Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 25th April 2023

50 years of Rotary

Sunbury Rotary Club celebrated its 50th anniversary this April, with Hume council extending a heartfelt congratulations to the club.

The club’s official anniversary for the 50 year milestone was on April 10, with the occasion set to be celebrated later in the month.

Secretary Kerry Kirk said she became involved with the club seven years ago because she wanted to be a positive force in the community.

“I was an empty nester [when] my children left home … I searched all the clubs [for one to join],” Ms Kirk said.

“[I joined because] rotary is an organisation that provides a guide for doing good.”

Ms Kirk said Rotary recently won two grants from the council, to provide mental health first aid training to local community groups and to build a bottle art installation project at Rotary Park.

“[The art project is to] raise community awareness around environmental sustainability and the impact plastics have, particularly in our local waterways,” she said.

“We are currently asking Sunbury [residents] to collect their bottle tops that are not recyclable and give them to us for this project.”

Ball is in council’s court

By Zoe Moffatt

Sunbury Basketball Association (SBA) is calling for more courts amid having to cut down training times and increase waitlists. Withthewinterjuniordomesticcompetition scheduled for May, SBA is set to begin the new season plagued with court capacity issues.

SBA president Darren Watkins said court capacity has become a bigger issue this season due to an increase in teams and decrease in external venues.

“It becomes very difficult to help kids

improve both individually and as a team in such a short amount of time [spent training],”

Mr Watkins said.

“It is simply impossible for us as an association to help make the best possible players in 45 minutes on a shared court.”

Mr Watkins said there is talent within Sunbury to grow the representative program but capacity issues are hindering this development.

“We currently have 24 representative teams and next year I don’t think (without new courts) we could add any more teams,” he said.

“[This] means there’s less opportunities for kids to learn and develop a higher level of basketball.”

Mr Watkins said he is not confident there will be new courts in the near future due to the current government debt.

“Worse case [this issue] will drive people to pursue other associations or sports,” he said.

“Without new courts in Sunbury the [SBA] is at a standstill … we can maintain the current numbers and programs that we have but we are not able to continue to grow.”

Mr Watkins said the association has had

productive meetings with all three levels of government within the last three months, and were advised to approach the council as the first step.

Hume council said the need for a secondary stadium in the Sunbury south growth area was identified in council’s indoor sports plan 2021-2031.

Council said it is in continued consultation with residents about future developments and it will keep advocating for funding from the state government that could build a secondary stadium in future.

Sunbury Rotary Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with members Merv and Pauline Minett, Terry McCabe, Ashley Woods and Kerry Kirk. (Damjan Janevski) 328944_01

Council rejects hunt club permit

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges council has rejected a planning permit for a hunt club in Baynton East, following objections from locals and Northern Victorian MP. In a decision released on April 12, council said the proposal was contrary to policies surrounding strategic land use, settlement planning, protection of agriculture, rural housing, design of buildings

inruralareas,thefarmingzone,andobjectives in its planning policy.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell saidshewasgratefulthecouncillistenedtothe community and chose to reject the proposal.

“I was contacted about the [club] in January … by concerned locals who lived nearby,” Ms Purcell said.

“[I was] asked to put in an objection and I did that, and I know many locals [also] did.”

“We were very grateful to see the council listened and chose to reject [the proposal].”

Ms Purcell said these hunt clubs are expensive and exclusive, and she is prepared to keep fighting against the latest proposal.

“We are fully aware that this might not be the end of it and [we] are prepared to keep opposing no matter where they are established,” she said.

Ms Purcell said she would like to see

Victoria invest in immunocontraceptives to control the population of introduced species, which are often hunted by these clubs.

“That stops foxes [and other animals from] being able to breed, [it] hasn’t been used here but has had success overseas,” she said.

“We need to control their population but [hunt clubs] isn’t the way … It has no impact other than being cruel for the sake of being cruel.”

Sunbury leads solar charge

Sunbury residents have recorded the highest number of solar installations in the Hume rollout program.

OnApril14,Humecouncilannounced Sunbury is leading the charge in the program and is the seventh top suburb for solar installation in Victoria this month.

Mayor Joseph Haweil said the number of solar installations is a testimony to the community.

“The impressive solar uptake results acrossourcommunity–andforSunbury and Craigieburn in particular – are testament to our residents and their commitment to a renewable future,” Cr Haweil said.

Reducing energy consumption with Dr Vince Mulkerin from the Riddles Creek Action Group. (Damjan Janevski)

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Making changes for climate action

Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House will host a free afternoon tea and presentation on running an energy efficient home on Sunday, May 7.

Macedon Ranges council and Riddells Creek NeighbourhoodHousehavepartneredtogether to deliver local community-led initiative Cool Changes to help residents learn how to reduce their energy bills.

The event will take place from 1.30pm to 4pm at Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House, with bookings essential.

Heather McNaught from Cool Changes said the initiative began in 2022 when Macedon Ranges council and Riddells Creek neighbourhood house came together to work

on climate change solutions.

“[Together they] co-design[ed] a community driven consultation process to empower residents to identify and develop solutions to climate change priorities facing the town,” she said.

The afternoon tea will include a presentation from ecoMason ways to run an energy efficient home, with about 60 per cent of household energy consumption coming from heating and cooling needs.

ecoMaster co-founder Maurice Beinat will be offering expert tips and advice on effective and affordable solutions for homeowners on how to make the most of their home’s energy usage.

Vote now for edgy veggies

The Edgy Veg Trail has returned to the Macedon Ranges for a second year, with voting for the awards set to close on April 30.

Theinitiativelaunchedlastyearaspartofthe Autumn Festival in the aim to help people eat more vegetables and try new dishes.

Project co-ordinator Lucy Campbell said they wanted to get residents thinking about their food choices and the impact it can have.

“Our angle is getting people to think about the environmental impact their food choices have and how it’s better for the planet and people’s health to eat more veg,” Ms Campbell said. “There’s things like improved heart [and] gut health from eating more veggies … it lowers your cancer risk. Cultures associated with eating more veggies generally live longer than [heavy meat eaters].”

Ms Campbell said they have almost double the amount of cafes, restaurants and pubs

involved compared to last year.

“This time we have 26 cafes, pubs and restaurants on board, and 49 dishes have been submitted,” she said. “In the first week we got 400 votes, it’s been going really well so far.”

MsCampbellsaidtheyencouragetheeateries to use local produce, with dishes including: nori beer-battered banana blossom, chickpea flour frittata and magmour.

“We also encourage the cafes to serve something seasonal, a lot of the dishes are connected to autumn and use local produce.

“During COVID-19 when a lot of deliveries were stopped, people released how important it was to be able to access local produce … [it also] lowers carbon emission [and] supports local farmers.”

Every time you vote on a dish you also go into a draw to win a weekend away for two at the Lancefield Guest House.

Ms McNaught said anyone can participate in the initiative and they encouraged residents to get involved in climate action.

“Cool Changes Riddells Creek aims to encourage everyone to act locally, but think globally on climate change and its effects on our current and future lives,” she said.

“Anyone can get involved [and]...join any or all of the four main project teams.”

Thegroup’sCommunityClimateActionPlan outlinesafoundationalvalueoftheplanistobe a “connected community” with an overarching goals of “reducing emissions”, with actions including community-owned solar farms and a Walking School Bus.

Details: bit.ly/3KpNfMR

Since the roll-out began in late 2020, one megawatt of solar has been installed across Hume, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 1050 tonnes per year.

This emission reduction is equivalent to removing about 205 cars each year, whilesavinghouseholdsintheprograma collective of about $215,000 in electricity bills.

Cr Haweil said these savings can help easetheburdenofcostoflivingpressures.

“Given the ongoing cost of living pressures that many in our community are facing, the … program is an effective way for residents to save money and help keep our environment clean,” he said.

“The one-megawatt solar installation milestone is a great reflection of the … program and proves residents are making positive impacts through solar.”

The state government is also offering $1400 rebates and interest-free loans for households to install solar.

Hume council will offer an additional $700 rebate to concession card holders who install solar through the program.

Details: https://bit.ly/3GPNWwq

Zoe Moffatt

Councils release budget hopes

By Zoe Moffatt

With the state and federal budget delivery about a month away, Macedon Ranges and Hume councils are calling for infrastructure and disaster relief funding.

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said council is advocating for funding to assist with ongoing flood recovery efforts and investment for councils priority projects.

Council is hoping for state and federal funding for repairs to key infrastructure such as roads and trails that were damaged in

flooding, she said.

It is also calling for a streamlined process for disaster relief funding and allowing councils to “build back better” infrastructure to withstand future events.

The priority projects for Macedon Ranges council include the regional sports precinct, Daylesford to Hanging Rock shared trail, Woodend community centre and Kyneton town hall.

Hume council said it is looking for investment for infrastructure, projects and programsinthisbudget,tohelpresidentsadapt

Secrets to wedded bliss

A Sunbury couple celebrated 70 years of marriage earlier this month, with congratulations sent from King Charles, the Governor General and the Prime Minister.

Sunbury residents Joyce Wood, 91 and Douglas Wood, 93, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Sunday, April 16, at Cornish Grange, surrounded by family and friends.

Mrs Wood, who met her husband while they were both migrating to Australia from the UK, said the secret to their long marriage is to go with the flow.

“Just to go with the flow and if arguments happen,yougetoveritandcarryon,”MsWood said. “[It’s] nothing special, we’re all healthy and you know got on alright as a whole.”

Mr Wood agreed and said his advice to other couples is to know when to give in.

“Always submit to the wife,” Mr Wood said.

The couple, who have four children together, said they have been very fortunate throughout

their life and their biggest highlights have been their children and time spent travelling.

“We were both migrants in 1951 [and travelled to Australia] on an ex-troop ship,” Ms Wood said. “We met through a friend of [my] dad’s… we were both coming to Melbourne so [we] arranged to meet the following week [after we arrived].”

“We have a lot of highlights … we had children and travelled … We did quite a lot of cruises in the last years [before COVID-19].”

Their daughter Tracey Wisdom said her parents are “absolute opposites.”

“The secret is they’ve always had the ability toresolvethingsifthey’vehadadisagreement,” Ms Wisdom said.

Zoe Moffatt

Joyce and Douglas Wood meet in 1951 when moving to Australia from the UK. (Damjan Janevski) 329775_05

to the increasing cost of living.

These investments include congestion free roads, efficient and frequent public transport, access to health care to meet the growing demand and greater focus on schools and early childhood services, particularly in newly established communities.

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said council will continue to advocate for these services and infrastructure as the population grows.

“Hume city’s population will expand to almost 400,000 in the next 20 years, and we need vital infrastructure and services to grow

with us,” Cr Haweil said.

“Council will continue to advocate for more funding to help us build better arterial roads, provide greater support for community health and to invest more into social housing.

“There’s never been a more critical time for both the state and federal levels of government to invest in our growing community and to stimulate the local economy with the creation of local jobs for local people.”

The state budget will be delivered on May 23, while the federal budget will be handed down on May 9.

VICSES breaking records

Female VICSES volunteers from across Hume joined the largest ever Women in Rescue event last weekend.

VICSES held the targeted training in eight locations throughout the state, for women to get hands-on experience with tools and equipment, share rescue skills and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.

VICSESchiefexecutiveStephenGriffinsaid the event is a great opportunity for volunteers to learn and network.

“The Women in Rescue (WIR) initiative provides a great opportunity for both experienced and newer members to come together and share their skills and knowledge in a supportive environment,” Mr Griffin said.

“It also provides a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow female volunteers from across your region.”

This year’s WIR event had a 93 per cent increase in attendance, making it the largest event since it was founded in 2018.

With 34 per cent of VICSES volunteers beingfemale,MrGriffinsaidtheeventaimsto empower women and reflect the communities in the area.

“WIR aims to empower women to showcase their skills in contributing to the safety of our communities,” he said.

“Itiscriticalthatwereflectthecommunities we serve, and build the confidence and leadership among our women in orange.”

“Our female first responders at VICSES are incredible, and attend highly complex, challenging incidents.”

The WIR event was first designed after the Sunbury unit recognised the importance of encouraging more women into rescue operations.

Since 2018, the events have expanded with the latest event held at the same time in Pakenham, Bangholme, Wangaratta, Gippsland, Huntly, Bellarine, Ballarat and Gembrook.

Hume VICSES volunteers at the Women in Rescue event (Supplied).

Panic builds at lack of lift action

By Zoe Moffatt

A Sunbury resident is calling for a lift at the Sunbury train station ahead of this year’s state and federal budgets.

When Mary Nehmy tries to use the overpass at the Sunbury station she starts to panic. She feels this panic increase with the height of the overpass, and the overwhelming feeling builds as she tries to walk up.

“When I try to walk up the ramp it’s too overwhelming … I feel like getting down on all

fours [and] I start to panic,” she said. These feelings of intense anxiety and fear are common for people with acrophobia – an extreme fear of heights – which Ms Nehmy has suffered from since she was in primary school.

Ms Nehmy said she has been advocating for a lift at the station for over four years, and has beenincontactwithSunburyMPJoshBulland

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan about it.

“I’ve had articles in the local papers and involved Josh Bull and even … Jacinta Allan … who sent me quite a pathetic response,” she

Raise the pride colours

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges businesses and community groups are encouraged to decorate their windows ahead of International Day Against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT) next month.

IDAHOBIT day will be held on May 17 and seeks to raise awareness about the discrimination members of the LGBTIQA+ community face.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH), Macedon Ranges council and Hume council are encouraging businesses and groups to get involved by decorating their shop fronts, windows and foyers, with a range of prizes up for grabs.

SCCH chief executive Phillip Ripper said it is important for the LGBTIQA+ community to be supported by the wider community.

“We are proud to be partnering with our local councils on this initiative and hope that businesses and community organisations rise to the challenge to get creative and show their support for the LGBTIQA+ community,” Mr

Ripper said.

“We know how important it is for the LGBTIQA+ community to see they are welcomedandsupportedbytheircommunity.”

“This [support] has a profoundly positive impact on people’s sense of wellbeing, safety and belonging in their community.”

Tohelpsupportbusinessesinthepromotion of IDAHOBIT day, SCCH will be supplying free pride packs and hosting an online workshop on creating safe and inclusive spaces.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 3, at 7pm to 8.30pm, with bookings required.

Workshop details:https://bit.ly/3MD8Y5g

Window display details: https://bit. ly/3zPGMV5

said. “I feel like I’ve been flicked off … [and they] think I’ve gone away but it’s getting the energy to [bring it] up again.”

Ms Nehmy said the current overpass limits commuters’ ability to use the station and she wants money put aside in the state budget for a lift.

“People recognise me from the photos in previous papers and they’ll come out and say yes … even if [they are not affected] they know someone who has been impacted by this.”

Mr Bull said this issue has frequently been

raised with him but there are not any plans for a lift to be installed.

“I understand this is an important issue for our community … [and] I’ve spoken with the minister for transport and infrastructure and the minister for public transport on multipleoccasionsaboutgettingliftsinstalled,” he said.

“Both ministers have indicated lifts are not currently planned … and undertaking a project like this will be extremely challenging due to existing site constraints.”

Zoe Moffatt

Rhain DiPilla decorating The Old Auction House for IDAHOBIT day. (Damjan Janevski) 328223_02

Fans get behind Western United

Western United’s women’s side might only be in their first season, but the side has started to get a dedicated fan base. With the team playing in the A-League Women’s grand final this Sunday, many fans are planning to head to Sydney to watch the side in action and hopefully claim the championship. Star Weekly caught up with some of the dedicated fans ahead of the big game.

Western Core

Brooke Muscat has been a member of Western United since day one.

Part of the men’s active supporter group, Muscat was one of those who put her hand up to help run the club’s women’s active supporter group when the club finally got a women’s side this season.

Muscat and the group have had a season full of highs so far and they’re hoping a championship will cap it off this Sunday.

“A group of us run it, a little group of about eight of us run it behind the scenes and helped create it” she said.

“I’m a supporter of the men’s team and an inaugural member. With the commitment factorsomeonehadtostepupwiththewomen’s teamandwe’vebeensupportingthemeachand every week.

“The boys do a lot of work with the men’s side, so we’re sharing the load and each of the partiessupporteachotherasmuchaspossible.”

Muscat has made several interstate trips this season to watch United, including being at the club’s semi final win in Sydney.

She said it was an incredible experience.

“It was an awesome experience and how the game transpired was incredible to watch.

“Seeing all that hard work and the tight knit community they’ve put together was such a great experience.

“To watch it live, there were only about 10 of us, it was really cool to have played a little part in it.”

While many people have been surprised by United’s success in its first season, Muscat said she didn’t think that it was such a big surprise, with so much belief in the team.

“I’m so proud of them.”

Muscat has already booked her flights, accommodation and tickets for the grand final. She’shopingthattherewillbeaheapofother United fans making the trip.

“There’s been a fair bit of interest in a few of the Western United supporter groups,” she said.

“The club is looking to put a bus on if there’s enough support. There should be a decent amount of people there.

“We want people to come and join us in the

active supporter bay.”

Muscat said the only disappointing aspect was that many supporters will miss out on coming to the match, with it being held in Sydney after Football Australia decided both A-League grand finals would be held in the Harbour City.

The Woollam family

Western United fans Jenni Woollam and her family from Hoppers Crossing are flying up to Sydney to watch the game and support their team.

“As soon as we heard we booked flights up to Sydney,” Ms Woollam said. “We were just in Adelaide for the men’s [game].”

“My husband and two of my kids are coming … [we] leave at 6am and get back at 10pm … and there’s about 12 [friends] going as well.”

Ms Woollam said the family have been following Western United for a few years now and said it’s been a really exciting season.

Western United men’s active group Western United men’s active support are ramping up to get out and show their support for the women’s team in the upcoming A-League Women’s final.

One of the men’s active support leaders Mason Ahumada said he’s enjoyed watching the women’s success throughout their first season.

“It’s been very good,” he said.

“Because I’ve been such a big part of the men’s support, I’ve been able to see a lot of the women come up through Calder United, who they merged [formed a partnership] with last season.

“Just seeing the passion they’ve instilled in the first season has been great to see.”

Now, he’s preparing to head up to Sydney to show support during the final.

“I’m very excited, who would’ve thought that we’d come this far,” he said.

“Throughout the season a lot of the players have showed a lot of heart and they keep continuing to prove all the doubters wrong, and here we are with the biggest game next weekend.

“To lift the trophy, and following the success of the men’s last season, to lift two trophies, would be awesome.”

He said many members of the men’s support will be joining on the Sydney trip

Ahumada said it’s normal for the club’s men and women’s support groups to all come together and support each other.

“We all chat as a collective and try our best to support each other … The club try and instil that. It’s mostly just us trying to have a good outcome for the club,” he said.

“I’m bringing some of the boys with me, so there’ll be a lot of hometown support at the game, so we’re all gonna be there in numbers for sure.

“The club try to instil that. It’s mostly just us trying to have a good outcome for the club.”

Western United fans will be in full voice on Sunday. (Supplied)

Active support group the Western Core. (Supplied)

The Western Core at the semi final (Supplied)

The Woollam family on their way to a Western United game. (Supplied)

Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House will be holding the upcoming community consultation workshop. (Supplied)

Help shape new garden

Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House will be holding a community consultation workshop on Sunday, April 30, to discusstheupcominglandscapingatthehouse.

The open space surrounding the Macedon propertyonVictoriaStreetwillbetransformed to support the activities of the groups that use the house, including multiple gardens and a community exchange area.

Vice president and project manager Karen Goltz said they are looking for community members to contribute what they want to see in the design at the meeting, which will take place from 11am to 12.30pm.

“The landscape design principles and concept drawings have been developed, and now it is time for community members to provide input into the design development process,” Ms Goltz said. “At the workshop they will also hear about how they can become

involved in the garden construction, planting and maintenance phases of the project.”

Designers Hansen Partnership have been appointed for the project’s design phase, with consultants working with the house management committee, Macedon Ranges council and Regional Development Victoria.

The feedback from the workshop will go directly to the house project management team and Hansen Partnership, with lunch and refreshments available at the consultation.

The project has been funded with $147,000 from the state government, $12,000 from the Macedon Ranges council, along with contributions from local organisations, businesses and residents.

RSVP is required by Thursday, April 27.

Details: hello@mmmcommunityhouse.org

Zoe Moffatt

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Briefs

Council taken to court

Macedon Ranges council is being taken to the Supreme Court by a landowner over the Romsey Structure Plan, council announced on April 14. In a recent project update, council said the landowner is claiming council made legal errors in its dealing with the review of the plan. Council said it does not agree it made any errors and it will not comment further on the case at this stage. The directions hearing for the case is scheduled for June 21.

Hume burn-offs

Hume council’s conservation team will be conducting a series of planned burns to manage vegetation within conservation reserves. Planned burns help to control weeds, germinate indigenous seeds, and reduce fuel loads across reserves including: Bulla and Sunbury. As the burns can only be completed under certain weather conditions, the exact time and day of burns cannot be provided for in advance, however all nearby residents will be notified of planned burns in their area. Details: https://bit. ly/3GYzGSq

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Mandy Clark

Hoping for a place to call home

Young people aged 12 to 24 make up 23 per cent of all homeless people across the country. On Wednesday, April 19, Youth Homelssness Matters Day encouraged discussion and awareness of issues relating to youth homelessness. Matthew

youth homelessness and those supporting them.

Anne Margaret lives at the St Albans Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) centre after experiencing homelessness. This is the first time the 23-year-old has fully lived away from her family home.

Ms Margaret said she is hopeful that with support she can still achieve her goals, despite the uncertainty of her current predicament.

“It’s the best thing, just to have a place that feels like home,” she said.

“I feel good living here and I hope that things work out for me.”

Across three locations, including a site in St Albans,cohealth’sYouthResidentialRecovery (YRR) program is providing a home for young people where they can be themselves and work on their recovery goals in a supported, inclusive environment.

The nine-bedroom St Albans site provides a safe space for people aged 16 to 25 years to pursue their mental health recovery.

With their own room, shared spaces and the opportunity to take part in all kinds of activities and group events, the residents work side by side with their mental health and wellbeing coaches to set and meet their personal goals.

Residents are required to pay a service fee of $80 per fortnight for program costs.

Ms Margaret said walking into the unit is like walking into someone’s house.

“You have your personal space and your freedom,” she said.

“It’s helping me not rely so much on other people but to be more independent and to be the best version of myself.”

Ms Margaret recommends the YRR program to other young people in the area.

“If you’re not social, it will help you be more social and more active in the community,” she said.

“It will help you be positive about life.”

Fellow YRR client Cass (they/them) said they feel “relaxed and safe and included” by the YRR team.

St Albans YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Maya Sheppard said the program welcomes people of all backgrounds.

“We at YRR welcome young people into the

program from all walks of life and I am really proud of this commitment,” she said.

“I feel really proud of the way our staff can support young people to make their houses feel more like their own.”

Ms Sheppard said having a good orientation process allows young people to feel comfortable while they are transitioning out of homelessness or insecure housing.

“Our approach is client driven and collaborative,wherebystaffwilloftenorganise careteamsmeetingswiththeirothersupports, to make sure we are collaboratively working together to better outcomes and support the young person through orientation,” she said.

YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Aidan Rossiter said the focus of the program was valuing clients’ capabilities first.

“We take young people as they are,” he said.

“We accept and value all the young people who enter the YRR program.”

The Salvation Army north west metro youth services manager Ralph Salera said the Salvos are actively supporting about 150 young people who are experiencing homelessness across the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.

“I’ve worked in the sector for over 16 years and certainly today’s housing crisis is the most difficult we have encountered,” he said.

“Lack of options and cost of living is contributing to family stresses and impacting young people.

“Theyoungpeopleareeithersleepingrough, in crisis accommodation, couch surfing or in temporary supported housing.”

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New Specialist Disability Accommodation for Wallan

In July 2023, the first Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) project will be completed in the township of Wallan located in Mitchell Shire.

SDAAus is the registered NDIA provider responsible for the development. The directors, Andrew Alexander and Luke Randles, were inspired to become involved in disability services and the development of premium SDA after Andrew’s mother passed away from Multiple Sclerosis in 2012. Having witnessed the struggles his late mother experienced with mobility and accessibility over many years, Andrew has been dedicated to building a legacy in his late mother’s name in the disability services sector.

The SDA located in Wallan has been designed with the purpose of providing its residents with the opportunity to thrive in an independent environment whilst maintaining social wellbeing as a primary focus in their lives. The SDA will house nine residents living in a combination of single bedroom and two-bedroom villas that have been architecturally designed to accommodate their individual support needs.

The SDA also has unique features including a purpose-built social centre with a large kitchen, lounge and alfresco area for residents to engage in lifestyle and recreational activities.

Residents will also enjoy north-facing landscaped gardens consisting exclusively of plants native to Mitchell Shire and neighbouring shires.

SDAAus possesses the skill and experience to provide services in each stage in the

development of premium SDA. Throughout the development of the SDA in Wallan, the services provided by SDAAus included locating and acquiring the land, initial feasibility study of the site, liaison with architects and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers with respect to the bespoke design and footprint of the site as well as engaging builders and trades for construction and completion of the SDA. There are limited spots still available for interested parties to live at the SDA in Wallan. SDAAus is taking enquiries through its website at www.sdaaus.com.au. Open days are scheduled on 28 and 29 April 2023, with registrations also being taken through the website.

Directors Andrew Alexander and Luke Randles. (Supplied)

Sims spoke to a number of people experiencing

‘‘ It’s helping me ... be more independent and to be the best version of myself ’’ - Anne Margaret

Resident Anne Margaret with youth engagement worker Jarryd Cooper. (Supplied)

12597535-SN15-23

Mr Salera said services were currently stretched across the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne.

“We are seeing wait lists for support increasing,” he said. “In Brimbank alone, we have 20 plus young people waiting for allocation to support services.”

About 40,000 young people aged 15 to 24 years presented to a homelessness service across Australia in 2021-22, with about half experiencing mental ill-health and more than one third experiencing domestic and family violence.

The 2021 Census data showed there was a 31.26 per cent increase in youth (12 to 24 years of age) homelessness compared to 2006 figures, jumping from 21,945 in the 2006 Census to

28,804 in 2021.

The 2021 rate of homelessness was highest within the 19 to 24 age group, with 91 out of 10,000 respondents indicating they were experiencing homelessness.

HopeStreetYouthandFamilyServicesoffers the Hope Street in Melton program, which supports transitional housing for young people and young families who are provided with safe, secure and affordable accommodation for 12 months to two years.

Hope Street supported 255 young people and young families in the Melton area in the 2021-2022 financial year across the First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service and the First Response Youth Refuge.

The family unit at the First Response Youth

Refuge in Melton supported two siblings, Ade andPals,whoarrivedinAustraliainNovember 2021.

They came from Ethiopia with no English language skills.

Hope Street supported them to access educational courses to assist with their language development, link them both into the local Ethiopian community, supported them with cooking, living skills and using public transport.

They are now both able to converse in English and have successfully obtained a property where they are thriving and continue to develop their English and adapt to life in Australia.

IPC Health Homeless and at Risk of

Homelessness Response (HaRH) team manager Eliza Mead said the team provided assertive outreach strategies, providing holistic health and wellbeing assessments, facilitating and supporting referrals into IPC Health’s services and/or into external services, such as MelbourneCityMissionortheSalvationArmy.

“There is a collaborative and co-ordinated service response,” she said. “We work really closely with those organisations.”

Mrs Mead said a number of factors led to people experiencing homelessness, including extreme financial disadvantage, lack of immediate response to critical needs, a lack of local and accessible services and limited technical literacy.

“Since July to March, we had 53 rough sleepers,” she said.

“We do know there are likely a number of other health and wellbeing needs for them.

“We have built some very solid relationships within that community.”

The HaRH program has been successful in registering 280 clients between July 2022 through to March 2023 and in collaboration with Tenants Victoria, IPC Health has door-knocked 96 rooming house properties and engaged with 75 tenants, of which 64 are now HaRH clients. IPC Health has also held outreach engagement and support activities at Rockbank Caravan Park, the Tin Shed in St Albans, Melton South Community Centre and Salvation Army Social Housing Service in Sunshine.

Details: www.yfoundations.org.au/ yhmd-2023

(Shutterstock)

‘‘ We are seeing wait lists for support increasing ’’

- Ralph Salera

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

Dear Dr Chalmers,

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend. In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs. This shouldn’t be controversial.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

You TonyKendall

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Authorised by A Manuel, 9 Howe Street Balaklava SA 5461

Homelessness problem grows

By Zoe Moffatt

Homelessness in the Macedon Ranges has increased by 41 per cent, with a Northern Victoria MP calling for more action.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data released last month, showed 83 people in the Macedon Ranges local government area were homeless on Census night 2021, out of 30,605 people across the state. That is an increase of 24 in the Macedon Ranges from the last Census.

Liberal MP Wendy Lovell said the figures will have increased since 2021 and is calling on the state government to put forward solutions.

“These figures will have only increased since Census night 2021,” she said. “Yet we have failed to see any solutions put forward

by the government or Housing Minister Colin Brooks.”

The statistics show the percentage of those homeless in the Macedon Ranges in 2021, compared to 2016 increased by almost 41 per cent, which is almost double the state average of 23.3 per cent and the national average of 5.2 per cent.

Ms Lovell said the state government hid the extent of the housing crisis by failing to release the quarterly social housing waiting lists since June 2022. The latest known figures show 722 applicants had priority status while waiting for housing in the Ranges.

“Applicants with priority status are the most vulnerable who are homeless, at risk of recurring homelessness, escaping family

Talking ancient history

Romsey and Lancefield Historical Society held a talk by esteemed photographer John Golling on Sunday, April 23, about his time spent capturing ancient Aboriginal art sites.

The fundraiser was held at 1pm in the Lancefield Mechanics Institute, with the money raised going towards keeping the society running.

Society president Dimity Reed said the money raised will go towards paying rates, the electricity and publishing historical books.

“We publish a lot of books … [about] the history of different areas … including Lancefield and Romsey,” Ms Reed said.

It’s terribly important … to keep historical societies running, especially in regional communities … the history is really important.”

“There are small towns that have a milk bar andpetrolstationbuttheyhavealonghistory.”

Ms Reed said they chose Mr Golling for the talk because the society wanted to learn more about Indigenous history.

“We thought we should all know more about Indigenous history and John happened to do a large amount of work with communities in Arnhem land,” she said.

At the event, Mr Golling spoke about his timephotographingsitesacrossthenorth-west of Australia, which he continues to do to raise awareness for respect of these sacred places.

After the talk, attendees were able to chat to Mr Golling about his work over afternoon tea.

Details: https://bit.ly/41CluX6

Zoe Moffatt

violence, living with a disability or have special housing needs,” she said.

“These applicants have been given priority status because they are deemed to be in immediate need of housing, however the state budget performance measure shows applicants are waiting an average of 14 months to be housed.”

A government spokesperson said there are a range of services responding to people experiencing homelessness.

“Victoria’s specialist homelessness services are responding to the needs of more than 100,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, through over 70 access points across the state, every year,” the spokesperson said. “This includes the homelessness to a

home and homes for families programs, with an investment of over $230 million to provide a pathway to safe and stable housing for over 2,000 Victorians”.

To date there has been $10 million invested in Macedon Ranges to create 19 new homes and $22 million has been invested to build 52 new homes in Sunbury.

Thespokespersonsaidthestategovernment’s Big Housing Build project will work to provide new homes and stability to Victorians.

“Work is well underway on the Andrews Labor government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, which will deliver more than 12,000 new homes – providing a stable foundationforthousandsofVictorianstobuild their lives.”

Narwarla Gabarnmang rock art. (John Golling)

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

Mozart’s Requiem

The Gisborne Singers are presenting Mozart’s Requiem in collaboration with the Macedon Ranges Chamber Orchestra and featuring four guest artists. This will take place on: Sunday, April, 30 at 2pm at St Mary’s Worship Centre, Sunbury, and Sunday, May 7 at 2pm at Our Lady of the Rosary, Kyneton.

■ www.gisborne.harmonysite.com, or 0480 156 263

Youth initiative

Romsey Neighbourhood House is supporting youth to discover their talents, interests, passions with activities including yoga, pilates, sewing, welding and barista training.

■ https://bit.ly/3zSOVrR

Macedon Ranges Masonic Lodge

MRML meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm 72 Main Street Romsey. New members welcome.

■ Wayne, 0404 034 737 or Ian, 0438 240 402

Tuning in to Kids

Learn how to connect with your preschool child, help manage their emotions and improve their social interactions. Mondays, 9.30am to 11.30am, from 1 May at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 49 Forest Street, Woodend.

Mother’s Day Melodies

The Mother’s Days Melodies concert will be taking place in Sunbury on Saturday, May 13 at 1pm. The 70-minute show will be followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea, for $15 a ticket.

■ https://bit.ly/3G9LSPt

Sunbury Art Society

The Sunbury Art Society meets each Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm at the Boilerhouse, Jackson’s Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people.

■ Ken, 0407 062 568 or Robyn, 0438 383 639

Lego Club

Drop in sessions for primary school age children, Wednesdays 3.30pm-5pm during school term. Children must have a caregiver with them at all times. Lego, tea and coffee are provided. Gold coin appreciated. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Ellizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Repair Cafe Sunbury

Head along for a cuppa and some skill sharing on how to repair broken household items, preventing landfill and promoting kindness. Runs every third Saturday of the month, 10am to 12.30pm at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House. 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

Music and Singalong

Bring your instrument or your voice to a social group for adults, all skill sets welcome. Wednesdays 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

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.

■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect

Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents over 55 years old. Happening on Tuesdays and

Thursday at cafes across the municipality.

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

Local camera club

The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month, followed by the next Monday. Doors open at 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm. Dromkeen 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek.

■ https://bit.ly/41j5BEw

Arts and games night

Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Carer connect chat

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 rebecca.lees@scchc.org.au

HarmoniX Vocal Company

All-male singing group happening on Thursday, 7- 9.30pm in Sunbury, with a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. Rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, 11 Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

Visit or join the club which gathers on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. Enjoy outings, meetings and trips away.

■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 9746 3402

Craft and conversation

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

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am to 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. Chats on every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon.

■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Family History and Heritage Society

If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and your own family history, come along to meetings 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

Rotary club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury 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 9.45am.

■ 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.

■ 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

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

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) 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.

■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Football club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.

■ Greg, 0417 593 035

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every 3rd Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood house. All women are welcome.

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of kids having fun at Albanvale primary school’s cultural diversity day. (Damjan Janevski) 329177_01

PUZZLES

341 872 169 3 43 6

No. 27 3 3 156 63 8947

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Region of South Africa (9)

6 Just (4)

10 Atmosphere (3)

11 Donated (11)

12 Before chapter one (9)

13 Grower of crops (6)

14 – Von Bismarck (4)

15 Islands of the central and southern Pacific (7)

20 From Stockholm, say (7)

21 List of dishes served (4)

25 The person who controls the game in certain sports (6)

26 Entered (8)

25 26 8 76 2

easy 658 9387 975

43 9 61 4 89

hard

9 1785 48

medium 531 7 67 8 569

27 9713 5

DECODER WORDFIT

words: Good

15

cere, cheer, chore, coerce, cohere, COHERENCE, cone, core, creche, crone, echo, encore, erne, hence, here, hereon, hero, heron, hone, ochre, once

No.

130

R E C C R O O R E R D T E T R Y C A R G O H O A R D E R R E D S T E E L T A R D Y E O N C

1 Which footballer famously scored off an unpenalised handling foul that became known as the 'Hand of God’ in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal?

3 Which revolutionary figure was known as El Libertador?

4 Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the US?

5 And in what style is the statue?

6 In which region of Italy is the city of Naples?

7 In which country is the endangered eastern lowland gorilla (pictured) found?

8 Which African capital city is found on the opposite shore of the Congo River from Kinshasa?

9 What is the primary ingredient of the Iranian dish pilaf?

10 Who directed the 2012 film Argo?

No. 130

No. 130

No. 130

Support Worker, Client Advisor and Office Administrator (Rostering and Scheduling)

Benetas are looking to fill multiple roles in Homecare due to the expansion of our services in the Macedon Ranges. If you are interested in supporting people to maintain their independence and remain living at home, please view the roles below.

Our local office is in Gisborne.

Support Worker works one on one assisting clients to stay in their home longer. This includes duties such as Domestic Assistance and Personal Care.

This role can be permanent part-time or casual.

Client Advisor manages Home Care Packages for recipients by coordinating services in accordance with the funding guidelines. The role will be responsible in creating a positive client experience in collaboration with the client services coordinator.

This roll is full-time, part-time will be considered for the right candidate

Officer Administrator (Rostering and Scheduling), internally referred to as a Workforce Coordinator, performs timely scheduling of direct care services and rostering of staff to support those services.

This role is permanent part-time.

At Benetas we are all about genuinely caring and developing meaningful connections with others to maximise wellbeing.

Contact Sophie Wallace on 03 5428 0368 or chspmacedonranges@benetas.com.au

Apply

Kitchen Hand

Doxa

Youth Foundation

• Permanent part time or casual

• Doxa Malmsbury Camp

•Salary - $48,000 to $50,000 pro rata for the role plus superannuation and PBI benefits

• .6 EFT weekdays with limited evening work

ABOUT US

The Doxa Youth Foundation is a community-based organisation that was established in 1972. We offer a range of programmes to extend opportunities for children and young people from less advantaged backgrounds. We have a particular focus on providing camps and assisting young people to succeed in their studies and the workforce.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a kitchen hand to assist our chef to prepare and serve meals and snacks at our Malmsbury Camp. Our main focus is providing camps for schools during term time, which cater for between 35 to 60 guests. We also have a kitchen garden project where children harvest and cook fresh ingredients to encourage healthy food choices.

ABOUT YOU

Ideally you will have:

• A proven track record in assisting in kitchens.

•An understanding of the food safety requirements in Victoria.

•Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.

•An ability to relate well to a broad range of people including children, teachers and camp staff.

APPLICATIONS

Please send your written application with a covering letter and resume to hr@doxa.org.au by 12 midnight on April 30. For a copy of the job description, visit careers on our website, doxa.org.au. For further information ring Julie Harrison on 0419

Truck&dogdrivers andplantoperators required BasedatTrentham,VIC. Variousfull-time,parttimeandcasualroles available.Ratesabove awardandnegotiable. Musthaveexperience. Emailyourresumeto office@griffithsgroup.co orcall(03)54141433or 0437900995(Sharon).

V Professional

The

sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

Doin’ the Triton utility two-step

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The Triton tapped danced up and down the concrete ‘boards’ of the motorway, leaving occupantsshakin’allover.Thankfully,thiswas no polka: ‘three-sixties’ here would have been well out of order.

On minor-road bitumen the terpsichorean bobbing up and down stepped aside for the GSR dual cab ute to settle for the odd bounce when encountering surface blemishes. Let’s face it, most utes exhibit some degree of rodeoriding.However,thereisworktobedone here.

The new Triton is a relative late comer to the dual cab ute segment dominated by the Toyota HiLuxandFordRanger,theMitsubishirelying onvalueformoneyinitsappeal.Unfortunately, this has resulted in Triton being seriously challenged by the likes of the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max, not to mention Chinese and Korean offerings.

Mitsubishi Australia offers the MY22 Triton in six variants, with the GLX from a bargain basement $44,240 drive away. The range is rounded out by the GSR from $65,740 drive away. The latter was on test.

Accessories across the range are designed to suit most needs. Select from a Work Pack, Tradie Essential Pack, Starter Pack, Polished Pack or Black Pack.

Out in front with its 10-year 200,000-kilometre Diamond Advantage warranty, the maker offers Triton cover, provided all scheduled servicing is done on time and by an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.

Styling

The all-over black GSR test vehicle sported 18-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out grille. clamshell-style doors, platform side steps and grab handles made for easy access.

Efficient LED headlamps and daytime runninglightsareinlinewiththelatestlookin pick-up truck design.

On the smaller side of the segment, the ‘tucked in’ Triton’s less than 12 metre turning circle does make for easier parking than many of its segment rivals.

Interior

The cabin décor certainly makes a statement with orange leather appointed seats, black leather door trims with orange stitching, the latter repeated on the steering wheel, gear shift knob and park brake lever.

The luxe look is let down somewhat by black plastic surrounds, which are present in abundance.

Front seats are heated, while two rear seat passengers are well catered for with generous legroomandareclinedseatbackangleallowing ample, head and shoulder room - three across not so.

The bench seat back folds to expose a slim storage space across the width of the cabin. Storage, in general, is well covered with cup holdersallround,acubbyupfront,deepcentre console and big-bottle door slots.

Out back, the tub dimensions - 1520 mm long, 1470 mm wide, 475 mm deep – are some of the smallest in the segment, while four integrated cargo hooks can safely secure a variety of loads.

Infotainment

In these days of tablet-style technology, a small(ish)touchscreen,coveringAppleCarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, dwells in the past, while a head-up display on the windscreen, covering speed and legal speed limits, catches up with present-day standards.

Analogue instruments literally dial up memories of the old workhorse, the layout relating to modern times only by a digital display between the two gauges.

Engines / transmissions

The MY22 Triton relies on the tried and tested (ageing) 2.4-litre Mitsubishi MIVEC common-rail, intercooled turbodiesel engine putting out 133 kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2500 revs.

Safety

The five-star ANCAP safety grade won in 2015 would not be up to today’s five-star standards.

However, Mitsubishi Intuitive Technology (MITEC) does incorporate such technical advantages as antilock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution; forward collision mitigation; ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation; blind spot and lane departure warning; lane change assist; hill descent control; all-round monitor; hill start assist; reverse parking camera and sensors; and rear cross-traffic alert.

Passivesafetyiscoveredbysevenairbagsand an audible warning to pedestrians when the vehicle is reversing.

Driving

Constructed in lightweight materials, including an aluminium block, it’s fuel efficiency over performance with the Triton 2.4-litre turbodiesel powerplant. Ponderous off the mark but relaxed and co-operative at cruising speeds.

Note: leave the steering wheel-mounted metal shift paddles alone. They add little to

the driving experience. It’s definitely a case of engine management knows best.

Mitsubishi puts fuel consumption in the combined urban / highway cycle at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. On test the GSR recorded 11 litres per 100 kilometres city commuting and 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.

As mentioned above, a rigid ladder chassis; up front, double wishbones with coil springs and stabiliser bar; and above-axle leaf spring rear suspension had their moments.

Super Select II 4x4 system incorporates four modes - 2H, rear-wheel drive; 4H, full-time power to all wheels; 4HLC, 4WD high range with locked centre differential, minimises wheel spin with low grip; 4LCC, 4WD low range with locked centre diff, maximum traction at low speed. The switch between two andfour-wheeldrivecanbemadesafelyonthe fly at speeds up to 100 km/h.

Tow rating is 3100 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. The test vehicle tonneau cover provided a test of strength to clip it down until it finally surrendered to perseverance. The high-set lined tub (aren’t they all, these days) also offered up a few loading challenges during the test.

Rear seat occupants commented on the efficiencyoftheclimatecontrolbacktherewith its dual air vents in the roof.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Mitsubishi Triton GLX from $44,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R from $47,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ from $48,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLS from $53,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton Sport Edition from $60,926 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GSR from $65,740 (Drive away)

SPECIFICATIONS

Triton GSR 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, sixspeed automatic, selectable 4x4 dual cab ute

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

Summary

While lacking in some of the niceties of the modern pick-up truck work-and-play combination, the Triton GSR does not carry the load of premium pricing of some of its opposition.

A six-speed automatic transmission and Super Select II 4x4 system cover the spectrum of on- and off-road capability.

The latest generation Triton GSR is no wallflower when it comes to the practicalities of a dual cab ute. (PIctures: Supplied)

Cats change things up thanks to key additions

Macedon has added some more depth and flexibility to try and get back to the top of the Riddell District Netball League.

After missing out on the grand final last season, the Cats core group has returned with some key additions.

Cats coach Ciara Stewart said they needed to make some changes to ensure the side continued to progress.

“The depth is much better and we have a new style in attack and defence,” he said.

“We need to be a better team and have to follow through come finals. It’s disappointing not to make the grand final last year, but we lost our best shooter.”

The Cats new line up was on show in their first match, with Bronte Green and Hetty Donoghue both making their debuts.

The Cats started with the usual line up in the first quarter against Riddell, before making some changes.

The side came away with a good win, winning “It was good, Riddell had quite a relatively new line up,” Stewart said.

“It took a bit of adjusting, but it was a good match in the end. We were a bit rusty early on and didn’t start how we would have liked.

“I thought about changing away from the normal line to start during the week, but I didn’t feel comfortable.

“We brought Alex [August-Leifi] into goalkeeper and Hetty into goals. The transition was just as smooth.”

Stewart said she was thrilled with how Donoghue played first up, having not played a lot of netball previously.

“She said the thing that she noticed the most was the pressure had gone up from the practice matches,” she said.

“She stood up. Hopefully with that there’s a lot of growth to come and round one is just a base of how much potential she has.”

The match also marked the return for Chloe Wilson to the court, having missed last season’s finals series due to being pregnant.

Stewart said Wilson was still rusty, but once fit she would add another element to the side.

Havinghadalotofsuccessinrecentseasons, Stewart said they were hoping for more club

success this season.

She said that they expected their A, B and C-grades sides to be up there. Their under-19 side is young and green and will develop.

The Cats round two match is on April 25 against Diggers Rest.

In the other matches in round two, Riddell snuck home against the Western Rams, 55-51, Melton Centrals lost to Wallan 49-42 and Woodend-Hesket beat Lancefield, 53-27.

Tara Murray

Cannons’ strong start

By Tara Murray

The belief is growing at the Calder Cannons after a strong start to the Coates Talent League Boys competition.

The Cannons have three wins after the first four rounds, as the club’s head into a five week break with players heading back to play for their local sides.

Cannons coach Andrew Sturgess said while wins are good, that isn’t the most important thing.

“Obviously it is nice to be winning,” he said. “It’s more important that the guys are starting to believe that the work over the pre-season is paying off.

“We’ve still got some stiffer competition coming up, no disrespect to those that we have faced.

“It’s pleasing to have won three of our games and we’ve been in all four games. We would have easily won the game against Sandringham, which is undefeated.”

“I’m pleased for the boys that they had that belief in what they do.”

Sturgess said one of the things he was trying to instil in the group that no outcome is guaranteed and that you don’t always get that instant gratification.

He said there were no guarantees in football and that they can’t control the outcome.

“They’re really enjoying the journey and that is starting to sink in.”

The Cannons won their most recent match against the Northern Territory by 173 points.

Sturgess said while the margin was big, the way they went about it was more impressive.

“The most pleasing thing was the team sharing element,” he said. “In a game like that it is easy to go into self mode and fill the boots.

“None of them did that and we had multiple guys kick bags of goals and multiple guys getting a lot of the footy.

“They embraced the team first mentally.”

The Cannons squad this season has slightly more bottom age players than top age, but Sturgess said they had plenty of talent and there’s a lot of exciting bottom age players.

The strength of the Cannons squad has been on show early and has been recognised by selectors of the Vic Metro squads.

“Metro has trial games this week for the under-18s on Saturday and the Friday in the under-16s,” Sturgess said.

“In the 18s we have nine in the squad of 50 and in the 16s we’ve had six selected in the squad of 50.

“It’s really encouraging for the boys that they get the recognition for the hard work they’ve put in. I’m new to the club, but Matt Burton [regional manager] said it’s the most

Sports shorts

RDFL

The first Riddell District Football League women’s season will get underway on Friday night. Romsey will host Kyneton in the inaugural women’s match on April 28 at Romsey Park. The following day Macedon will host Melton, in the Cats first ever game, while Woodend-Hesket’s first match will be against Mount Alexander. Romsey hosted Macedon in a practice match on Friday night, the first practice match for both teams.

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The Sunbury Lions are on the board in the Ballarat Netball League with a big win against Melton on Saturday. After an encouraging first up performance, the Lions had some of their stars return and it helped in the 70-19 win. Amalani Fauonka scored 52 goals in the win, while Tara O’Grady scored 18. The Lions this week face Melton South.

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The Sunbury Lions fell short against reigning Ballarat Football League premiers Melton on Saturday. The Lions started the better of the two teams, before the Bloods hit the front in the second quarter with six goals to two. That quarter would be the difference with the Bloods winning 13.7 (85)-10.5 (65). Bryce Caldone kicked three for the Lions, with Jake Sutton kicking two. Harrison Minton-Connell was named their best. The Lions face Melton South next week.

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the club has had in the last five years.”

Isaac Kako, Amin Naim, Rye Penny, Ryan Eyre, Jordan Croft , Nash King, Mahmoud Taha, Hugo Garcia and Harry O’Farrell have beennamedintheunder-18squad,whileFelix Kneipp, Oliver Watt, Arden Stevens, Hamish Bird, Hamish Pearce and Cooper Duff-Tytler have been named in the under-16 squad.

The Coates competition now breaks for five weeks, with the players to head back to local

footy in that time. Sturgess said they would continue to train one night a week during that phase.

For Sturgess, who is in his first year coaching the Cannons, he was really enjoying the challenge.

“I loved my time at Coburg and it was a platform for something like this,” he said.

“It’s pretty surreal and I’m loving the opportunity that I have been afforded.”

Gisborne made it two from two in the Bendigo Netball League on Satruday. Facing Strathfieldsaye, the Bulldogs got the win 49-24. Kyneton had a tougher day, losing 52-41 to Sandhurst. Gisborne is one of three teams undefeated after the first three rounds, while Kyneton sits in fifth spot with one win. Kyneton this week faces South Bendigo, while Gisborne faces Eaglehawk.

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Macedon’s Chelsea Kemp. (Joe Mastroianni). 297233_01

Isaac Kako (Daniel Pockett, AFL Photos)

Redbacks bolster squad to help close the gap

Extra depth will hopefully help Romsey close the gap in the Riddell District Football League this season.

The Redbacks made finals last season, but not for the first time in recent years, was knocked out early in the piece.

New Redbacks coach Justin Sherman said the focus for the club this season was to take that next step.

“We don’t only want to play finals, but we want to be competitive in finals,” he said.

“I don’t want to put extra pressure on the group, but their best footy is good enough. They’ve had a good pre-season which should hold them in good stead.

“I feel like our best football is ahead of us and hopefully that will take us as deep as possible wherever that takes us.”

One of the key areas that the Redbacks have lookedtoaddressisdepth.Shermansaiditwas something they lacked at times last season.

“We’ve added nine or 10 players and the squad is a deep squad,” he said.

“We have 35 to 40 guys capable of coming in and playing senior football. That is what you

need for a successful team.

“We are in a strong position as a whole club. Under-19s, reserves and seniors, we’re strong across the board.”

Sherman said the guys they have brought in, they looked to make sure they are good fits for the club off field as well.

Gavin Cathie joins the club from the Essendon District Football League, while Ali Khalil comes from Northern Football League division 1, having previously played in the Victorian Football League, Samuel Wilson and Darcy Lockens both

played for Gisborne last season but have joined the Redbacks searching for more senior opportunities.

The Redbacks had a bye in round two after a first round loss to Wallan.

Sherman said there were some positives out of the first round match.

“We felt like we sort of controlled the first half, forcing Wallan to go down the line,” he said. “The game plan was going well.

“In the third quarter there was some ill discipline which cost us. We unfortunately lost by a couple of goals.”

The Redbacks this week face Melton Centrals.

The Centrals are coming off to a loss against Wallan with the Magpies winning, 12.9 (81)-7.4 (46).

In other matches, Riddell beat the Western Ras, 18.8 (116)-6.3 (39). Haydn Ross kicked six goals for the winners.

In the night match, Woodend-Hesket overcame a three-quarter time deficit to beat Lancefield, 18.9 (117)-13.8 (86).

Tara Murray

Jets win grand final rematch

Sunbury Jets got one back against Wyndham in the Big V men’s state championship grand final rematch.

The Jets showed they are starting to click with two big wins at the weekend to move them into second on the ladder.

The Jets started the weekend with a big win against the Bellarine Storm.

It was a fast start for the Jets, who led 37-19 at quarter time.

The rest of the match was more even with just one point separating the two teams after the first break.

The Jets came away with the win, 108-91.

Ish Sanders top scored with 32 points, while Maxwell Barkeley contributed 23 points off the bench.

Against Wyndham, the Jets had the legs to run the game out well despite being the team that was backing it up.

The first three quarters were up and down, with the Jets leading at quarter time, Wyndham at half time and the scores locked at three quarter time.

The Jets were able to find another level late, with a 25-11 final quarter, to seal an 88-74 win.

Sanders top scored with 30 points as four of the five starters scored double figures.

Consistency is the key

By Tara Murray

Consistency is the key for Sunbury United as it tries to get back on the winners list in the FV state league 3 north-west competition.

After starting the season with two wins, United has failed to take the full three points in their last three games.

On Saturday, United gave up a two goal lead in the 2-2 draw against the Sebastopol Vikings at Langama Park.

United coach Danny Moore said they were disappointed not to come away with the whole three points.

“We were 2-0,” he said. “We scored literally as the whistle for half time went, it was a good time to score.

“We scored early in the second half, a good team goal.

After we scored we took the foot off the pedal a little bit and let them back into the game and they scored two goals.

“We were hanging on the last 10-15 minutes

to keep the draw. It was good to get a point, but we should have taken the three points playing at home and having been 2-0 up.”

The draw is United’s second in the last three weeks with a loss against Point Cook in the middle of them.

Moore said they’re not too far away from converting those results into wins.

“We’ve had a couple of individual errors that have proved costly,” he said. “We aren’t outplayed by any team, the league is a really strong one.

“Anyone can beat anyone. A bit of consistency will get you towards the top of the table, we’re still a really good side.

“It’s about game management and seeing out the game and putting in the effort for the whole 90 minutes.”

Moore, who is in his first season coaching United, said he was still trying to work out the best combinations, with a different line up to what was at the club last season. He said it could be difficult at times for the players.

“To be fair, I’ve made changes every week to the line up,” he said.

“We haven’t had a consistent line up from week to week, I’ve been looking to find the best formula and set up.

“It can be a little bit disjointed with different players coming in and different groups coming to grips with that.”

United this week face the Heidelberg Eagles on the road. It’s the first of three road games in a row for United.

Moore knows it will be a challenge, but the message is simple to the playing group.

“It’s about making sure that we focus and concentrate for the whole 90 minutes,” he said.

In state league 4 west, it was a tough day out for Gisborne against Laverton.

After leading 2-0 at half time, Laverton went on a goal scoring spread to win 8-1.

The Jets women are still winless after a tough day against Wyndham on Sunday.

Wyndham started well and was up by 15 points at half time. The second half was much the same with Wyndham winning 95-66.

Import Dimitra Gkizani top scored for the Jets with 22 points.

Maxwell Barkeley (Jacob Pattison)330725_14

Justin Sherman and Wayne Milburn (Supplied)

‘‘ I feel like our best football is ahead of us and hopefully that will take us as deep as possible wherever that takes us.’’

- Tarra Murray

Sunbury United’s Joel Grech (Jacob Pattison)326659_13

Confidence builds at Gisborne after strong start

Gisborne will get a better idea of where it sits in the next few weeks in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition.

The Bulldogs have started the season with two big wins against the Sunbury Kangaroos and Pascoe Vale.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs beat Pascoe Vale, winning 29.10 (184)-0.0 (0).

Bulldogs coach Jason Peak said while it’s hard to know where they sit just yet, they were happy with how the season had started.

“We’ve played some good footy both times,” he said. “Things we’ve been working on over the pre-season we’ve put into practice which is the main thing.

“Irrespective of the opponent, we kicked nearly 30 goals on Saturday which is good.”

The Bulldogs had a spread of goal kickers on Saturday led by Charlotte Noonan who kicked nine goals.

Peak said they thought they had a stronger side than last season, having been able to keep

most of the group together.

They added three new signings, while three players from their under-18s team from last year have permanently come up.

“We got three new players and two of them didn’t play yesterday [Saturday],” he said.

“Not a lot has changed. We’ve got a couple who have come up from the under-18s and it makes a bit of difference with their skill level.

“We’ve still got to play Greenvale, while Essendon Doutta Stars and Burnside Heights look like they will be competitive.”

The Bulldogs three recruits have already had an impact.

Amy Starzer, comes from the Sunbury Lions, and will give the side another ruck and allow Brianna Woodburn play as a midfielder.

Peak said he doesn’t know a lot about Ash McGregor, but said she hadn’t played a lot of footy and is only going to get better.

Abbi Holt played junior footy with several of the girls, but has played with Darley more recently. Peak said she’s returning to the game

and it was about enjoying her football this season.

After playing finals last season, Peak said that was something they want to build on this season.

“As a group we’re not shying away from that, we have a talented group of juniors that want to play in premier division.

“It’s our aim this year or next year as a club togettothehighestdivisionthatwecan.We’re competitive with the team that we have.”

The Bulldogs this week face Essendon Doutta Stars, who knocked them out of the finals last year.

Meanwhile, the Sunbury Kangaroos lost to Greenvale, 31.17 (203)-0.0 (0). Bianca Byrne was the Kangaroos best.

The Sunbury Kangaroos lost to Burnside Heights, 9.9 (63)-0.1 (1). Kirsty Baker was the Lions best.

Woodman a team player

By Tara Murray

After watching Australia win the gold at the international World Team Cup last year, Sunbury’s Jin Woodman was keen to be part of this year’s team.

The nearly 14-year-old put in the hard work the last 12 months and will compete in the competition against the best wheelchair tennis nations.

Woodman said he was excited to head to Portugal for the event.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “It’s the first year that I’m going.

“Since I didn’t make the team last year, I trained harder than usual to make it in 2023. Since I saw the three boys that went last year that they won it, I wanted to be like them and win it again and keep the streak going.”

Woodman said he upped his training load to six times a week to make the inroads in his game that he needed.

He trained with different coaches and took on the feedback that they were giving him.

“They were saying to me that I was improving,” he said. “From my perspective it has been good, they are giving me honest reviews on how training is going with them.”

The competition will be Woodman’s second overseas competition, having previously played in a a world junior masters championship earlier this year.

He said it was a good experience to play in a competition like that.

“I was the youngest there,” he said. “I did better than I thought I would.”

Being the youngest in competition is something Woodman is used to having started playing when he was seven after seeing tennis at a disability sport rec event.

He has been based at Hume Tennis Centre since then.

Having been classified, Woodman said that he is the youngest in ITF events playing against some of the world’s best players.

He currently has a world ranking of 11 in the junior singles category, 185 in the ITF singles rankings and 86 in the quad singles rankings.

In January, he played two events at Hume in the quad open age group.

“Donald [Ramphadi] that was a great experience,” he said. “He’s played against Dylan Alcott.

“I then played Andy [Lapthorne], I didn’t go so well, but it was a good experience.”

After returning from Portugal, Woodman’s next tournament is in Queensland.

The youngster’s aim is to hopefully break

Win for Bulldogs, Tigers lose

Gisborne is on the board in the Bendigo Football League with a big win against Castlemaine on Saturday.

After a close loss in round one, the Bulldogs had a slow start against Castlemaine on Saturday but still managed to lead by eight points at quarter time.

Six goals to three in the second quarter increased that lead heading into half time.

The Bulldogs took it up a level in the second half, while keeping the Magpies to just one goal for the second half.

The Bulldogs won, 16.13 (109)-4.8 (32).

Braidon Blake kicked four goals in a best on ground performance while Ryan Bourke and Zac Denahy kicked three goals each in the win.

Flynn Lakey, Liam Spear and Sam Graham were the other standouts in the win.

Elsewhere, it was a tougher day for Kyneton at the Kyneton Showgrounds against Sandhurst.

The match was all but over at quarter time after the Dragons jumped out of the blocks.

The Dragons lead 9.8 to 1.3 at quarter time.

Kyneton kicked the only goal of the second quarter to slightly r educe the margin going into the main break.

Three goals to one in the third quarter increased the margin heading into the final quarter, before the Dragons finished it off in the final quarter to win, 15.14 (104)-5.10 (40).

Thomas Quinn and Cameron Manuel kicked two goals each for the Tigers.

through for his first ever title in the near future.

“I’ve made finals and semi finals,” he said.

“I’ve gone close to actually winning before.”

While Woodman is making his mark on the tennis court, he is also making it off it.

Woodman attends Maribyrnong Sports Academy, where he became the first student in

awheelchairtoearnascholarshiptotheschool.

He said he was never interested in changing schools, but loved the idea of going to a sports school.

Long term, Woodman has some big goals.

“I want to make the grand slams,” he said. “I want to make the Australian Open and make the 2032 Paralympics.”

Jordan Iudica, Harrison Huntley and Hamish Yunghanns were named their best.

Kyneton is without a win after the first two rounds and sits bottom. Gisborne this week faces Eaglehawk, while Kyneton faces South Bendigo.

Tara Murray Gisborne’s Shannon McFerran. (Joe Mastroianni). 292754_06

Jin Woodman (Supplied)