Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 2nd May 2023

Dress up to impress

Sunbury Vinnies is holding a winter fashion show on May 5, to raise money for the CEO sleepout, which supports people who are experiencing homelessness.

The local op shop will be showcasing its winter appeal on the catwalk from 6pm to 8pm, with finger food and door prizes available for $10 entry.

Store manager, Kyama Fraser said all the money raised will go towards the CEO sleepout and its goal to raise $1.2 million for Australians in need.

“[It’s the] first time we’ve done it,” Ms Fraser said. “During [COVID-19] lockdowns there was talk about how we could get the community together.”

“When the CEO sleepout came up we thought this was the perfect way to raise money for that and bring the community together.”

“We’re hoping [to sell] around 100 [tickets], as the maximum we can take in … fingers crossed.”

Ms Fraser said the volunteers will be walking in the show, and will include a line dancer, a rock and roll teacher and two people from distinctive options.

“We’ve been trying to hold onto some of the better items that have come in … so we can showcase some of the great items that we have.”

Zoe Moffatt

Rates, rubbish costs rise

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges council’s draft budget includes a rates icrease of 3.5 per cent while rubbish collection charges are also set to soar.

In the April 26 meeting, council said the budgetwaspreparedinrelationtocostofliving increases and council’s cost of doing business, along with the complexity posed by extreme weather and unprecedented events.

Council has proposed the average rate increase for 2023-24 will be within the state government’s 3.5 per cent rate cap, which

is based on the average rate increase for the average property.

The proposed four-bin kerbside collection charge is set to increase by 8.5 per cent to $540.50 per property, which council said is due to inflating costs of collection.

Council has proposed an option to include a green waste charge of $5 per trailer load at transfer stations, which would reduce the kerbside charge by about $8.5 per rateable assessment receiving the four-bin system.

Capital expenditure for the next financial year will be $26.7 million and will go

towards funding works and services, including the Woodend Community Centre, Daylesford-Hanging Rock Shared Trail and stage two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.

Council also noted the budget includes contingency for increased costs relating to the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, which has been paused following the builders going into voluntary administration.

Deputy mayor Jennifer Anderson said she encouraged residents to look at the budget and provide the council with feedback.

“I really would encourage people to have a look at where we’re heading [and] what we’re thinking,” Cr Anderson said.

“Particularly that green waste … to see which model you feel best fits where we’re at in the Macedon Ranges.”

“Wecan’tknowwhatwedon’tknow,wecan’t be everywhere and we really value [residents] input.”

The public will be able to make comments on the draft budget from April 27 to May 19, andcouncilwillbepresentedwithareportand submissions in a meeting on June 28

Store manager Kyama Fraser (centre) and volunteers Annette Jarry and Andrea Beckett are getting ready for the Vinnies fashion show. (Damjan Janevski) 330689_01

• 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

Call to scrap double tax on EVs

By Zoe Moffatt

A Riddells Creek resident and hybrid electric vehicle owner is fed-up with paying double tax, and said the 2021 state government zero and low emission vehicle (ZLEV) charge is illegal.

Resident Chris Murphy, is a pensioner from Riddells Creek and owner of a demo model Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electrical vehicle (PHEV).

Ms Murphy said she brought the car to reduce her greenhouse emissions but has since beenhitwithhavingtopaydoubletax,through petrol and the ZLEV charge.

“I brought the car in January 2021 … it runs for about 30 kilometres on battery and then

Booting

goes onto petrol,” Ms Murphy said.

“I run my car 80 per cent on petrol [and] I can only charge it at home … so I have to drive home, recharge and then go again.

“It’s only good for going to the shops and back again [on just the battery].”

Through using petrol Ms Murphy is paying the Commonwealth fuel excise which, from February 1, 2023, is charged at 47.7 cents per litre for petrol and diesel.

On top of this, Ms Murphy is having to pay the ZLEV fee of 2.1 cents per kilometre despite primarily using petrol to run her car.

“It’s totally illegal … I’m paying double tax, I’m paying tax to the government twice,” she said. “Even if I charge [my car] at home I’m

using my electricity and paying tax through that … for a full electric vehicle there should be a tax but not for a PHEV.”

Ms Murphy said last year she drove around NewSouthWalesandQueenslandforaboutsix months volunteering with a charity.

Despite being in a different state and primarily using petrol Ms Murphy said she was still hit with the ZLEV fee.

“I wasn’t going to pay it, I thought stuff them and… they sent an email saying they would deregister the car if I didn’t pay it…”

“It’s like blackmail.”

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan was contacted for comment.

goals for rugby in Sunbury

Former Sunbury Tiger turned Melbourne

Storm player Dean Ieremia gfted a pair of his boots to a local player at the Storm Junior League launch on April 19.

The winger, who first started playing rugby with the Sunbury Tigers when he was 11 years old, was at the launch last week to kick off Victoria’s new season.

Young Sunbury junior, Max, was also at the launch and beamed with a big smile when he was presented with Ieremia’s boots.

Max’s father, Christian Bruns, said the smile on Max’s face lasted all day.

“[Max] said [he] can’t wait to grow up and be able to use them … He even wanted to bring them to training with him the next day,” Mr Bruns said.

“[Dean] also signed Max’s playing boots which now he won’t use because he does not want to lose Dean’s signature.”

Ieremia, who has been ruled out of the season with an ACL injury, said it is nice to give a keepsake to the kids coming through the NRL pathway.

“Especially when it’s in your locker and knowingthatyou’renotplayingfortheseason, might as well give it to the kids, something they can cherish for the rest of their lives,” Ieremia said.

“It’s going to take him a while [to grow into the boots] … he’ll probably be faster now wearing the boots.”

With the senior season already under way, more than 200 junior teams will kick off their season on Saturday, April 29.

Zoe Moffatt

WIN

Getting crafty over a cuppa

Woodend Neighbourhood House held its weekly craft group where residents worked on a range of projects while catching up over a cuppa.

The weekly social craft group runs every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm for people to get together and do craft while socialising.

Woodend Neighbourhood House manager Melissa Baker said the group is open to anyone and is a great way to meet new people.

“[The group is for] anyone with an interest in craft and social connection,” Ms Baker said. “It’s a safe space to have a chat.”

Ms Baker said they usually have about four to eight people at the sessions and they bring their own projects, including; colouring and crocheting.

“It’s an informal way to meet new people … [you can] have a cup of tea together and work on a project.”

Details: https://www.woodendnh.org. au/

Zoe Moffatt

Group member Rosemary Frose working on her craft last year. (Damjan Janevski) 308394_01

WIN TICKETS to the 46th Historic Winton Races...

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 27th and 28th May 2023 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla. Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

The 46th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display. Organiser, Austin 7 Club President, Len Kerwood said that visitors will be amazed by the impressive array of vehicles celebrating anniversaries as old as 120 years, alongside the two-days of historic motorsport action that people travel far and wide to see.

Tickets are now available online from ticketebo.com.au/historicwinton

Wehave20weekend doublepassesupforgrabs!

Sunbury junior Max beamed when he was presented with Ieremia’s boots at the launch (Melbourne Storm)

Riddells Creek resident Chris Murphy with her Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electrical vehicle. (Supplied)

Bank closures causes frustration

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges residents and businesses are frustrated with banking closures in the region which are forcing them to travel up to an hour to go to the bank.

OnApril26,theFinanceSectorUnion(FSU) called on major banks to stop closing branches in regional areas while a Senate Inquiry into Regional Branch Closures is under way.

Hanging Rock Winery manager Ruth Malaspin said they have been banking with Westpac for about 30 years and now have to travel 45 minutes to Sunbury or an hour to

Bendigo to go to the bank.

“When we opened the account there were Westpac’s in Woodend, Gisborne and Kyneton,” Ms Malaspin said.

“We had three in a 20 to 30 minute radius and now they are all closed.

“As it stands currently, if we want to bank cheques, make deposits, get change, or get credit cards [we have to go to Sunbury or Bendigo].”

Ms Malaspin said the business was considering switching to Bendigo Bank as they had an agency in Woodend, however Bendigo Bank announced this would close on June 17.

Supporting Sunbury talent

Melbourne City star player Jamie Maclaren visited Sunbury United junior players on April 24.

The A-league striker began his career at the Sunbury United Football Club and has since gone on to compete in two World Cups and become the league’s highest ever goal scorer.

Club president Loris Rebeschini said having Maclaren visit the club and meet junior players was a special tradition.

“Jamie grew up in Sunbury so his first soccer experience was with Sunbury United,” Mr Rebeschini said.

“Every year he comes and meets all the juniors and we carry that tradition.

“It makes a world of difference to see a professional player come down and answer questions … It’s good for the juniors.”

There were about 100 to 200 people at the club to meet Maclaren, which coincided with him becoming the league’s all time high goal scorer on April 22, with 143 goals to his name.

“It’s pretty special, as it coincided with him being all time high goal soccer [as he] scored three goals at his game on Saturday,” Mr Rebeschini said.

“It’s a good experience all round, [especially] for some [junior players] following Melbourne City.”

& Macedon Ranges Star

“I was surprised because that’s the last bank [or agency] in Woodend … What are all the businesses going to do?

“I also hate to think what this means for elderly people who don’t like doing internet transactions.”

Ms Malaspin’s concern for elderly people was shared by Facebook users in a post on a Macedon Ranges Community page.

One user commented that it is “going to be very difficult for seniors that don’t have a credit card or internet banking.”

A Bendigo Bank spokesperson said the decisiontoclosetheagencywasmadefollowing

a detailed review of transaction activity, banking habits and cash usage.

“As more … customers choose to do their banking online or over the phone, our Bank must respond [to] … changes in customer behaviour,” the spokesperson said.

Kyneton’s NAB branch also announced they will close on July 6, due to fewer customers coming into branches to do their banking.

Regional Victoria Retail Customer Executive Larna Manson said “nearly 60 per cent of our Kynetoncustomershaveonlyvisitedthebranch once in the last 12 months, and more than 74 per cent are already using other branches.”

A launch to remember

A Macedon Ranges book detailing the memories of the 1983 Ash Wednesday fire was launched on Sunday, April 30 at the Jubilee Hall.

The local book, Memories of Ash Wednesday, documents the personal memories of dozens of Macedon, Gisborne, Bullengarook and Woodend residents who lived through the disaster on February 16.

Gisborne resident Bryan Power, who compiled and edited the book, said 64 people reached out with stories from Ash Wednesday.

“I was surprised at the number of responses I had,” Mr Power said.

“I was going to write an article to commemorate the 40 anniversary [but] I got so many responses … [I] thought there was a book in it.

“I finished up with 64 stories, ranging from people who made an early escape and some who almost died.”

Mr Power said the 285 page book is a

good reminder of the dangers of fires in the Macedon Ranges.

“It will be a good reminder to the thousands of people who have moved up to Madeon who have no experiences of fires,“ he said.

“It is potentially a dangerous place to live in and we always need to be fire ready in the Macedon Ranges.”

The public launch was hosted by Athol Guy and the Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner, Andrew Crisp, was also in attendance.

The book is available to purchase at the Trading Post and the newsagents in Gisborne and Macedon for $40.

Mr Power said the profits from the book, after printing costs, will be donated to the non-profit Gisborne Gazette, which will flow back to the community through local sponsorships.

Zoe Moffatt

Zoe Moffatt

Jamie Maclaren signed merchandise, answered questions and took photos at the club. (Supplied)

Gisborne resident Bryan Power compiled and edited the Memories of Ash Wednesday. (Supplied)

Social group funding

The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) will be able to continue to support its Arabic women’s social group after Hume council approved funding of $3000 through round two of the 2023 Community Grant Program.

VASS is a not-for-profit association that providessupporttopeopleofArabic-speaking background communities and provides a range of support services, including counselling, casework, referrals, advocacy, community development, mediation, and

The social group has been running for two years,aftercommunitymembersapproached VASS asking for a place to meet other women in the community after being isolated during

VASS case manager Lina Hassan says this

funding will reach local women who need support.

“We have an open door policy, we welcome anyone who is feeling isolated and needs support,” she said.

The program addresses gender inequality by educating those who attend about issues such as mental health and financial support to empower women to help themselves in these areas.

Farial is one of the women who attends the social group, she says that it has been an important place for her to connect with others, and help ease her stress.

“I’ve found new members and I am not aloneanymore,Icanlaughforthefirsttime,”

Hannah Hammoud

Briefs

Goonawarra road upgrade

The construction blitz for the Sunbury road upgrade will continue the fast-tracked transformation at the Goonawarra intersection to improve traffic flow and safety. The construction took advantage of the quieter school holiday period from April 7 to April 21, and works are expected to continue through to mid-May, weather permitting. Drivers and public transport users have been urged to allow extra travel time and be aware of the designated detour via Sunningdale Avenue and Lancefield Road. Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Sunbury traffic concerns

Sunbury police said they are aware of ongoing traffic concerns at the intersection of Sunningdale Avenue and Lancefield Road, and are endeavouring to increase active patrols.

MRC community grants

Macedon Ranges council annual community grants for 2023-24 opened May 1, with a total of $235,000 available in funding. The grants will be available for local groups with a community-driven project or event idea under the community funding scheme and events and festivals grants. Applications for the two grants will close June 27, with a free grant writing workshop being held on May 24.

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

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Victorian Arabic Social Services, Aged Care and Disability Intake and Case Manager Lina Hassan, with Chief Executive Leila Alloush. (Damjan Janevski) 330011_02

Bigotry can be a health hazard

By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary HealthNetwork

Love it or loathe it, the classic Australian soap opera Neighbours has notched up many firsts in its long life. One of these was making a star of transgender actor Georgie Stone, who played the role of Mackenzie Hargreaves.

And Georgie herself marked her own first recentlywhenshebecamethefirsttransperson to give a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.

“This last month has been incredibly difficult for us,” she said. “I am holding the hearts of fellow trans Australians in my mind and acknowledge the collective trauma and pain caused by recent events.”

She was referring to some small but noisy gatherings that targeted trans people. When these sort of things happen, they are not just ugly expressions of bigotry – they are genuine and serious health hazards.

The trans community, especially its younger members, is one of the most at-risk groups in Australia. Research has found that among trans and gender diverse people aged between 14 and 25, almost half have attempted suicide and 80 per cent have self-harmed.

In the general population, the proportion who attempt suicide is 3.6 per cent.

In the US, LGBTIQ+ people under 29 make up a quarter of all suicides. Several studies suggest that this is because LGBTIQ+ people in general, and especially trans people, face high levels of discrimination and harassment. As it would for anybody, this leads to mental health distress.

It’s fair to say that many people don’t understand the particular challenges faced by trans, non-binary and other gender diverse members of our community.

Because of this, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network works hard with some wonderful organisations to make sure that they can access mental and physical health care geared to their needs, delivered by people who know what they are going through.

One of these, for instance, is Queerspace, an organisation that provides all kinds of counselling and advice for the broad LGBTIQ+ community, aimed at improving health and wellbeing. Queerspace is part of the amazing community health organisation Drummond Street Services, which in our region has centres in Brimbank, Wyndham, and North

Melbourne.

Another valuable organisation is Switchboard, which provides peer-driven support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual people, their families, allies and communities.

Younger trans people in need of help for mental health or substance use can find it with the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, or YSAS. This mob have an office in Carlton, but operate across the city and beyond.

Finally, there is Thorne Harbour Health, Victoria’s largest provider of health care for LGBTIQ+ residents. We work with them a

lot. Among other services, the organisation runs a dedicated, bulk-billing medical and counselling clinic for trans and gender diverse people. It’s called Equinox, and is located in Abbotsford.

So if you’re trans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of these organisations. If you’re not, but you know someone who is, maybe reach out and give them a smile. As Georgie Stone said, it’s been a tough month.

• Queerspace: ds.org.au

• Switchboard: switchboard.org.au

• YSAS: ysas.org.au

• Thorne Harbour Health: thorneharbour.org

Advertising feature

Bereavement workshop

A free workshop taking place next week aims to support people who have experienced the loss of someone to suicide.

Facilitated by StandBy Support After Suicidetheworkshopprovidesanopportunity for participants to learn basic support skills and increases understanding of suicide bereavement. The two-hour session will look at what makes suicide different from other sudden death, the topics of crisis, trauma and grief and the importance of self-care.

Itisaimedatindividuals,families,witnesses

12601822-ET18-23

to a suicide, first responders and support service providers.

What Do I Say? What Do I Do? is on Wednesday, May 10, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Hume Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury. Tea, coffee and a light supper will be provided.

Tobookyourplacegotowww.surveymonkey. com/r/WCW2YN9 or contact Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health on 0490 819 387 or email healthpromotionsunbury@scchc. org.au.

NWMPHN works with a number of groups to support transgender people. (iStock)

(Supplied)

FEATURING ... MY BUSINESS

DISCOVER SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES

Kyneton Shoes

Are you ready for winter? Whether it’s a new pair of gumboots, a cosy pair of slippers or a pair of ankle boots, Kyneton Shoes has what you are looking for.

Kyneton Shoes, conveniently located at 23 High St Kyneton, is your family shoe store. It stocks gumboots from size 4 (toddler size) to mens, UGG boots for the whole family and a range of ankle boots to keep you warm, all winter long.

With a range of brands including Sala Europe, EOS, Cabello, Le Sansa, Rockport, Julius Marlow, Surefit and CC Resorts there is something for all ages and stages.

Ball Court Hotel

Situated on the corner of Macedon and Jackson streets, Ball Court Hotel has been serving the community of Sunbury for over 150 years. Known for its delicious pub classics andfriendlystaff,BallCourtistheperfectspot for family meals and special occasions in its recently renovated wine bar, as well as being a greatplacetocatchthelatestgameonthelarge screens in the Sports Bar. With weekly deals including $24 steaks on Wednesdays, seniors lunch mid-week, and fortnightly trivia nights, book a table to enjoy a stellar pub experience.

■ Book now: ballcourthotel.com.au

Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre. Learning locally. Get involved!

Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre (MRFEC) located in Gisborne has over 45 courses on offer for adult lifelong learning and to build employability skills. Learn Local courses include bookkeeping, Xero, digital devices, and computer skills, preparing to return to work, business startup essentials and barista essentials. Lifestyle and hobby courses range from art, calligraphy, pottery, sewing through to furniture restoration. There’s a range of activities for people to get involved in and to enjoy learning in a friendly and welcoming environment. MRFEC classes are small, so learners get the attention to help them learn and develop.

■ To find out more visit www.mrfec.net.au or call 5428 3799.

Specsavers

Specsavers Sunbury has been locally owned and operated for over 15 years. The team is proud to make state of the art eye care and amazing designer eyewear affordable for everyone!

Every comprehensive eye test includes free OCT eye scanning, which helps see deep into the eye, providing confidence in diagnosing diseases like glaucoma and macula degeneration. Myopia control, children’s vision, diabetic eye care and contact lens fitting are some of the services the team provides. Specsavers’ contact lens range and prices are unbeatable.

Forchildren,it’simportanttogettheirvision checked well before starting school. Adults with no underlying eye conditions or vision problems should have their eyes checked every two years, while those with certain risk factors, such as a family history of eye diseases or health conditions like diabetes, may need more frequent exams.

Specsavers Optometrists can assess your

vision and eye health and provide personalised advice on how often you should have your eyes tested and what products will suit you best. Drop in to speak to our friendly team or book online and do not miss our limited May offerof’ANYtwopairsofdesignersinglevision glasses for only $199’.

■ Book now on 9740 6584.

■ Shops 4-6/60-80 Evans Street, Sunbury.

101 Physio

101 Physio is a new physiotherapy clinic located in Sunbury. The clinic offers a range of physiotherapy services to help clients manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve their physical function, including a clinical psychologist who has just joined the friendly team

The clinic is staffed by qualified and experienced physiotherapists who are dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals andimprovetheiroverallhealthandwellbeing. The clinic uses evidence-based treatments and works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

■ Call our newly renovated premises for an appointment on 9749 1499.

■ 16 O’shanassy Street, Sunbury

DreamZzz

DreamZzz Luxury Bedding has been making sleep-time comfortable for nearly 18 years, its longevity attributed by owner Sue Glavan to top-quality Australian-made and owned products, and old-school standards of customer service.

Dreamzzz has a good range of mattresses, designed to alleviate other health conditions too, but even when it’s a young couple looking for their first bed together, we can help them choose one that’s just right for them, one that will stay comfortable for many years to come, and older people, who might have put up with a lumpy or sagging mattress, will leave our store very happy with their purchase. Hotels and motels regularly use DreamZzz mattresses, bases, pillows, toppers and protectors, while camping enthusiasts also find the store the perfect place to get something custom-made to boost their campervan experience to glamper van status.

■ DreamZzz Luxury Bedding store, at 8 /75

Vineyard Road, Sunbury, opens 10am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-3.30pm Saturday. Inquiries: 9740 7222 / 0418 366126, or E: dreamzzzluxurybedding@outlook.com f@DreamZzzLuxuryBedding

Sunbury’s Galaxyland Playspace is a must-visit destination. Pictured are Lachlan, Bella and Maison on the playground. (Mark Wilson)

Thousands turn out to remember

By Zoe Moffatt

Thousands of residents across Sunbury and Macedon Ranges turned up to commemorate AnzacDayatlocaldawnandmorningservices.

Mount Macedon held its annual Anzac Day dawn service with more than 2500 people gathered at the memorial cross to pay their respects.

The service shared stories from Woodend residents who served in World War II, and event manager Jamie Byron said the strong turnout reinforces the community support.

“[This] reinforces the strong support our service has through honouring those local service men and women who have served our nation,” Mr Byron said.

Bulla and surrounding residents gathered beneath two large elm trees for an intimate service at the cenotaph on the corner of Green Street and Bulla Road.

About120peopleassembledandlaidwreaths, rosemary and flowers, with an assortment

of Anzac biscuits, homemade treats, tea and coffee to enjoy while everyone mingled and remembered the service personnel who fought.

Sunbury RSL Sub-branch commemorated Anzac Day with thousands of people gathered at the cenotaph on the bright autumn day, with a holding ceremony, dawn service, march and morning service.

Sunbury RSL president Graeme Williams, who got involved in the RSL when he returned from Vietnam, said Anzac Day is important to remember the people who served.

“It’s a good chance for us to remember the people who we served with, and those who served before us,” Mr Williams said.

“And to pay homage to them, it is a deep and meaningful day to us, and sometimes it gets a bit [emotional].”

Colourful wreaths were laid around the cenotaph at the village green by local groups, organisations and people, and the service finished up with a barbecue and drinks in the Memorial Hall.

Attendees could watch the sun rise over the memorial cross at the Dawn Service. (Jay Town)

Left to right: Thousands attended the morning Anzac Day Service in Sunbury; The cenotaph with colourful wreaths from the service; The morning was kicked off with a march from the post office.

Left to right: Sunbury MP Josh Bull was at the local service; Sunbury RSL secretary Harry Beckwith and Simmone Cottom at the morning service; Sunbury RSL president Graeme Williams got involved in the RSL when he returned from Vietnam; Sunbury RSL Sub-branch members at the Anzac Day service. (Pictures: Zoe Moffatt) 331469

Left: Bulla Anzac Day service had a larger than average crowd this year. Above: Helen Broderick and Bulla Garden Club secretary Heather McKenzie after the service. Above right: Anzac biscuits, homemade treats, tea and coffee were available after the service; Local schools, groups and organisations laid wreaths under the cenotaph.

CFA relocation proposal scuttled

By Zoe Moffatt

RiddellsCreekCountryFireAuthority(CFA)

will not be relocating to the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve following community concern about the proposed location.

In a council meeting on April 26, council agreed to write to the CFA to continue to work with them and the state government to find a suitable location for the station.

Council corporate director Adele Drago said council was approached last year by the

CFA for help in finding a new location as the current station was not suitable to meet operational needs.

“Over the past year, several sites have been considered but only [the recreation reserve] in the southwest corner … was deemed suitable,” Ms Drago said.

“During consultation, the community … felt that the current [the recreation reserve] proposal was not able to appropriately address the concerns of the community.”

Key concerns include traffic congestion,

Digital healthcare first

Northern Health will be the first public health serviceinAustraliatoutiliseanewlydeveloped digital examination tool which enables better access to specialist assessment for patients, from the comfort of their own home.

Developed by telehealth company TytoCare, the small, portable hand-held device includes a comprehensive exam kit, featuring a digital stethoscope for heart and lung examinations, a thermometer, and a tongue depressor to examine throat and tonsils.

The tool can be easily paired with a user-friendly app and clinician dashboard to become a complete telehealth platform for sharing exam data and conducting live video exams.

Northern Health’s heart failure unit head Gautam Vaddadi said while heart failure is a life-long chronic illness that often causes patients to be repeatedly admitted to hospital, Northern Health has developed an innovative program using the device that delivers hospital-level care for patients with heart

failure, in their own home.

“This tool is critical for assessing fluid on the lungs, which is a common problem that affects patients with heart failure,” he said.

“This technology will allow us to make the best possible medical decisions when treating our heart failure patients at home.”

Chief health outcomes officer, clinical leadership and effectiveness and outcomes Dr Katharine See said TytoCare played an integral role in her team’s mission to deliver new interventions and technologies that will facilitate better health outcomes for the community.

“TytoCare is already being used widely and successfully internationally, with encouraging results,” she said.

“Wewantedtobringthesesametechnologies to the Australian healthcare setting.

“The device is currently being piloted in our heart failure virtual ward, and will support the team to deliver remote healthcare where appropriate.”

loss of recreation space, loss of space for Scouts, risks to younger people using the recreation space, and lack of parking.

CouncillorBillWestsaidcouncilhadtotry and get the best outcome for the community.

“It’s pretty obvious there’s going to be no universal agreement, and we’ve got to try and get the best outcome possible,” Cr West said.

Deputy mayor Jennifer Anderson agreed that a more suitable location was needed, especially one that maintains the available space in Riddells Creek.

“It’s obvious from the submissions that everybody wants to support the CFA but there is a passion for open space in our Riddells Creek community,” Cr Anderson said.

“Particularly if there is that potential with the CFA thinking they may even need to expand in the future, that’s a potential future loss [of open space].”

Council thanked the community for its engagement and taking the time to submit feedback in relation to the proposal.

Northern Health welcomes new digital examination tool. (Supplied)

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

Kyneton Badminton Club

The club are a welcoming, fun and social group that play on Monday nights, commencing at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre in Victoria Street. With players of all skill levels are welcome.

■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Art Society 36th Annual Show

Come and enjoy the works of our members on May 6-13 from 10am to 4pm. Free entry. Boilerhouse Gallery, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Tickets to the show’s opening night on May 5, from 7pm, cost $15 and include finger food and drinks.

■ miffynightowl@gmail.com

House Party

Sunbury Neighbourhood House will be having a party during Neighbourhood House Week, all welcome. The House Party will be a fun, free event for the whole family with music, food, face painting and more. Saturday, May 13, noon-4pm, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Mozart’s Requiem

The Gisborne Singers are presenting Mozart’s Requiem in collaboration with the Macedon Ranges Chamber Orchestra and featuring four guest artists, on Sunday, May 7, at 2pm, at Our Lady of the Rosary, Kyneton.

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

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

Mother’s Day Melodies

The Mother’s Day 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

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 Rd, Riddells Creek.

■ https://bit.ly/41j5BEw

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

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 email 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

Rotary club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury from 7pm.

■ sunburyrotary@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

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. 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

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 Joyce and Douglas Wood who recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. (Damjan Janevski) 330779_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No.

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Hand-held curved blade for reaping (6)

4 Inverted (8) 10 Dilapidation (9) 11 Seize (5)

5 Having impaired vision (arch.) (8) 6 Taking something by force (10)

DECODER WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

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

annex, aping, axing, dean, deign, dine, ding, ending, expand, EXPANDING, gain, gained, ginned, inane, index, nape, neap, nine, pain, pained, pane, pang, panned, pend, pending, pine, pined, ping, pinged, pinned

No. 131

QUIZ

1 Is a monteith a type of bowl, cape or curtain?

2 The tangelo is a hybrid of which two fruits?

3 Who played Susan in the 1980s film Desperately SeekingSusan?

4 In which country would you find the Hôtel de Glace?

5 What does the Latin phrase caveatemptor mean?

6 What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

7 What is a farthingale?

8 The emblem of which Australian state or territory belongs to the same genus as cotton?

9 In which year did the Berlin Wall (pictured) fall?

10 In terms of carbon dating, what does BP stand for?

No. 131

No. 131

No. 131

Welsh who died in her home on Monday 24th April 2023.

Beloved wife to Jim for the past 60 years. Much loved Mum of Belinda, Jane and Emma and Grandma to Georgia, Emma, Jackson, Max, Tom, Isobel, Angus and Kate. Her kindness and care will live in our hearts forever more.

Funeral arrangements are underway and will be available at www.tobinbrothers.com.au

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

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Rugby Union coach announced he was stepping down, citing the culture at his club to be ‘like Shawshank’?

2. And which Super Rugby team did he coach for?

3. Which NFL team won the 2008 Superbowl?

4. Aussie tennis player Chris O’Connell accomplished an upset against which veteran tennis player?

5. Australian athlete Jay Vine is best known for which sport?

6. The daughter of St Kilda great Danny Frawley, Danielle Frawley recently announced her engagement to which Melbourne star?

Which AFL star recently became the sixth North Melbourne player to reach 300 games?

Which AFL teams play annually at the ANZAC Day game?

What team does NRL forward Tom Burgess play for?

How many NRL clubs have yet to win a premiership?

What is the nickname given to the annual Essendon and Geelong game played at the MCG each AFL season?

12. What is the name of the award given to the NBA’s best player to come off the bench each season?

13. Which American golfer was the individual winner at the recent LIV Golf event in Adelaide?

14. What two NHL teams will be playing exhibition games in Melbourne in September?

15. What is the name of the Welsh soccer team owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney?

16. Leah Williamson is captain of which women’s national soccer team?

17. Ivan Cleary currently coaches which NRL team?

18. The NBL team Melbourne United were previous known by what name?

19. The annual horse race known as The Everest has a purse of how many millions of dollars?

20. Australian soccer player Sam Kerr played her first game for Chelsea in which year?

21. Which club did Sam Mitchell play for after Hawthorn?

22.Demi Bennett plays under what ring name in the WWE?

23. In what year did the first annual ANZAC Day AFL game occur?

24. And which team won?

25. Former Wallabies captain David Pocock is now in which profession?

26. When was curling officially added to the Winter Olympics program?

27. What sport was once known as Kitten Ball?

28. What is the highest number you can finish a game of darts on?

29. Former Australian tennis player Ash Barty once played for which WBBL team?

30.Who is the captain of the Queensland Firebirds?

it was a draw

Ash Barty

Farewell tour for Mazda’s CX-9

By Alistair Kennedy

A luxury seven-seat family SUV, the CX-9 has been Mazda’s flagship model since it arrived here in 2007.

With seven seats standard across its range, vehicles such as the CX-9 have effectively replaced people movers especially when they come, as the CX-9 does, with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The former contributes to better performance, lower fuel consumption and reducedemissions--thelatterprovidingextra tractionfortowingormildoff-roadcapability.

The current, second generation CX-9 has been around since 2016 and is due to be replaced in August by the all-new and significantly more expensive, CX-90.

Mazda Australia has indicated that the CX-9 will remain on sale until at least the end of this year. As such, we thought a final review worthwhile.

CX-9 is offered in Sport, Touring, GT, GT SP, Azami and Azami LE variants. All but the Azami LE are available with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive – LE is AWD only. Our test vehicle was the entry-level Sport FWD.

Interior

Mazda CX-9 is just over five metres in length and even third row legroom is almost okay for adultswithaccessviaawitchonthesideofthe seat cushion that tilts the seat forward.

The front seats are soft and wide, while the second row of a double bench layout has generous head and leg room.

The window line is quite high and could restrict the vision of young children.

Cargo capacity is better than many in the seven-seat class, with a reasonable 230 litres available with all seven seats in use or 810 litres with the third-row seats folded. The loading height of the floor is a comfortable 805mm.

Engines / transmissions

In contrast to the wide range of grades, there’s just the one powertrain. The Skyactiv-G2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 170kWofpeakpowerat5000rpmand420Nm of maximum torque from a low 2000 revs.

The engine is mated to Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.

The powertrain features Mazda’s stop-and-go function, designed to maximise fuel efficiency. It works by cutting the motor when the vehicle comes to rest, restarting it once brake pedal pressure is relaxed.

Safety

Mazdahasneverbeenacompanytocutcorners on safety equipment and all CX-9 variants come with a wide range of driver support systems, including Mazda’s i-Activsense that usesradarsandcamerastorecognisepotential hazards. There is pre-crash safety technology to prevent or reduce the severity of impacts.

There’s also smart city forward and rear brake support, autonomous emergency braking including night time pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver inattention alert and radar cruise control with stop/go function.

Lane departure warning is also fitted, with lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam headlight control, Isofix child seat anchors in the outer second-row seats, and head-up display.

The only safety features missing from the CX-9Sportarefrontparkingsensors(Touring and above) and a 360-degree camera (Azami and Azami LE).

Italmostgoeswithoutsayingthesedays,but the big Mazda cruiser has a five-star ANCAP rating.

Infotainment

The 7.0-inch screen in the Sport lookstiny inside the CX-9’s large front console. Touring steps up to a 9.0-inch screen while all from GT upwards expand the screen to 10.25 inches.

The Mazda MZD Connect system provides access to the internet, social media, email, Pandora, Stitcher and Aha as well as hands-free voice and text messaging through Bluetooth.

Although it is a touchscreen, we quickly switched over to using the traditional Mazda Command Control knob and buttons on the centre console which are much easier to reach and use.

Satellite navigation is standard across the range as is wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charging pad is located at the bottom of the front console in GT and higher variants.

Driving

The large dimensions of the CX-9 make for easy access. The front seats are relatively narrow but supportive and comfortable. In the entry-level Sport that we tested they lack power adjustment.

Sport does have a reversing camera, but not front parking sensors or 360-degree camera which are available in higher-spec variants.

This Mazda has good low-down torque that makes it pleasant to drive on a day-to-day basis,thoughit’sobviouslynosportsmachine. An 11.8 metre turning circle can make parking a hassle in tight spaces, particularly in underground carparks.

Out of town it’s like a luxury cruising sedan

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Sport FWD: $47,600

Touring FWD: $55,200

GT FWD: $64,700

GT SP FWD: $65,200

Azami FWD: $67,900

Sport AWD: $51,600

Touring AWD: $59,200

GT AWD: $68,700

GT SP AWD: $69,200

Azami AWD: $71,915

Azami LE AWD: $75,165

SPECIFICATIONS

with sound deadening material added as part of upgrades, meaning the cabin is lovely and quiet.

Steering is relatively light, but responsive and predicable. The ride is smooth with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

Sport Mode can be activated through a switch on the centre console. This increases throttle response, while moving auto transmission shift points for improved acceleration, for example when looking to overtake, or filtering on to a motorway.

Fuel consumption is listed at a combined 8.4L/100km. We were initially sceptical about what is a low number for such a large vehicle, but were pleasantly surprised when we averaged an 8.6L/100 km during our week-long test, albeit predominantly in motorway and rural conditions.

Summing up

The CX-9’s spacious and comfortable cabin, refinedrideandhandlingandverycompetitive pricing combine to make for a very attractive package.It’sanexcellentlong-distancecruiser and almost falls into the luxury saloon class. But … it’s nearly seven years old and that shows mainly in the tech features that lag behind most competitors as well as its upcoming CX-90 successor which also brings new petrol and diesel engines.

We’ll be testing the CX-90 when it arrives around August and let you know whether the significant price increases (at least 25 percent) are justified.

All Mazdas come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000km.

The Mazda CX-9 is an attractive, comfortable and affordable family SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

Mazda CX-9 Sport 2.5-litre five-speed wagon

Not quite a fairy tale for United

By Tara Murray

Western United’s amazing debut A-League Women’s season didn’t get the fairy tale ending the club and its supporters had hoped for.

After exceeding all expectations and making a grand final in its first season, United’s first grand final appearance ended in tears on Sunday.

Sydney FC, a side that had suffered grand final heartache the previous three seasons, scored twice early on from set pieces to put the pressure back on United.

United then had its chances, but weren’t able to convert.

A controversial penalty in the 63rd minute was the dagger in the heart for United fans and players.

While United played out the game well, Sydney found a fourth goal in the first minute of injury time to seal a 4-0 win.

United coach Mark Torcaso said he was so proud of the group and what they had been able to do.

“I spoke to them right after and literally said this has been a remarkable season,” he said in the post game press conference.

“In our first year to be in a grand final, you should be extremely proud to be out there, your families should be proud and the whole club should be proud of them. Their spirits are quite high and they’ve said they’ll be back and back even better.

“We’ve already signed up 13 of that group which is really good. We’ll look at bringing in oneortwomoreifthere’sothergirlslookingto move onto other clubs or situations overseas.

“We’re happy and satisfied with our group of players and we’ve got a pathway and we’ve got some good players coming through in our feeder as well.”

Torcaso said going down 2-0 wasn’t ideal and meant they were always on the back foot. He said after being so good at defending set pieces, it was disappointing to let two go through in the decider.

He said the group continued to have belief in what they were doing in front of a record A-League Women’s grand final crowd.

“We actually came into half time and girls absolutely believed we could get something out of it, especially the last 20 minutes,” he said.

“The way we played in that first half, we gave a little bit of hope in the way that we approached that last little bit and the girls worked really hard.

“We showed some fight and showed some character and I guess that is what we’ve pretty much done all season, really proud of the girls, can’t fault them.”

Torcaso said the third goal via the penalty was a bit tight and in other games that

wouldn’t have been called.

He said it was the final straw for them.

Torcaso said the playing group was okay after the result, with the likes of Jess McDonald, Chloe Logarzo and Angie Beard consoling them.

McDonald, who played for United early in the season, flew out from America to watch the game.

Torcaso said not having those three out there wasn’t ideal, but said the rest of the group had stood up.

He admits Logarzo was close to getting picked.

“Chloe trained yesterday [Saturday], she has a World Cup to play for,” he said.

“I don’t’ think it’s fair to put her in a position that might jeopardise that. We had a really long discussion about that, just proud to have her part of our change room, be involved

“Yesterday and this morning I thought I was going to push her, but thought I probably shouldn’t.”

While United didn’t come away with the trophy, the group are still winners in a lot of ways this season.

Torcaso said the United program was more than just about the group of players on the pitch.

“It’s been unbelievable,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant ride, some girls up there had never been exposed to an A-League environment.

“I take a huge amount of enthusiasm going into next season, some of these girls outshone what I believed that they could do they’ve been amazing,

“It’s something quite emotional for me, I’ve had an attachment to some of these girls for many, many years, ever since some of them were 14.

“One message from the start [for us] was to set the tone for the next player that wants to play the game or wants to wear a Western United top. I think we’ve done that.

“Being located out in the west, it’s a growing area and there’s a lot of young people for us.

It’s about creating the next young girl who wants to put on a Western United shirt or a Matildas shirt and that’s the exciting part for us.”

Torcaso said he would have a break now, after he and many of the group came straight out of a National Premier League Women’s season into the A-League season.

He said some of the girls would play some NPLW in the off season and he would spend plenty of time watching that competition.

Then it would be time to go again next season.

“I think they’ve got enough belief in each other to come back next year and have a really good year,” he said.

“I don’t want to be the team that comes out in the following season after having a good season and not performing. That is my expectation and my players will also feel that way, we’ll make sure we put the right belief in them to come out in the right way next year.”

Hannah Keane and Natalie Tobin fight for the ball in the A-League Women’s grand final. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Western United’s starting line up (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Alana Cerne and Madison Haley during the A-League Women’s grand final (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Kyneton women are ready for a new challenge

It’s a new era for Kyneton’s women’s football team.

After playing in the Central Victoria Football League women’s competition in recent season, the Tigers are one of six sides in the inaugural Riddell District Football League women’s competition.

Tigers coach Phil Hawkes said before the side’s first game on Friday night against Romsey, that it was an exciting time for the club.

“It’s a new era for the club,” he said. “It’s all pretty exciting and we had our last training session last night [Wednesday night] and had a jumper presentation and named our first side as well.”

It was the experience of the Tigers that shone through on Friday night with the side winning 19.14 (128)-0.1 (1).

Taylah Moore kicked 10 goals in a best on round performance with the Tigers, while Alexndra Strawhorn and Teagan Ainslle also had strong games.

Johanna Langelaan and Sarah Galea were named the Redbacks best.

Hawkes said many of the side knew players on the other sides, while for others they had been more familiar with those closer to Bendigo.

He said they were keen to face the likes of Romsey, Woodend and Macedon.

“Overall we’re excited to see what happens and how it pans out,” he said.

“There will be the unknown for the first half

of the season as we haven’t played them before.

“We’ll take it as it comes each week and then start to look at strategies a bit closer.

“We’ll work with what has worked in the past and make any adjustments we need to.”

Hawkes said the squad is very similar to what they had last season with two or three players leaving, but they also added some new players.

Hawks enjoy solid start

By Tara Murray

Woodend-Hesket’s start to the Riddell District Football League season has earned a pass mark from coach Josh Pound.

The Hawks sit 2-1 after the first three rounds, which includes matches against both of last season’s grand finalists.

Pound said from a results wise, it was where they were hoping to be.

“From our perspective, we’ve played the two grand finalists from last year,” he said. “We wanted to be winning at least one of those games, ideally win both.

“We won one, which was great. Lancefield is much improved and it was their first game for the season.”

The Hawks have had their moments in the opening few rounds, as they try to get the side gelling together with a number of new players.

Round one the side knocked off Riddell, last season’s premiers, for the first time in 17 years.

Pound said that was massive for the club.

“There’s been a lot of respect between the two clubs, but Riddell has had the upper hand,” he said.

“To see what is meant to the people at the club, the popular figures around the club, it was a big thrill for everyone.

“The first round of the season and to beat the defending champions is good.

“It was a massive performance and confidence booster, but it’s a long season and it’s only one game in a season.

“We need to try and build on that.”

The Hawks then lost to Diggers Rest, before having a fight on their hands against Lancefield, smashed in the clearances early on.

Pound said the side’s fitness came to show late in the game against the Tigers, as it did against the Bombers.

Pound said it was always going to take some time for everything to come together.

“Many of the new players are in the midfield,” he said. “It’s an area that we need

to improve on.

‘Tim Martin, our new ruck will play his first game in a couple of weeks. He is really excited after missing the first few weeks with a family holiday.

“He’s another in that midfield mix and it will take a few weeks and try and gel.”

The Hawks had the bye on the weekend.

Pound said it couldn’t come at a better time with several sore bodies and a couple of injuries out of the Tigers game.

Ben Toman, who suffered concussion, and Pound, who hurt his calf in the first 10 minutes of the game, are two of them.

The Hawks face the Western Rams this week. Pound said he was expecting a more competitive Rams than the last few seasons.

“The league is in a good position at the moment,” he said. “The Rams and Lancefield seemtohavebeenreallygoodintheoffseason, recruiting really well.

“They provide new challenges, both team should get a couple of wins during this year.”

He said they had similar numbers to what they had last season.

Hawkes said the group had plenty of motivation this season to continue to build on what they did last season.

The Tigers were set to play finals for the first time, but other teams had points stripped and given to other sides, which meant the Tigers missed out.

“It was a bitter pill to swallow,” he said. “It was going to be our first finals appearance, but we missed out due to other avenues.

“There’s a bit of a feeling around. What it has done, made the girls more determined to prove that we should have been the case.”

Hawkessaiddespitebeinganewcompetition they had still set high expectations for what they wanted to achieve this season.

“I’ve set a few expectations, mainly from a perspective on how we have been progressing the last couple of seasons in Bendigo.

“Regardless of where the new league sits in the standard we set some expectations that we need to work towards.”

Tara Murray

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Bendigo FL

A fast start from Eaglehawk was the catalyst for a win against Gisborne in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. The Hawks led 44-8 at quarter time and were able to increase the margin to 53 points at the main break. While the Bulldogs won the second half, it wasn’t enough, losing 17.10 (112)-9.9 (63). Jack Reaper was named the Bulldogs best. Kyneton is still without a win after losing to South Bendigo, 14.8 (92)-5.16 (46). Jake Summers was the Tigers best. Gisborne this week faces Kangaroo Flat, while Kyneton hosts Maryborough.

Bendigo NL

Gisborne continued on its winning ways in the Bendigo Netball League on Saturday against Eaglehawk. The Bulldogs came away with the points 49-26 to remain one of two teams undefeated after three rounds. Meanwhile, Kyneton lost to South Bendigo, 48-44. The Tigers sit in sixth spot. Gisborne this week faces Kangaroo Flat, while Kyneton hosts Maryborough.

Ballarat NL

The Sunbury Lions got their first scalp of the Ballarat Netball League season beating Melton South on Saturday. After getting their first win the week before, the Lions backed it up with a 45-34 win against a side that played finals last season. Amalani Fauonka shot 33 goals for the Lions in the win. The Lions this week face Lake Wendouree.

FV

Sunbury United’s tough run continued in the FV state league 3 north-west competition on Saturday. After failing to win its last three matches, United faced Heidelberg Eagles on Saturday afternoon. Scores were locked at 0-0 at half time, before a penalty gave the Eagles the lead in the 65th minute. That goal would prove to be the winner. In state league 4 west, Gisborne lost to Moonee Valley, 3-0.

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Kyneton’s women’s youth girls and FIDA team with Darcy Vescio in the pre-season. (Supplied)

Josh Pound (Jacob Pattison)329132_02

Win for Sharks, losses for Roos and Thunder

Rupertswood made it two in a row, while the Sunbury Kangaroos and East Sunbury remain winless in the Essendon District Football League.

After starting the season with a loss, the Sharks have been tested in their next two matches in division 1.

On Saturday, it was Moonee Valley who stuck with the Sharks throughout.

The Sharks led by four points at quarter time, before trailing by 11 points at the main break.

A six goal to one third quarter would prove to be the difference in the match.

Leading by 22 points at the last break, the Sharks were able to hold on to win 15.11 (101)-14.9 (93).

Zak Saad was best on ground kicking six goals for the Sharks. Benjamin Borg and Jackson Cardillo were others named

in the best.

The Sharks this week face Keilor Park, which is also coming off two wins.

In division 2, it was the case of close by not close enough for the Sunbury Kangaroos for the third time this season.

Having lost their opening two matches by less than a goal, the Kangaroos faced Coburg Districts on Saturday.

It was an even game throughout with no more than 10 points separating the teams at any of the breaks.

The Kangaroos trailed by 10 points at the final break, but were kicking to the goal scoring end.

The Lions were able to match them in the final quarter to hold on to an 11.12 (78)-9.15 (69) win.

Rhys Magin kicked three for the Kangaroos, with Mitchell Kook and Nathan Thomas

named their best.

East Sunbury’s return to the EDFL continues to be tough, with the side yet to taste success.

On Saturday, the Thunder faced last season’s grand finalists Oak Park.

The Thunder was able to stick with Oak Park in the first half, trailing by 16 points at half time.

Oak Park kicked eight goals to one in the third quarter to take control of the game.

The last quarter was more even, with Oak Park winning 17.18 (120)-8.9 (57).

Thunder playing coach Aaron Kite and Tarkyn Bishop kicked two goals each. Kane North and Daniel Paulete were named their best.

In the women’s competition, the Sunbury Lions won the battle of Sunbury against the Sunbury Kangaroos.

The Kangaroos scored the only point of the

Jets find their groove

By Tara Murray

The fun has returned for the Sunbury Jets in the Big V men’s state championship and with it a string of wins.

After a slow start to the season, the Jets have started to find their groove and have won three really important games after the Easter break.

On Sunday, they accounted for the Camberwell Dragons, 82-59. For the first half it was a close game, before the Jets got going on the road.

They won the third quarter by 10 points, before finishing the match with a 26-9 final quarter.

Jets coach John White said he was pretty happy with that result.

“It was a really tense and close first half,” he said.

“Camberwell obviously came out with a defensive game plan and she executed it really well.

“We made some really good adjustments after half time. We were able to execute and it materialised how we wanted to.”

Ish Sanders top scored with 23 points, while three other starters reached double figures.

White said for the group they had been able to work through some things and come through the other side.

“We spoke about it before the game that we had to work through some on court frustrations,” he said.

“Last week we came out with two very good wins and to get the win today was really pleasing.

“We have come together and it’s good to get back to having some fun.

“I said before the game that we deserve to have a bit of fun after working through some issues as a group.

“Today that was on show in the fourth quarter.”

One key to the turnaround in form is the return of Gerald Blackshear who missed the first three rounds due to visa issues.

White said it was good to have him back out on the field.

“Gerald has been a real anchor for the side,” he said.

“He’s very physical and allows the other guys to focus on what they do best.

“He’s a real physical presence and it might not show on the stats, but he’s changing shots and banging bodies.”

White said the focus for the group the next few weeks is to consolidate their position. Sunbury is up to second on the ladder.

“We want to continue to build and really start to consolidate our systems and tweak some things,” he said.

“We want to play some guys into form, guys from the bench.

“We want to build some minutes into those guys and have them play a bit more of a role.”

first quarter, before the Lions kicked three in the second quarter.

The Lions were able to increase the lead in the second half, winning 6.7 (43)-1.4 (10).

Jaimee-Lee Wilson and Krystie Dudley kicked two goals each for the Lions, Dudley was named her side’s best.

For the Kangaroos, Lyndsay Chronis was the Kangaroos goal kicker. It was the Kangaroos first goal of the season.

Courtney McCormack was named the Kangaroos best.

Gisborne suffered its first loss of the season, losing a thriller against the Essendon Doutta Stars.

The Stars took the lead in the second quarter and led by 22 points at the last break.

The Bulldogs kicked five goals in the final quarter, but fell just short, losing 6.5 (41)-5.6 (36).

RDFL women make history

History was made on Friday night as the first Riddell District Football League women’s competition got underway.

After a lot of hard work in the off season, six clubs are part of the first women’s season, a mixture of brand new and teams that had joined the competition,

Romsey, one of three brand new teams, hosted Kyneton in the first match at Romsey Park on Friday night.

It was the experience of the Tigers that shone through, with the side winning 19.14 (128)-0.1 (1).

Taylah Moore kicked 10 goals in a best on round performance with the Tigers, while Alexndra Strawhorn and Teagan Ainslle also had strong games.

Johanna Langelaan and Sarah Galea were named the Redbacks best.

Macedon played its first match the following day, against Melton. Melton, like Kyneton, have crossed to the RDFL competition in the off season.

Coby Savage kicked four goals in a best on ground performance for the Bloods with Jordan Syme and Rhiannon Carra kicking three goals apiece. Woodend-Hesket, the third of the brand new sides to play, came away with an opening round win against Mount Alexander.

Despite some inaccurate kicking, the Hawks won 5.21 (51)-0.1 (1).

The Hawks did most of the damage in the second quarter, scoring 3.5 for the term to nothing to lead 34-0 at half time.

In round two, Melton hosts Romsey on Friday night, before Macedon faces Mount Alexander and Kyneton plays Woodend-Hesket on Saturday.

Woodend-Hesket women’s side after its first win. (Supplied)

Gerald Blackshear 330725_05 (Picture: Jacob Pattison)

The Jets this week host the McKinnon Cougars.

It was a tough weekend for the Jets women’s side, suffering two big losses.

On Saturday night, the Jets lost to the Sherbrooke Suns, 83-62, before suffering a 100-63 loss to the Pakenham Warriors on Sunday.

Centrals hold off Redbacks to take the points

Romsey pushed Melton Centrals all the way in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday.

Searching for their first win of the season, the Redbacks led throughout most of the match at Arnolds Creek Reserve.

The Redbacks led by six goals at quarter time and the margin was still five goals at half time.

Centrals found another gear in the third quarter and were able to reduce the margin to two goals at the final break.

Centrals continued that in the final quarter, winning it 15-9 to seal a 54-50 win.

EmmaGrechshot37goalsfortheRedbacks, while Stacey Parks scored 11 goals. Emma Winzar shot 34 goals for Centrals.

The win is Centrals second for the season.

Diggers Rest opened its account with a win against Lancefield.

The Burras started the game well and led by six goals at quarter time, before increasing the lead to eight goals at half time.

The second half the Burras were able to find another level in the second half, out scoring the Tigers 28-14 to win 50-28.

Leona Hristovska scored 32 goals for the Burras, while Michelle Cliffe scored 13 goals.

For the Tigers, Darcee Ellard scored 14 goals.

Wallan beat the Western Rams in the other match on Saturday.

The damage was done early by the Magpies, leading 14-4 at quarter time. The margins stayed steady throughout, with the Magpies winning 43-31.

After three rounds only Macedon and Wallan are undefeated.

In the football, all the favourites got across the line on Saturday.

Romsey trailed at quarter time before kicking five goals to two in the second quarter to take the lead against Melton Centrals.

The Redbacks continued to build the lead in the second half, winning 13.9 (87)-9.4 (58).

JackJedwabwasthestaroftheshow,kicking

seven goals in a best on ground performance for the Redbacks.

Nathan Blair and Nathan Rayment were other standouts.

Diggers Rest was too strong for Lancefield in their match.

Despite coming off a short break, the Burras led early.

The Tigers hung around until half time, trailing by 12 points at the main break.

The second half was all the Burras scoring nine goals to none to win, 16.18 (114)-6.3 (39).

Jaycob Hickey kicked five goals in a best on ground performance for the Burras. Lukas Fellows was the Tigers best.

Wallan had no troubles against the Western Rams, winning 24.24 (168)-3.4 (22).

Michael Baccari kicked six goals for the Magpies and was named their best.

Lions score massive win

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Lions were able to put the foot to the pedal to come away with a massive win against Melton South in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.

The Lions were keen for a good showing against the struggling Panthers side and were able to come away with one of their biggest wins in recent times, winning 25.21 (171)-6.3 (39).

Lions coach Travis Hodgson said while the scoreboard showed a good win, the Panthers played some pretty determined football, especially in the first half.

“It was a good win,” he said. “They are doing it a bit tough and the first two games were away and they’re better at home with the unique size of the ground.

“It was pleasing to get such a dominant win, it’s something we haven’t done a lot of in my time in the club.

“Our good wins have been pretty dourer, nothing comprehensive like this.”

Hodgson said the most pleasing thing from his perspective was how his side stuck to the game plan when it wasn’t necessarily reflecting on the scoreboard.

He said they were able to take control of the game midway through the second quarter.

“Credit to Melton South, they were honest and brought a lot of pressure,” he said.

“Late in the second quarter we started to have a lot more shots, we missed a lot of set shots in the second quarter.

“After half time we were really good. Most impressive thing was they didn’t go away from what we set out to do.

“The goals then started to flow.”

After struggling to kick goals in recent times, Hodgson said making sure they put the score on the board when they had the opportunity was important, with how close the competition was.

Cody Brand kicked six goals in the win, his best return since coming back to the club.

Leigh Brennan and Rivva Karpany chipped in with three goals each.

Hodgson said Karpany was starting to warm up after an interrupted pre-season with a back injury.

Nathan Wood was named the Lions best, along with Brand and Cody Bramble.

Hodgson said it was a tough day to name the best players with so many contributors.

The Lions now sit 2-1 after the first three rounds.

After starting slow the last couple of

New talent for the Dragons

Gisborne has added some key pieces as it aims to get back to the top of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.

The Dragons have announced three new signings for the 2023-24 season, with two of them familiar faces at Gardiner Reserve.

Jay King returns to the club after a season off.

“We welcome Jay back to Gisborne after a year away from the game,” the club said on social media.

“Kingy is a three time Gisborne premiership player and we can’t wait to have him on board for the 2023-24 season. He will strengthen our already strong bowling cartel and his experience will be enormous for our club.”

Warren Kelly returns to the club having played for Kealba-Green Gully in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association last season.

Like King, Kelly is a premiership player with the Dragons and will provide another option at the top of the order.

Also making the move from Kealba-Green Gully is Jarrod Catania. He is a fast opening bowler who will provide our group with a lot of experience,” the club said.

“We look forward to seeing what Jarrod can do in his first year with the Dragons.”

The Dragons have also announced the re-signings of Darcy Thomas, Riley Vernon, Leigh Brennan and Harry Luxmoore.

Tara Murray

seasons, Hodgson said it was nice to be in a good position early.

“We lost to Melton and it came down to 10 to 15 minutes in the second quarter,” he said.

“We’ve done almost everything right across the first three weeks.

“We’ve got a bye after the Darley game, so we’re focusing on the next two weeks.

“If we can manage to get those two wins on

the board, a much better position than the last couple of years.

“If we’re 4-1 it would be a really good state and what we’re aiming for.”

Hodgson said they were hoping Jake Sutton would return against Lake Wendouree from a hamstring injury, while James Cree and Jack Hannant could return in the reserves in round five.

Jay King (Shawn

Smits)

Tara Murray

Emma Winzar (Jacob Pattison) 326148_05

Cody Brand kicked six goals. (Jacob Pattison) 331334_02