.

t might seem hard to believe that a person could be told to have a baby in order to cure their chronic pain, but that’s exactly what happened to Macedon resident and long-term endometriosis sufferer Jean Cheney. “I honestly asked one of my specialists, ‘Do you want my baby? Because I’ll give it to you, if you’re telling me it will cure me, which you can’t because we know that it doesn’t’,” Jean said. The 37-year-old travel writer has had six surgeries in 14 years and her chronic pain “is just constant”. Treatment hasn’t been easy, and she’s always required to travel. “Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Just because you can’t relate to it, doesn’t mean that’s not there,” Jean said. Endometriosis is when tissue, similar to the lining of a uterus, occurs outside this layer and in other parts of the body, and can cause pain and infertility. Jean is one of millions of Australians battling her invisible pain every day, and why Chronic Pain Australia (CPA) runs National Pain Week from July 25 to 31, to increase awareness, accessibility and affordability.

‘‘

I lost a part of myself that day, and I never got it back, because pain changes you - Carmen Hofman

Jean Cheney has to travel to access care for her chronic pain.

’’

A spokesperson for CPA said chronic pain was poorly understood, and the leading cause of disability in the country, taking “so much” away from a person, such as their ability to work, be social and do what they love. “In Australia, we have seen a lack of action and funding to support those with chronic pain services. The demand for chronic pain care continues to exceed existing service provisions,” the spokesperson said. “General practice is critically under-resourced for the burden of chronic pain and has very limited access to specialist multidisciplinary pain management services. “Most multidisciplinary pain management programs in Australia are conducted in large tertiary settings, where location and wait times act as primary barriers.” A 2020 study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found “one in five Australians aged 45 and over are living with persistent, ongoing pain”. According to the AIHW, chronic pain lasts beyond normal healing time after injury or illness, generally three to six months. “It is a common and complex condition, and the pain experienced can be anything from mild to severe,” the AIHW said. “The defining characteristic of chronic pain is that it is ongoing and experienced on most days of the week.” Jean can attest to this, as can Macedon Ranges resident, student wellbeing co-ordinator and cancer survivor Amanda Summers, 50, who was sick of being told her pain was in her head. After nearly a decade in near-constant pain, Amanda had a hernia operated on in her hip, and she was relieved thinking that would be the end of it. But it wasn’t. After a month, the pain returned. Her doctor recommended another ultrasound, but it was all clear. Despite this, she still had pain. When she returned to her doctor again, she said his response was, “You’re making it up. There’s nothing I can do about it”. She went back and forth for years before finding out she’d suffered a cartilage tear and had developed a cyst in her hip.

(Supplied)

Chronic pain sufferers Amanda Summers and Carmen Hofman. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski and supplied) 290193_03

“[The specialist] said, ‘You definitely need a hip replacement, you’ve got arthritis, you’ve got that cyst and you’ve got tears in your ligament and rips in your cartilage, but we’re not going to give you a hip replacement because you’re too young, and we don’t like to give you two,’” she said. As a two-time cancer survivor who just wanted to spend her next years comfortable and free, Amanda said, “Well, how long do you think I’m going to live?”. “I’m living in pain every day, I have to limit all of my activity. If someone says, ‘Do you want to go on a bushwalk’, I say, ‘We can give it a crack, but I don’t know how far it’s going to get,’” she said. The mental toll of misdiagnosis, dismissal by medical professionals and inadequate pain treatment is heavy.

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

Gisborne furniture designer and resin artist Carmen Hofman was 38 weeks pregnant when she snapped her ankle about a decade ago, an incident which she said changed her life. She, like many others, has had to take pain medication for years to deal with everything since her break, which led to an ankle fusion causing damage to her nerves. For two years since her ankle procedure she has been living with chronic pain, and has just recently been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome. “I’m now on two different types of opioid medication, which I don’t want to be, but I have to because I cannot function without it. I’m also on some more drugs that are anti-depressant, anti-epilepsy, not for those reasons but for the nerve pain,” she said. Carmen, a mother of two girls, said chronic

pain had changed who she was as a person, because it was “a battle every day”. “When my ankle broke, I lost a part of myself that day, and I never got it back, because pain changes you,” she said. It was finding passion in making furniture during lockdown through her project Oakfield Designs which has been her saving grace, as well as finding a doctor who believed her. “[It was] like finding an angel,” she said. “Every single general practitioner I saw before finding [my doctor], just brushed me off as being fat, as overweight, as not doing enough exercise, that’s all they put it down to… you’ve just got to listen to your own body, and go, ‘No, there’s something really wrong here’.” Details: https://www.nationalpainweek.org. au/.

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NEWS

MY PLACE Tell us a bit about you and your connection to Sunbury. I first came to Sunbury from England in November 1974 with my first husband and two daughters and bought a house in Hume Street. Sunbury was a very small township then and we had to drive to Meadow Fair shopping centre, Broadmeadows and later Airport West for the bigger shops. My husband died in 1977 and after a while I trained as a division two nurse at Toorak Road School and then [went] onto the Women’s Hospital and trained. I began part-time work at Greenvale Geriatric Centre and in 1998 moved to Broadmeadows Health Service working in the rehabilitation ward, until I retired in 2010. I joined Sunbury Garden Club in 1989 and became secretary after the president Maria Kelders died. In 1991, I became president and have been president ever since. During my time I have organised many speakers to come to the club’s monthly meetings, talking on various subjects pertaining to gardening. Plus [there’s been] over 80 trips, including garden walks, bus trips and car trips. In 1993, the club was asked if we would like to be involved in the station renovation and create a garden there and we are still doing it as Stationeers now. There have been a few renovations and a major change when the electrification came to Sunbury in 2011, so now there is a totally different garden there with three club members working there, whereas years ago we would have regular working bees with a roster for mowing the lawn and now it is done [by someone else]. I have received the gold John Pascoe Fawkner medal Award from the Royal Horticultural Society, nominated for the

(Damjan Janevski) 289293_03

Cherished Sunbury local Cheryl Schembri has lived a wonderful life, working as a nurse and later in life starting the Sunbury Garden Club. She tells Elsie Lange about her connection to the town she’s seen change over her decades there.

Kathleen Aitken Outstanding citizen award and very honoured to receive the Australian Day Citizen Award from the Sunbury Historical and Heritage Society in 2021. What do you like about where you live? I like Sunbury because we now have all the shops and services we need without travelling out of town.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live? The only thing I would like to see is a museum, arts centre and theatre built at the old Caloola buildings.

Railway Garden and talking to locals who comment on the garden. Also having coffee with friends in the square.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time? My favourite place is spending time in the

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. I used to make tea for the Cricket Club in Sunbury at Langama Park many years ago.

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

30 years ago

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

July 28, 1992

July 29, 1997

July 30, 2002

July 31, 2012

The ALP candidates for Tullamarine and Gisborne, Peter Gavin MP and Barry Rowe MP, have started a campaign in support of the proposal to develop a campus of the Victoria University of technology (WUT) at the Caloola site in Sunbury.

The merciless killing of a pet dog in Mount Macedon last week is the latest in a series if bizarre animal deaths in the area.

The Sunbury Fair Committee was in danger of losing its $10,000 in council funding at a closed council meeting on July 22 because next year’s event clashes with the Hume Council elections.

Hooray for Bollywood: The rich, cultural heritage of Victoria’s fastest-growing migrant population is adding colour and spice to life in the ’burbs as Sarah Harris reports.

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

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

A giant scan for one flighty bird

Blinky the ostrich post surgery. (Werribee Open Range Zoo)

two-dimensional X-ray, large sections of bone, like a skull, make it difficult to see inflammation or damage to the tissue behind. “What we discovered through this process was an abscess hiding deep behind her eye, just outside the sinuses.” Thanks to a course of antibiotics, the abscess reduced in size and drained naturally without the need for invasive surgeries.” Blinkie has now returned to her flock that

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At five times bigger than a human’s, an ostrich’s eye is perfectly adapted to monitor for predator species over long distances. So, when one of Werribee Open Range Zoo’s female ostrich developed a mysterious eye infection, some big machinery was required. The ostrich was transported to the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital, where she received a specialist CT scan capable of producing a three-dimensional image of the large eye – one of the first in Australia for an ostrich under anaesthetic. Affectionately referred to as Blinkie, the five-year-old giant bird was born with a congenital issue that caused a deformity of the lower left eyelid. Werribee Open Range Zoo veterinarian Brett Gardner said an animal’s eyelids play an essential role in protecting the delicate eyes and tissue around them. “Eyelids have the important function to protect the cornea from irritants and help to keep the eye from drying out,” Dr Gardner said. “Without being able to close her eye fully, there was a greater risk of infection from a foreign body, such as dirt or grass seeds. “After our initial assessments, we were confident an infection was hiding within the skull, behind the eye, and the only way to be sure was to create a three-dimensional image of her head. “CT Scans are a type of X-ray that allow us to see a three-dimensional image of the body, including bone, organs and tissue. In a

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

resides on the zoo’s Savannah. Zookeepers are continuing to monitor her eye health and provide a topical ointment to prevent reinfection. Werribee Open Range Zoo would also like to acknowledge the specialist veterinary ophthalmologists at Melbourne Eye Vet for their assessment, expertise, and investigation into the eye condition of the ostrich. The ostrich is the world’s largest bird,

standing as tall as 2.7 metres. While they cannot physically fly, they use their wings like rudders to balance, steer and change direction. They are also the world’s fastest flightless bird and can cover as much as five metres in a single stride. Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au.

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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

DJ workshop in Woodend If you’re between 12 and 17 years old, head down to the Woodend Youth Space to learn how to mix together your favourite tracks in a DJ workshop. Beginners are welcome to the event on Wednesday, August 10, 4pm-5.30pm. It’s free and taking place at 47 Forest Street, Woodend.

Soup Kitchen To raise awareness of the issue of homeless across the country and locally in the Macedon Ranges, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is hosting a soup kitchen at Kyneton Mechanics Institute on August 2, as part of Homelessness Week running August 1 to 7. The lunch runs from noon until 1pm. There will be entertainment on the day.

Planting at Hanging Rock Do you want to improve biodiversity and water quality at Hanging Rock? To celebrate platypus month, Macedon Ranges council is hosting a community-planting day to care for one the region’s riparian areas. Council’s conservation and reserves officer will discuss the importance of local habitat and how restoration works in the region can be beneficial to local wildlife. It’s free and happening on August 1, 10am-noon. ■ https://bit.ly/3ACfZxn

Reptile encounters Sunbury Head to Sunbury Library on Saturday, August 13 for a free reptile show by Reptile Encounters. It’s for kids aged zero to 12 and runs from 10.30am until noon. Register at the link below. ■ https://bit.ly/3B5e845

Plant produce swap and drop Bring plants, seedlings, cuttings, herbs, veggies or fruit from your garden, or a recipe, to swap with other produce-loving green thumbs at Sunbury Library on August 6, 10am-noon. To swap means to bring one from home and take one home, and all levels of experience are welcome. ■ https://bit.ly/3Al9TRT

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus Visit or become a new member of the Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club, gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. Enjoy outings and meetings each month with a friendly group of men and women, and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. ■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 9746 3402

Chatty cafe Woodend Each month, the Woodend Neighbourhood House invites you along to enjoy a cup of tea and a good talk. Everyone is welcome and no bookings are required. The next event is on Tuesday, August 9, from 10.30am until noon.

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

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

The Mount Players, doing Reservoir Dogs at Mountview Theatre in August. Picture of Jessica Ryan and Jenny Heriot and Melissa Forge, Robyn Millard and Kate Mooney. (Damjan Janevski) 290056_02

Craft and conversation 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

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

Family History and Heritage Society If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Lancefield park run relaunch Lace up your runners and join the relaunch of Lancefield’s 5km park run, happening every Saturday at 8am at Lancefield Park. No need to be speedy - participants can go at any pace. Make your way to 62 Chauncey Street, Lancefield, and remember to register. ■ https://bit.ly/3IEDB4L

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every

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

If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends. ■ 0434 400 754

Ladies probus

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am. 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

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

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

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

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

Probus Club Of Sunbury Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Football club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to all retired and semi-retired men. Enjoy morning tea and a guest speaker. Visitors and new members are welcome with a number of great events held each month. ■ Greg, 0417 593 035

Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at The Gap on Graham, 5 Graham Street, Melton. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and physical wellbeing. The group invites new members to come for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in our activities including; carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. ■ https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

Melton Over 50s Social Group A friendly group of people aged over 50, who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you. ■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

Bacchus Marsh Market 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.

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.

Tuesday, 26 July, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES

ALONE ARENA AROMA ARSES AURAL CEASE COCOA DEEDS DOUSE EERIE EGGED ENSUE FRESH GARBO HAVEN HEDGE HERON HURLS IDLES IDOLS IRATE

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”.

Today’s Aim: 8 words: Good 12 words: Very good

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

R A T

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STATE TAKEN TEENS TEPEE TUNED UPEND URGED

QUICK QUIZ

Ataxia is a symptom of damage to which system of the human body?

What is the highest mountain in Greece?

What is the capital city of the state of Utah in the United States?

In which country did gin originate?

Kirk Douglas played Colonel Dax in which 1957 war movie?

Are 'bomboras' musical instruments, powerful waves or wall supports?

What instrument is Kenny G (pictured) famous for playing?

Which US rock band was formed in Seattle, Washington by guitarist Jerry Cantrell and vocalist Layne Staley?

In what year was Spain admitted to the United Nations?

10 What do you call the shedding, or casting off, of feathers, hair, horns, shell or a layer of skin by an animal?

ANSWERS: 1. Central nervous system 2. Mount Olympus 3. Salt Lake City 4. The Netherlands 5. Paths of Glory 6. Powerful waves 7. Soprano saxophone 8. Alice in Chains 9. 1955 10. Moulting

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STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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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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Authorised by MA Thomas,

Shop 14, Nexus Centre,

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Though it’s fully-electric the iX3 looks like a Bimmer from any angle. (Pictures: Supplied)

Fully-electric iX3 still looks sharp By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring BMW iX3 is the full electric version of German marque’s mid-sized X3. It has no internal combustion engine to provide extra range if its batteries run out of power. It’s sold in Australia with quite a few features that are frequently extra cost options; these include metallic paint and the M Sport package with 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels.

Styling Very BMW. While other makers of electric vehicles like to go for a different perhaps futuristic look, the iX3 looks instantly like a Bimmer from any angle. There are some blue highlights on the outer edges of the lower sections of the front and at each corner of the lower panel at the rear. There are also blue colours on the BMW “radiator grille”. Obviously, it doesn’t have a grille because there is no water being cooled there. BMW and other EV, makers do include a grille because buyers feel that a plain front end just looks wrong. Mind you Elon Musk’s Teslas don’t have a grille either and are selling faster than the factory can produce them… Also standard is a panoramic sunroof that covers most of the roof area.

Interior The dashboard area is divided into three distinct areas. That in front of the driver has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s another 12.3-inch digital screen in the centre of the dash area. It’s wide, but rather too low which means the view ahead on the screen if our using it for navigation isn’t as far ahead as we like. On the other hand, the width of the screen means you can see a lot of the things that you are missing out to the side of your road. Which may mean that you see things that you hadn’t realised were there, and perhaps decide to visit if you’re on a sightseeing trip. Comfort and space in the front seats is good,

with a wide range of electric adjustments. It has under-thigh cushion extenders, which I really enjoy as I have long legs and these add further ways of getting comfortable. In their own way these cushion extenders probably add to the safety on long trips because drivers are safer if they aren’t wriggling about to stay relaxed.

Infotainment Our iX3 had the BMW Connected Package Professional which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Harman/Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system. There’s wireless smartphone charging which saves having to wrestle with cables. Just put your phone in its spot and you’re getting more juice into it.

Powertrain eDrive is the new drive technology found in all BMW i models and plug-in hybrids, and is essentially comprised of an electric motor, high-voltage lithium-ion battery and an intelligent energy management system. The integrated drive unit brings the electric motor, power electronics and transmission together within a single housing, and generates 210kW and 400Nm. All eDrive-equipped vehicles rely on a special performance li-ion battery to store energy, and utilise a built-in cooling device to constantly keep the unit at the ideal operating temperature, helping increase output and maintain service life. A five-year Chargefox subscription is included in the price of the BMW iX3 sold in Australia.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE BMW iX3 RWD electric vehicle: $114,900 SPECIFICATIONS BMW iX3 RWD electric vehicle

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local BMW dealer for drive-away prices.

assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, evasion assistant, speed limit assist, as well as Steering + Lane Control Assistant (Level 2 autonomous mode).

Safety The BMW X3 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating from for the xDrive20d and xDrive30i variants. However, the iX3 has not been tested at this stage. Ways of avoiding a crash are strongly featured in this electric Bimmer. It has automatic emergency with crossroads warning, lane-keep

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 26 July, 2022

Driving Performance! This is why we like driving all electric vehicles. They have instant reaction to the accelerator pedal. BMW has always produced vehicles with a sporty feel in everything they do and that performance is just wonderful in any model they make.

This is going to sound childish but I like nothing more than to sit at a red traffic light beside a big car that’s got a lumpy sounding V8. I look at him, and he looks at me in my black SUV and blips his throttle - ready to make me look silly when the green lights come on. The lights change and that instant electric torque pushes me back in the seat, in about three seconds we are up to 80 km/h and I back off. The other driver comes alongside, checks out the tame looking Bimmer and shakes his head. Then again, I’ve driven many V8s in my 50-year career as a motoring journalist and there’s something about V8s that I really enjoy. If I had plenty of money to spare, I would buy a V8 for track days and just cruzin’ around town and keep the somewhat boring EV for everyday use. Handling of the BMW iX3 is pretty good, but there’s a feeling of heaviness when you’re taking corners at speed due to the fact that you’re carting about half a tonne of batteries about. There’s good feel through the steering wheel and the seats support well so you don’t shift about when driving hard and can concentrate on the road. BMW says the iX3 can cover 460 kilometres on a full battery charge. During our testing on motorways, in the suburbs and on country roads we covered 284km and computer advised its batteries had a further 180km before it was close to being fully discharged.

Summing up A couple of times a year my wife and I go on long holiday trips from our home on the Gold Coast. Once we are a long way of out of town there’s not many places to charge an electric vehicle. And when we do find a charger, we have to wait for several hours to get decent range out of the car. When we can buy an EV for about the same price as a petrol or diesel SUV and charge it up less than an hour to give us a range of at least 500km, we will seriously think about one.

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Full-throttle Jets’ firm finals focus The Sunbury Jets are fine tuning their game plan ahead on the Big V men’s state championship finals. Having already secured top spot and home court advantage in the first week of the finals, the Jets have been able to tinker with some things. Coach John White said it had been good to work on a few things and try different combinations. “The last couple of games we’ve been able to experiment a little bit with guys who haven’t much of a look on court,” he said. “It’s about getting their feet under. Sometimes you can get caught up with the main rotation guys. “There’s some guys who have started to step up and show what they can do. It gives us more depth come finals.” White said Gene Vocale has made the most of limited court time saying every time they call on him, he has an immediate. He said the experience of Mark Berezdecky

had been valuable off the bench. “He is an x-factor was us,” he said. “He’s a bigger player who can stretch the court and in defence he steps up. “We will be calling on his experience in finals.” The last few weeks has also allowed Nathan Baker work his way back into the side from a foot injury. He had come off the bench the first few games after returning. “His IQ came to the fore on Saturday night,” White said. On Saturday night, the Jets had a massive 92-57 win against the Blackburn Vikings. For much of the match it didn’t look like it was going to be that way, with the margin 14 points at the last break. White said with the Vikings already out of finals contention they had nothing to lose. “It was always going to be a tough one for us,” he said. “We didn’t know what to expect this time of the season. “The first half was very challenging for us.

They threw a few curve balls in defence, but we were able to adjust and push away in the last quarter. Ish Sanders continued his good form, top scored with 32 points. The Jets face the Hume City Broncos in the final round of the season. The last time the two teams met, the game was called off after a couple of Broncos fans entered the court. The two teams might also meet each other in the first week of finals. “We always love playing against the local council rival,” White said. “The last time it didn’t end how we would have liked, but credit to the players of both teams. “They’re a tough team and we will give it a good stride without giving away everything.” The Jets women’s state championship side beat the Chelsea Gulls, 73-57. After trailing by six points at quarter time the Jets, they started to build were able to take control of the game.

Bombers backing the kids

Sports shorts EDFL The Sunbury Kangaroos chances of staying in Essendon District Football League division 1 took a massive hit on Saturday. Facing Moonee Valley in a clash of the bottom two sides, the undisciplined and inaccurate Kangaroos were made to pay, losing 17.14 (116)-8.18 (66). The win means the Kangaroos sit bottom with three rounds remaining, a game and percentage behind Craigieburn. Rupertswood continued to keep the pressure on the top four, with a 17.7 (109)-14.6 (90) win against Craigieburn. The Sharks sit fifth, percentage outside the top four.

By Tara Murray Riddell is playing some of its best team football in a number of years and it’s showing in the Riddell District Football League. The Bombers continue to pile on the wins, despite missing key personnel due to injury and COVID-19. Bombers football director Craig Rowsell said the group had come together really well. “Everyone is buying into what we’re doing,” he said. “Everyone is playing their roles. We’ve had four or five close ones this year that we’ve won. Everyone is chipping in and we’re playing our best team football for a few years.” As part of this focus, the Bombers have looked to bring through younger players, who are the future of the club. So far at least eight have made their debuts, with Roswell saying they’ve really stepped up while some of their leaders have been out. “We’ve got a lot of games into the kids and they’ve really stepped up and some have cemented their spots, which is really positive. “At the start of the year we didn’t look like having under-18s, and now they’re sitting second.” On Saturday the Bombers came away with a big win against Macedon, 13.10 (88)-3.13 (31). The day wasn’t without drama, with the Bombers losing a few players late. Roswell said at one stage on game day they had 18 or 19 players, with two players needing to double up. “It’s a great win,” he said. “The last four or five encounters with Macedon have been won by less than a goal. With COVID and injury we were missing five or six key players. “Macedon had similar issues with COVID.” The Bombers jumped out of the blocks with five goals to nil in the first quarter and were able to build from there. Mick Edwards kicked three goals for the Bombers. Tommy Alkermade was named best on ground. For the Cats, it was all single goal kickers. Alec McGregor was named their best. The Bombers, who sit second, with aims of finishing in the top five and securing a double chance. They have a bye this weekend, before facing the bye two teams in the final two rounds of the season. Roswell said Andrew Duhau, Lucas Shaw and Dylan Tarczon would all return after the bye. The news isn’t as good for Tim Walsh who had surgery on his quad and is done for the season. Roswell said the addition of Duhau and Shaw, who had both been captains at their

Ish Sanders. (Supersport Images)

Bendigo FL Gisborne and Kyneton both had big wins in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. The top of the table Bulldogs beat Strathfieldsaye, 17.14 (116)-8.10 (58). Pat McKenna kicked eight goals for the Bulldogs, Braidon Blake was named best on ground. Kyneton had a 19.24 (138)-11.9 (75) win against Kangaroo Flat. Rhys Magin kicked nine goals for the Tigers in a best on ground performance. This Saturday, Gisborne faces South Bendigo, while Kyneton travels to Golden Square.

Bendigo NL Gisborne came out firing in the Bendigo Netball League on Saturday. Strathfieldsaye proved no match for the Bulldogs, who came away with a 61-14 win. The Bulldogs sit third on the ladder. Kyneton had a tough day against Kangaroo Flat, losing 64-29. The Tigers remain in sixth spot. This Saturday, Gisborne faces South Bendigo, while Kyneton travels to Golden Square.

RDNL Lancefield almost caused a massive upset against Wallan in the Riddell District Netball League. The Tigers led for much of the day including by five goals at three quarter time. The Magpies found something extra in the last quarter to win, 36-35. Chloe Meulenmeesters shot 32 goals for the Magpies. Ladder leaders Macedon beat Riddell, 52-35, Melton Centrals upset the Western Rams, 41-36, while Diggers Rest beat Romsey, 75-21. Mick Edwards kicked three goals on Saturday. (Joe Mastroianni) 289078_07

previous clubs, had been really beneficial. “Not just on the field, but even more off field,” he said. “The leadership has been fantastic and they’ve had coaching roles the last few weeks.” Roswell said the last couple of games the

focus was to continue to build and try not to lose anyone to injury. In other results, Wallan smashed Lancefield, Diggers Rest beat Romsey, while Melton Centrals were able to account for the Western Rams.

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Tuesday, 26 July, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

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Pride restored: Bailey back in play as Lions coach The Sunbury Lions have turned to a former premiership coach to help get an A-grade side back on court in the Ballarat Netball League next year. Kim Bailey has been appointed A-grade coach and will oversee the netball side of things with Stacey West. West, who has been part of the Lions coaching panel this season, works for Netball Australia as the executive general manager of performance. Bailey said having seen how the club struggled this season to get teams on the court, she wanted to help them get things going again. The Lions only had under-19, B-grade and D-grade sides this year, a far cry from being in premiership contention as they usually are. “They are struggling a bit and need some help,” she said. “Stacey and I will work together to get the club back on their feet and have a few

more grades. “We will look to get an A-grade team up and running and try and get B-grade, C-grade, D-grade, E-grade and under-19s. “We understand there have been issues with numbers which will make it pretty difficult.” Bailey said watching the struggles of the club this year had been hard. As well as coaching an A-grade premiership, she’s a premiership player and coached junior sides at the club. She said they had already started talking to prospective players and coaches for next season. She said they would love to see some former players return. “We want to get a team on the court and then see what that looks like,” she said. “We just want to get some wins on the board. We’re not looking to get ahead of ourselves. “We need to get girls back to the club. Many still have boyfriends and brothers playing

footy. We want a real community club again.” Bailey said she was excited to coach alongside West. She said there weren’t many opportunities at local level to have a coach of her experience. “We’re looking to have a succession plan,” she said. “We want to develop coaches to take over when we’re ready to pull the pin. “She’s a high performance coach with Australia. Her coaching experience leaves me for dead to be honest. “I learn more from her even more as I work with her as well. We’ll both oversee the coaches and hopefully attract players from other clubs to come on board.” Anyone interested in getting involved as a player or coach can contact Bailey on 0459 642 271. Tara Murray

Barba living the dream By Tara Murray It’s been all about football for Essendon midfielder Alana Barba in recent weeks and she wouldn’t have it any way. Barba played a key role in helping the Bombers Victorian Football League Women’s claim their first premiership, named best on ground in the grand final. The celebrations quickly ended, as she started training with Essendon’s inaugural AFLW side ahead of the season getting under way next month. “It took a little while to settle in,” she said. “The grand final high was an unbelievable feeling that you can’t describe. “Then training the next day. It was a bit surreal. I don’t think there has been a year like it. I’m thankful to be part of it.” Rewind six months and Barba, who played her junior football at Roxburgh Park and the Calder Cannons, was in Queensland playing for the Gold Coast Suns. She was added to the Suns list as a replacement player and would play two AFLW games. Barba said it was an experience that she would never forget. “It was my first ever AFLW opportunity and I’m grateful and honoured to have had the chance,” she said. “I made lifelong friends and moved out of home when I was 19, which I never envisaged doing. I grew as a person and a player and moved out of my comfort zone. I was humbled to get an opportunity and played two AFLW games. “It was fun and enjoyable.” Once the season finished Barba was unsure what her football future held. She wasn’t sure whether she would get another contract with the Suns. With that in mind she came back to Victoria, keen to get some more football under her belt. The perfect place to do that was with Essendon’s VFLW side where she had previously been playing. “The Bombers are home,” she said. “To get into the grand final was pretty amazing. “The season itself was amazing. I was back with some new players and old friends as well. I did miss the Bombers while I was away.” While the VFLW season was still going, Barba was delisted by the Suns meaning her AFLW future was up in the air. During the AFLW delisted free agent period, there was one club speak to her about playing in the upcoming season, Essendon. “Essendon said they were really keen to have me,” she said. “I was very happy and very relieved as It’s where I wanted to play AFLW.” With her future secured, Barba just continued on playing good football. A best on ground performance in the grand final capped off her VFLW season. “I was very surprised,” Barba said “I was

Kim Bailey.

(Shawn Smits)

Grand final returns to Romsey Park The biggest day of the Riddell District Football Netball League season will be back at Romsey Park this year. The league has told clubs that the senior netball and football grand finals will be held at Romsey Park on September 11. Romsey Park was the home of the RDFNL grand finals between 2014 and 2017, before being played at Clarke Oval in Sunbury in 2018 and 2019. There have been no grand finals the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rupertswood, which has since left the competition, won both the last senior football and A-grade netball grand finals in 2019. Finals will be played at Romsey Park in three of the four weeks of finals. The finals series will be a top five this year, down from the top six that was played in the last full season of competition. Romsey Park will host the qualifying final between second and third on August 20 in week one of the finals. The elimination finals between fourth and fifth will be held the following day at Greenhill Reserve, Wallan. Week two of the finals, will have the second second final between the minor premiers and the winner of the qualifying final played at Romsey Park on August 27. The winner will go straight through to the grand final, while the loser will play in the preliminary final. The first semi final between the loser of the qualifying final and the winner of the elimination final will be played at Gilbert Gordon Reserve in Woodend on August 28. The winner will play in the preliminary final at Tony Clarke Reserve on September 3, with the grand final to be held the following week. Tara Murray

Alana Barba after the VFLW grand final.

(Essendon Football Club)

holding the Go Pro thinking who will win it, I said I think Renee Tierney will win it and holding the Go Pro facing her. “The whole team played so well.” Having had her foot in both the VFLW and AFLW programs, Barba is enjoying getting to focus on the AFLW season She said the group was starting to gel and

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

build a strong culture. For Barba personally, this season she just wants to continue her development. “I’ll keep working hard and hopefully get a spot in the line up “I’ll push myself and the ultimate goal is to play one game. I want to develop as a player, that’s my main goal.”

Macedon won the last senior football premiership at Romsey Park. (Shawn Smits)

Hawks seek consistency after two tough weeks Woodend-Hesket is seeking consistency in the final rounds of the Riddell District Netball League. The Hawks are on track for their first A-grade finals series, but have dropped their last two matches to sides within the top five. The Hawks had a bye on the weekend, with playing coach Meg Grbac saying it had happened at the perfect time. “It’s a nice opportunity to take a bit of a break and recharge,” he said. “I think we’ve struggled a bit with consistency in the last few weeks with sickness and ins and outs with availability. “It’s time to recharge and then get back into it post bye and hopefully go into finals in form.” Grbac said the two losses against Macedon and Diggers Rest had been disappointing. She

Woodend Hesket’s A-grade side.

(Supplied)

said while they had shown they could match it with them, they haven’t done it for four quarters in the last couple of matches. “It’s been a couple of disappointing weeks,” she said. “We have to put four quarters on the

court, as lapses in quarters are letting us down a little bit. “I definitely think experienced players play a part. We have respect for both Macedon and Diggers Rest and both those sides have brought their a-game into matches but we haven’t.” Grbac said one of the keys to finding that consistency was working out the right combinations across the court and when to make changes. She said they were still working out what their best combinations were, saying they have a strong squad, with everyone able to play a role. She said the development of Charlee Duff-Tytler in goals had been massive after losing Abby Gilmore to injury early in the season.

“She’s just 15,” she said. “She’s come on leaps and bounds since the start of the season. “She has really stepped up and not just against the bottom teams. Against Macedon and Diggers Rest she was awesome.” It’s not just the Hawks A-grade side eyeing finals. The under-19s sit second while the B-grade and C-grade sit just outside the top five. Grbac said the sides were developing as the season progressed. The Hawks face Melton Centrals, Wallan and Romsey in the run home. The first two of those are on the road. Grbac said they were hoping to show some good form, with the match against Wallan set to be a good test. Tara Murray

Cats reveal new coach

Gisborne is still aiming high.

(Supplied)

Sky Blues tilt the tables By Tara Murray Gisborne is hoping to shape the top of the table in the run home in the FV state league 4 west competition. The Sky Blues were sitting fourth heading into Saturday’s match with Melbourne City, which was after deadline. While in the top part of the table, coach Danny Moore knows their hopes of promotion are all but over. The Sky Blues were sitting 12 points behind ladder ladders Westside Strikers, with three of the top four, including the Sky Blues, having catch up matches in the run home. “Unfortunately that is going to be the case,” he said. “My understanding of the way the league is set up, only the top team automatically goes up. The second team usually plays in a playoff for a chance to be promoted, but that will not be the case. “A chance of finishing in second has been taken away from us. The other teams

are too far ahead.” Moore said while they were disappointed not to still be in the promotion race, they had been really happy with the season so far. He said they had earned respect from other teams in the competition and shown that they were a hard team to play against. “We’re really happy with how this year has gone,” he said. “We took a few teams by surprise. “Teams know they will have a battle when they play us. We have given the club greater exposure and we’re working towards something. “Hopefully we’ll have players return next season and we can attract new players. We’re heading in the right direction. “Gisborne as a club is pushing high and wants to be in the mix for promotion and playing in higher divisions.” Moore said the group remained positive and upbeat for the final few rounds. On top of their scheduled matches, they also have a catch up match against promotion hopeful Keilor

Wolves, after last week’s match was postponed due to pitch conditions. Moore said nothing changes for the group the next few weeks. “The motivation is for us to knock off the top teams and still have an impact on who does and who doesn’t get promoted,” he said. “The message to the players is that we want to finish as high as we can. It doesn’t matter what position we are on the table, we want to maintain the same standard for the whole year and have no drop off.” Speaking before the match against Melbourne City, Moore said he was expecting the match to be a tough one. “They’ve picked up some results in the last few weeks,” he said. “They are in the bottom half of the league. “Pride is on the line.” Meanwhile, in state league 3 north-west, Sunbury United was due to face Point Cook on Saturday, after deadline. United entered the round in fourth spot, with their hopes of a top two finish already over.

Macedon will head into the 2022-23 Gisborne and District Cricket Association season with a new senior men’s coach. Tim Berzins, who joined the club last season having moved to the Macedon Ranges, will be taking the reins. “It’s still a very young club,” he said. “The community is growing, so I just hope to be part of helping the club grow for future generations and continuing the good work that they’ve already put in place.” Berzins came to the Cats with plenty of experience, previously playing in Victorian Premier Cricket and the Victorian Turf Cricket Association. He said he wanted to bring some of that professionalism and structure to the club and help the younger players develop even further. Berzins said the appointment came about after chatting with last year’s coach and club vice-president Daniel Trotta. “I was just discussing the situation with him and it just sort of progressed from there – just right time, right place,” he said. The Cats will be looking to build on last season when they made the Johnstone Shield grand final. It was a long way from the last time they were in the Johnstone Shield when they failed to win a game. “We had quite a strong year and unfortunately just didn’t come away with the win on the big day,” Berzins said. “It is a strong team, there’s a lot of talent.” The club’s three men’s sides all made finals last season, and with two boys under-17 sides, the future’s looking bright. In a Facebook post about Berzins’ appointment, Cats said he “brought with him a wealth of cricketing knowledge and experience, as well as his on-field talent”. “Both the club and Tim are super excited about what we can achieve in the upcoming season and can’t wait to get started,” the club wrote. “Berzins said he was excited about the junior talent coming through the ranks, which was “really good for the future”. “We’ll be hopefully progressing and continuing that growth and development with the next few seasons to come.” Elsie Lange

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

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