Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 24th January 2023 by Star Weekly

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Baby, what a great name Victoria’s most popular baby names from the past year have been revealed, with Charlotte and Oliver coming in at number one for the third year in a row. The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria revealed there were 551 babies named Oliver in the last year, and 410 named Charlotte. The name Oliver has cemented its place as number one, continuing it’s nine-year streak while Charlotte continues its shorter three-year streak. New mum Kate Galling said she chose the name Oliver for her new baby as she had always liked it. “We’ve loved the name for a long time,” she said. “I have two other children named Zachary and James, and Oliver felt like it fitted in.” Over the course of its nine-year reign, 4790 babies across the state have been named Oliver. Ms Galling said Oliver is now 10-months old and is happy as ever. “He is the happiest boy on the planet – he loves life,” she said. Other popular names for boys included Noah, Jack, Charlie, and Leo, and for girls Olivia, Isla, Amelia, and Mia.

Mum Kate Gelling with her 10-months-old son Oliver. (Damjan Janevski) 315729_01

Level with us: Residents Diggers Rest residents say they feel left out of the conversation about level crossing removal works along the Sunbury train line. In October, Sunbury MP Josh Bull announced level crossing removals would take place at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road in Diggers Rest to make the Sunbury line free of level crossings by 2026. Mr Bull is also the level crossings parliamentary secretary. Community advocate David O’Connor and 14 other signatories reached out to Mr Bull via post and email to ask for a face-to-face meeting

with himself and the level crossing project team about a month ago, but they had not received a response when Star Weekly went to print. “My concerns are that although we support the removal of the crossing, residents are concerned that the lack of consultation is not addressing all the options available,” Mr O’Connor said. “I’m up the street from it, it upsets me because we want the best for Diggers Rest and we feel that without the right consultation, which includes everybody, [we] won’t achieve those outcomes.” As part of planning, the level crossing project

team undertook site investigation works during November and December last year. These works included geotechnical, land and utility surveying around the sites, traffic surveys along Watsons Road and Old Calder Highway and surveying of the rail corridor. Mr Bull said there would be comprehensive public information sessions on every aspect of the Diggers Rest project prior to any construction. “As with all local projects I am happy to meet with residents to hear their views and discuss the project in more detail,” he said. “The removal of both of these level crossings

presents a really exciting time for Diggers Rest and I am committed to ensuring we achieve a wonderful outcome for the community.” Jasdev Singh, Diggers Rest resident and letter signatory, said he and others were anxious to make sure they were involved in the process of planning. “We are not against removing the level crossing, but we want to know how they are doing it,” he said. Mr O’Connor praised Mr Bull’s previous efforts to keep the community informed, but having not heard from him yet “makes us nervous”.

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Year five pupils Ava and Clara with physical education teacher Kathryn McIntosh. (Damjan Janevski) O’Beirne, principal 298664_03 Krystine Hocking and Healthy Kids Advisor Christie

The pupils at Sunbury ’s Holy Trinity Catholic Primary are learning all about making meaningful changes to their food and drink choices , healthy habits for life. to help build Stephanie Alexander Foundation’s Healthy Kitchen Garden Kids Advisors have teamed up with state Vic Kids Eat Well moveme government’s nt to teach the philosophies of pleasurable food education. The Vic Kids Eat Well movement is a fresh opportunity for to the guidance of a schools to look health promoter like Hume’s Christie McIntosh to inspire children to make healthy create healthier environmchoices and be on board until 2024. ents – she will After the school signed up to Vic Kids Eat Well, Ms McIntos h participate in a health was invited to and physical education day expo, where children to make healthy she taught afternoon snacks like rice paper rolls. “Empowering children to choose their own vegetables and be hands on with preparing their food shows them what they are capable of,” she said.

Plan for airport ap proved

By Elsie Lange

The federal governm ent Melbourne Airport Master has approved the Plan, but was firm in saying it has yet to give approval to the development plan of a proposed third runway, citing residential noise concerns. Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King approved the master plan on Monday, November 14. “Today’s approval does not indicate an approval of the future Plan for the proposed Major Development third a separate process subject runway, which is to assessment on its own merits against the requirements of the [Airports Act 1996],” Ms King said.

“As expected, many communities surround members of the Melbourne Airport to continue to provide ing the airport have made representations and third runway to explore noise and health regarding their views the governm measures to minimis on impacts. Melbourne Airport’ e Airport chief executiv ent. s proposed north-so e Lorie Argus said uth third runway project Cr Haweil said the and the impacts it will proposed north-south the updated master plan outlined a long have on their homes runway would impact term and lives. less residents than the vision for Melbourne Airport. “In providing today’s previously proposed “Key to this is construc east-wes approva t runway. l, I have indicated my concerns “Council has not seen which will improve the tion of a third runway, regarding some plan the approved master efficiency of the airfield aspects of the proposa by at this stage,” he said. introducing parallel l operations, while also to the existing runways – including changes “Council will continue allowing the airport and noise sharing and to cater for increase to advocate for mitigation arrangem Melbourne Airport and d ents.” the federal government demand,” Ms Argus said. Ms King said managem to meaningfully listen “Alongside the 2022 and respond to both ent of residents’ concerns would be an developing a sustaina Master Plan we are important consideration ours and our community’s submissions bility strategy, with in during the assessment a of the development plan, future assessment of the Major Develop the commitment to net zero (Scope 1 and 2) by expected to be submitte ment 2025, work Plan for the third runway.” under way on Scope d in early 2023. 3 emission Hume mayor Joseph A statemen reductio s n and a commitm t from Melbourne Airport ent to circular said it supported the proposed Haweil said council welcomed the approva l of the master plan, and economy principles including on runway, but asked it now plans to submit major infrastructure.” its proposal to build the ADVERTISEMENT

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • BULLA BP Service Station 84-86 Bulla Road • BULLA Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street • CLARKEFIELD Coach and Horses Inn 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 • GISBORNE Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street • GISBORNE Morgan’s SUPA IGA Brantome Street • GISBORNE Macedon Ranges Shire Council 40 Robertson Street • GISBORNE Brad Teal Real Estate 40 Aitken Street • GISBORNE Kennedy Hunt Real Estate 33 Brantome Street • GISBORNE Gisborne Real Estate 38 Brantome Street • GISBORNE Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street • GISBORNE Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street • GISBORNE Foodworks 24 Hamilton Street • GISBORNE Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street • GISBORNE RT Edgar Real Estate 25b Hamilton Street • GISBORNE Puma Service Station 23 Robertson Street • GISBORNE Caltex Service Station 4 Station Street • KEILOR PARK Star Weekly Office Unit 6/1-9 Thomson Road • KYNETON Kuppers Fuel Stop 199 Burton Avenue

• KYNETON RT Edgar Real Estate 10 High Street • KYNETON The Lunchbox 53 Mollison Street • KYNETON Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street • KYNETON Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street • LANCEFIELD Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street • MACEDON United Service Station 313 Black Forest Drive • MACEDON Black Forest Motel 426 Black Forest Drive • MACEDON IGA Supermarket 20 Victoria Street • MACEDON Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street • MALMSBURY Malmsbury General Store 87 Mollison Street • MELTON Melton Toyota 137-147 High Street • MONEGEETA 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 86-88 Main Road • RIDDELLS CREEK Riddells Creek Supermarket 2 Station Street • ROMSEY Chess Property 102 Main Street • ROMSEY IGA Supermarket 107 Main Street • SUNBURY Ray White Real Estate 6 Brook Street • SUNBURY Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street • SUNBURY Ferguson Plarre 17 Brook Street • SUNBURY Raine and Horne Real Estate 20 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 54 Evans Street • SUNBURY Barry Plant Sunbury 56 Evans Street • SUNBURY Reliance 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 25-47 Horne Street • SUNBURY BP Service Station 53-55 Horne Street • SUNBURY Hume Council Offices - Sunbury 44 Macedon Street • SUNBURY 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 Luckys Bakehouse 79 O’Shannesy Street • SUNBURY The Spotted Owl 93 O’Shannesy Street • SUNBURY Cafe Circe 109 O’Shannesy Street • SUNBURY IGA Supermarket 98-122 O’Shannesy Street • SUNBURY Killara Family Store 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 Joan Gladman Real Estate Suite 3, 39 Anslow Street • WOODEND Keatings Real Estate 83 Calder Highway • WOODEND Coles Supermarket 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 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 124 High Street • WOODEND Woodend Community Centre Cnr High Street & Forest Street

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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

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House prices surge in Kyneton By Elsie Lange The median house price in Kyneton has increased 10 per cent in the last quarter and $182,000 in the 12 months to December, new figures reveal. According to the latest Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) data released in mid-January, Kyneton added $100,000 to its median house price, topping out at $1.04 million. Ray White Kyneton real estate agent Nathanial Briggs said while Gisborne and Woodend median house prices had experienced a drop – down 2.6 per cent and

3.4 per cent respectively – Kyneton’s prices had held steady. “Kyneton offers a lot in terms of its character, culture and the restaurants. The food scene really pulls interesting buyers from Melbourne,” he said. He explained it was particular styles of homes people were interested in: lifestyle properties, small acreage of anything between one and 10 acres, larger properties over 100 acres, and inner Kyneton “character homes”. “I think [prices] will hold quite well. Kyneton is the last to drop in terms of price, and the first to rise,” Mr Briggs said.

“As we see in the push of Melbourne in the northern corridor, [with] proximity to Melbourne and the airport, it is still really appealing to the Melbourne-based buyer.” As well as an increase in house prices, rental costs in Kyneton have increased too – The Rental Affordability Index (RAI) report released in December classified Kyneton and Woodend as ‘unaffordable’ places to rent. Unaffordability is classified by the RAI as when a household spends between 30 to 38 per cent of its income on rent – the report said rental affordability in regional Victoria had reached a historic low.

Mr Briggs said he’d seen rents move in an upwards direction, with low vacancy rates in the area. REIV president Andrew Meehan said the “post-COVID real estate boom” placed Victorian house prices in a strong position. “[It’s] a trend we continue to see across numerous suburbs in metro Melbourne and our regional areas,” he said. “Now, as we enter the new year and the immigration levels return, we will no doubt see continuous demand in the market as Melbourne’s population grows and investors see strong potential for growth in our state.”

Suitcases full of hope For more than 20 years, retired New Gisborne Primary School teacher Prue Dawson has been spearheading a campaign to support vulnerable Fijian children – one suitcase at a time. Literally – she fills bags with old clothes, text books, stationary and other important early childhood materials and donates them to her contacts on the ground who distribute items to orphanages, schools and homes for domestic abuse survivors. After living in the Fijian town of Lautoka for three years in the early 2000s and developing a relationship supporting the village of her housekeeper Wati, she came home to Gisborne determined to help address some of the poverty she’d seen, and her school community got right behind her. “At the end of the year we’d collect all the stationary like pencils, textas … Parents became involved and they’d donate clothes and things their kids had grown out of, as well as

books,” Ms Dawson said. Each year, several school families would be taking holidays in Fiji and would fill their own bags up to donate on the ground. Before the pandemic, the primary school community decided it would fill a massive shipping container – then COVID-19 hit and it had to figure out another way to empty it. Bit by bit, items were taken across, as well as 4000 books transported by various Fijian support groups which have helped to set up four new libraries. “It’s a privilege to help those who are less fortunate than us, because we can,” she said. “That’s where the families at school have come in, they’ve been really generous with their donations and their willingness to take donations with them when they were holidaying.” Elsie Lange

Prue Dawson has a passion for helping those who need it in Fiji.

(Damjan Janevski) 315737_01

Don’t rely on your mains water supply in a bushfire. While we always prepare for the fire season, we can’t guarantee water pressure, supply or quality in a bushfire.

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Always follow CFA advice and remember leaving early is the safest option.

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Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 3

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Material child health checks Hume council is reminding residents about their range of free maternal and child health services, including health checks, development support, parenting groups and more. “On average there are 3575 babies born in Hume every year, so we are passionate about ensuring your baby gets the best start in life,” council said.

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Macedon Ranges Youth Services’ Kendall Allen, Chris Fox, Elyse Hocking and Bianca Cutajar with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health Way Out program’s Mez Lanigan and Rhani Dean-Talbett are teaming up for a month of programs for Romsey youth. (Damjan Janevski) 315489_01

Pop-up fun for Romsey

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There is going to be a lot to do for young people in Romsey next month. Macedon Ranges Youth Services has teamed up with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) to deliver a series of pop-up events in the town. These programs will include a community consultation, a street art workshop, an open mic night, open to anyone aged 12 to 25 wanting to get involved. Macedon Ranges council community director Maria Weiss said the pop-up programs would be a great opportunity for the community to meet some of the council’s youth team in person.

“[It’s a chance to] learn about some of the initiatives council is working on to engage young people locally,” she said. The Youth Services team will be co-located with the SCCH staff in their office at the Romsey Ecotherapy Park on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during this time and young people, as well as the wider community, are encouraged to pop in and say hello. To find out more about the events, visit: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Youth or follow Macedon Ranges Youth on Facebook and Instagram.

Woodend Country Fire Authority reminds residents that evaporative cooling systems need to be maintained regularly. Safety tips include regularly servicing and maintaining your air conditioner; only using certified tradespeople to repair damaged or faulty appliances; always following manufacturers instructions; keeping air conditioners and coolers clear of clutter and other materials and turning off electrical appliances at the point when not in use.

Have your say on climate Macedon Ranges council is inviting your say on its draft Macedon and Mt Macedon Community Climate Action Plan, with submissions open until January 31. Action includes community infrastructure projects like secure and covered bicycle storage at the train station and community-led sustainability workshops. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Elsie Lange

ANAPHYLAXIS & ALLERGY YOUTH SUPPORT GROUP

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

GROUP COMING

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is supporting the development of an anaphylaxis and allergy support group for people aged 15-21 living in, or around Sunbury.

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line to allow bigger, more modern trains to run on the line. We are also building Melbourne Airport Rail, connecting Victorians to Melbourne Airport for the first time with a new rail service.

We would love to hear more from young people who might benefit from this group. You can use the QR code below to register an expression of interest.

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4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

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Mobile coverage worries persist As the peak of fire season rapidly approaches in the Macedon Ranges, Woodend fire authorities continue to feel frustrated by patchy reception in their town. While a Telstra mobile tower was recently installed at Coles in Woodend, former Woodend Country Fire Authority (CFA) captain and firefighter Mike Dornau said “nothing’s changed” where he lives in the northern part of the town. Mr Dornau said that while he was able to stay informed in his capacity with the

Woodend CFA radio system, if he was just a resident he would be more concerned “One of the things we talk about here is [ask people if] they have the VicEmergency app … but if the [coverage] is down, or not working, or has problems, of course people are not going to be able to be informed by those apps and that does happen,” he said. He said there had been grass fires in recent weeks which had the potential to spread, and all bushfire seasons were unpredictable in the Macedon Ranges.

“Because where we live is dangerous … Black Saturday was February 7, and Ash Wednesday on February 16,” Mr Dornau said. He said that while Telstra and Optus had fixed “part of the problem” with new towers, the coverage was better but still not completely reliable. Telstra regional engagement manager Marcus Swinburne said the new tower at Coles was one of three the company hoped to build in the next couple of years, including one at Tylden, while it was in talks with NBN

about co-locating to improve Woodend North coverage. He said Telstra had recently sent out advice using targeted social media posts on what to do in emergency situations, with information also shared on community Facebook groups. “Telstra always encourages people to take advantage of the multiple forms of connectivity available in case of outages or emergency situations, including having access to a landline, a mobile and the nbn,” he said.

Market set to rise again After more than a decade, the Romsey Market run by the Lancefield Romsey Lions Club is making a comeback, and co-ordinator Angela Heywood is delighted. Launching on Sunday, February 12, and then to run every second Sunday of the month from 9am to 1pm, the event at Romsey Skate Park will boast all the goodies a great local market has to offer. “The Romsey community is growing very quickly and apart from a few markets around various suburbs, there’s been nothing much going on here in Romsey, not community-wise anyway,” Ms Heywood said. Ms Heywood, who is also club vice president, said she believes the market will show off the best the people of Romsey have to offer. “I’ve been surprised myself as to the amount of talent and creativity there is here, and not only that, the market will assist the Lions Club with funding, so we can help the community when needed,” she said.

“There’s going to be a variety of stalls, handmade jewellery, candles, various handcrafts such as woodwork ,there’s going to be a bit of produce such as jams, eggs, preserves, that sort of thing.” She said the club and the local stallholders were “really excited” for the launch because it meant they wouldn’t have to travel to other markets. “[There has also been] notices on Facebook and other community pages, there’s been a great response from the community, they’re happy and love the idea of having a market here,” she said. “[It’s all about] community gathering, neighbours and community spirit.” Elsie Lange Lancefield Romsey Lions Club members Ged McLaughlin, Angela Heywood, Robyn Aitken, Wendie McLaughlin and Paul Doherty. (Damjan Janevski) 315572_01

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www.braemar.vic.edu.au Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 5

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Mayor says Hume ‘will do better’ Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said the council would “do better”, after being named the second most complained about council by the Victorian Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s 2021-22 report reveals Hume received 155 complaints in the last financial year. Hume recorded the following complaints: • Complaint handling (33) • Fines / infringements (24) • Enforcement action (18) • Financial (16) • Correspondence / communications (15) • Decision making (14)

• Services (14) • Buildings and facilities (11) • Planning and development (11) • Road management (4) • Animal management (2) • Conduct (1) Cr Haweil said the report from the Ombudsman highlights the work and improvements the council needs to make. “We very much welcome the process by which people follow if they feel council hasn’t responded in a way they would like,” he said. “A lot [of complaints] were about complaint handling processes … for me a take out is that I

am going to go back to council management to [discuss] optimising our services. “We will learn from it and do better.” Mr Haweil said while he would prefer to see no complaints, the 30 complaints into which the Ombudsman made enquiries were relatively low for a rapidly growing municipality. “We’re one of the biggest councils … and if I take that 30 figure into the greater scheme of things it’s a very small number compared to the size of our council and our number of residents.” In Hume the Ombudsman made inquiries on 19 per cent of the cases, working with council

to assess and resolve the issue. Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass said complaints about local councils and prisons had again topped the lists of the state’s most complained about agencies. “[However] complaints about local councils’ complaint handling processes were trending down across the state,” she said. “Our complainants each have a story to tell about the fairness of official decisions, many of which also impact their human rights.” Overall complaints across the state decreased from 626 in the last financial year to 601 this year.

Collection takes flight When entomologist Bert Candusio heard the Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection (CVRIC) he curates had been added to the Global Index of Arthropod Collections listings, he could have hopped with joy. Currently held in Woodend, the collection now joins the ranks of the CSIRO National Insect Collection, the Australian Museum and the Melbourne Museum, just to name a few. Mr Candusio said being added to the list enhances the collection’s significance to researchers and scientists and assists its future development. “Not only will the CVRIC gain a greater appreciation by entomologists all over the world, but it will also help members of the general public to not only know of its existence, [as well as] its importance from a cultural and scientific perspective,” he said. Mr Candusio said the collection was already reaping the rewards of being recognised, with

an impressive private collection from Ballarat recently donated, and negotiations for the donation of several others on the cards. He said the CVRIC would also expand its storage capacity later in 2023, with the addition of 50 more drawer cabinets to cater for the extra insect material set to arrive over the next few years. In July last year, the CVRIC held the National Entomology Insect Expo in Woodend, with over 6000 visitors buzzing about the Buffalo Sports Stadium over three days. This year’s expo will be held in the first week of November, with the number of exhibitors to double. “Having the CVRIC here locally is just fantastic and we are looking at making Woodend the centre of the National Entomology Insect Expo for many years to come,” he said.

Collection curator Bert Candusio with part of the Dr Russell G Wilkinson Collection recently donated to the CVRIC. (Supplied)

Elsie Lange

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6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

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NEWS

Hundreds of roosters rescued By Elsie Lange Six-hundred Silkie roosters were saved by Lancefield animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission this month, as part of its mission Operation Mini. The roosters, abandoned in their cages, were held in an “ammonia-riddled” shed after a business failure – while hens were readily adopted, the roosters were left behind. Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern said she “could not believe her eyes” when she first saw the suffering of the birds. “If the tiny, barren wire cages weren’t cruel enough, the number of dead bodies, either in cages or littering the floor, most certainly was. There was filth and rodents everywhere,” she said. “I challenge even the hardest of hearts to witness what we have seen and not be moved. “One thing that struck us most when rescuing the birds was their sheer vulnerability. Yet we cannot relay what joy it brings to us today, seeing them all free.” Now, the sanctuary is putting the call out to people to put their hands up to the give roosters “forever homes“ in areas where owning roosters is not restricted by local councils. Co-founder of J&D’s Farm Sanctuary in Carag Carag Debbie Sims described Silkies as some of the friendliest chicken breeds. “Bachelor flocks of the lads just do dandy,” she said. Ms Ahern said he felt sad for the last rooster to be rescued from its cage, who has was finally freed on Wednesday, January 11. “I have named him Minnesota, and he is the sweetest of roosters,” she said. “Carrying him out of the shed and closing that door behind us for the last time was one of the greatest feelings I think I will ever have.”

Edgar’s Mission volunteers helping remove the Silkie roosters from the chicken shed. Top left: Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern, with one of the Silkie roosters, said the conditions in the shed were horrible. (Pictures: Supplied/Edgar’s Mission)

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SAVE FOR NON-URGENT SITUATIONS Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 7

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More EV support needed: Hume By Elsie Lange Hume council would welcome further government support for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to be installed, with just four stations across the municipality. Jacksons Creek ward councillor Jarrod Bell has been vocal about the need for greater EV infrastructure in Hume and has seen a noticeable increase in the number of EVs in Sunbury. However, he said a friend in Sunbury who owned an EV “sold his car due to lack of infrastructure”. “I was encouraged to see EV charging points

installed recently at Hungry Jacks in Sunbury, however I do acknowledge there is still a long way to go to support an electric car future,” Cr Bell said. Hume council said it was aware of more than 10 additional recharging sites in the municipality to have received funding support from the federal and Victorian governments. Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) energy and infrastructure head Ross De Rango said at a state level, EVC was advocating for the deployment of public charging equipment – but Victoria was falling behind New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. “If we consider Victoria, and the public

charging arrangements in place, there are large black spots on Victorian road networks where there is no availability of public charging,” he said. He echoed a report by the Emerging Technologies Research Lab at Monash University which found that in the near future, charging at home and having fully charged EV batteries in the morning was “likely to be a priority”. Mr De Rango said EV owners in Sunbury, whose cars have a 400-kilometre range, were more likely to need public fast charging out in the places they were travelling, rather than in town.

Cr Jarrod Bell said council was “doing its bit”. “The new multi-deck car parks at both Sunbury and Broadmeadows [are] designed to be charge point ready and [there are] investigations into how council can support EV use across the city,” he said. “Council is also about to embark on the renewal of our climate change action plan, the document that outlines how we will minimise our climate impact. “It is my hope that non-fossil fuel powered EVs will play a key role in this plan and will shape council’s transport and fleet solutions moving forward.”

Growing communities The front of Romsey Neighbourhood House (RNH) will soon be abundant with produce grown for residents, with new community garden beds installed and planted. Funded by Healthy Loddon Campaspe and installed in partnership with Macedon Ranges council, the beds have been filled with a variety of greens and herbs, and will one day help to supply the house’s community meals program. RNH manager Michelle Balthazar said the beds, and the new bike maintenance station next to them, were part of promoting healthy, sustainability living. “People can come and use the station, have a seat and pick some fresh veggies,” she said. Around the corner from the beds is the house’s car park garden, and the community is welcome to and take what they need when they need. “We’re trying to be a living example of what

the community can do to produce things and share to reduce the cost of living,” she said. The house also offers a range of programs for learning more about how to patch garden, and in the future intends to partner with sustainability movement Transition Streets to activate a few more community gardens around Romsey. “We’ll be running a community consultation session early on this year to get feedback on what we can do to promote it further within the community,” she said. The gardens are maintained by green thumbed volunteers, and since they were planted in December have “really taken off”. “It’s been a real community effort,” she said. “If people would like to be involved in community gardens, we’d love to hear from them.” Elsie Lange

Volunteers with the lovely new community garden beds at Romsey Neighbourhood House. (Supplied)

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8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

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Calls for welfare relief

New tanker for Sunbury

By Elsie Lange Australia’s leading hunger relief organisation and a Hume councillor have renewed calls to increase the JobSeeker welfare payment to tackle the “skyrocketing” cost of living and relieve pressure on food banks. Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said it was important to note how the implementation of the JobKeeper payment and the increase of the JobSeeker rate during lockdowns had led to a decrease in demand “across the foodbank network”. “[With the] cost of living, with housing availability and skyrocketing rents … people were struggling before these cost of living impacts,” Mr McNamara said. “The ability now to purchase healthy food is even harder than it was 12 months ago. If we want a society that is equitable … the minimum JobSeeker [rate] should be increased so people can afford a healthy meal.” He said across the northern and western suburbs, such as Hume, Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham, the organisation has seen “massive growth” in demand. “That region is one of the fastest growing areas of food insecurity in the state, that’s because you have large areas of urban sprawl so people are being pushed further out to buy property,” Mr McNamara said. Hume councillor Jarrod Bell said he supported calls from Foodbank to increase welfare payments. “The JobSeeker allowance should be there [for people] to live a comfortable life while they are seeking additional employment … Support like this is not a handout, it is a hand up,” he said. “If you want to entrench disadvantage in people, then not giving them the support that is at the most basic level enough to live off is the

CareWorks SunRanges service manager Jane Williams says demand on the service isn’t easing. (Damjan Janevski) 315860_01

way to do it.” Jane Williams is the service manager at CareWorks SunRanges in Sunbury, a not-for-profit crisis relief centre with a focus on addressing food insecurity – she said even since she last spoke to Star Weekly in mid-2022, the pressure on the service had escalated further. “[Right now] we can get like eight new clients a week, that could be eight families,” she said. “[People take] whatever you can supply them. Food is our main thing, and that will always be because we don’t want to see people go hungry.”

NEWS

Foodbank is where charities like CareWorks SunRanges source a lot of their produce – Mr McNamara said Foodbank’s costs had shot up massively as more and more people sought their assistance. He also said more than 50 per cent of people presenting to charities were actually working families, which is something Ms Williams was seeing on the ground. “We have gone from pre-pandemic spending to roughly $100,000 supplementing donated food, it’s now $5 million,” he said.

The Sunbury Country Fire Association (CFA) will receive a new heavy tanker by late- 2023. The local CFA was one of the 28 brigades chosen in the final phase of the replacement tanker roll out across the state. CFA chief executive Jason Heffernan said tankers are a vital part of CFA’s fleet, with more than 1900 across the state. “These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” he said. “The Heavy Tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4,000-litre water tank, while their 4x4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain. “They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.” The CFA said the new tankers will ensure volunteer firefighters are well equipped to protect their communities. The new heavy tankers have a 1200 l/ min diesel engine-driven fire-fighting pump, crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection, and full equipment stowage cache. Manufacturing on the Heavy Tankers began in September 2021 at Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co., with 20 brigades already making use of their new vehicles. The final tankers are expected to be complete by September.

G R RATIN E G N A D FIRE TODAY

OW CTION N TAKE A

Don’t travel to bushland on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days. If you plan to travel through Victoria during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, avoid travelling to high risk bush or grassfire areas. It’s safer to travel to cities or towns for the day.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12580860-HC04-23

Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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Call to scrutinise council budget By Elsie Lange Macedon Ranges residents are being urged to take a close look at the 2023-24 council budget amid the 3.5 per cent rate cap announced by the state government at the end of last year. The cap for the next financial year represents a doubling of the 2022-23 cap of 1.75 per cent. Macedon Ranges Residents’ Association secretary Christine Pruneau said it was an unwelcome cost increase but a necessary one given the growing financial pressures on Macedon Ranges council.

“It’s critically important that residents scrutinise the next council budget to ensure spending is prioritised on items and services that produce the widest benefits to the community from every dollar spent,” she said. Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said council would consider the annual rate recommendations through its usual budget process, which is currently under way for the next financial year. “Broadly, council welcomes the increase to the rate cap of 3.5 per cent, which is still lower

than the Essential Services Commission’s recommendation … of 4 per cent … considering current economic trends and budgetary pressures all councils are facing,” she said. “We’re also very mindful of those financial pressures extending to the broader community and we’ll aim to achieve the right balance of sustainability and affordability in the proposed budget. “Our rate revenue helps us to deliver close to 100 important services to the community and we always welcome feedback to ensure

we are continuing to provide the best possible service to our residents.” Macedon Ranges’ budget consultation will take place in April and May. Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said the rate cap for 2023-24 takes into account higher inflation to protect Victorians from higher rates while ensuring councils can continue to deliver their services. “Community members have the chance to engage with their local councils as they make decisions about rate rises through their budget process each year,” Ms Horne said.

Community grants flow Macedon Ranges Music Festival (MRMF), Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House and Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) have each received one of Greater Western Water’s (GWW) Thriving Communities grants. From 90 applications since last October, the three organisations were one of 11 to receive up to $5000. Five more groups were awarded up to $20,000 to support their work. MRMF director Jimmy O’Hare said the funding would help secure great performers for the event, which he believes will benefit the whole community. “Attendees will experience an uplifting community-focused day, where friends and family come together to celebrate live music,” he said. “Local business owners will benefit from increased patronage and local groups will thrive as they unite to deliver the region’s biggest community music event.” SAC’s Raquel Stewart said the organisation

will be using the grant for a Community Yarns and Tucker program – a monthly dinner that will bring Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities together. She said the idea came about when the SAC was thinking about the different cohorts they engaged with through their programs and realised they were missing people who were working during the day. “It gives people an opportunity to come together after COVID-19 [lockdowns], sit down, talk relax, get relax and build that community,” she said. GWW strategy and partnerships general manager Kessia Thomson said it was “fantastic” to see local projects create opportunities and increase community participation. “We received many outstanding applications for projects across our area, all with the purpose of inspiring and connecting people to community or Country,” she said.

! r e t bet

One Spirit Africa performing at Macedon Ranges Music Festival. (Supplied: Macedon Ranges Music Festival)

Tamworth honour for singer Gisborne country music artist Craig Lloyd has taken home a prestigious award at the internationally revered Tamworth Country Music Festival in New South Wales. His ballad, ‘Take The Wheel’, written with Merelyn and David Carter, was given the John & Judy Martin Commemorative Award, presented for the best country ballad of the year by the Tamworth Songwriters Association. Lloyd receiving the award was humbling and “wonderful recognition”, especially in the presence of some of the most respected songwriters in Australia. “I am so grateful to the Tamworth Country Music Festival for this award,” he said. “To have had the opportunity to collaborate on the writing of ‘Take The Wheel’ with country music legends Carter & Carter is one of the highlights of my music journey.” The artist said his love for country music started when he was living in England

listening to musicians like Garth Brooks and Allan Jackson. These songwriters have influenced his style in both performing and writing. Whether it’s his own tale, that of a friend or something completely fictional, Lloyd is passionate about telling stories through song. “Take The Wheel is about the times in a person’s life when they are seeking out help, maybe from a higher being, following some bad decisions, or to deal with a difficult situation,” he said. The Gisborne man said living in the town had strengthened his connection to country music, as well as his belief in the power of community. He is a graduate of the Country Music Association of Australia Academy. The song reached number three on Australian Country Radio and European Country Music charts in late 2022. Elsie Lange

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10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

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Gisborne’s Craig Lloyd took home The John and Judy Martin Commemorative Award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. (Supplied: David Carter)

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMENT

Focus on making your life better By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Focus on setting goals that make life better rather than more challenging. (iStock)

mean you’re a failure. Which raises another important point. You don’t have to reach your goals alone. One of the most useful things to decide is to ask for help when you need it. If you opt to learn a new skill, don’t be afraid to find someone who can teach you. YouTube might be full of instructional videos, but it can be a pretty soulless way to find stuff out. Human connection can make a huge difference.

And the same goes for your mental health. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to a support service, a therapist, a social group, friend or family member. If your resolution is to be the best you can be, that’s something vastly easier to achieve with the company and support of others. Of course, if you’re having a crisis, ring Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000. To find non-emergency help, however, consider calling

Head to Health on 1800 595 212. A trained professional will take your call, give you advice, and connect you to the best support or service for you. CAREinMIND™ is another excellent mental health counselling service. You can reach them for a chat on 1300 096 269. Their website – careinmind.com.au – has a great blog, chock full of ideas which can help you get through 2023 with style, smiles and joy.

12544962-AV15-22

Come on now, be honest, have you’ve broken your New Year’s Resolution already? It’s okay if you have: most people do, and that might be a good thing. It’s natural to focus on making life changes when the calendar clicks over, but sometimes the way we frame these intentions can be unrealistic, setting us up for failure. In some cases, too, resolutions that require long-term planning raise our anxiety levels – which is especially ironic if the resolution involves becoming less anxious. Setting goals for the coming year can be a very positive thing, but mental health experts tell us it’s important to focus on things that make life better rather than more challenging. Be sure to acknowledge what’s already right in your life. What things are you grateful for? Resolve to remember these often. Feeling good about yourself will make achieving long-term aims, such as quitting smoking or maintaining healthy weight, a bit easier. It’s important too to reflect only on yourself and refrain from impossible comparisons. You are probably never going to play tennis like Serena Williams or write pop songs as well as Baker Boy. Your icons aren’t your rivals. In the end it doesn’t matter if you can’t carry a tune – just resolving to sing might be all you need. If you set small goals, you’re much more likely to succeed. Cook one more meal instead of getting takeaway; try just one new healthy food; read one more book; walk one more lap. Small achievements count. It’s also important, of course, to not beat yourself up if you slip. The path to any goal is never smooth – it would be too easy, otherwise. Just because you fail once doesn’t

Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Celebrate Australia The Rotary Club of Woodend, with the help of the National Australia Day Council, is hosting this event as an opportunity to come together and celebrate the community. Thursday, January 26, noon until 4pm at the RSL Club, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend. Free.

Australia Day Brekky In association with Macedon Ranges council, the Kyneton Lions Club will provide a free community breakfast on January 26, 8am to 10am at the Kyneton Mechanics Reserve, 3 Baynton Street, Kyneton. Free

Cuppa and craft Share or learn a craft over a cuppa at this social group for adults. Wednesdays, 10am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Music and Singalong Bring your instrument or your voice to a social group for adults. Songs with lyrics and chords can be viewed on the big screen, all skill sets welcome. Wednesdays 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of five-year-old Isla at Scienceworks. (Damjan Janevski)

Family trivia night Bring your smarts and knowledge along to Sunbury Library’s family trivia Night on Thursday, January 12. Teams can include adult, children and any other family members who want to join in. Bookings required and tables are capped at 10. If you dress up as your favourite character, you go in the running to win door prizes too! From 6pm to 7.30pm, at Sunbury Library, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3j58MyX

Sunbury Police Community Register Volunteer for the Sunbury Police Community Register. Formed in 2010 as a result of the 2009 Black Friday bushfires in Victoria, the group’s mission is to make regular contact, and provide reassurance and wellbeing checks to elderly or vulnerable residents living in the Sunbury area, including those without friends or relatives. Volunteers head to the Sunbury Police Station to chat with clients. ■ 9744 8111

Breast cancer support group On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group. There they discuss experiences, find connections and improve mental health. ■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

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. ■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

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, 3.30- 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. It’s at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

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 noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. ■ 0491 174 550, or email rebecca.lees@scchc.org.au

HarmoniX Vocal Company Get involved with an all-male, auditioned singing group happening on Thursday, 79.30pm in Sunbury. The group is inviting new members to join. The group also has a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. 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

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

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

Craft and conversation

Rotary club

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

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

Chill Out Sunbury Are you between 12 and 18 years old and want to engage with other young people, participate in activities such as trivia, games, art, music, competitions, personal development and more? Chill Out Sunbury

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

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

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

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

Sunbury Seniors Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends. ■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury 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

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

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26 words: Excellent

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QUICK QUIZ

From what cereal is pumpernickel made?

Who did Monica Bellucci (pictured) play in The Passion of the Christ?

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The endocrine system is a system of what in the human body?

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The Nobel Prize was established in 1901 in which country?

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And to what musical genre is it said to belong?

10 In computer data storage, if you are striping, are your disks in RAID 0 or RAID 1?

ANSWERS: 1. Rye 2. Mary Magdalene 3. Gnorm Gnat 4. Glands 5. Kit 6. Bluish-white 7. Sweden 8. The Dresden Dolls 9. Dark cabaret 10. RAID 0

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Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

Lexus IS 2013 - 2021 USED CAR CHECKOUT

What to look for

By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Prior to calling for a professional inspection look over the complete vehicle, preferably with the owner’s handbook in front of you, as these are complex cars. You may weed out obvious duds by doing this. At the very least, test each of the functions on the stereo, climate-control, windows and door locking. Listen for squeals from the brake discs, even when you’re braking gently. This could indicate they are near the end of their life, but there could be other troubles. Go to a brake specialist to have this checked. Look for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim as it should be close to immaculate in all areas. We have heard a few complaints about the dash top deteriorating if the car has been out in the sun all the time. One that’s been garaged or parked under a building is a better bet. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantaneously, idles smoothly and doesn’t hesitate when accelerated. During your test drive check for anything out of the ordinary in the way the car drives, sounds and feels. The automatic transmission should operate almost imperceptibly and not hold onto any gears unnecessarily.

The 2020 Lexus IS-F, 2013 Lexus IS300h (top right) and 2016 Lexus IS200t (right).

makes all Lexus models a delight in which to travel. Lexus Remote Touch controller (joystick) on the centre console looks after audio, climate control and satellite navigation. Lexus has an excellent Mark Levinson audio system in its upscale vehicles. For example, the IS Sports Luxury has no fewer than 15 speakers carefully placed around the cabin for optimum sound reproduction. Interior space is good for a rear-drive car, but this Lexus has less room than a front-wheel-drive of this size. In its earlier generations it’s possibly best to regard it as being a two-plus-two rather than a four-seater if you’re intending to transport adults. Try the back seat for size if adults will be frequently using it. IS models being covered here are better for interior space than the first ones, but check for yourself to be sure. The boot is a surprisingly good size. Any Japanese car maker who doesn’t provide space for golf clubs is likely to suffer severely in sales. However, the sporty shape of the rear makes for a relatively slim boot opening and a

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Available for sheep and alpacas.

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Excavator Operator Loader Operator and Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Weighbridge Operator Admin and adhoc duties, full time position, computer knowledge is essential. Saturdays required.

Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

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Sacred Heart College is a Mercy school situated in Kyneton and surrounded by the beautiful Macedon Ranges. The College anticipates an enrolment of 820 students from Years 7 – 12 in 2023.

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This part time position (0.4 FTE but negotiable) will provide a range of direct & administrative tasks to the College’s Career’s team. For the Role Description, Selection Criteria and the Application Form are available directly from Jan Bower, PA to Principal jbower@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

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A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd ABN 69 154 531 870

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12550336-AV20-22

Budget on paying from $10,000 to $16,000 for a 2013 Lexus IS250 Prestige; $15,000 to $23,000 for a 2015 IS200t F Sport; $19,000 to $28,000 for a 2015 IS250 Sports Luxury; $25,000 to $33,000 for a 2016 IS350 Sports Luxury; $32,000 to $43,000 for a 2018 IS350 F Sport; $39,000 to $52,000 for a 2020 IS300h F Sport; and $42,000 to $57,000 for a 2021 IS300 F Sport.

12584197-JC51-22

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How much?

12321532-HM36-16

high loading lip. The rear seat backs fold almost flat to provide room for longer objects. In most cases the model number of the Lexus engines refer to their capacity, 200 is a 2.0-litre and so on. The Lexus IS Line is available as the IS 200t with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the IS 350 has a 3.5-litre V6 engine. The 300h petrol-electric hybrid has a four-cylinder petrol 2.5-litre assisted by an electric motor. The ‘300’ indicates the hybrid provides the sort of performance normally requiring a 3.0-litre unit. Spare parts and servicing are reasonably priced for a car in this class. Lexus dealers in the earlier years were fairly scarce in rural areas. However, that has significantly changed in recent years as major country cities are now being serviced. Some senior Toyota technicians are trained in most aspects of the car. Toyota is, of course, the parent company of Lexus. Insurance is generally moderate in pricefor a car in this price and social class and we haven’t seen any big variations between the major companies.

12587455-AV04-23

General Classifieds

(Supplied)

12587015-HC04-23

Lexus IS is a relatively minor player in the Lexus range of upmarket cars. It can be an excellent used car buy, particularly if it has been maintained by the book and driven sensibly – many are. Quite a few used ones are sold by Lexus dealers which may make them more expensive, but it’s usually worth any added cost as the dealers will pick and choose which ones they keep, and which ones they move onto other car yards. Having been relatively sedate in their shape for many years Lexus launched the third generation of its IS sedan range in July, 2013 and went way out in styling. The Lexus IS was designed from the start to have sporty, balanced dynamics and the new shape echoes that. As well as the upgrades in styling, all models had the option of the F Sport package with an adaptive suspension system. They are well worth hunting down if you like to pedal your cars hard. The Lexus IS got a major makeover in September, 2020. Its body is 30mm wider thanks to bolder wheel arch flares. The front and rear tracks are 45mm and 50mm wider respectively. It also received a new grille, larger wheels and a technology update. The bonnet is more sharply raked towards its leading edge and the slimmer headlamps are positioned 43mm lower. The new rear roofline is 15mm lower and the boot-line is 31mm lower. These changes combined to give the MY21 IS a much squatter and more muscular appearance than before. Not many are on the used market yet, but it’s worth looking out for them as they are significantly better than their predecessors. The quality of materials and workmanship

Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Hyundai Palisade stands out from the SUV crowd. (Pictures: Supplied)

Hyundai Palisade is big and bold By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Palisade is the largest model in Hyundai’s SUV range. At a smidgen under five metres, it’s around the same size and price as competitors such as Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9. Launched in late 2020 it was given an upgrade in May 2022 with updated exterior and interior design elements, improved safety and tech features. Palisade comes in two equipment levels, Elite and Highlander, each with the choice of 3.8-litre petrol FWD or 2.2-litre diesel AWD. Prices range from $65,900 for the Elite petrol 2WD to $79,900 for our test vehicle, the Highlander diesel AWD.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Palisade Elite 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $65,900 Palisade Highlander 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $75,900

Styling Not only is Palisade a large vehicle but it has styling that accentuates its bulk, starting from the front with a huge version of the parametric grille that’s being progressively rolled out across the Hyundai range. The grille is flanked by vertically stacked triple LED headlights, together with similarly shaped taillights, that emphasise the height of the Palisade. The Highlander variant that we tested came with exclusive design touches, including a satin chrome finish for the grille with matching badge and skid plate finishes. There are hidden-type turn signals, body-coloured cladding and exclusive 20-inch wheels with a 15-spoke turbine design.

Engines / transmissions The 3.8-litre petrol V6 generates 217 KW of power at 6000 rpm and 5200 NM of torque with standard unleaded fuel. The 2.2-litre CRDI diesel has less power (147 kW at 3800 rpm) but extra torque (440 NM between 1750 and 2750 revs). Both have a recently updated eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The diesel AWD uses an active on-demand HTRAC system.

Interior Inside, Palisade comes with a full-width front air vent and a great-looking and feeling

Palisade Elite 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $69,900 Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $79,900 Decked out with a 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system.

four-spoke steering wheel capped off in Highlander with a two-tone finish. A floating centre console angles up to merge with the dashboard, with a large space below for out-of-sight storage as well as a USB-C and 12V sockets. There’s plenty of additional storage space at the rear of the centre console with two adjustable drink holders and another pair of USB and 12V jacks. Palisade comes with two seating options, the more conventional 3-3-2 eight-seat family-focused arrangement or an executive 3-2-2 seven-seater with a pair of individual captain chairs in the middle row.

Safety All variants come with seven airbags including one between the front seats, full-length curtain ‘bags, and lap-sash safety belts for all occupants rather than the normal lap-only belt in the centre-rear spot. Other advanced safety features come with the Hyundai SmartSense system and include Blind Spot View and Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist,

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

Lane Following and Lane Keeping Assist, and Safe Exit Assist.

Driving Initially, the large dimensions can be a bit intimidating when you first get into the Palisade but the various assistance features together with its high driving position and excellent visibility help to quickly overcome these concerns. Also, with its comparatively tight turning circle of 11.8 metres it can handle the average shopping centre with room to spare although the backside tends to jut out. While other eight-seat SUVs are based on a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive ’ladder frame’ chassis, the Hyundai Palisade is built like a car. That means its centre of gravity is lower and steering and suspension should be more like the average passenger vehicle. Travelling in stop-start city low-speed conditions, this is the case. Out on the motorway the Palisade cruises smoothly and quietly with little clue that it is powered by a diesel. Most of our time was spent with either one or two occupants on board but

SPECIFICATIONS Hyundai Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD

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

it felt that it would have no trouble coping with the maximum eight people. The steering is well-weighted and gives good feedback. Combined cycle fuel consumption is listed at 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres with the petrol engine and 7.3 L/100km from the diesel. We averaged 8.7 L/100km during our test.

Summing up Hyundai Palisade is an impressive vehicle that combines the practicality of an SUV while coming close to being car-like in the way it drives. It’s reasonably priced and comes with plenty of safety and tech equipment. Palisade comes with Hyundai’s standard five-year, unlimited warranty. Bluelink is also free for the same five-year period but incurs a charge from then onwards.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Stars put their hands up By Tara Murray Some of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s best players will be in action this Wednesday night to support Malmsbury Cricket Club. The GDCA is putting on a charity night to support Malmsbury which was heavily impacted by flooding in October. Club secretary Matthew Cox previously told Star Weekly they had lost about $30,000 worth of equipment and other things around the club. Wednesday’s charity match involves players from all 10 of the McIntyre Cup sides, with at least two players from each team. Players will bat for two overs and the pair that has the highest total of runs at the end wins. Gisborne has five players taking part in the match, while Romsey, East Sunbury, Rupertswood and Sunbury United have four players. Mick Allen, Jarryd and Riley Vernon, Samuel Mackay and Matthew Barake are representing Gisborne and Chris Burkett, Nathan Hoy, Jamie Taylor and Ben Way are representing Romsey. For Rupertswood, Nathan Crotty, Kyle Corcoran, Nathan Shoesmith, Jarryd Swallow are pulling on the pads, while Steven Fogarty, Rajitha Mendis, Senura Perera and Liam Sherlock are taking part for Sunbury United. Lachie Wilkins, Nathan Dent, Matthew Jackson and Liam Williams will represent East Sunbury, while cross town rivals the Sunbury Kangaroos are represented by Michael Fox, Robert Walker and Corey Woolley. Connor Ascough and Nick Strangio will take part for Bacchus Marsh, Mulkapuge Lakshan and Indika Massalage for Diggers Rest Bulla, Harry Lawson and Hamish McDonald for Woodend and Matthew

Gisborne’s Mick Allen. (Shawn Smits) 203926_06

Clayton and Spencer Whittingham for Wallan. The bar and barbecye start at 6.30pm at

Gardiner Reserve, Gisborne, with the action kicking off at 7pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.

SPORT

Sanders back for the Jets Sunbury Jets superstar Ish Sanders is back for another season in the Big V men’s championship competition. Sanders returned to the Jets last season for a second stint at the club, after a first stint which included helping the Jets claim the division championship in 2019. He upped his game to another level last year and was instrumental in leading the side to the minor premiership. The side would fall in the best-of-three grand final series to Wyndham, 2-0 in a disappointing end to the season Sanders struggled throughout the grand final series, with coach John White telling Star Weekly after the game two he carried an AC injury into the grand final. Sanders overall performance was recognised as he won the competition’s most valuable player award. He averaged 25.31 points per game, the third most in the division. He also averaged the 10th most assists per game. It’s a second most valuable player award for Sanders, having won the division 1 award as he led the Jets to that title in division 1. Sanders is the latest key play to recommit to the side for this season. Nathan Marshall, Trevor Clayton and Mark Barkeley have already been announced as returning. They were all part of the Jets starting five alongside Sanders.

SPORTS QUIZ 1. The flags of which two countries were banned from being displayed at the 2023 Australian Open? 2. Before being recently rehired as Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones last coached the team in what year? 3. Women’s world number one tennis player Iga Swiatek is from which country?

4. The Australian cricket team recently cancelled a One Day International series against which country? 5. The Mighty Roos represent Australia in which sport? 6. Actor Frankie Muniz has a career in which sport? 7. Josh Giddey plays for which NBA team? 8. Which Australian Grand Slam champion recently announced her retirement? 9. What two sports were added to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998? 10. AFL star Jaeger O’Meara will play for which team in 2023? 11. What was baseball Hall of Famer Babe Ruth’s real name? 12. And what was the first team he played for? 13. Why did Nick Kyrgios pull out of the 2023 Australian Open?

Iga Świątek

Nick Kyrgios

16. Which NBA player is close to meeting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time NBA points record? 17. What is the name of the Melbourne runner who smashed the female world record of consecutive marathons, running 150 in a row? 18. What was controversial about shots awarded as sixes in the January 14 match between the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars? 19. When was the last time the Australian men’s cricket team won a series against India? 20. While playing golf, what is the maximum amount of clubs allowed in a player’s bag? 21. Which Serbian tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 1 men’s singles title? 22. Which Belarusian tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 1 women’s singles title?

23. A bronze statue of Australian Cricket Hall of Fame member Belinda Clark resides at which sports stadium?

28. Babar Azam, allegedly caught messaging a teammate’s girlfriend, captains which nation’s cricket team?

24. How many runs did Australian spin bowler Ashton Agar score in his debut Test innings?

29. What year were Johnathan Thurston and Jarryd Hayne joint winners of the NRL’s Dally M Medal?

25. Which South Korean tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 2 men’s singles title? 26. Which Swiss tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 2 women’s singles title?

30. By what nickname is Australia’s national gridiron (American football) team known?

27. Rocky the Mountain Lion is the costumed mascot of which NBA team?

1. Russia and Belarus 2. 2005 3. Poland 4. Afghanistan 5. Ice Hockey 6. Motor racing 7. Oklahoma City Thunder 8. Sam Stosur 9. Snowboarding and curling 10. Fremantle 11. George Herman Ruth 12. Boston Red Sox 13. Knee injury 14. Tombstone Piledriver 15. Defensive 16. LeBron James 17. Erchana Murray-Bartlet 18. They hit the roof 19. 2004 20. 14 21. Novak Djokovic 22. Aryna Sabalenka 23. Sydney Cricket Ground 24. 98 25. Kwon Soon-woo 26. Belinda Bencic 27. Denver Nuggets 28. Pakistan 29. 2014 30. Australian Outback

2701

14. What was the finishing move of WWE wrestler The Undertaker?

15. In American football, is a blitz a defensive or offensive tactic?

Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Lancefield aiming for a women’s side in 2024 Lancefield is exploring the possibility of having a side in the Riddell District Football League Women’s competition next year. With the RDFL launching the new competition, several local clubs are looking at forming women’s sides for the first time, including the Tigers. Melton, Kyneton and Mt Alexander are moving their women’s teams to the new competition, while Romsey is set to field a side for the first time. Vice-president Joe Schembri said Lancefield is keen to field a women’s side, whether it be this year or in the coming years. “It is exciting with the league starting a women’s competition next year,” he said. “They’re encouraging all clubs to have a look at having a women’s side. We’ve got a relatively strong junior girls program going. “We had 25 girls running around last year and we want to be able to try and provide them that pathway, so they continue to play in Lancefield.” Schembri admits they may have left the call out a bit late for this year, but said they would

Lancefield wants to set up a pathway for female football

keep pushing to get a side. He said they were keen to garner what interest is out there from locals who might want to play. Having only put out an interest for

(Supplied)

expression last week, the club already has six players interested in joining the club. “We are really keen to give local women the opportunity to play footy and give them an opportunity to play in Lancefield,” he said.

Cats starting to click Things are starting to click for Macedon in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield. The Cats sit in fifth spot after 11 rounds and with some key players returning from injury are confident of a big finish to the season. Playing coach Tim Berzins said the season had gone well so far. “It’s been good so far, but the results probably don’t reflect the team’s performance,” he said. “Things are progressing quite well. We have a lot of juniors pushing through and making their senior debuts or taking that next step in the first team which is really positive. “Things are starting to click.” Berzins said injuries and unavailability’s had meant that they hadn’t fielded a full side this season so far. He said they were hoping that would happen in the coming weeks. Cameron Howlett, who made 100 early in the season, is set to return from a calf injury this week, while Brendon Scott played his first game in the last match. “Things happen throughout the year and it’s kept a few guys out,” he said. “They’re experienced heads are coming back in.” While the Cats haven’t had a full side, Berzins said they look at it as a positive. The club’s aim was to give some younger players some more chances and they have got exactly that. “A positive has been the junior development, which was high on the agenda. “There’s been opportunities. We haven’t played a full strength side, but it’s provided others with an opportunity and they are taking them.” Berzins said Ed Ferguson, William Bobetic and Joseph Barham were three who have had opportunities and showed some good signs. The Cats are in the middle of a big game with Kyneton. Kyneton sits in third spot, less than three points ahead of the Cats. The Tigers made 233 bowled out in the 67th over. Hayden Ingleton made 109 for Kyneton, while Berzins was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. The Cats will resume at 1-14 having batted 14 overs. Speaking before the game, Berzins said this week’s result was a big one in the context of the season. He said coming off a grand final appearance last season, they were keen to build on that. “Our focus is to go to that next step,” he said. “It was our aim from the start of the year and we haven’t shied away from it, we want to go one better than last year.”

“We’re looking to get the word out there and garner who might want to play football. We have strong female participation in cricket and we’ll garner if anyone wants to play football in the winter months.” The club is yet to appoint a senior coach, but had appointed a girls’ coach, who had experience at senior level. Lisa Borg, who is coming up to playing 200 games, has coached at both junior and senior level, has been appointed their girls’ coach in an exciting move for the club. Schembri said having someone with that experience would benefit all female players at the club. In another positive for the club, upgrades to their changerooms to make them more female friendly are set to be completed in the coming months. Schembri said anyone interested can get in touch with him and they’ll look to sit down and chat with those who are keen. Details: 0407 526 501 Tara Murray

Sports shorts GDCA Rupertswood is on track for an outright victory against the Sunbury Kangaroos in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield. The Kangaroos were bowled out for just 30, with Rupo quickly moving to 1-128 before declaring. The Kangaroos are in trouble in their second innings, finishing the day at 5-18. In other matches, Hanging Rock made 6-283 against Blackwood, Wallan made 310 against St Anthonys and Diggers Rest Bulla made 9-263.

CHBD Kyneton Golf had to share the points with Kilmore in the Central Highlands Bowls Division’s top grade on Saturday. Despite Kilmore winning two of the three rinks, the teams were locked on the same amount of shots resulting in a 64 (9)-64 (7) result in favour of Kilmore. Kyneton beat Broadford by three shots, Romsey snuck home by one shot against Lancefield and Gisborne had a big win against Trentham in the other matches. After 10 rounds, Romsey sits atop the table.

AFLW Academy Calder Cannons’ Amy Gaylor was among those to participate in the first AFLW Academy for this year’s intake at the weekend. The camp included 30 of the country’s most promising footballers who started the camp at Essendon’s facility in Tullamarine before spending the last two days at Geelong Grammar. The camp will be followed by two additional camps later in the year, with the squad set to reconvene in April and June.

Tennis

Gareth De Rosayro (Shawn Smits)

Berzins said overall things were going well at the club. They were fielding one more side than last season. He said they had managed to field four sides every week. The club is also fostering a better relationship with the football club, with several footballers taking to the field. Berzins said that was something he and football coach Al Meldrum had been keen to build on.

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

“All our sides are in the top four or in the same position as the firsts and a couple of points outside the top four. “Things are looking strong from a whole club perspective.” In other matches, Eynesbury made 6-351 with Tristian Francis making 171. Sunbury United is 1-6 in reply to 211, while Bacchus Marsh is 5-112 in reply to Romsey’s 162.

Sunbury’s Jin Woodman wasn’t able to come away with a win in the Melbourne Wheelchair Open last week. Playing in his second main open draw after being in the Victorian Wheelchair Open the previous week, Woodman lost his quad singles opening round, to Donald Ramphadi, 6-3, 6-0.

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

Tough run continues for the Club Sunbury team Club Sunbury let slip a lead as it crashed to its third loss in four rounds in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 1, section 1. In their first game back after the Christmas break, with last week being heated off, Club Sunbury travelled to Kingsbury. The match went down to the wire, with Kingsbury coming away with the win, 77 (15)-75 (3). Marc Bullows’ rink was the only winning one for Sunbury, winning 20-17. Lee Wesley’s rink had a tie, 20-all, while Mark Cowan’s rink lost by one shot and Sebastian Pretty’s rink also lost. Club Sunbury’s David Glennon said they always expected it to be tough on Kingsbury’s green. “Sunbury had a big lead toward the end, about 15 to 20 shots with about 12 to 13 ends left,” he said.

“Kingsbury was able to get over the top of them.” Bullows, Wesley and Cam Ryan were the three standouts for the Club Sunbury in the loss. While disappointed to drop the match, other results went the way of Club Sunbury, with the other sides in the top four all losing. Club Sunbury remains in second spot on 126 points, 32 points behind Lilydale. Bundoora RSL sits on 118 points along with Kingsbury and Blackburn is two points behind and Middle Park another six points behind them. Craigieburn is still in the finals mix as well. Glennon said despite not getting a win in the last five rounds, there were no panic stations about their season. “It’s always difficult at Kingsbury on the carpet,” he said. “We need to keep winning the home games and pick up some points on

the road and try to win those games. “There’s no concern, we’re still sitting second and it’s onwards and upwards. It’s still a really good position to be in.” It was a good day overall for Club Sunbury with four of the six sides in action coming away with wins. With the lower grades only having three rounds remaining it’s getting to the pointy end of the season. The second side sits in second after winning its fifth consecutive match, while the fourth side is also in second and the fifth side on top. The other two teams are both still in finals contention. Club Sunbury’s top side this week face Club Dandenong which is second bottom. ‘Meanwhile, Mark Cowan won the Northern Gateway over 60’s singles title. Tara Murray

Cam Ryan.

(Damjan Janevski) 254960_10

Roar slips up

Rupertswood’s Daniel Kavanagh.

(Shawn Smits) 205195_07

Things go Rupo’s way By Tara Murray Rupertswood is on top after day one of its match with East Sunbury in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. With a win possibly pushing Rupertswood back into the top six and further increasing its gap on the bottom sides, the match is massive in the context of the season. Playing at home, Rupo decided to bat first putting on 9-285 from its overs. Rupo captain-coach Andrew Pizaro said they were pretty happy with that total. “It’s fantastic,” he said. “A lot of things went to plan and the boys were able to execute with the bat. “There were a couple of wickets we weren’t happy with the result, but as a team we backed each other up and we got some good scores from others to put a good score on the board.” Nathan Shoesmith, who has returned to the club from playing premier cricket in recent seasons, top scored with 70. The inclusion of Shoesmith is a handy one for Rupo, with the batter playing five first XI premier games last season. Pizaro said they were thrilled to have Shoesmith back at the club where he played his junior cricket. “In so many ways having Nathan back is fantastic,” he said. “He’s an energetic sports person who has already improved our side. “A bloke at his age, he has already instilled

leadership on the others players around and people will look that we’ve got a good batsmen, but we’re also got a good person at the club.” Pizaro said he wasn’t sure what Shoesmith’s plan was long term, but they were enjoying having him back at the club. Lachlan Wilkins took four wickets for the Thunder. Pizaro said they know how important this match is in the context of their season, “You never take anything for granted,” he said. “East Sunbury have a couple of good players. “It only takes one ball to get a batsmen out, Things went our way on Saturday, so far it was a good decision to bat.” Big scores were the order of the day across the rest of the competition with three batters reaching triple figures. Diggers Rest Bulla piled on the runs against the Sunbury Kangaroos, making 353. Skipper Rasika Batepola hit his second century of the season making 103 off 119 balls. The innings included 15 fours. Woodend’s Xavier Tadd scored his first century of his career against Sunbury United, Passing 50 for the first time in senior cricket, Tadd went on to make 110, which included 13 fours. Woodend was bowled out in the 71st over for 235. United had to face nine overs at the end of day one. It will resume at 1-15.

Bacchus Marsh’s Brenton Payne also joined the century club at the weekend against Wallan. Having made triple figures in the Johnstone Shield earlier this season, Payne made his first McIntyre Cup 100 against the Magpies. Payne made 100 as the Bulls made 8-266 from their overs. The match between first and fourth was the odd match out, with the bowlers on top after day one. Romsey won the toss and elected to bat against Gisborne. Captain and the competition’s second highest run scorer Ben Way was quickly back in the sheds for just nine. The rest of the Redbacks top order showed some form, but no batter could go on with it. After being 3-76, the Redbacks lower order failed as the side was out for just 134 in the 77th over. Matthew Milne top scored with 29, but it was tough going for the batters. Mick Allen and Leigh Brennan took three wickets for the Dragons. With 16 overs to face at the end of the day, the Dragons were keen to get through unscathed. They lost an early wicket and then two more, including competition leading run scorer Jarryd Vernon, just before stumps. The Dragons will resume at 3-33.

Sunbury’s finals hopes in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 suffered a setback on Saturday. Sitting just outside the top four, Sunbury was keen to get the points and put the pressure on the top sides against Glenroy. The Roar had a poor day one, bowled out for just 85. Only two players of the top six scored double figures, with Lachlan Treweek top scoring with 20 after opening the batting. Glenroy resumed at 5-45 after a tough period late on day one. Glenroy managed to get the runs bowled out for 113 in their 71st over. Jason McGann, who had three wickets on day one of the match, finished with four wickets, while Brad Hunter finished with three. The Roar then had to go out for bat. It was another poor performance with the side in trouble at 6-65 when the match ended. Treweek top scored with 15. The Roar remains in fifth position but they are now nine points outside the top four with three two-day matches left. The Roar this round face top side Grand United. Meanwhile, the last of the T20 finalists have been decided. The final pool matches were played last week, with the top team in each of the 16 pool groups going through to the next round. The Roar will be joined in the next round by Gellibrand, PEGS, West Coburg, Sydenham-Hillside, Jacana, Yarraville Club, Sunshine, the Druids, Werribee Centrals, Point Cook, Maribyrnong Park St Marys, Sanctuary Lakes, Deer Park and St Francis de Sales.

Sunbury’s Jason McGann.

(Shawn Smits)

204991_01

Tuesday, 24 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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