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20 SEPTEMBER, 2022

2022 AFL Grand Final supporter posters inside Bulldogs excel in the mud Gisborne are again the kings of the Bendigo Football League after a hard fought grand final win against Strathfieldsaye. With rain falling it was the Bulldogs that excelled to secure their first premiership since 2016. It was a big day for Gisborne with six teams participating in grand finals. They would come home with four flags - two football and two netball. For more on Gisborne’s day, turn to page 31.

(AbbyLouisemedia)

Overdevelopment fears By Elsie Lange Residents cited traffic congestion, environmental impacts and lack of services and infrastructure among concerns they hold about a controversial proposed development comprising more than 700 lots in Gisborne. At a town planning meeting on Wednesday, September 14, Macedon Ranges council heard from submitters regarding Development Plan Application DP/2021/1 at 89 Ross Watt Road. An application for the development was lodged with council in November last year, but because council did not make a decision on the application, an appeal by the applicant has now been lodged with the Victorian Civil

and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). According to a council report, the applicant proposes a residential estate of about 769 lots, with an average lot size of 573 metres squared, as well as a local convenience centre, childcare centre and various open spaces. “A number of ‘superlots’ and a ‘potential residential retirement living community (6.71 Ha)’ are also proposed. It is unclear the density proposed for these two components,” the report said. Council said based on a preliminary assessment by its strategic planning team, more information was required to support the proposal, which was requested on December 24 last year and again in February this year.

“Further information requested by council and various referral authorities was received in June 2022, however the applicant had already lodged a review at VCAT,” council said. Council received 28 objections to the application. Nearby resident Samantha Izzard was one of multiple submitters who spoke at the meeting and said her concerns surrounded the traffic impacts and proposed block sizes. “Considering the neighbouring block sizes range from 2000 square metres to 4000 square metres, the current application is concerning, with the number of blocks proposed that are below 800 square metres,” she said.

“Does this fit with the semi-rural feel of Gisborne.” She was concerned the proposal’s traffic impact statement didn’t address the viability of existing roads to handle an increase in traffic, or pressure on surrounding intersections. Other objectors cited concern about the development’s impact on local waterways, including Jacksons Creek, Racecourse Marshland Reserve and water quality at the Rosslyn Reservoir, neighbourhood character, and stormwater drainage. As part of the VCAT process, a “compulsory conference” is scheduled for November this year, with an eight day hearing scheduled for March next year.

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Crime rate hits a five year low By Elsie Lange The overall crime rate in the Macedon Ranges has declined nearly 22 per cent on last year – now at a five year low. Crime Statistics Agency data, released last week, shows the rate of recorded offences decreased 10.6 per cent across the state in the last 12 months, to 7121.5 per 100,000 Victorians. Macedon Ranges Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Amanda Cohen said there

had been a range of factors fuelling the decrease, including a “lag from the pandemic itself”. “We’re going to see increases coming along over the next couple of months, but these decreases have got to be somewhat affected by lockdowns,” Acting Inspector Cohen said. “The introduction of the Neighbourhood Policing Framework… with a focus on community policing has allowed community engagement and education which will have effects in regards to crime.

“It’s certainly a good direction to be heading in and good work done by the officers and I think it comes across because of the relationship that’s been rebuilt with the community after the lockdown period. “But I have no doubt we will see an increase over the coming months.” One town bucking the trend in the Macedon Ranges is the small village of Macedon, which experienced a 24 per cent increase in offences recorded, from 114 in 2021 to 142 in 2022. “That’s a good news story for me,” Acting

Inspector Cohen said. “We’ve recently appointed a new member to Macedon, who is extremely engaged in the community and aware of the community’s needs and issues. “That’s led to an increase of recorded offences, so it’s that members ability to be active and engaged with the community, which has allowed for that recording to occur.” Hume also had a 16.7 per cent decrease in offences recorded, including a 26 per cent decrease in Sunbury.

Library boost welcomed

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket Club secretary Bill Morison and president Barry Borlase are excited to create a new over 70s team. (Damjan Janevski) 297973_01

New uniforms for cricket veterans A council grant will help Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket Club create a new over 70s team, connecting older people in the region through sport. The club scored a small project grant of $1500 from Macedon Ranges council to purchase team apparel as they look to expand, to allow their older members to keep competing. President Barry Borlase said the veterans club improves the mental and physical health of the players, providing a social outlet for their partners too. “Originally we had an over 60s team and then obviously, as the guys got older, we needed

a vehicle for them to be able to play,” Mr Borlase said. Players hail from all over – from down in Sunbury and Diggers Rest, up to Macedon, Romsey, Gisborne Lancefield and Woodend – and they play teams from across the state. “It is a nice thing. The council put out these community grants to encourage participation by older residents, and you could say veterans cricket in Australia is one of the fastest growing sports,” Mr Borlase said. He said the club was always welcoming of new members, and fostered a strong community spirit.

“Our club has a long history of embracing new players, bearing in mind when we started 11 years ago we only had nine players. “It has grown to 75 players over that time, across three divisions, over 50s, over 60s and over 70s. “On [game day], we play our games, starting at 11am and finishing at about 3pm, and then we have a barbecue, which is attended by the opposition team, their supporters, our members and our supporters. “It’s a bringing together of people.”

Libraries in the Macedon Ranges will receive more than $370,000 in funding from the state government. The $374,125 investment, funded through the government’s Public Libraries Funding Program, will be distributed by Macedon Ranges council. “It’s great to see the government continuing to support both the Hepburn and Macedon Ranges councils to deliver high-quality resources for our community through the Public Libraries Funding Program,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said. “As our community grows, so do their needs. This funding will provide the Hepburn and Macedon Ranges communities to have improved access to digital technology and resources, literacy support services, traditional collections, event spaces and workstations.” In a statement, the government said libraries were continuing to feel the impacts of the pandemic, but showed “innovation and dedication” to their communities despite it all. “The Public Libraries Funding Program provides annual funding for public libraries across Victoria so that they can provide valuable library services,” the government said. “This funding will expand library collections, boost online services and provide library and outreach programs.” The funding program has been allocated $48 million in funding for the 2022-23 financial year, and since 2015 has distributed more than $354 million. “Local libraries are much-loved community facilities in Victoria. Across the state, more than two million library members borrow more than 31 million items from libraries every year,” the government said.

Elsie Lange

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Public holiday blow for business By Elsie Lange An extra public holiday on September 22, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s death last week, will be “challenging” to navigate, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges businesses say. The national break, announced by the federal government on September 11, will take place the day before AFL Grand Final public holiday on Friday, September 23 – meaning there will be two in a row. Sunbury Autobarn owner Adam Mizzi said while Victorians loved public holidays, to “lob” another one into the weekend at short notice

would be difficult for services like his to figure out. “Coming through the pandemic and having to move job bookings is quite challenging and I think making it on the Friday would have been more than fine, to have one public holiday,” Mr Mizzi said. “I’m all for long weekends, but not at the impact of the small businesses.” Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne questioned how many more “whacks” small business owners in town could take. “From a retailer and local perspective, small

businesses have had to limit their opening hours… this will just be another day on which it may not be profitable enough to open the doors if penalty rates have to apply,” he said. Mr Osborne does not see the need for ‘Footy Friday’, sharing the sentiment of Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group Tim Piper, who said the weekend would be costly. “We’re not against the public holiday, it is acceptable for a monarch that has been ruling over Australia for 70 years… but every public holiday, and particularly one in Victoria that runs into another public holiday becomes an additional unbudgeted expense,”

Mr Piper said. “My mantra is, why do we need a Footy Friday? We’re not going to get rid of it this year, accept it, but why do we need to continue with it.” Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association committee member and Newnham Earthmoving Romsey general manager Mick McCarthy said the construction industry had already been hampered by wet weather, COVID-19 and supply chain issues. “To have another day off is challenging for us and our clients and particularly at such short notice,” he said.

Events given funding boost

(Damjan Janevski) 298635_01

Join egg-citing bird walk at Bald Hill Birds and their many, varied songs and plumages inspire wonder and delight – you can learn about your local feathered friends at a guided walk through Bald Hill Reserve with Macedon Ranges biodiversity officer, Tanya Loos. The tour, happening 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, September 25, will focus on woodland birds leading up to council’s annual Bird Blitz in October – just remember to bring your binoculars. “The woodland bird walk in Bald Hill and surrounds is presented in association with The Friends of Bald Hill Reserve… I have a strong

background in bird monitoring and I love teaching beginners,” Ms Loos said. “Getting to know the birds around you brings so much joy because you can watch their activities, which change throughout the year. “Part of the excitement of a spring walk is that we get to see the summer migrants that come down from up north, like the sacred kingfisher.” The sacred kingfisher is blue-green to even turquoise, with white on its underside, a cute collar and a black mask – magical to see in the wild and especially down south.

The October Bird Blitz will be its fourth iteration, and after going online during the pandemic, is set to be an exciting twitching event in-person again. According to Macedon Ranges council, the region is home to more than 227 species of birds, with 18 per cent of them considered threatened with extinction. Ms Loos will also be teaching a bit about bird calls on the Bald Hill Reserve walk too. “If your child is already bird mad with binoculars, bring them along,” she said. Elsie Lange

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Catch the Woodland Birds in Bald Hill Reserve and surrounds workshop with Tanya Loos.

Hume council has allocated more than $96,000 to forthcoming events in the municipality. At a meeting on Monday, September 12, council endorsed the allocation of round two of the Event Sponsorship Funding Program, of a total $224,470 available for 2022-23. Councillor Chris Hollow described the funding towards the different programs as “fantastic”. “This shows that Hume is prepared to help those groups in the community to get a head start,” he said. Some of the successful events included Sunbury Community Festival ($27,000), URBNSURF Melbourne’s Diverse Festival ($18,6000) and the Living Legends’ Hume Summer Festival ($26,130). The events are to be held January 1 to June 30 next year. A report to council said the intention of the funding program is to provide support to events that will benefit the municipality, which includes the “social benefit of creating a vibrant city, as well as economic benefits for events that attract visitation”. Cr Hollow said looking through the summary of recipients, it was clear the money was being invested back into the community, or “to attract people back to Hume”. “For me, this is an exciting thing to see, therefore I am in favour of this report and the endorsement of funds to the nine recipients,” he said. To see the full list, visit Hume council’s meeting agenda for September 12: https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/ Your-Council/Agendas-Minutes-andAudio-Recordings.

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Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, Roads Minister Ben Carroll and Department of Transport Loddon Mallee director Melanie Hotton with road workers at Melbourne-Lancefield Road. (Supplied)

Police arrested a man after he allegedly drove his vehicle into the front of the Sunbury Police Station on Sunday night. Three employees were inside the station at the time of the incident, just after 10pm, but police said no one was injured. Police believe witnesses observed the vehicle being driven erratically in the area prior to the incident. “The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage but there is no ongoing threat to the community,” police said.

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The state government will invest $780 million to rebuild, repair and resurface more than 365 kilometres of roads across central Victoria. In a statement, the government said workers would spend the next eight months delivering more than 290 individual projects across the region’s travel and transpirt routes, including the Calder Highway, Lancefield-Tooboorac Road and Tylden-Woodend Road. “The roads set to be targeted under the maintenance blitz have been selected based upon expert inspections and community feedback, ensuring that works are delivered where local drivers need them most,” the government said. Crews will deliver more than 1300 road maintenance projects, patch thousands of potholes and replace and repair 20,000 roadside signs. The government said the investment will also ensure other vital parts of the road network are “up to scratch, including rebuilding bridges and maintaining traffic lights.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said roads in the region were “critical” for getting residents where they need to go. “Since 2014, we’ve made record investments in upgrading and maintaining the state’s road network and this work will continue over the next eight months – with a majority of funding spent in regional Victoria,” Ms Thomas said. “Right across the state, crews will begin repairing and rebuilding the roads that regional Victorians rely on most, connecting people with employment and education opportunities, key freight routes, family and friends.” The government said the works would use the latest technology and methods to ensure the road maintenance program delivers the best results for all Victorians, while also continuing to support an estimated 1800 jobs. “An additional $3.2 million of funding will be invested in maintaining regional roadsides, with more mowing, weed spraying and graffiti removal work set to be completed across the network,” the government said.

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents are encouraged to take to the pavement next month as part of the One Foot Forward challenge. The Black Dog Institute initiative will involve participants walking, running or rolling 40, 60, 100 or 150 kilometres during October as part of Mental Health Month. Funds raised will assist in preventing teenagers with sleep issues from developing into anxiety or depression; helping community presenters reach schools and communities; training teachers to reduce anxiety in children and, engaging people with lived experience of mental-ill health in developing new programs and services. Details: www.onefootforward.org.au. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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We’re building big in Sunbury and there will be transport disruptions

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As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line, removing the Gap Road level crossing and upgrading Sunbury Road.

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Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions 8.30pm 30 September to last train 2 October 8.30pm 14 October to last train 16 October

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

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

North Melbourne to Sunbury

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

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

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

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

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

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Mt Macedon wins tourism award By Elsie Lange The delightful village of Mt Macedon has taken out bronze in its category of Top Tiny Tourism Town at this year’s Australian Top Tourism Town Awards. Winners were announced at a ceremony held today at Parliament House in Canberra. Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association (MRAA) president Mariel Sloane said winning bronze at a national level was a fantastic honour for the whole region. “This recognises all the hard work of local businesses and councils and raises the awareness

of the Macedon Ranges throughout the whole Australia,” she said. Victoria took home a win in every category, with Bendigo taking out silver in Top Tourism Town category and Port Fairy winning bronze in the Top Small Tourism Town category. The awards are presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, highlighting the country’s most gorgeous regional tourism destinations. Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson said the award showcases the oustanding efforts of local tourism businesses that persevered through lockdowns and last year’s devastating

June storm. “The Macedon Ranges offers a range of captivating experiences where visitors can relax, play, indulge and explore only 45 minutes from the airport and less than an hour out of Melbourne,” she said. There were 148 submissions from destinations all across Australia, with the National Award winners chosen from the three category gold winners in each state and territory. Mt Macedon won Victoria’s Top Tiny Tourism Town in July to proceed to the national championships. Australia’s 2022 Top Tourism Town was

Mudgee in New South Wales, and bronze was Mandurah in Western Australia. Exmouth in WA won gold for Small Tourism Town, with Sheffield in Tasmania taking out silver. Strahan in Tasmania won gold in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category, with Winton in Queensland winning silver. Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat owner and former MRAA president Andrew Towner was thrilled with the news. “There was a time where people complained that no one knew where the Macedon Ranges were. Rest assured the whole of Australia knows now,” he said.

Playground open for fun Forrest Street Reserve playspace in Sunbury is now complete, featuring a ninja course, a fitness space, a multi-purpose court and landscaping. The upgrade was supported by a $260,000 injection through the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, to complement the $460,000 contribution by Hume council. Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Macedon Ranges council mayor Carly Moore, councillors Jack Medcraft and Jarrod Bell, as well as council’s chief executive Sheena Frost visited the site on Friday, September 8. “This is a great result for our growing community which is filled with young families looking for spaces for their children to have fun and build strong social connections,” Mr Bull said. “Our government will continue to deliver projects that better support the needs of Victorians living in suburbs across the state.” The latest census data shows the number of families living in Sunbury has almost doubled

in the last five years. Hume councillor Jarrod Bell, who lives in Sunbury, wrote a humorous Facebook post about the playground, saying local ninjas would be “thrilled” it was complete. Residents commented it was an “awesome” facility. “We tried it out on Friday and the rock climbing wall was a huge favourite,” one resident said. “Kids love it,“ another said. “It’s been buzzing with kids since they took the fence down.” On Mr Bull’s Facebook post, a commenter said her children were “really enjoying” the new area. “[It’s] great for older kids,” she said. The Forrest Street Reserve upgrade is complete, visited by Josh Bull MP with mayor Carly Moore, chief executive Sheena Frost and councillors Jarrod Bell and Jack Medcraft from Hume council on Firday. (Supplied)

Community Update: Sunbury COVID-19 Testing Centre at 29 Timmins Street, Sunbury will close on 27th September. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and Western Health would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for working to keep us all safe by continuing to get tested for COVID-19.

Where can I get tested? Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the preferred means of testing for COVID-19 for most Victorians. RATs are quick and accurate, particularly if you have symptoms or if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. Victorians are also eligible for up to 5 free RATs for each person listed on your Medicare Card. For more information about getting tested for COVID-19 and where you can obtain free RATs go to: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-a-covid-19-test or scan the QR code.

Staying ahead of COVID-19 As we continue to live with COVID-19 there are some things you can do to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect yourself and those most at risk. • Keep up to date with your vaccinations. Vaccination helps protect you and those around you from serious illness • Use a mask in indoor settings. Masks help reduce the spread of COVID-19 • Let fresh air in. Making sure that a space is well ventilated can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in group settings • Stay at home and get tested if you feel unwell. 12568536-MS38-22

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Rates policy offers compassion By Elsie Lange Hume council has developed a new draft rates policy to lend a hand to residents struggling financially, which will be open for community feedback until October 13. The newly-developed draft Rates Financial Hardship Policy is aimed to help residents through payment arrangements and/or a short or long-term deferral of rates. At a meeting on September 12, councillor Jim Overend praised the draft policy because there were many

residents who were “still doing it very tough”. “Firstly through COVID-19, and now with interest rate rises, they are finding it very hard out there,” he said. His only request was that council take the first steps in initiating payment arrangements, rather than having residents “bury their heads in the sand” before asking for help. A report to council said the draft policy lessens the burden of proof in applying for assistance, aims to engage ratepayers in an “open and continuous” dialogue and to help residential property owners

where it is their principal place of residence. The application of the draft policy, should it be adopted after the feedback period, may reduce the level of penalty interest earned by council, which is budgeted to be $845,000 for the 2022-23 financial year. In June this year, the total value of rates owed to council was $22.56 million, up $2.3 million compared to the same time in 2021. Cr Jarrod Bell said as a local government, Hume required an income through rates to deliver its services, which was “the reality of life”.

“However, that doesn’t mean that we have to be punitive,” Cr Bell said. “That doesn’t mean that we need to keep wringing the sponge to try and get more and more out. “That is exactly what this Rates Financial Hardship Policy envisages… a compassionate way of understanding… that people have good times and bad times, we’ve seen plenty of them over the last couple of years.” Details: https://participate.hume.vic.gov.au/ rates-financial-hardship-policy

Bakery wins the game for about four years and said the owners deserve every reward that comes their way. While Tracy has tried the game pie, which she says is great, she can’t go past the bakery’s pepper pie, which will always be her favourite. Aussie Pie Council competition organiser Danielle Lindsay said the calibre of pies and sausage rolls in this year’s competition had lifted the standard. “We are proud to continue elevating an Aussie icon and providing genuine feedback on more than 1500 pies and sausage rolls from around the country,” she said. “Well done to all who have put their heart and soul into their entries, we look forward to many more great pie comps in the years to come.” Elsie Lange Husband and wife owners Kimthai Seang and Da Keat are thrilled Gisborne Bakery and Cafe has scored the gong for Best Game Pie. (Damjan Janevski) 298547_01

FSA/DETS1029

You might not believe it, but the Best Game Pie in the country sits right on your doorstep, in the Macedon Ranges. The owners of Gisborne Bakery and Cafe are bouncing off the walls to find out their rabbit, mushroom and thyme pie won the golden gong at the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition at Fine Food Australia earlier this month. Husband and wife bakery duo Kimthai Seang and Da Keat said they were “excited and happy” to have scored the top prize in the game pie category. “It took me about a month to come up with the pie recipe,” Mr Seang said. “I like everything about it.” Ms Keat said she was so proud, as her husband had worked hard. “It’s very yummy. My kids said they were so happy, proud of their father for winning that competition,” she said. “We do the pie competition every year, but this is the first time we’ve done the game competition.” Tracy Kernaghan has worked at the bakery

Giving Victorian children the best start in life Free Kinder from 2023 will give Victorian children the best start in life. Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be FREE across the state at participating services. In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across the state. And over the decade, we’ll transition Four-Year-Old Kinder to Pre-Prep and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres. Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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Firewood theft destroys habitat By Elsie Lange About 400 standing trees have been illegally felled and removed from parks and state forests in the Kyneton, Macedon, Taradale and Castlemaine areas this year, prompting calls from Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator for public information on illegal firewood operators in Central Victoria. As part of Operation CENTAUR, patrols and surveillance are targeting the behaviour, and enforcement officers are alarmed by the destruction of the grassy woodlands timber, which provide hollows for nesting birds and mammals. Parks Victoria Goldfields area chief ranger Karen Doyle said many animals rely on fallen timber and tree hollows for habitat.

One of the felled trees. (Supplied: Parks Victoria)

“Crevices under logs and hollows in trees provide safe places for mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates to live and are the

perfect place to protect their young from predators,” Ms Doyle said. “Fallen timber and tree hollows also have value far beyond basic shelter, providing food resources and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem as it decays.” In a statement, Parks Victoria said over $5500 in infringement notices had been issued over the past 12 months, for “illegal collection of timber, destruction of habitat and off-road driving”. They said they were investigating other offences with Victoria Police and the Conservation Regulator. “Anyone caught illegally felling or taking timber can face a fine of up to $9246 and/or a year in prison, as well as risk losing the items used to commit offences, such as chainsaws, vehicles and other associated equipment,”

Parks Victoria said. The statutory authority said it was a timely reminder to the public to purchase firewood responsibly, but considering where the wood has come from. “Victorians are urged to ask questions before they buy, to avoid inadvertently supporting illegal firewood operators and to reduce the impact of these illegal activities on our environment,” Parks Victoria said. Ms Doyle said information from the community was a key part of Parks Victoria’s intelligence and evidence gathering. “We encourage community members to report any suspicious behaviour to Parks Victoria on 13 19 63. But please remember your safety is most important – don’t put yourself at risk to gather information,” she said.

Prost! Oktoberwest fun The spirit of Munich will be arriving in Williamstown next month, with Oktoberwest returning after a two-year hiatus. Seaworks will welcome more than 4000 people in raising a stein and enjoying a range of music and other entertainment on Saturday, October 1. Festival director Craig Turton said this year’s festival will be “bigger and better” than ever before. “This year, we are kicking off from 12pm, giving everyone plenty of time to get into your German best to experience the incredible music, live performances and plentiful food and drinks,” he said. “It’s the perfect day for all ages with more rides and entertainment than you can poke a pretzel at.”

On top of traditional German-style bands, the festival will also feature Sydney-based bands Furnace and the Fundamentals and 19-Twenty. Children ticket discounts are on offer, with free tickets for children under 10, while general admission tickets are currently available for $45. Details: oktoberwest.org

Seaworks Williamstown will host the Oktoberwest festival on Saturday, October 1. (Supplied)

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

Right now, there are community services jobs available where you can make a difference, helping people who have a disability, families fleeing violence, and children and families who need care and support. Plus, there is a jobs guarantee for new graduates in priority areas.

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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Drawing leads to royal meeting By Laura Michell Wednesday, March 5, 1986, is an incredibly special day for Caroline Springs’ Maryann Zerafa. The then 20-year-old made her way to Melbourne Airport with her older brother to await The Queen’s arrival in Melbourne. She was armed with a life-size drawing of the monarch that had taken about one month to complete. She recalls a security guard helped her and her brother to hold up the poster, which Ms Zerafa estimates was six foot, as The Queen disembarked her plane and made her way towards to the waiting crowd with then

Premier John Cain. “[The Queen] said, ‘did you do that?’,” Ms Zerafa recalled. “I said, ‘I did’, and she said it was very well done. “I was over the moon. “I remember thinking my mum is going to be so proud.” Ms Zerafa’s brief encounter with The Queen earned her a spot in newspapers in the days that follows, with footage of her conversation with Her Majesty replayed on television news. “The next couple of weeks ... I went to my local Milk bar in Albion, Perth Avenue, and to my surprise there was a Royal Tour magazine with an A4 size photo of me holding my

drawing with The Queen and Mr Cain right beside her,” she recalled. “You could not imagine how I felt!” Ms Zerafa still has the drawing as well as clippings of the news articles and recordings of the TV news bulletins she appeared on. She said that when she heard The Queen had died on Thursday, September 8, she was in disbelief. She said her first thought was for her 86-year-old mum, Antoinette, who inspired her love for the Royal Family. “I thought, ‘my poor mum is going to be devastated’,” she said. “I was devastated ... you just think she is always going to be there.”

Maryann Zerafa with her drawing. (Damjan Janevski) 299090_04

Paddingtons in demand

Irelands Florist of Sunbury’s Annette Duff made a posy for The Queen.

(Damjan Janevski) 298503_01

A posy for The Queen Sunbury florist Annette Duff will never forget when two air hostesses burst into her workplace at Tullamarine airport in 1986, requesting flowers for Queen Elizabeth II. “It was just a normal day at work [when] all of a sudden [they] ran in the door, in a bit of a panic, because they forgot to order a posy,” she said. “They needed [one] pretty much straight away, because The Queen was about to touch down and they needed a posy to present to her.” She was just 22-years-old at the time, and now, 36 years later, Ms Duff co-owns Irelands Florist of Sunbury, where she’s set up a display for the monarch in the window. Ms Duff said The Queen might be her most famous bouquet recipient, and she hadn’t in her “wildest dreams” thought she’d be called

on to make her one. “I quickly put together a posy suitable for her – small, full of flowers like roses, carnations and other blooms that were in season,” she said. “I was nervous to get it right, because I knew how important it was. “I was just thinking, I can’t wait to tell mum what I’ve done today when I get home, because it was an honour.” Ms Duff said when she heard the news of The Queen’s death, she cried. “She’s the only head of state I’ve ever known, I think she’s done a wonderful job,” she said. “Even though she was elderly, she was a pretty important person for my generation.”

When news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death broke, an illustrated picture of her walking hand-in-hand with a recognisable, marmalade sandwich-loving bear began circulating on social media. Alongside the image were the words, ‘I’ve done my duties Paddington, please take me to my husband’. Since then, sales of the beloved, red-booted, bucket hat-adorned plush toy have skyrocketed at Keilor Park’s Aussie Toys Online. “Paddingtons with little boots are what have been walking out the door,” manager Sarah Thomas said. “They are always popular at Aussie Toys Online, but we’ve seen an uptick and are selling 10 times more than we’d see in a month.” In June, The Queen made a surprise appearance in a sketch with Paddington, in commemoration of her 70 years on the

throne, known as her Platinum Jubilee. The clip is titled ‘Marmalade sandwich Your Majesty?’, and features The Queen and Paddington sharing where on their person they keep their delectable, favourite snack. Ms Thomas said while the company ships Bluey costumes overseas, it was the first time Paddington bears, of all shapes and sizes, were making their way as far as North Carolina in the United States. “To me, it’s something that we have here in Australia that is still very English,” Ms Thomas said. “I think people are buying them as momentos, which is lovely, because of the Jubilee… that’s been carried through to her passing. “[The Queen] has always been there, and so has Paddington.” *Aussie Toys Online is affiliated with Star Weekly

Aussie Toys Online manager Sarah Thomas with the popular Paddington plushes. (Holly McGuinness)

Elsie Lange

Not your normal dollar. It’s a Donation Dollar. If everyone gave them as they found them, every year $300 million would go to those who need it most. When you find one. Give one.

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

ADVERTORIAL

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What Kind of Hobbyist Are You? The COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive to say the least and we have all had to work to keep ourselves entertained, connected, and engaged – this period has brought with it some opportunities to learn some things about ourselves and how we tick. We’re talking about the hobbies and pastimes that we’ve used to keep ourselves busy – and what they say about us. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of hobbyists there are and how you can tell if you fit the type.

The Artist This first one is probably the easiest to spot – but you might not even realise you fit the type! You might think that it’s just a natural impulse to pick up a pen and start drawing while on a phone call or watching TV. We encourage you to do what you can to flex that creative muscle by looking to opportunities to draw, photograph, and create. When things begin to pick up steam, you’ll find some great opportunities to take these new skills out and about.

The Experimenter This one is hard to nail down – but those who fit this archetype will know. The experimenter might have been keeping themselves busy refining their home-made bread recipe, or they might have been trying to propagate their own succulents). But the core theme runs true, it’s all about exploring ‘what if ’ and learning more about what makes the world around you work the way it does. We recommend leaning into whatever has caught your attention and looking to whatever resources you have at your disposal to learn more each day.

The Project-er If you’re someone who always needs a project (and it doesn’t really matter what) then you’re in luck! As opportunities have started to open up again, get involved in community projects, you’ll have plenty of chances to find your next project to tackle. You may like to look for ways that you can use your energy to help others. This might involve volunteering with an organisation or donating your time to someone who could use a hand. There will be organisations of all types

looking for ready and willing hands to help them get the ball rolling again after the lockdowns are over.

Hobbyists at Burnside Retirement Village Burnside retirement village is a very affordable living lifestyle village where people live in their own villa units or apartments. Many of the residents belong to hobby groups within the village or in the local area and the personal connection,

friendship and activity has sustained them during the pandemic lock downs. Hobby groups tend to bring together a diverse and wonderful crowd! To find out more about life here at Burnside Village, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

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Cooking from the heart is easy in a GemLife kitchen French chef Chantal Moritz was looking for the “perfect kitchen” and found it when she decided to downsize and move into the GemLife Woodend over-50s lifestyle resort a year ago. “It is true a good chef can cook anywhere but I could not have been more delighted with the space and facilities, including a beautiful gas top and quality oven, I have here in my own home. It’s perfect,” said French-born Chantal, 69, who is the fifth member of her family and the first girl to take up the profession. Born and raised in Paris where her family-owned restaurants for many years, Chantal was inspired to cook by her father who she says was a brilliant chef. At age 16, she remembers cooking her first slow-cooked French chicken dish. “It took a few hours because the French favour slow cooking to give enough time for the dish to take in all the beautiful flavours of each ingredient. The sauce, which is so important, was difficult to make but when dad tasted it, he said it was delicious. From then on, I cooked with him a lot and have always loved it,” she said. At the age of 30, Chantal moved to Australia where she spread her passion for French cuisine by running a catering business and hosting annual tours to the many world-famous wine and food regions of France. She also returned with her Australian husband for three years to run her own restaurant in the village of Puget-Rostang in the country north of Nice. The talented chef’s skills with French cuisine such as beef bourguignon, chicken breast with Grand Marnier sauce, duck with blackberries and port sauce, and a host of mouth-watering French pastries, continues to be admired by all who know her. She says the secret to being a good French cook is “to respect the ingredients and cook from the heart”.

French chef Chantal Moritz finds cooking in her GemLife Woodend home kitchen a pure delight.

A Woodend resident since the mid-1990s, the talented chef also taught French at Braemer College for 22 years. GemLife Woodend, which is currently selling the last remaining sites in Stage Five of the development, offers luxurious

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

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The future’s green heroes By Elsie Lange Nine schools from across the Macedon Ranges came together last Tuesday for Earthwatch’s massive Kids Teaching Kids environmental conference at Hanging Rock. The atmosphere was electric as excited pupils delivered and participated in hands-on activities addressing environmental issues in the region. Kids were supported by mentors from Macedon Ranges council, Newham and District Landcare Group, Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House Environment Group and others. Earthwatch chief executive Fiona Sutton Wilson explained the pupils came up with the various programs delivered on the day, as she watched over a workshop called Connecting to Country. “Kids Teaching Kids is all about finding things that they’re interested in, and for them to come up with ideas around what they want to learn, they learn about it and then they share those learnings with others,” she said. She observed as pupils put together Connecting to Country passports, acknowledging the Aboriginal land they lived and learnt on. Emmett, a pupil of St Mary’s Primary School Lancefield Romsey, was one of two masters of ceremonies for the event, alongside Maggie, 11. “It’s fantastic, I love teaching people about stuff that we need to know and create

awareness of,” Emmett said. Emmett was one of the pupils who learnt knowledge to pass onto his peers – his workshop was about insects. “I love how there’s just so many different types of bugs and instead of thinking of bugs in a bad way, like they’re pests, I think of them in a good way now, that they help our world,” he said.

‘‘

We need to get children into nature, but also remind them that they are nature - Costa Georgiadis

’’

“I have already learnt about habitats.. That was an amazing workshop that [Hesket Primary School] put together.” There was a famous face among the hordes of children too – Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis loved being a part of the program. “We need to get children into nature, but also remind them that they are nature,” Costa said. “Nature’s not out there, it’s around them all the time and whether that’s just looking in a puddle and seeing that there’s life there. “Or picking up that leaf and looking at a leaf… or moss through a macro lens and seeing nature for all its intricacies and its delicate beauty, that’s enough to wake them up for months.”

1/ Costa Georgiadis with the day’s MCs, Emmett, 10, and Maggie, 11, from St Mary’s Lancefield and Romsey. 2/ Macy, 11, and Chloe, 11, from Holy Cross Primary School in Gisborne. 3/ Eli, 12, and Sophie, 12, from Riddells Creek Primary School. 4/ Harry, 10, Channing, 11, Lucas, 11, from Holy Cross Primary School in Gisborne. 5/ Zavier, 9, Ruby, 9, Mia, 10, and Charlie, 10, from Hesket Primary School. 6/ Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson with Earthworth’s Tanaya Joshi and Michelle Tripp. (Supplied: MRSC) 7/ Pupils from Malmsbury Primary School. Back row: Hayley, 11, Isabella, 11, Lily, 12, and Molly, 12. Front row: Elena, 11, Asher, 10, Charlie, 11, and Ella, 11. 14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Michael Leunig (second from left) with fans Shelley Davidow, Paul Williams and Annie Grossman. (Supplied)

‘‘

You hurt people without intending to, and so you have to become more thoughtful about your own ideas

’’

- Michael Leunig Left: Leunig’s work in progress. (Annie Grossman) Above: Leunig talks and draws at the same time; The work unfolds. (Pictures: Supplied)

Leunig gently rocks the boat Cartoonist Michael Leunig is a son of the west. He was born in East Melbourne and educated at Footscray North Primary School and Maribyrnong High School. His poingnant, philosophical cartoons have become part of the consciousness of Melbourne as Phil Jarratt discovered.

hey say you should never meet your literary heroes for fear of disappointment, and I think there’s an element of truth in that, although the fault might lay with the expectations rather than the hero. The thought came back to me the other night when, following a glowing introduction, an old man with a shock of white hair, dressed in jeans and sandals, shuffled to the microphone at the front of the room and seemed to struggle with its operation. I use the term “old man” with the same sense of reverence used by Noel Pearson when he referred to Gough Whitlam, with the highest level of love and respect, as “this old man” in his beautiful eulogy. Being but a few years behind him, I don’t get to call Michael Leunig old with anything other than reverence. But in a way, the great cartoonist, poet and philosopher has always seen the world through the prism of a wisdom way beyond his years, and often completely beyond our comprehension. Except that it all made perfect sense, the duck, the moon, Mr Curly and Vasco Pyjama, the whole damn circus. It was the universe drawn small. As Barry Humphries wrote in 1975: “Leunig’s subjects are as ambitious as his technique is simple. World cataclysm, The Flood, loneliness, cruelty, lust and greed. Through these runs the vein of his compassion and humanity - his humour - illuminating many a darkling theme.” Or as the artist himself put it in 1992: “A cartoonist will create a standard figure - the

Everyman, Everyperson image that becomes their messenger, their angel … In my case I create this character gradually over the years, this poor little wretched fool with big wide eyes, a bit of an innocent. He’s a bit genderless, a bit ageless — not quite human, more humanoid. A bit like a monkey or a foetus. But it’s a life spirit, you see, that people can trust. There’s no possible threat with this character. It can propose the most ridiculous things, or soft, touching little innocent things or it can be bawdy … People know it, know it can say anything and they always forgive it.” Michael Leunig, now 77, was born in East Melbourne in June 1945. He was the son of a slaughterman, the second of five children. His website bio contends he “was educated at Footscray North Primary School and Maribyrnong High School, plus at various factory gates, street corners, kitchen tables, paddocks, rubbish tips, quarries, loopholes, puddles and abattoirs in Melbourne’s industrial western suburbs”, finding creative inspiration from “Enid Blyton, Arthur Mee, Phantom comics, The Book of Common Prayer, J.D. Salinger, Spike Milligan, Bruce Petty, Martin Sharp, Private Eye magazine and The Beatles”. Following his dad into the meatworks straight from school, Leunig was politicised by receiving his military conscription papers in 1965. We’re not sure how he dodged that bullet, but he finds fame – and later adulation – as a political cartoonist on the game-changing Nation Review at the start of the ‘70s. As a casual contributor to the Review

who never missed an issue, I was amused, fascinated and puzzled by Leunig’s cartoons, never having seen anything quite like them. I remain, more or less, in this state. The list of Michael Leunig’s awards and achievements is very, very long, but since the cartoonist says he’s forgotten most of them because they are meaningless, let’s just mention that the National Trust declared him an “Australian living treasure” in 1999, which seems appropriate. “I wanted to talk about the role of the artist in difficult times,“ he said. “Actually, life is a difficult time. It’s not easy. As well as the honorary doctorates and so on, I’ve also been cancelled quite considerably. “It’s a big thing to have spent your whole working life offering things to your culture in a quite experimental way, but I think I’ve done it in good faith, made a few mistakes, offended a few people, not deliberately. That’s the nature of political cartooning, but you hurt people without intending to, and so you have to become more thoughtful about your own ideas.” Although he never moves from the general to the specific, Leunig seems to be referring to last year’s “cancellation” from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald over his “Tank Man” cartoon which they declined to publish. In it he juxtaposes the famous 1989 photo of the lone man defying the tanks on Tiananmen Square with a cartoon of a lone protestor in front of a loaded syringe. I don’t know if it was anti-vaxxer sentiment driving the cartoon or a more philosophical objection to mandates, but perhaps the bigger question is why ban it?

It was by no means my favourite Leunig but it didn’t offend me as much as the racist undertones of some of the late, great Bill Leak’s work, which we were all given the opportunity to see and judge. Leunig softens the mood by placing himself in the context of history. “[When I started] it was the ‘60s and people were into rocking the boat. Now I think it’s rocking too violently, and I just try to steady it.” In a moment he will delight us with his skill at “making marks” on paper, but first he offers a poem from his canon: Artist leave the world of art, Pack your goodies on a cart, Duck out through some tiny hole, Slip away and save your soul. Leave no footprints, don’t look back, Take the dark and dirty track. Cross the border, cross your heart: Freedom from the world of art. I love that. The morning after, still pondering other parts of Leunig’s “muddle”, I pick up the Saturday Age, as is my habit, and go straight to the back page of the Spectrum section to see if the old man still has it. I find a beautifully-drawn cartoon of the prime minister kissing a baby, then dropping it and running after being informed that it had been named after Julian Assange. Cruel, coarse, caustic, hilarious – I laughed like a drain. Yes, Leunig still has it, in spades.

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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Level crossing set to open early It was an exciting atmosphere at the Gap Road Community Day in Sunbury on Sunday, as 2000 people had a close-up look at the new rail bridge and underpass set to open ahead of schedule. Sunbury MP Josh Bull announced on the day the level crossing would open in less than two weeks time, on September 30, “well ahead of schedule“. The residents were able to walk on the new road surface, and see the bridge’s stunning artwork by Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara artist and Sunbury resident, Teena Moffatt. A Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony took place and attendees were entertained by roving performers, music, giveaways and a sausage sizzle.

1/Members of Salesian College’s school bands – The Gents, The Mopheads and The B-sides. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 2/ Crowds at the Gap Road Community Day. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 3/ Sunbury residents celebrate the news the new Gap Road underpass will open on Friday 30 September. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 4/ First Nations artist and Sunbury resident Teena Moffatt (who designed the artwork on the Gap Road rail bridge) performed with the Djirri Djirri dancers at the Gap Road Community Day. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 5/Roving performers entertained crowds at the Gap Road Community Day. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 6/ Residents taking a look at the Gap Road underpass. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 7/ Smoking ceremony cleansed the visitors and the new road. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 8/ Sunbury Rotary Club were on hand to feed the crowds at the Gap Road Community Day. (Supplied: Rail Projects Victoria) 20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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Home visit program on the way Baptcare will launch a volunteer home visit program to help struggling families living in the western suburbs. Home-Start seeks to work with families who are experiencing a wide range of difficulties to try to help prevent family crisis and breakdown. “Trained volunteers offer regular support, and practical help to families with young children (at least one of preschool age), primarily in their own homes,” Home-Start coordinator Cecelia Hagerty said.

“It was established when workers in the community recognised that many families, with pre-school aged children, while not in a crisis situation, were in need of support to cope more adequately with the pressures of modern living and with meeting the normal demands of their young children.” Ms Hagerty said Home-Start volunteers are trained to practice “being with” families and “working alongside” parents, to help provide a safe and nurturing environment. “All new volunteers must undergo a

screening process before being linked with a family,” she said. “They also undertake a course of preparation that offers new volunteers a chance to gain greater knowledge of their role and increase their confidence in offering the service. “They come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and must be able to commit to a minimum of 6 months to the program.” Once matched with a family, volunteers work virtually or face to face once a week for about 1-2 hours, and provide the parents

with emotional support including listening, sharing, normalising worries, and allowing them to talk about concerns. Ms Hagerty said the Home-Start program respects the special cultural, racial, ethnic and religious traditions which make each family distinct. Baptcare Home-Start has been operating across the world since 1973 with the first scheme in Australia starting in 1989. Details: 03 93733800 or homestartprogram@ baptcare.org.au.

A friendly face sending travellers on their way Yarraville leading station assistant Steven Gauci has become a familiar and friendly face for weekday commuters. Along with a wide smile and the Bobby McFerrin tune ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ playing throughout the morning, he has been delivering his daily train announcements and assistance to passengers with an upbeat style. Mr Gauci said he began handing out smiley face badges during the COVID-19 pandemic and made it his focus to greet each passenger with a smile. “When I originally handed out the badges, I was just happy that I made one person smile but it has been absolutely infectious, and I hope it keeps growing,” he said. “Putting smiles on people each day – that’s the aim.” Metro Trains stations head Jenna Yates said Mr Gauci was “living proof“ that Metro

Trains’ employees were the company’s most important asset. “He’s much loved by his local passengers and makes the morning commute such a better experience,” she said. Mr Gauci said that what started as a small gesture soon launched more conversations with passengers, including them discussing their struggles during lockdown periods. Matthew Sims

Yarraville leading station assistant Steven Gauci aims to greet passengers with a smile and a happy attitude as they commute into work each morning. (Supplied)

12567162-AV37-22

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

September 22, 1992

September 23, 1997

September 24, 2002

September 25, 2012

There are positive signs that the recession is starting to thaw regionally - and throughout the state.

Macedon Ranges shire council’s new rating structure has been labelled inadequate by Councillor Geoff Neil who will attempt to have it revamp.

A 51-year-old Sunbury man has drowned and three others are missing in what is being described as the nation’s worst yachting tragedy since the 1998 Sydney to Hobart disaster.

Heart breakers: Kangas steal flag with goal after siren.

12544962-AV15-22

30 years ago

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

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Learn birds Learn about the woodland birds in Bald Hill Reserve and surrounds, guided by Macedon Ranges council’s biodiversity officer Tanya Loos. Great for beginners, bring binoculars. 3pm to 5pm, Sunday, September 24, and it’s free. ■ https://bit.ly/3LgqBFo

Native bees buzz Australia has over 2000 species of native bees. Head along to this Melbourne Water event on Thursday, September 29 from 10am to 12.30pm, at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute, 4 The Crescent, Lancefield. Learn about native bees as important crop pollinators, their habitats and bee friendly farming. Free. Details and registration below. ■ https://bit.ly/3eI1AGL, or email karen.thomas@melbournewater.com

The Phoenix exhibition The Phoenix Macedon Ranges Art and Craft Group exhibition and sale is happening on December 3 (10am to 4pm) and 4 (9am to 4pm). The Sunday exhibit will coincide with the Gisborne Olde Time Market. Head along to see the group’s exquisite art and chat with the artists. ■ https://www.facebook.com/phoenixmrac/

Queers on the Catwalk Head along to the Queers on the Catwalk pre-event workshop. Come and explore your style and identity with TGD Clothing Swap and PollyFIlla Productions. Saturday 22 October, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive Kyneton ■ To register email healthpromotion@scchc. org.au or call 5421 1666

Fly Fishing Expo – Woodend Calder Fly Fishing Association based in Gisborne will be hosting a Fly fishing Expo in Woodend. It’s free entry, family friendly, and will include kids activities, exhibitors, door prizes, raffles, cooking demos, a coffee van and sausage sizzle, fly tying, fly fishing advice, fly casting, fly fishing guides, guest speakers, and meet the experts. Sunday, October 2, 10am to 4pm at the Buffalo Sports Stadium, 1-29 Forest Street, Woodend 3442. ■ www.calderflyfishing.com.au

Car boot sale A fabulous car boot sale is happening in Sunbury on Saturday, October 1, hosted by the 1st and 3rd Sunbury Scouts. Pick up toys, books, clothes and tools and stick around for a sausage sizzle. It’s $15 for a car boot pitch outside, or $10 for a table inside. 10am at the Max Gifford Scout Hall, 8 Miller Street, Sunbury. ■ fundraiser.sunburrarovers@gmail.com

Arts and games night Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre as part of an art and games night each Wednesday at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 3.30pm to 5.30pm. There’s a range of arts and crafts to try, and if art isn’t your thing, there’s a wide variety of games. The program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old and is free. 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Teen gamers Sunbury Calling all teen gamers! Sunbury Library is hosting a free event on Wednesday, September 21, where you can have a go at some of their tabletop and classic games, as well as Xbox and Playstation games. Take friends or meet new people at the Gamers Get-Together. It’s free and runs from 2pm to 4pm.

Wicking beds how-to Learn how to make wicking beds with

Kings Park Primary School art exhibition. Year-6 students Ryan and Juanne. (Damjan Janevski) 298386_01

Hume Enviro Champions program leader Jo Burton. Head to the Sunbury Community Gardens at 2 Highgrove Drive Saturday, September 24, from 10am to 1pm. ■ https://bit.ly/3Tw0spT

for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older. ■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury Village connect A new service for older people and carers provided by Macedon Ranges council for residents over 55 years old to stay socially connected, chat with others in the community and enjoy some free coffee and cake. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality, there’s sure to be one near you. Check out the link below for more information. ■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm or 5422 0262

Carer connect chat Are you caring for someone close to you? Go and connect with other carers in your local area, share a light lunch, have a chat at 12pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. ■ 9744 9267 or deb.mccallum@scchc.org.au.

HarmoniX Vocal Company Get involved with an all-male, auditioned singing group happening on Thursday evening, 7pm to 9.30pm in Sunbury. The group is inviting new members to join. The group also has a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday evenings. 7pm to 9.30pm. Both groups rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, 11 Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required, just bring your love of music. ■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

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

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 Stadium, Wilsons Lane. ■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

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

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

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

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms. The friendly group of women enjoy outings, film mornings, speakers and presenters, as well as special events like holidays and bus trips. New members are warmly welcomed. ■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club 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

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

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

Lancefield park run relaunch Lace up your runners and join the relaunch of Lancefield’s 5km park run, happening

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

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

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

PUZZLES

3 medium

8 9 4 2

DOWN Prefix meaning above (5) Not containing the characteristics of life (9)

1 2

DECODER

No. 099

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4 6 9 2 7 3 1 5 8

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1 2 8 6 3 4 9 7 5

9 1 5 2 7 8 3 4 6

Today’s Aim: 24 words: Good 36 words: Very good

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5 LETTERS AGREE ANGEL ANGER ANGST ARISE AROSE ATOMS BESTS CANAL COOEE DIMER ELDER EMIRS FAULT FLIRT GNASH HERDS KHAKI KNEEL LITHE

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MERCY METED OKAYS OKRAS OPTED OUNCE PANEL PASTY PHONE ROSES SAMES SCENE SCOOT SEALS SEEDS SENSE SMELL SMELT SOLVE SORTA SPOIL

7 LETTERS ANAEMIA EASTERN ERODING GHETTOS ORDERED SEAWEED

STAGE STING TASTE THREE TIARA TORSO TOTEM WEIGH YESES 6 LETTERS AISLES GOALIE PLEASE USAGES

8 LETTERS PELVISES SHINIEST SUNRISES TAKEOFFS

23-09-22

No. 099 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

What is former Australian Test cricket captain Allan Border’s middle name?

Who holds the record for the fastest tennis serve ever recorded by a woman?

Which Young MC song from the 1980s features the lyrics, 'I try to sit down so I can take some notes, but I can’t read what the kid next to me wrote'?

And how fast was that serve?

The term 'quattrocento' is often used to describe Italian art of which period?

In which film adaptation does John Malkovich (pictured) play Professor David Lurie?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

R E E K T A S H E S T O T H I C

S P E

3 4 1 5 8 9 6 2 7

8 7 2 1 6 3 5 9 4

8 1 5 9 6 4 2 3 7

3 2 7 8 5 1 6 4 9

5 8 3 1 9 6 4 7 2

9 7 1 4 3 2 5 8 6

6 4 2 7 8 5 9 1 3

7 9 6 5 4 8 3 2 1

2 5 8 3 1 9 7 6 4

1 3 4 6 2 7 8 9 5

6 8 4 5 9 7 1 2 3

5 7 1 2 6 3 4 9 8

9 2 7 8 3 1 6 4 5

8 5 6 9 7 4 2 3 1

4 1 3 6 5 2 7 8 9

7 6 5 3 2 9 8 1 4

1 9 8 7 4 6 3 5 2

3 4 2 1 8 5 9 6 7

24 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

A N D S

5 9 6 4 2 7 8 1 3

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

No. 099

0 ( 5 & <

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Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

49 words: Excellent

hard

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easy

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Which piano is smaller, the baby grand or the boudoir grand?

In Chinese astrology, what animal represented the year 2010?

What pastime is known in old English as 'ducks and drakes'?

10 In communications, what does the acronym IVR stand for? ANSWERS: 1. Robert. 2. Principal’s Office 3. Baby grand 4. Tiger 5. Skimming stones on the surface of water 6. Georgina García Pérez 7. 220km/h 8. The late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance 9. Disgrace 10. Interactive Voice Response

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QUICK CROSSWORD

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FEBRUARY 9, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM

.AU

EVERY WEEK

Valentine’s at Hanging Rock

Celebrate Valentine’s Day under the stars at Hanging Rock with a special movie screening of Peter Weir’s 1975 film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. The film, which is the 1967 novel by an adaption of the same name by Joan Lindsay, revolves around the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a Rock on Valentine’s picnic to Hanging Day Moviegoers are encour in 1900. aged to bring their own picnic for dinner, a chair, rug and a blanket and get cosy as the drama mystery film is screen ing. For a bit of fun, come classic 1900’s costum dressed in a The film night is on e. Saturday, February 13 from 7pm at Hangin g Rock, 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children or $60 for a family of two adults and two children. To book: bit.ly/3pzPyji

(Supplied)

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

SECTION

Anti-vax leaflet slammed ‘‘

Jessica Micallef

By Jessica Micallef

Let’s not

McEwen MP Rob let false lies Mitchell is urging Sunbury residents to “tear spread as being facts up and throw anti-vaccination leaflets away” . It’s that may appear their letterbox. in dangerou s - Rob Mitchell Mr Mitchell said residen ts had notified him last Monday (Februa leaflets is from ry 1) about anti-vaccinatio American-based leaflets about the n IDoNotComp company, COVID-19 vaccine ly, which labels that had global been dropped in their movement that oppose itself as a letterbox. The leaflet, seen by s COVID-19 regulations. Star Weekly, stated should “avoid the people “It’s danger COVID and claims the “vaccin vaccine at all costs” People will ous that people are getting this. read e could this and wonder if potentially be he more deadly than it’s true,” said. “We are seeing the virus”. Mr Mitchell believe out … it’s all garbage these theories being put s the sender of . Tear the leaflet up the put it in the bin.” and

’’

RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES

How healthy is

Mr Mitchell said only contacted him about Sunbury residents had be done to combat potenti was concerned peoplethe leaflets so far, but he misinformation ally “deadly in surrounding areas ”. would also receive He said people should them. consult a doctor The leaflet also has or medical address to the organis a QR code and a web vaccinations professional when it came to and medica urged people not to ation’s site. Mr Mitchell “We don’t know who l treatment. scan the code. these people are and “It’s for your own that is why safety,” he said. “It we have medical experts from an American-base comes ,” he said. “They have decade d organisation which s you’d think wouldn to understand these in training and learning ’t be so callous and things. They are the to make a stateme stupid to talk to. people nt like risk of dying of COVID ‘most people have no “Let’s not let false -19’. lies spread as being “This from a countr It’s dangerous. facts. y where tragica lly more than 440,000 deaths “What we have achieve have been recorded.” d in Victoria … Mr Mitchell said an amazing job is more work needed to people spreadi and the last thing we need is ng theories.”

your heart?

Lake Imaging are offering a redu ced fee for all patients who book a CT Calcium Score test in Feb ruary and March.

Talk to your GP about this simp le test to determine your risk of cardiova scular disease.

www.lakeimagi ng.co

m.au 12481746-SN07-21

Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • Bulla BP Service Station - Bulla 84-86 Bulla Road • Bulla Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street • Clarkefield Coach and Horses Inn - Clarkfield 50 Station Street • Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road • Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway • Diggers Rest Houdinis Cafe e Cucina 52-56 Old Calder Highway • Gibsorne Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street • Gibsorne Morgan’s SUPA IGA Gisborne Brantome Street • Gisborne Brad Teal Real Estate - Gisborne 40 Aitken Street • Gisborne Kennedy Hunt Real Estate - Gisborne 33 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Real Estate - Gisborne 38 Brantome Street • Gisborne Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Foodworks - Gisborne 24 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Gisborne Nursing Home - The Oaks 5 Neal Street • Gisborne Puma Service Station Gisborne 23 Robertson Street • Gisborne Caltex Service Station - Gisborne 4 Station Street • Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop - Kyneton 199 Burton Avenue

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

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

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

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 25

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. NBA player Anthony Edwards, who recently apologised for posting problematic content on his Instagram, plays for which team? 2. Which is the only VFL team to have achieved an undefeated home-andaway season? 3. And in what year did they achieve this?

4. Which Australian wheelchair tennis champion was invited to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral service? 5. Ahead of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar built how many new stadiums? 6. Top-ranked Sophie Ecclestone will compete in her first Big Bash season with which cricket team? 7. Which bank is a major sponsor of the AFL Women’s league? 8. Before retiring, Ash Barty won how many singles grand slam titles? 9. What are the four AFL clubs that were awarded the wooden spoon in their respective inaugural seasons? 10. What is the only sport to have been played on the moon? 11. Which two teams faced off in the 2022 WNBA Finals series?

12. Which Spanish tennis professional won the 2022 US Open Men’s singles title?

Ash Barty

13. Which Polish tennis professional won the 2022 US Open Women’s singles title? 14. Caitlin Moran last played for which NRL Women’s club? 15. Floorball is a variation of which sport? 16. Former professional rugby league footballer Chris Sandow played for which two NRL clubs? 17. Brazilian fashion model Gisele Bündchen married which NFL quarterback in 2009? 18. Former professional Australian rules footballer Tom Boyd played for which two AFL clubs? 19. Of the Tour de France winners, who is the only cyclist to have won five consecutive tours? 20. Which New Zealand-born champion horse trainer was invited to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral service?

21. The Netflix documentary Cheer, follows which college’s nationally ranked cheer team? 22. How old was Lionel Messi when he began playing for FC Barcelona? 23. Which country won the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens men's final? 24. Which sport is featured in the 2006 film Stick It, starring Missy Peregrym? 25. Which golf course has hosted the Open Championship the most times?

27. Which country did Australia play in the netball gold medal final at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games? 28. Which team sport involves players attempting to throw balls and hit opponents while avoiding getting hit themselves? 29. Who won the 2021 Norm Smith medal? 30. Adelaide Giants play for which sporting league?

26. The Sydney 2000 Olympics were mostly held in which month?

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Based on the high-performance Hyundai rally car, the i20 N is not short on comfort and convenience. (Pictures: Supplied)

Drive like a World Rally champ By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring In motoring terms, the letter ‘N’ mostly stands for ‘neutral’ (aka going nowhere). But in the case of the Hyundai i20 N, nothing could be farther from the truth. The maker has been spruiking the compact as bringing the DNA of its World Rally champion to the street as a daily driver. And there is little evidence to seriously doubt this. Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, mated with six-speed manual transmission, maximum power of 150 kW is enough to fire the hot hatch from zero to 100km / h in 6.7 seconds. Based on the third-generation Turkish-built i20 hatch in Europe, the N version is nostripped out model on steroids. There’s much to admire in comfort and convenience for this class of car. Pitted against the Ford Fiesta ST, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Suzuki Swift Sport, it serves up an encyclopedic list of performance goodies. And the price of $34,990, plus on-road costs, which recently went up by $2000, is nothing to be sniffed at. It can be had in five different colours: Polar White and Performance Blue, at no cost; or Metallic Sleek Silver, Mica Phantom Black and Mica Dragon Red, all $495. A black roof adds $1000.

Styling The rally inspired look is designed to match high performance by minimising drag and boosting power. Up front, air duct and splitter look the part, while out back a rather ragged design is topped off by a pared back rally-inspired roof mounted twin-layer spoiler that here looks more of an afterthought. Hopefully, it makes up in aerodynamic efficiency. A black radiator grille, based on a chequered flag, is dominated by the Hyundai badge and (you’ve guessed it) the letter N. LED headlamps on both sides incorporate tick-shaped daytime running lights. Fog lamps flank a second grille strip low down. Whiz-bang wheel design, featuring red brake callipers peeking out from behind five Y-spoke 18-inchers, put the finishing touches to the hot hatch.

Interior Inside it’s Ns all round, with letter-specific touches such as N sport leather-trim seats with integrated headrests, leather wrapped N steering wheel and gear knob, plus sporty N alloy pedals. The iconic red steering wheel-mounted Rev Button chips in with a tempting finishing touch. Wheels pushed out to all four corners of the car offer up a spacious cabin, capable of carrying five grown-ups in relative comfort. Front bucket seats offer ample support in recommended enthusiastic driving, while shoulder and leg room in the back can take all but the bulkiest footy front row at a push. Storage is king, with spades in versatility. For example, there’s a multi-level boot with a movable floor, incorporating a fitted cargo net, in the upper position. Drop the 60/40 rear backrests and there’s a flat load area. Taking the floor out unveils a deep cubby in spite of there being a space-saver spare underneath.

Infotainment Where do I start? The i20 N encompasses a plethora of computer-age automotive menus presented in twin 10.25-inch dashboard digital displays, offering instrument and entertainment info. In fact, there’s almost too much to take in. Included are worldwide track maps with lap times; personalised throttle response settings, exhaust note and stability control all accessed at the touch of two steering wheel-mounted

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

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Hyundai i20 N Hatch $32,490

exceeded; Lane Following Assist, which keeps the car centred between lane markings; and Blind Spot Collision Warning, an alert when a vehicle approaches the driver’s blind spot. Passive safety is in the hands of six airbags.

SPECIFICATIONS Hyundai i20 N 1.6L T-GDi Turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 6sp manual, FWD

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

switches. Also on hand is a red button that calls up rev matching tech for optimised downshifts. The instrument cluster has a range of display functions. On a more relaxing note, the car is fitted with a Bose eight-speaker premium sound system.

Engines / transmissions A 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder pumps out 150 kW and 275 Nm, matched with a six-speed manual gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential that drive the front wheels.

Driving Fuel (regular unleaded) consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres is claimed by the maker on the combined urban / highway cycle. On test the lively hatch recorded 10 litres per 100 kilometres and 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres respectively. An N Power Sense Axle up front and Dual Coupled Torsion Beam Axle at the rear provide stiff ride and handling, which did not miss a bump on the ubiquitous uneven Aussie road surfaces. Trackwork is more to the hot hatch’s liking. Steering is precise and direct thanks to reduced steering gear ratio over the standard model, while the limited-slip diff, plus 215/40R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres, developed specifically for the i20 N, has the car efficiently carving through corners. High performance brakes with bigger front discs resist fading, produce consistent pedal feel and maximise heat endurance.

Safety Hyundai’s Smart Sense Advanced Drivers’ Assistance System tops up an already comprehensive safety package with such things as Forward Collision Assist City / inter-urban / pedestrian, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which warns when the speed limit has been

Summary Hyundai has put the brake on sending the i20 N Down Under, with the order book full and wait times approaching two years, so the above chance for fun and games would appear academic. Know what I mean? Say no more.

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SPORT

Nanscawen awarded another Lambert-Pearce Georgia Nanscawen’s incredible run of form in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition has seen her win a second Lambert-Pearce Medal. After winning the VFLW’s top honour last season in a shortened season due to COVID-19, Nanscawen backed up her form to claim the medal a second straight year. The midfielder polled in every game she played, receiving 33 votes from a possible 36 votes. She finished 13 votes clear of second placed Tamara Luke. Nanscawen also won the inaugural coaches most valuable players award and was named in the team of the year. Nanscawen said it was nice recognition for her season. The joy of getting out to play a full season of football was something that had also been enjoyable. “You never go into it expecting to win these sorts of things,” she said. “On a personal level I thought I had a nice

consistent season, It’s always very humbling to be recognised in that way. “After those COVID disrupted seasons, the fire was in the belly to get back out there and play football again and be around the people you care about and like being around. “It was nice to be able to go out there and have a full season, get the season done, get the premiership done.” Nanscawen was one of five Bombers named in the team of year. Her co-captain Mia Rae Clifford was named captain of the team, while leading goal kicker Federica Frew, Renee Tierney and Amelia Radford, also made the team. Bombers coach Brendan Major was named the coach of the team of the year. Nanscawen said she wouldn’t be where she was without him, but admits he’s one of the most annoying men she’s met. She said she was really proud of her teammates and coach for their achievements. The medal is bittersweet for Nanscawen who

tore her ACL in the VFLW grand final win. It ruled her out of the AFLW season as part of Essendon’s inaugural AFLW side. “I had a little taste of AFL football out of the hockey program with North Melbourne in 2019 in their inaugural year and I was delisted,” she said. “From there all things worked out how I ended up at Essendon and to be on the list this year being ruled out with an ACL injury is disappointing. “At the stage now focus on the recovery and see what happens next year if I was to get another opportunity to run out with Essendon in the AFLW would be nice. “I would love to be able to run out with them, having seen the program grow for the five or so years. It would be fantastic to get an opportunity to play with them. The focus now is to get the rehab right.” Tom Gribble and Georgia Nanscawen.

Tara Murray

Top honour for Stewart

Draper stands down as the Jets coach

By Tara Murray Maddy Stewart further enhanced her reputation as one of the Bendigo Netball League’s greatest ever players, winning a second Betty Thompson Medal. The Gisborne star joined a rare club on Sunday night when she won the medal by three votes from Kangaroo Flat’s Chelsea Sartori. Despite a history of polling well, having finished runners-up on a number of occasions as well, Stewart didn’t think she had a chance of coming home with the league’s highest netball honour. “I was very surprised,” she said. “I didn’t expect it. “I knew I was getting the interleague award and thought that was why I was invited. All our girls played awesome and I through we would probably take votes off each other. “It was a great team effort this year.” Stewart said she didn’t think it was her best year, but she polled more votes this time compared to her previous win. “I had a slow start to the season and came into it later in the season,” she said. “We had a few injuries and I went back into goal attack, which I haven’t played for a number of years.” Stewart said it’s crazy to look and see her name mentioned among some of the other two-time winners. She played with both Heather Oliver and Brianna Dalrymple-Monro in the Victorian Netball League. Tiana Newman has been a long time teammate of hers at the Bulldogs. “She’s one of the best girls in the league and it’s nice to share that with her,” Stewart said. “It was disappointing I didn’t get to play many games with her this year with her having her first child. “She was meant to be there that night but couldn’t get there. I spoke to her on the way home.” The Bulldogs group chat quickly took off after Stewart was named the winner, with more than 100 messages sent in 10 minutes. While thrilled with the individual honour, Stewart said she would hand it back in a second to have played in another grand final this year. The Bulldogs lost to Kangaroo Flat in the preliminary final. “It’s very disappointing,” Stewart said. “We were in front at half time and three quarter time. Kangaroo Flat have a never die attitude. “Credit to them.” While the A-grade side has been knocked out, the Bulldogs still had three netball teams in the grand finals, after deadline. Stewart said it was pretty special to see what those sides were doing this year. “Our B-reserve side came in years ago and were losing by 40-plus goals every week,”

(Dylan Jones/AFL Photos)

The Sunbury Jets will have a new Big V women’s state championship coach next season, with Ben Draper stepping down from the role. Draper stepped into the role with the Jets this season, taking over from John White, who switched to the men’s side. After a slow start with injuries and their imports coming in late, the Jets made the finals, finishing third. They were knocked out in the finals in the first round of finals. Draper was a finalist in the coach of the year award. The Jets announced that Draper had informed the club that he would be unavailable to coach the side next year. “The SBA [Sunbury Basketball Association] would like to thank coach Ben Draper for his contribution and dedication to our senior women’s program over the past year,” said association general manager Chris Tighe. “During the 2022 Big V season coach Draper led our state championship women’s team to the semi-finals. “Coach Draper also had a hand in our VJBL [Victorian Junior Basketball League] try outs and assisted our under-18’s VJBL team while the coach had state commitments. “Ben has been an active contributor to all our Jets programs during his time. Coach Draper understood what our club stands for. “Ben’s dedication and commitment to our club has been tremendous and it’s been a pleasure watching his positive impact on our women’s program over the last 12 months.” The SBA will begin the search for a suitable replacement in the coming weeks. Tara Murray

Maddy Stewart.

(Shawn Smits)

she said. “We’ve worked hard on the full development of the club and we’re seeing the work and that effort. “They’ve never made a final before, let alone a grand final. Our A-reserve, I don’t think has made a grand final before either. “It’s been a real team effort. The likes of Jordan Cransberg and Claudia Mawson, who

are Melbourne Vixen training partner and Victorian Fury player, were like when they are training this week as they want to support the other girls at the club. We’ve built this culture.” The club’s under-17s are through to another grand final, with Stewart saying they had a lot of good talent coming through.

Ben Draper. (Basketball Victoria)

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 29

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Young recruits create a bright future for Romsey The future is bright for Romsey in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association. Romsey, which has been in the mix the last few seasons in the top grade, the McIntyre Cup, is starting to see an influx of junior numbers. Secretary Tim McCarthy said with more families moving to the area they were starting to see more juniors join the club. “We’ve got more under-11s than we’ve ever had,” he said. “We’ll have three under-11 teams, maybe four. The kids are coming through our Woolworths program. “We’ll have a junior girls program again. We’ll have under-13s and under-15s as well. It doesn’t look like we’ll have under-17s.” The senior program has had a couple of people join their sides as well, but McCarthy expects the first XI to look similar to last season. Romsey finished the regular season in fourth spot, before winning through to the grand final which it lost to Gisborne. It continues a run of strong performances for Romsey, having made the finals all but once since the 2017-18 season. “Hopefully we’ll go alright,” he said. “Nearly all the players from last year are back. “Hopefully we’ll enjoy every game and see where it takes us.” Ben Way is back as playing coach and

will again play a key role for Romsey. Way averaged nearly 50 with the bat last season, with six not outs. McCarthy said there were some younger players who would be pushing for spots in the top side. “Last year our second XI won the premiership,” he said. “We’ve got a good bunch of players coming through. “Hopefully the depth is there, we’ll see where it takes us. We have some young ones who played some good cricket last year, they’ll look to push into the ones.” McCarthy said the return of two-day cricket would be a benefit for them and would hopefully lead to a few more wins. The last two seasons only one-day games were played due to ongoing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic. “With the combination of players we have, we’re better suited to two-day cricket,” he said. “We can bat for longer and make bigger scores. “Our bowlers can have longer spells. It changes the demographic for everyone. “Everyone is up beat up at this time of year, but everyone starts the season 0-0. “Hopefully we have a good start to the season and see how it goes.” Tara Murray

Ben Way is Romsey’s coach again.

(Joe Mastroianni). 273060_03

Carroll joins the Roos

Sunbury Lions’ duo Tyson Lever and Daniel Toman were named in the Ballarat Football League team of the year last week. The league recognised its best footballers and netballers at the Henderson and McLean medal night. Darley captain Brett Bewley was the runaway winner in the Henderson Medal, finishing 13 votes clear of East Point’s Jordan Johnston. Bewley was named in the team of the year, with minor premiers Melton having the most players in the team with five. Lever was named half back while Toman was named in the middle of the ground. Ballarat’s Joe Carmody was named coach of the year. In the reserves competition, Mitchell Trimboli finished runners-up in the George King Medal for the reserves best and fairest award. Melton’s Ryan Davis won the award. Trimboli and Davis were set to face off on Saturday, with the Sunbury Lions and Melton due to play each other in the reserves grand final, which was after deadline. In the netball, Melton South’s Soli Ropati claimed the McLean Medal ahead of Darley’s Rebecca Hicks. Ropati was named in the team of the year with North Ballarat dominating with five players in the team of the year. No player from Darley, which also made the grand final, was named in the team. In other awards, East Point won the Merv and Mary Howard Memorial Senior Club Championship, Redan’s Ruby Parry and Hayley Munro were named netball coach of the year. Tara Murray

By Tara Murray A year out of coaching did nothing to curb the enthusiasm to coach for new Sunbury Kangaroos senior men’s coach Shanon Carroll. After a year out of coaching, Carroll was last week announced as the Essendon District Football League club’s new coach. Carroll was a three-time EDFL division 2 coach of the year at Moonee Valley, including winning a premiership in the shortened 2021 season. Before he was a co-coach at Airport West and coached juniors at Aberfeldie and reserves at Sunshine. Carroll said he was keen to get back into coaching. “Not having a job and having been involved with football for so long, I think the competitive juices took over,” he said. “It was more a case of putting in for some jobs that really suited me and this was one that I really looked at, I thought this is a really good fit for me. “The club, especially the age demographic going forward and the players coming through the junior ranks as well as in the 18s. I’m really excited about it.” Carroll said it was the age group demographic of the group that really attracted him to the role. He said the core group of players were between 21-26, while there were 12 under-18.5s to come up into the senior program next year. “There’s going to be some mistakes from the young guys… They will know from day one that no one means to make mistakes and we’re all here for one purpose and that is to help this club to grow again and hopefully go back up to division 1 as soon as possible. “It’s not the be all end [going straight back up]. All we really want is to educate our players and once we do eventually go up, we are sustainable and stay up.” Carroll said he watched a couple of games of the side this year, and he coached against them in 2019 when the Kangaroos beat Moonee Valley in the grand final. He said injuries took their toll on the side, making it hard to get any continuity. The side won just one game this year and will be relegated to division 2 for next season. “Having 55 play senior football… “There wasn’t a hell of a lot except consistent output when the side is changing rapidly like that,” he said.”

Honour for duo

Shanon Carroll and Kangaroos president Mick Streiff.

“I was impressed with the endeavour.” Carroll said with the side coming back down to division 2, he had a good idea of the competition and what to expect from the other sides. He said while many clubs struggled when coming back to division 2, he had confidence the

30 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

(Supplied)

group would put out some good performances. “I’m going to make sure I encourage them play their strengths,” he said. “I think a few sides will be shocked how quick we can move it. “I just want to leave the place in a better spot than when I got there. I will be happy with that.”

Tyson Lever was named in the team of the year. (Joe Mastroianni). 285243_03

Premierships galore as Gisborne celebrates The senior football premiership was the icing on the cake for Gisborne in a big day in the Bendigo Football Netball League. With all three senior men’s football teams and three netball teams in grand finals, there was a massive Gisborne presence at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Saturday. The Bulldogs would come home with four premierships. The under-17 netball started the day on a winning note. In pouring rain the Bulldogs beat Kangaroo Flat, 44-34, having led 33-25 at three quarter time. Goal attack Bella Connors was named best on court. The Bulldogs made it two from two when they won the under-18 football. In a low scoring affair against Sandhurst due to the weather, the Bulldogs won 5.8 (38)-4.12 (36) win.

The Bulldogs kept Sandhurst to just one point in the final term as the Bulldogs came from 10 points down to win after hitting the front with a minute to go. Harry Luxmoore and Zach Peterson kicked two goals each for the Bulldogs. Jackson Kerr and Jarrod Ainsworth were named their best. The Bulldogs B-reserve netballers were up next and they played in a thriller against Sandhurst Scores were locked at 40-all when the siren went, meaning extra time. Sandhurst would be the better team in extra time, winning 48-46. The reserves footballers were up next against Golden Square. It slow start would prove costly for the Bulldogs as they trailed 23-0 in pouring rain. They reduced the margin to eight at the main break, before Golden Square kicked away in the second to win, 7.8 (50)-3.5 (23).

Daniel Davie, Harry Thomas and Clinton Young were the goal scorers for the Bulldogs. Ethan Bretherton, Thomas and Matt McDonald were named their best. In the A-reserve grand final, the Bulldogs faced Sandhurst yet again in wet conditions. It was another thriller with the Bulldogs winning 29-27. The premiership was the Bulldogs third for the day at that stage, with the senior footballers adding a fourth later in the afternoon. Senior football coach Rob Waters said from a club point of view they were ecstatic with how the season played out. “All the work that everyone has put in the last seven or eight years has paid off,” he said. “Six sides in grand finals and winning four of them, it’s a great stepping stone for the club.” Dragons senior football co-captain Pat McKenna said the results were not only good

Gisborne’s A-reserve premiership side

(Gisborne

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for the players, but the club and community as a whole. Tara Murray

Focused Gisborne takes the flag By Tara Murray Gisborne coach Rob Waters knew pretty early on his side was switched on heading into the Bendigo Football League grand final. After a below par finals series which saw them just sneak into the grand final, the Bulldogs showed they were the side that they had been through the best part of the regular season on Saturday. In tough conditions with rain falling all day, the Bulldogs were able to break through for their first premiership in 16 years, beating Strathfieldsaye, 5.20 (50)-2.10 (10). Bulldogs coach Rob Waters said this had been a number of years in the making. “All the work everyone has put in the last seven-eight years, to have six sides in grand finals and every team play finals,” he said. “They lost the grand final in 2012 by a couple of points and a couple of preliminary finals similar since. They’ve been thereabouts for years.” While the rain and the resulting muddy and heavy ground was most people’s worst nightmare, for the Bulldogs it was the perfect scenario. Bulldogs co-captain Pat McKenna said the conditions were ‘Gisborne-esk’. The group had trained in the rain on Thursday night, a perfect lead up to the biggest day of the year. “They are a quality side and they make you play on the outside,” McKenna said. “The rain evened out the contest and the conditions did help us. “It was a bit of a muddy slug and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.” Both Waters and McKenna said the group weren’t happy with how they had played throughout the finals. The group could have easily said they were okay with the season that they’d had, but they knew there was more on the line. “It could have been perfect conditions but it wouldn’t have mattered as they were in the right frame of mind,” Waters said of Saturday. “The things done in the other finals were a great learning curve. The boys showed in the last 10 minutes of the preliminary final that they were highly spirited with their backs towards the wall. “That held us in good stead.” The Storm had the breeze in the first quarter, with the Bulldogs taking the ascendency as they restricted them to just one goal. The Bulldogs managed to hit the lead in the second quarter and led by 12 points at the break. “It was a game of inch by inch and we had to slow them down,” Waters said. “There were repeat stoppages and every

Braidon Blake was named best on ground. (AbbyLouisemedia)

Gisborne celebrate

(AbbyLouisemedia)

time we won one, or halved one the confidence grew. “Players were coming off the ground seeing what they were doing was helping.” Waters said the key difference to the last few weeks was that all 22 players were contributing. He said in the previous two finals they’d struggled to pick their best six.

Neither team scored a goal in the third quarter, before the Bulldogs kicked three in the last quarter to open up a match winning lead. Not that Waters realised. “I was talking to a couple of the line coaches in the box and was yelling we shouldn’t have let them kick a goal,” he said.

“Boys were coming off and I was telling them to pull their heads in. They’re like there’s two minutes to go. It then dawned on me we had the result.” Braidon Blake was named best on ground. Jack Reaper was another standout, while Brad Bernacki and Mckenna were named in the best. McKenna said it was pretty special to win a premiership. “It is really good and I was feeling pretty content last night,” he said. “I watched as we lost 2012 and played in the preliminary finals in 2014 and 2019. It’s a great bunch of boys and a really gout unit. “It’s still a really young group and it’s a pleasure being able to lead them.” McKenna and Waters were quick to both point out the club’s junior program. Eight or nine players in the premiership side had come through from the under-18 side in the last three to four years. McKenna said being able to win a premiership with his local club made it more special. “Looking back it’s pretty special to have all three teams in the grand final, it doesn’t happen often,” he said. “There’s so many players who have come and worked their way through the club, having played their whole life. “A good core of us it’s our home club. Means so much more being a local. It’s great for the town, club and people who have been in so much work.”

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

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