Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 9th May 2023

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Call to repair tracks

By Zoe Moffatt

RomseyandLancefieldresidentsarecallingon Macedon Ranges council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to improve local walking tracks after damage from previous years.

A petition to repair the Romsey Lancefield Walking Track, Five Mile Creek Track and DEECA-managed Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve was launched on April 22, and about 35 residents have responded so far.

Romsey resident Kevin Fothergill said the tracks are in need of repair from the flood damage caused last year, but the Five Mile Creek Track has been damaged for about five years.

“[It’s] been a source of concern for residents for a while,” Mr Fothergill said.

“Five Mile Creek track was damaged about five years ago … the others weren’t too bad before the 2022 floods.

“[The tracks] are usable but they’re a bit risky for people, particularly for elderly people … [they are] badly in need of repair from flood damage.”

Mr Fothergill said it is an inconvenience to not be able to access the tracks as they offer a nice area for residents to walk.

“What it means for particularly younger people with young children and dog walkers … [is that] you are ducking around puddles, [and] there’s quite a lot of soft grounds and lumpy sections,” he said.

“It’s a very popular walk … I have heard reports that people have had falls [there].”

In response to the petition, one resident said they felt Romsey was the forgotten town of the Macedon Ranges.

Another respondent said: “Lancefield [and] Romsey are growing family towns that need funding to support family activities, and basics such as the walking tracks should be a priority for safe family fun”.

Mr Fothergill said they have recently

approached Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas but would like to see a clear allocation for the repair of the tracks in councils budget

“We’d like to see a clear budget allocation … We’d like that to be brought forward and to have council approach government for funding,” he said.

Council’s acting assets and operations director, Simon Finlay, said he appreciates the importance of these trails to the public and council is committed to repairing them as soon as possible.

“The Romsey-Lancefield trail (Federation Trail) and the Five Mile Creek Track in

RomseysustaineddamageduringtheOctober 2022 flooding event,” Mr Finlay said.

“Council [put] in place temporary closures and signage soon after for the safety of the public … [and] completed temporary emergency repairs to both trails late last year using existing budget.”

Mr Finlay said council sought funding from the existing federal and state disaster relief funding program but the tracks were deemed ineligible transport assets.

“The track repairs require additional funding and following advocacy by council, we are hopeful that additional disaster

funding … may come from the … upcoming budget announcements.”

MrFothergillsaidtheLancefieldParkTrack atthereserveisalsoinneedofrepairfollowing flood damage, but the track is a responsibility of park management, not council.

DEECA said the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve is under management of a locally appointed committee of management and sustained damage from the recent floods.

An application for a flood recovery grant from DEECA was put in by the committee, and they will be notified of the outcome by June.

Romsey resident Kevin Fothergill said it is an inconvenience to not be able to access the tracks as they offer a nice area for residents to walk (Damjan Janevski). 332056_02

‘‘ It’s a very popular walk … I have heard reports that people have had falls [there] ’’

- Kevin Fothergill

Romsey left out of EV revolution

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges council is driving into the future with the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, but Romsey residents feel they are being left behind in the EV revolution.

Council announced EV charging stations would be installed in Macedon and Lancefield, along with an additional site in Kyneton. Woodend has an existing charging station. This decision was included in council’s 2021-22 Annual Report, after the 2021 Environment Strategy committed to installing

charging stations. A pamphlet including information was also distributed to residents.

Romsey resident Kevin Fothergill said people living in the town felt they were being neglected by council.

“There’s a feeling in Romsey that we are neglected … and not always looked after,” Mr Fothergill said.

“When [we] see there are charging ports in other towns, we think why not us?”

Mr Fothergill said it did not make sense that Lancefield will receive a charging station and not Romsey.

“Romsey is actually … more of a commuter

suburb, there’s a lot of people that have moved in [recently],” he said. “The concern is why should Lancefield have a charging station when Romsey doesn’t … I think people would like a public charging station.”

Mr Fothergill said he does not own an EV and he would be hesitant to buy one without a public charging station nearby.

“Why would I buy an EV if I can’t charge it in a public place?

“I would want to know that I had access to a charging station in Romsey … to fit one at home would be a bit prohibitive [as] I’m semi-retired.”

Planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said council is seeking opportunities for the installation of EV charging stations in Riddells Creek, Gisborne, Romsey and Malmsbury.

Ms Stockfeld said an additional public EV charging station would be provided in Romsey as part of the proposed supermarket development on Main Street.

Council did not give a timeframe as to when an EV charging station would be installed in Romsey. Council also announced additional charging stations will be installed at council offices in Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend.

Thousands claim bonus

Over 12000 residents across Sunbury and Macedon Ranges have received $250 in the fourth round of the state government’s Power Saving Bonus.

Last month, the state government announced more than one million Victorian households had received the bonus, including 6574 households in Macedon Ranges, and 6509 in Sunbury.

Chido Mwat lives with her partner in Sunbury and said they claimed the bonus to help contribute to their power bill.

“We saw it as an opportunity to get some money to go towards our power bill, especially as winter is coming and thecostoflivingisrising,”DrMwatsaid.

“According to the website we could save up to $200 a year with a different provider.”

Through the latest round, 40 per cent of applicants also found a better energy deal and thousands have chosen to switch providers.

Premier Daniel Andrews said Victorians should make sure they have the best energy deal before winter hits.

“Thebestwaytolowerenergybillsisto look for a better offer,” Mr Andrews said.

The annual Sunbury kangaroo count will take place on May 14. (Joe Mastroianni) 208748_03

Volunteers get ready to count roos

TheannualSunburykangaroocountisbackfor 2023 and organisers are looking for volunteers to help on May 14.

The count will take place at dawn, with volunteers counting and identifying western greykangaroos,swampwallabiesandwombats.

Count founder and Sunbury local Robert Irvine said he started the count in 2016 after a kangaroo hopped past him.

“I was cycling to the Sunbury station …

and a kangaroo overtook me as I was cycling along,” Mr Irvine said.

“It got me thinking [about] how many kangaroos there are.

“I’ve got no secret agenda, I’m just curious to know how many there are and how they are affected by the development.

“From my count, the development hasn’t hurt them at all.”

Mr Irvine said due to extensive housing

developments around Sunbury, it is expected that the kangaroos have moved but not decreased in numbers.

When the development started in 2016 there were 376 kangaroos counted, and in the last count in 2022 over 500, including one albino kangaroo, was counted.

Details: Robert.irvine614@gmail.com

Zoe Moffatt

“That’s why we’re encouraging Victorians to take advantage of another round of the Power Saving Bonus to make sure they are on the best deal ahead of winter.”

For residents without internet access, support is available over the phone or in person at one of the Community Outreach Partners, including; Brotherhood of St Laurence, Ethnic Community Council Victoria, Good Shepherd, State Trustees and hundreds of Neighbourhood Houses across the state.

Details: compare.energy.vic.gov.au or 1800 000 832.

Zoe Moffatt

Projects cut to rebalance the Macedon Ranges budget

MacedonRangescouncilhascutcapitalworks projects to balance its $344,870 budget deficit, following a cost blowout.

In a meeting on Wednesday, April 26, council addressed the increasing costs and recommended amendments to the budget for the current works to be completed.

Acting assets and operation director Simon Finlay said officers are confident the deficit canbebalancedthroughthereturnofunspent contingencies.

“Officers are confident that this shortfall can be carried within the programme as a low risk due to the number of projects due for completion this quarter,” Mr Finlay said.

“Identified unspent contingencies in the order of $200,000 will be returned … along with further savings identified between now … [and the] May scheduled council meeting.

“The unspent contingencies of these projects will rebalance the budget.”

Projects that required increases to their budget include Gisborne Bowling Club synthetic rink, ($81,362 increase), Woodend Playgroup ($5950 increase) and Gardiner Reserve carpark and landscaping ($2907 increase).

Projects that have been completed and returned a savings, include Woodend Neighbourhood House (saving of $5950),

Riddells Creek Montessori Kindergarten

($9028) MP Theatre roof design ($7324) and Woodend Bowling Club Social Room Design, ($11,270).

Additional projects with budget allocation include Mulbarton Rockwall, Gisborne ($30,000), Gisborne Aquatic Centre electric Boiler ($80,000), Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre gas boilers ($138,000).

Two projects have been cancelled: Drainage Fersfield Road, Gisborne, with $18,417 returned to the developer contribution fund, and the Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre Electric Boiler Design with $80,000 returned to the consolidated capital works budget.

Council said there were significant price increases in building material and labour for the 2021-22 financial year.

Due to the budget build process beginning in October of the previous year, council said pricing is often outdated, with some projects tendered over 12 months after estimates are set.

Council said officers allow reasonable cost escalation on projects, however these increases were outside this estimate, and it is not sustainable for the budget to cover these unexpected costs.

Zoe Moffatt

Urgent care responses improve

By Zoe Moffatt

Sunbury has recorded the quickest response time for urgent care in over a year according to the latest Ambulance Victoria (AV) response statistics.

The average response time for patients requiring urgent care in Sunbury from January to March was 15.44 minutes.

Of the 578 responses, 59 per cent of them had a response time of less than 15 minutes.

The last time Sunbury recorded a quicker response time was in April and June 2021 with a time of 14.52 minutes.

Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said while the statistics show an uptick in response time, there is still a high dependence on ambulance services.

“It’s still incredibly busy,” Mr Hill said.

“The response time in the last report shows an uptick … [but] It’s going to take a long time to [get to pre-COVID times].”

Mr Hill said he would like to see further investment in alternative health pathways for people, as many triple-0 calls do not require an ambulance.

“Weknowthatsomanyofthecallsthatcome through don’t really need an ambulance …

Sunbury ready to party

Sunbury Neighbourhood House (SNH) is hosting a party on Saturday, May 13, for neighbours to celebrate the suburb and get to know each other.

The party will run from noon to 4pm at Sunbury Community Centre, and will provide an opportunity for residents to meet the local groups and organisations in the area.

SNH manager Hope Jenkins said the house acknowledged the impact that COVID-19 closures had on the community and the limitation to hold community events like this party.

“These events are really important as they are community led, owned and organised,” Ms Jenkins said. “They are a fantastic way for people to find out what is happening … and for those people who have moved to our wonderful town, they missed out on this welcome.

“With Neighbourhood House Week coming up we thought this was a golden opportunity

to celebrate Sunbury’s population growth and diversity by hosting a free, fun and all-inclusive House Party.”

The party will include Chris Humfrey’s Wild Action Zoo, entertainment by Nathan Gabriel, face painting, free popcorn, a photo booth, games, computer animation and more.

Ms Jenkins said they are grateful to be able to deliver this event for free after receiving a grant from the Department of Transport, Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund.

“There’s no need to RSVP just come along, tell your neighbours and friends too,” she said. Organisations at the party, include CWA Sunbury Starts, Repair Cafe Sunbury, Boomerang Bags Sunbury, Sunbury Stitches and Quilters, Shay Downer Art, Dulap Wilum Hub, Cake Decorators of Vic, TOWN, Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, Kids Safe and Stand by Support after Suicide, Perna Perna Women’sGroup,BoundDanceandCareworks.

[people should] save triple-0 for emergencies,” he said. “It’s about the strain being placed on the system across the country … It doesn’t just affect paramedics.

“The health system works like an eco system, when one part isn’t healthy it affects the whole system.”

In the same time period, 61.3 per cent of urgent paramedic calls in Hume received an ambulance in 15 minutes or less.

This is an increase of 9.1 per cent of calls receiving an ambulance in 15 minutes or less when compared to October to December last year.

The average response time for these calls was 15.34 minutes, with a total of 4303 first responses during the three months of 2023.

In metropolitan Melbourne, Hume was named as one of the top 10 local government areas for its improved performance against the 15 minute target.

For Macedon Ranges, 56.2 per cent of urgent paramedic calls received an ambulance in 15 minutes or less, an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to October and December last year. The average response time for these calls were 16.21 minutes, with a total of 650 first responses during the three months of 2023.

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024

Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.

Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024.

Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

Sunbury Neighbourhood House staff Cathy Grose, Hope Jenkins and Ebony Finnin are ready to party. (Damjan Janevski) 332009_03

Netball club ‘ecstatic’ after funding confirmed

East Sunbury Netball Club (ESNC) is looking to grow netball locally, after receiving a $5000 grant through a community activation grants program.

The program, run by the state government, aims to support women and girls at all levels of sport in Victoria, with 104 sporting organisations set to benefit from the 2022-23 program.

ESNC president Katrina Simpson said she found out the club had won the grant on Tuesday morning, May 2.

Briefs

Sunbury speedster booked

A Sunbury man was booked and had his licence suspended for three months after allegedly driving more than 30km/h over the speed limit in Melton. On Saturday, April 29, about 9.12pm, police observed a dark Holden Commodore SS wagon travelling south on Plumpton Road, Plumpton. Melton Highway Patrol members checked the vehicle’s speed using moving mode radar with an alleged speed of 114km/h in the newly signed 80km/h zone. The vehicle was intercepted on the Melton Highway where the 26-year-old driver from Sunbury, was issued with a infringement notice for $601 for being 34 km/h over the posted speed limit.

Social housing

“I found out this morning … [and] I was ecstatic,” Ms Simpson said. “I did message my committee to let them all know.

“We’re very excited, it helps, it’s going to make a difference as to what we can do as a club.”

Ms Simpson said the money will go towards coaching and umpiring development, especially for the junior teams after the club’s recent growth.

“We have about 142 members and nine junior teams,” she said.

“We started with four last year, so we’re seeing some really great growth.

“Building junior development is key to the growth of the club … girls want to get out and be doing something, [and] we want to give them as much opportunity to do that.”

Ms Simpson said having the right coaches

can help build confidence and support for the players.

“The better coaches we can have the more success we can give to our kids.

“Having the right coaches is key to helping them grow … It builds confidence in their netball … hopefully they can use that in the community and everything else they do.

“Hopefully [the grant] can make some big differences in what we can supply to our members.”

Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges council has agreed to lease 3 to 5 Noel Street to Wintringham Housing Limited for social housing development. In a meeting on Wednesday, April 26, council voted to authorise the proposed 20-year lease, which will charge Wintringham $1 per annum for the whole of the lease if requested. Details: https://bit. ly/41J4zlT

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

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‘‘ We’re very excited ... it’s going to make a difference as to what we can do as a club ’’ - Katrina Simpson

East Sunbury Netball Club RDFNL 13s and under team. (Supplied)

Views sought on housing policy

By Zoe Moffatt

The Macedon Ranges Affordable Housing Policy draft is out for community consultation after being unanimously carried at the last council meeting.

The draft policy was endorsed to be released for community consultation at the meeting on Wednesday, April 26, and will be presented to council for consideration in June.

Planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said the policy aimed to build on the council’s Interim Affordable Housing Policy,

which was adopted in December 2021.

“[The] policy … goal [was] to increase the supply of appropriate affordable housing in the Macedon Ranges through [council’s] role as an advocate, decision maker, facilitator and investor,” Ms Stockfeld said.

“The interim policy was developed as a first step…toconveycouncil’sintenttoengagewith the Victorian government and our community on this important issue.”

Deputy mayor Jennifer Anderson said she likes the advocacy role that is outlined in the draft policy.

Adulting to success

A Sunbury comedian has released a nine-part mock reality show for TikTok and Instagram about the struggles of adulting.

‘Adult-erers’ was released Thursday, May 4, and is the debut web series created, written, produced and directed by Chido Mwat.

Dr Mwat said she got the idea when she looked back to her twenties and all the things she wished she knew.

“The show is a letter to my younger shelf,” Dr Mwat said.

“Towards the end of my twenties I was thinking about all the things I wished someone had told me when I was younger.

“Imagine if there were people who could come into your life and help solve your problems.”

Dr Mwat said the episodes range from 1 to 1.40 minutes long and would appeal to people in their 20s.

“[The show is for] people experiencing their quarter life crisis,” she said.

“And all the people looking back and understanding all the messages behind the comedy … [who] can find some situations funny.”

In the show two “professional” adults spring into action in each episode with their unconventional approaches to help solve problems, while highlighting the truth behind their shenanigans.

DrMwatisnostrangertothecomedyworld, with her debut satirical short ‘For Becky’ being featured on SBS, and placing third at the Sunshine Short Film Festival in 2021.

Dr Mwat also performed in her debut show ‘She-Nanigans the Show’ at The Melbourne InternationalComedyFestivalandMelbourne Fringe in 2022.

The project was supported by the state government through Creative Victoria and through Hume council’s arts grants program.

Zoe Moffatt

“Unfortunately, the state government sets the planning scheme but here we’re looking at whatwecantryanddobothwithinthescheme but also to try and change the scheme,” Cr Anderson said.

“Inparticular,whenwelookatreleaseofnew landand…howdowemakesureweareableto include truly social and affordable housing, not a developer definition.

“Unfortunately, the planning scheme, in my opinion, is not strong enough but our document will advocate for that.

“There really is housing stress out there, so

I think this document goes a long way to let people know that we really want to support those in our community that are a little bit more vulnerable.

“I encourage people to have a look again and see the data and to provide us with any feedback or thoughts you might have on how we could improve the document.”

Residents can provide feedback on the policy until May 21, through an online survey, in-person or online drop in sessions, or by calling, emailing or writing to the council.

Details: https://bit.ly/40TVgye

Road upgrade milestone

Crews working on the Sunbury Road Upgrade hit a milestone of 250,000 hours working on the project last month.

The project, which is designed to ease congestion in the area, currently has about 200 staff onsite, working a combined average of more than 1000 hours per day across more than seven kilometres.

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Dipal Sorathia they are making rapid progress on the upgrade.

“Two hundred and fifty thousand hours [have been] worked in the past year on a projectthatiswideningthisimportantarterial to keep the community safe and moving into the future,” Mr Sorathia said.

“The project is also opening up real life development and training opportunities for apprentices, trainees and cadets.

“We continue to support young workers starting out in their careers.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are also playing a key role in the upgrade, recording more than 7000 employment hours.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull congratulated those involved on their hard work on the project, which includes building a new bridge over Jacksons Creek to be completed by mid2023.

Other progress on the upgrade includes the Lancefield Road intersection, new lanes on the Sunbury Road and upgrades to roundabouts at Lancefield Road and Francis Boulevard

Major Road Projects Victoria said the Sunbury Road Upgrade is on track to be complete by 2025.

Zoe Moffatt

The Sunbury Road Upgrade has reached a milestone. (Supplied/Major Road Projects Victoria)

‘Adult-erers’ was released

Thursday, May 4. (Supplied)

Remembering those who fought

On May 8, 1945, Nazi forces in Germany surrendered, ending Adolf Hitler’s reign, and sparking the end of a six-year conflict. Seventy-eight years on, May 8 or 9 marks a Time of Remembrance for those Who Lost Their Lives during World War II. Zoe Moffatt talks to western suburbs locals about the importance of remembering those who served.

Sitting in an armchair, surrounded by family photos in his Melton South home, James Coghlan opens up about his time in the Vietnam War and growing up without his father.

“I was born five months after my father died [in World War II] in August 1942,” Mr Coghlan said.

“[His death] shattered me, not so much as a young boy growing up, but it shattered me in later life.

“I’ve always wanted a father I could look up to and respect … but I didn’t have one.”

Mr Coghlan said his father, James Haining was born in Williamstown in 1913 and joined the navy when he was 18 years old.

Mr Haining was later posted to HMAS Canberra which sank in 1942, killing 84 men.

Looking back on his father’s story and his own experience, Mr Coghlan said it is important to have days dedicated to remembering veterans from all wars, not just the world wars.

“I have found that over the years they really haven’t accepted what we did [in Vietnam], no oneaccepteduswhenwecamehome,”hesaid.

“I remember in my first RSL … I was introduced and I heard one of the boys say in the background ‘why don’t you go back and fight a war’.

“[Those words] shattered me, I wanted to walk out of that RSL.

“A lot of us got that sort of reaction when we first came home … they didn’t recognise Vietnam as a war.”

Mr Coghlan said he feels this attitude has changed overtime and the army, and other services, are starting to understand the impacts of service life.

“We’re finding how … all services are starting to wake up to themselves. The training the younger veterans are getting is 1000 times harder than what we had.

“But they’re coming out and they can’t accept civilian life.”

Mr Coghlan said older veterans such as himself can connect with younger veterans through organisations like RSLs, and days of remembrance are important for everyone to connect.

Woodend resident Gary Andison, who comes from a service family with his father and grandfather serving in WWII, said he agrees that it is important to have days to remember.

“I think it’s important to keep the memory alive for those people, men and women for their achievements in helping to bring peace,” Mr Andison said.

“I used to think as a kid when I was really young, dad went to war, grandad went to war, so it would be my turn to go to war.

“I thought that was the norm, and then as I got older and understood things and that it wasn’t going to be the case.”

Mr Andison said he was very relieved when he realised he was not going to have to fight in a war.

“I was probably very relieved … because I don’t think I was looking forward to it,” he said.

“We’re fortunate enough in the sense that [going to war] isn’t an automatic call up …

now you volunteer to join the services or you join it as a career.”

Mr Andison said his father did not talk about his time spent at war, except for a story he shared about his time in Papua New Guinea.

“Grandad died when I was probably about five or six so I didn’t know about [his time in WWII], and dad never [really] talked about it.”

“He [did] praise the fuzzy wuzzies, he had a lot of time [for them]… and the effort and help they gave the allies during the war.”

After spending 11 months serving in Papua New Guinea, Mr Andison’s father, Allan Andison Junior, was discharged from the army and returned to his home town of Woodend to work as a mechanic.

Mr Andison’s grandfather, Allan Andison Senior, had to return from WWII in 1943 to the repatriation hospital in Heidelberg and spent the rest of the war based at Victoria Barracks Melbourne and RAAF Laverton.

Through this family history, Mr Andison said he got involved with the RSL and looked to what he could do to assist them.

“Back then in 1981 … the Woodend RSL approached me … [to ask] whether they could tape me playing the Last Post so they could play it at the service.”

Mr Andison said he was then asked if he could play the song live, and has now been playing the last post for 40 years.

He said he feels a connection to his father and grandfather every year he gets up at dawn to play the song and honour the veterans.

“[I feel a connection] for all the other people that served [as well], whether it be in the older wars or the newer wars.”

Gary Andison playing the Last Post at the 2023 Mount Macedon Anzac Day dawn service. (Jay Town)

‘‘ They really haven’t accepted what we did ... I heard one of the boys say in the background ‘why don’t you go back and fight a war’. [Those words] shattered me ’’ - James Coghlan

James Coghlan at his Melton South home, and a photograph of James Coghlan’s father James Haining who died in WWII. (Pictures: Zoe Moffatt) 333200

Customer service centre closure

By Zoe Moffatt

MacedonRangescouncilisconsideringclosing the Woodend Customer service centre after low attendance was recorded.

In a council meeting on Wednesday, April 26, council revealed the Woodend centre had low in-person interaction compared to the larger administration centres in Kyneton and Gisborne.

Following the trial, it was recommended that long term operation of the Woodend centre

wasnotviable,andtherewasanopportunityto redistribute resources.

Councillor Janet Pearce reminded residents that the proposal is out for community consultation and a decision on the future of the centre has not been made.

“I just wanted to note that … this is to be released for community consultation,” Cr Pearce said. “I want everybody to be very clear that we’d like to hear their thoughts on it and then it will come back to council.

Cr Jennifer Anderson agreed with Cr Pearse

A league of its own

The Mount Players is launching its second production for 2023, which will double as its Victorian Drama League entry.

The production, Buried Child, was first presented in 1978 and is an intense drama set in an old farmhouse, in mid-century Illinois.

Producer Karlana Santamaria said the play was written by Sam Shepard and has a lot of levels in it.

“On the surface it appears just to be a dark story of loss,” Santamaria said.

“The play is actually about the disintegration of American society, it has a lot of levels to it.”

Buried Child looks into the story of an American Midwestern family with a dark, terrible secret to challenge the audience with questions of morality, and is delivered with humour and pathos.

Santamaria said they chose the Buried Childastheyliketoprovidearangeoftheatre options to residents, actors and directors.

“We have a broad range of things we try

to offer the Macedon Ranges … It’s about offering [diverse] opportunities to actors, the audience … and directors,” she said.

A year after it was originally launched in 1978, BuriedChild went on to win the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for drama, catapulting Shepard into national fame.

The Mount Players production will run for about two hours, from Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 28, at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon.

Details: www.themountplayers.com or 5426 1892

Zoe Moffatt

and said Woodend residents can access the Kyneton centre in a short amount of time.

“ItisalwaysIthinkdifficultforacommunity when they look at a service being there and a service potentially being withdrawn,” Cr Anderson said.

“People might say well, Romsey has got similar visitations [statistics], well Romsey is the only service centre in the east of the shire.

“Those in Woodend can within a short amount of time, either on the train or through driving, go to the Kyneton centre or even the

Gisborne centre to be served.”

This proposal was developed after the Woodend centre underwent a six month trial from May to November, 2022, and the other centres underwent a trial from August to November, 2022.

All trials collected and analysed data, including; opening hours, and the number and type of in-person interactions.

Councilhasinvitedfeedbackontheproposal until May 24.

Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/your-say

Actors Ashleigh Macken, Ron Kofler and Garry Dover. (Supplied: Karlana Santamaria)

Connecting locals in Romsey

Neighbourhood House Week is under way in Romsey with a range of free come and try sessions available.

The week kicked off on Monday, May 8 and willrununtilFriday,May12withthethemeof ‘locals connecting locals.’

Theannualweekofcelebrationisrecognised throughout Australia, with over 1000 neighbourhood houses making important contributions to local communities.

Romsey Neighbourhood House will provide a range of free activities including; a craft group, postural alignment therapy, a barista basics class, coffee ‘n’chat, Pilates, posture fitness, yoga, a walking group, line dancing and more.

With more than 400 houses across Victoria, many of them will be holding activities throughout the week to help facilitate community connection.

Last year’s theme for neighbourhood house week was ‘building resilience by bringing peopletogether,’andrecognisedtheimportant role Neighbourhood Houses continue to play post-lockdown.

Bookings are essential for sessions. Details: https://bit.ly/44pnILC

To find your closest neighbourhood house: https://www.nhvic.org.au/

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Zoe Moffatt

Romsey Neighbourhood House craft group meets every Tuesday at 12.30pm. Members pictured, top left: Sue Briggs (top), and Stella Ziolkowski. Above: Carol Bradley proudly shows off her artwork. Right, top to bottom: Thelma Robinson, Sybil Theodore, Signy Connel, and Lorraine Shufflebotham. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 332023

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

Citizen Advocacy information

Come and hear about this wonderful program that supports freely given friendships between a person with an intellectual disability and a community member who becomes their advocate/ mentor. Held at Sunbury Global Learning Centre, on Wednesday, May 24, 6.15-8.30pm.

Vintage Machinery Rally Day

On Sunday, May 21 the Gisborne Vintage Machinery Society will be holding its Annual Rally Day at the Steam Park (Webb Crescent), New Gisborne. Gates open at 9am and end at 3pm with displays of Vintage Machinery, a Tractor Pull, stalls and general entertainment as well as food and drink vendors.

■ www.gisbornevmrs.com

Kyneton Badminton Club

Kyneton Badminton Club are a welcoming, fun and social group that play on Mondays, commencing at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre in Victoria Street. With players of all skill levels, you’re sure to enjoy a variety of games.

■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Art Society show

Come and enjoy the works of members on until May 13 from 10am to 4pm. Free entry. Boilerhouse Gallery, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury.

■ miffynightowl@gmail.com

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

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

Music and Ssngalong

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

Repair Cafe Sunbury

Join the cafe for a cuppa and a skill share repairing broken household items; preventing landfill and promoting kindness.

Saturday, May 20, 10am - 12.30pm. 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

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

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 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

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

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 9.45 am.

■ 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 third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood house. All women are welcome.

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Wyndham stalwart and long-serving councillor Heather Marcus in her quirky garden. (Damjan Janevski) 332180_01

SUDOKU

PUZZLES QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

ACROSS

1 Fraudulent schemes (5)

4 Traditional (9)

9 Reason (5)

10 Gluttony or sloth for instance (6,3)

11 Famous people (6)

12 Guests (8)

14 Brotherhood (10)

15 Savoury cracker biscuit (3)

17 French word for “me” (3)

19 Synchronous (10)

23 Asset (8)

24 A spice (6)

26 Antiquated US car manufacturer (9)

27 Confuse (5)

28 Heights (9)

29 Dollars (colloq) (5)

DOWN

1 Pick (6)

2 Sharp-cornered (7)

3 Old type of trombone (7)

4 Give way (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

Today’s Aim:

F R S

L O E

S E

14 words: Very good

E

I I G T B

feint, fine, finite, genii, gibe, ignite, tent, tine, tinge

befit, BEFITTING, begin, being, bent, betting, binge, bite, bitten, feign,

No. 132

T S S S A L A D P R O S E L O O S E A S K E D T E S T S

QUICK QUIZ

1 Pierogi are dumplings from which country?

2 The 1850 novel TheScarletLetter was written by which American author?

3 Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and what other metal?

4 What was the first Olympics to be postponed rather than cancelled?

5 Supernatural aired its final episode in November 2020 after how many seasons?

6 The Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat are teams in which sporting league?

7 Which Chinese politician tweeted a doctored image of an Australian soldier holding a bloody knife?

8 In what year was the Australian Bureau of Meteorology first given weather recording responsibilities: 1904, 1906 or 1908?

9 Former prime minister Scott Morrison (pictured) was the inaugural director of which government agency?

10 Which of the following novels did not begin as fanfiction: City ofBones (Cassandra Clare), After (Anna Todd) or Divergent (Veronica Roth)?

LETTERS ACE ADD ARM AVO BEE DNA EBB FEE HAS HIP IRE KIN NIT PEN PRO ROD ROE ROT RUB SAP SEA SHE UTE WIT 4 LETTERS ANON BEGS EBBS KERB MEEK NOOK POST SAWS SENT SICS SNOB SNOW STEM WEAR 5 LETTERS ABODE ADOBE ALERT ALIAS APING AREAS AWARE BEGIN BOOED BRASH BRINE CHAFE CIRCA CRUSH DEMON EDGES FENCE GIMME HALON HORDE INANE INEPT MEMOS OFTEN OLIVE OUGHT OUTDO REUSE RILED ROGUE SAGAS SEEDS SENDS SENSE SHAME SLEDS SODAS SPOUT STEAL STEAM STEEL TERSE THESE THOUS TILES TRUCE TSARS USERS USUAL WINCE 6 LETTERS CRANES NESTLE REUSES SCREEN 7 LETTERS ALTERED ENDEARS EROSION GOOIEST GREATER PORTION 8 LETTERS ASSUREDS ATTAINED SAUCEPAN TOBOGGAN 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 O K A Q V E W U Y R B I L Z G C N T X F H D M J S P Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible 12-05-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 298753461 924178536 861397254 715649382 586934127 459812673 643281795 137526849 372465918 easy medium hard 617958432 831275946 269387514 582743691 926134857 175429368 493612785 754896123 348561279 761245983 415762398 597824631 384679152 629358714 148936527 952183476 873491265 236517849 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 JP ANSWERS: 1. Poland 2. Nathaniel Hawthorne 3. Copper 4. Tokyo 2020 5. 15 6. Big Bash League 7. Lijian Zhao 8. 1908 9. Tourism Australia 10. Divergent

No. 132

No. 132

Puma Service Station Gisborne 23

Robertson Street

• Gisborne Caltex Service Station - Gisborne 4

Station Street

• Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop - Kyneton 199

Burton Avenue

Valentine’s at Hanging Rock

‘‘ Let’s not let false lies spread as being facts. It’s dangerous ’’ -RobMitchell

• Kyneton RT Edgar Real Estate - Kyneton 10 High Street

• Kyneton Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street

• Kyneton Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street

• Lancefield Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street

• Macedon United Service Station - Macedon 313 Black Forest Drive

• Macedon IGA Supermarket - Macedon 20 Victoria Street

• Macedon Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street

• Malmsbury General Store 75 Mollison Street

• Monegeeta Newsagency 2076 Melbourne -Lancefield Road

• Mount Macedon Mt Macedon Post Office 341 Mt Macedon Road

• Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Nursery 675 Kilmore Road

• Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Post Office 80 Main Road

• Riddells Creek Foodies - Riddells Creek 86-88 Main Road

• Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Supermarket 2

Station Street

• Romsey Chess Property - Romsey 102

Main Street

• Romsey IGA Supermarket - Romsey 107

Main Street

• Sunbury Leeburn and Co Real Estate

- Sunbury 6 Brook Street

• Sunbury Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street

• Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street

• Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street

• Sunbury The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Shop 2b/15-17 Dornoch Drive

• Sunbury Goonawarra General Store 23-25

Dornoch Drive

• Sunbury Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531

Elizabeth Drive

• Sunbury Brad Teal Real Estate Sunbury 54

Evans Street

• Sunbury Reliant Real Estate 11/114-126

Evans Street

• Sunbury Muffin Break Shop 2/24 Evans Street

• Sunbury Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Shop 2-28 Evans Street

• Sunbury Terry White Chemist 83-85

Evans Street

• Sunbury Gap Road Medical Centre 46

Gap Road

• Sunbury United Fuel Sunbury 47 Gap Road

• Sunbury 7-Eleven Sunbury 128 Gap Road

• Sunbury Asia Finest Shop 4&5, 106-126

Gap Road

• Sunbury Puma Service Station Sunbury 96

Horne Street

• Sunbury Woolworths Supermarket 25-47

Horne Street

• Sunbury Big W - Sunbury 25-47 Horne Street

• Sunbury BP Service Station 53-55

Horne Street

• Sunbury Sunbury Day Hospital 7

Macedon Street

• Sunbury Hume Council Offices - Sunbury 40

Macedon Street

• Sunbury Sunbury Information Centre 43

Macedon Street

• Sunbury Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street

• Sunbury Community Health Centre Unit 12-28

Macedon Street

• Sunbury McKwen Drive Milk Bar Shop 1-3

McEwen Drive

• Sunbury Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba 16

Melba Avenue

• Sunbury Foodworks on Melba 16-18

Melba Avenue

• Sunbury Melba Cafe 22 Melba Avenue

• Sunbury Mitchells Lane Milk Bar 192

Mitchells Lane

wouldn’t be so callous and stupid to make a statement like ‘most people have riskofdyingofCOVID-19’. “This from a country where tragically morethan440,000deathshavebeenrecorded.” Mr Mitchell said more work needed to

be done to combat potentially “deadly misinformation”. He said people should consult a doctor or medical professional when it came to vaccinationsandmedicaltreatment. “We don’t know who these people are andthatiswhywehavemedicalexperts,”hesaid. to“Theyhavedecadesintrainingandlearning understandthesethings.Theyarethepeopletotalkto. “Let’s not let false lies spread as being facts. It’sdangerous. “What we have achieved in Victoria is an amazing job and the last thing we need is peoplespreadingtheories.”

• Sunbury Just Planet 37 O’Shannesy Street

• Sunbury An Apple a Day Natural Health Store 49 O’Shannesy Street

• Sunbury The Spotted Owl 93 O’Shannesy Street

• Sunbury Cafe Circe 109 O’Shannesy Street

• Sunbury IGA Supermarket - Sunbury 98-122 O’Shannesy Street

• Sunbury Killara Family Store - Sunbury 57 Phillip Drive

• Sunbury Strathearn Glen Corner Store 10 Strathearn Drive

• Sunbury Sacco & Saba Cafe 2/20-30 Sussex Street

• Sunbury Rosenthal Shopping Centre 90 Vineyard Road

• Tylden Tylden Store 36 Trentham Road

• Woodend Keatings Real Estate - Woodend 83 Calder Highway

• Woodend Coles Supermarket - Woodend 61 High Street

• Woodend II cafe 66 High Street

• Woodend Andrews Cafe 77 High Street

• Woodend Fox in the Chamber 90 High Street

• Woodend Jellis Craig Real Estate - Woodend 91 High Street

• Woodend Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts 95 High Street

• Woodend Woodend Newsagency 101 High Street

• Woodend Paysanne Cafe 112 High Street

• Woodend Bourkies Bake House 115 High Street

• Woodend RT Edgar Real Estate - Woodend 124 High Street

• Woodend BP Service Station - Woodend 130 High Street

• Woodend Woodend Community Centre High Street & Forest Street

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Who won the medal for best on ground in the 2023 AFL ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon?

2. Which English Premier League side refunded the ticket prices of fans who attended their recent 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United?

3. What sport was once

5. What mode of transport did ultramarathon runner Joasia Zakrzewski illegally use for one section of a recent event in the UK?

6. The 1994 Kevin Bacon film TheAirUpThere revolves around which sport?

7. Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is about to coach what milestone game?

And how many NRL league teams has Bennett coached during his career?

The Major League Baseball team Oakland Athletics recently purchased land in which US city, signalling the probable relocation of the team?

How many teams will compete at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup?

Which Collingwood star was applauded for his ‘incredible’ ANZAC Day speech?

12. Which Canadian artist performed at the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show?

13. Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard reignited a long-running feud online with which other tennis veteran?

14. Which chess player currently holds the No.1 position in the FIDE world chess rankings?

15. And how long have they held the ranking?

16. What nationality is F1 legend Fernando Alonso?

17. Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler made history after scoring how many points against the top seeded Milwaukee Bucks?

18. Australia defeated England by what margin at the 2022 Ashes?

19. Which NRL forward copped a lengthy ban after executing a dangerous tackle against Braden Hamlin-Uele?

20. What is the full name of US motorsports racing driver ‘Bubba’ Wallace?

21. In what year did Serena Williams win her first Grand Slam singles title?

22.Which team did Sydney FC beat in the A-League Women’grand final?

23. And what was the scoreline?

24. The opening Ashes match for 2023 will be held where?

25. How many games were decided by a single point in round 7 of this year’s AFL season?

26. Which country hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics?

Trades & Services Employment General Classifieds

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27. When will the AFLW 2023 season start?

28. Florence Pugh plays which WWE wrestler in the 2019 movie Fighting With My Family?

29. Dustin Martin has won how many Norm Smith medals?

30.In which year did Chris Goulding join Melbourne United?

Excavator Operator Loader Operator and Labourer required.

Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc.

Weighbridge Operator Admin and adhoc duties, full time position, computer knowledge is essential. Saturdays required.

Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

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

The Weeknd 13. Maria Sharapova

Magnus Carlson

Saraya Knight, also known as Paige

Fernando Alonso

Serena Williams

Outback gets better with age

By Chris Riley

After all these years, I still think of the Subaru Outback as a wagon rather than SUV – the Forester too.

Unfortunately,youcan’tbuyadieselOutback anymore, but the latest turbocharged petrol version certainly addresses any perceived deficiencies in performance.

And, like a fine wine, Outback continues to get better with age.

Its one major gap in an otherwise impressive repertoire remains the fact that it seats only five.Infact,Subaruhasn’tofferedaseven-seater as part of its range since the propeller-nosed Tribeca in 2013.

Butyou’renotlikelytoreceiveanycomplaints from those five passengers in a car that really sets a benchmark for comfort and features, given its relatively modest price.

Styling

Prices for Outback start from $42,690. Two turbocharged versions are offered: Outback AWD Sport XT is $52,190 while Outback AWD Touring XT is $55,990 - $5000 more than their standard counterparts.

To distinguish turbo models, they feature dual tailpipes to go with the extra performance, although they are barely visible below the back bumper.

There’s also an ’XT’ badge (remember the powerhouse XT Forester) and LED fog lights that are made up of six LEDs - we’re told it’s an homage to the Subaru badge which features six stars.

Infotainment

Subaru was slow to the infotainment party, but has made up for lost time with a big, impressive system that’s dominated by a large 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen.

It has been redesigned to make it more user friendly, with new shortcut buttons, updated climatecontrolbuttonsandfullscreenAndroid Auto.

XT Sport features Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ Digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with six-speaker audio. The CD player has gone to God.

Physical buttons such as the climate control panel have been integrated into the screen, with convenience and operability prioritised

through shortcut switches for some frequently used features.

Safety

Five-star safety starts with eight airbags, a rear-view camera and Autonomous emergency braking (Car to Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover).

EyeSight 4.0 features roadside speed sign recognition, adjustable speed limiting, and intersection crash avoidance using new cameras with a wider field of view and a lower profile inside the cabin.

There’s also a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS).

Driving

Apart from the turbocharged engine, the other big change is the switch to the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which is stiffer and provides the scope to use alternative powertrains -- such as hybrid or fully-electric setups.

With maximum torque kicking in from a low 2000 revs, Subaru says the turbo does the dash from 0-100km/h about 22 per cent quicker than naturally aspirated models (but they don’t reveal what that time is).

Auto Stop-Start now incorporates “Change of Mind Control“ which as its name suggests, restarts the engine within 0.2 of a second -- if

you change your mind.

Althoughdescribedassymmetricalall-wheel drive, like most systems these days it is actually a part-time system with torque transmitted to the rear wheels as required (read the fine print).

In manual mode the CVT features seven steps or simulated gears, with the addition of Intelligent and Sport modes plus two-mode X-Mode for off-road driving.

With 213mm of ground clearance, X-Mode is designed for use below 40km/h with one setting optimised for snow and dirt and the other for deep snow and mud.

Fuel consumption from the 63-litre tank is a claimed 9.0L/100km compared to 7.3L/100km for the standard model, and it takes premium 95 unleaded.CO2 emissions are 204g/km.

The suspension has been re-tuned to accommodate the new engine, with different settings for the springs and dampers, and the result is first rate.

The extra torque of the turbocharged engine has also allowed the tow capacity to be increased 400kg, up from 2000 to 2400kg.

Outback is easy to get in and out of, with a cabinthatisaniceplacetobe.Theseatsarelarge and comfy, something Subaru has always done well, and the ride is quiet and buttery smooth (in contrast to the Jeep we drove previously).

All-round vision is excellent and you can see where the front of the bonnet is when it comes to parking.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Outback 2.5: $42,690

Sport 2.5: $47,190

Touring 2.5: $50,990

Sport XT 2.4: $52,190

Touring XT 2.4: $55,990

SPECIFICATIONS

Subaru Outback XT Touring 2.4-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon

The large physical blind spot lights that never fail to capture attention.

Elbow room is a bit snug however, so be sure to try it on for size.

The interior layout looks pretty much the same as the previous Outback that we drove a couple of years back, but the front seats have been redesigned with advanced shaping and support to reduce fatigue over longer distances. Although the infotainment system looks impressive, the instrument cluster has a bit of catching up to do.

It retains old-style analogue gauges that flank a small central driver info screen with fuel consumption figures etc.

We finished on 10.1L/100km after close to 400km of mixed driving, but expect this to be higher around town.

Summing up

The Subaru Outback is not perfect, but that is the word that springs to mind.

The turbocharged engine adds some punch and extra towing ability, but be prepared to pay a penalty in fuel consumption.

However, it’s the comfort and ride quality that leave a lasting impression -- one that you’ll want to take home.

The next step in the evolution of the wagon is a hybrid version, followed we assume by a fully-electric Outback sometime down the track.

Subaru’s Outback ... you won’t want to give it back. (Pictures: Supplied)

Bombers building nicely in top five

Riddell sits comfortably in the top five after fourroundsdespiteatoughstarttotheRiddell District Netball League.

With a tough start on paper, the Bombers were unsure how they would go this season with a number of new players in the line up.

Bombers coach Beck Anstey said they were happy how they had been able to start the season.

“I’m pretty happy after yesterday [Saturday]’s win,” she said.

“To be 3-1 I’m pretty happy after what looked to be a tough start to the season. We’ve only dropped one game.

“We’re really confident and we’ll hopefully be able to build on it for the rest of the season.”

The Bombers faced a different test on Saturday against Romsey.

While the Redbacks are yet to win a match, they added a massive inclusion both in size and experience.

Sri Lankan international Tharjini Sivalingam made her debut for the Redbacks andat208centimetresprovidedtheRedbacks

with a key holding goaler.

Anstey said while they were preparing to possibly play against a tall shooter, they weren’t expecting Sivalingam to play.

With one of their defenders out with illness, it was left to Anstey to take on the role of trying to shut Sivalingam down. Anstey has been playing as a goaler for the Bombers’ C-grade side this season.

“It caught us by surprise,” Anstey said.

“I’ve never felt so small in my life playing against such a high calibre player.

“I have come from a mixed background, so it’s not a bad match up for us. I’m rapt I had the challenge to play on a player like that.”

Anstey said they were able to control the match throughout after getting an early lead. She said they were able to keep on building and they came away with a 68-48 win.

“It was cold, but a lovely game,” he said. “It was really enjoyable.”

Shelby Holter shot 44 goals for the Bombers, with Ellen Close scoring 16 and Amy Starzer with eight goals.

For the Redbacks, Sivalingam scored 40

goals.

The Bombers this week face Diggers Rest.

Anstey said it would be a big challenge for them, despite the Burras having won just one game for the season.

“They are still not easy beats,” she said.

“You can’t underestimate them.”

In other matches, Macedon was too strong for Wallan, winning 60-19.

Henrietta was best on court for the Cats, shooting 47 goals.

Melton Centrals snuck home against Lancefield,winning50-45,whiletheWestern Rams beat Woodend-Hesket 40-35.

Sharks let guard down

By Tara Murray

Rupertswood has gotten an early reality check in Essendon District Football League division 1.

After a strong season last year, the Sharks are among the sides expected to be in the finals mix,

It’s been an up and down start for the Sharks, who sit 2-2 after the first four rounds.

On Saturday, the Sharks dropped one they were expected to win against Keilor Park.

Headed to Keilor Park Recreation Reserve for the first time, the Sharks looked to have the game in control at half time.

But whatever was said to the Devils at half time worked, with eight goals to two in the second half to get the 11.9 (75)-10.5 (65).

Sharks coach Arron Bray said it was a pretty disappointing result for the group.

“It was a story of two halves,” he said “We controlled the first half and then didn’t come out switched on after half time.

“We had the game in control and were 29-30 points up. They made a couple of changes which threw us off.

“We struggled to adjust and they were ferocious and they hunted us and the rest of history.”

Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Sharks, while Cam McRorie and Brent Swallow kicked two apiece.

Bray said Swallow and Aaron West were their two standouts, but it tapered off after that.

Bray said the loss was a bit of a reality check for the side.

“We would rather it happen now,” he said.

“We always seem to struggle against the sides we’re expected to beat. I think it’s a mental thing rather than a physical thing.

“After four rounds we are 2-2 and still in the hunt, but we let one slip.”

Bray said ideally they would have liked to have been 3-1 at this stage of the season, but the ladder doesn’t lie.

The Sharks sit eighth spot, one of five teams with a 2-2 record.

One of those sides is Craigieburn, who the Sharks face this week at home.

“It’s pretty much an eight point game,” Bray said. “We have to pick ourselves up and then we have Deer Park the following week.”

Meanwhile in division 2, the Sunbury Kangaroos and East Sunbury remain winless after four rounds.

The Kangaroos were again in the contest until late but weren’t able to come away with the win against the Northern Saints.

The Saints kicked three goals to one in the final quarter to seal a 14.13 (97)-11.8 (74) win.

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Sunbury veteran Jason McGann was named in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 team of the year. McGann, who has won several competition best and fairest awards previously, was recognised for this season with the ball, which helped his side make it to the grand final. Glenroy’s Cooper McFarlane won the Roy Picone Medal as the best player in division 3.

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Club Sunbury’s Sophie Kurzman has been named in the Victorian squad for the 2023-24 representative season. Kurzman has been selected in the women’s open squad, while her Sunbury teammate Mark Cowan has been named in the senior men’s squad. In the five months from now to October players have several opportunities to impress in major events, including Region Sides, the Australian Open and the two state side series set for August and September.

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The Sunbury Lions fell short against Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. After two straight wins, the Lions pushed the Lakers all the way but fell short, losing 39-35. Tara O’Grady scored 21 goals for the Lions, while Ruth Smith shot 14 goals. The Lions sit in sixth spot. The Lions face Darley this Saturday.

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The Sunbury Lions continued their strong form with a massive win against Lake Wendouree, 26.14 (170)-7.4 (46). The Lions jumped out of the blocks and led by 27 points at quarter time, before extending that to 60 points at half time. The Lions kicked 12 goals to two in the second half to seal the win. Cody Brand kicked five goals for the Lions, while Harrison Minton-Connell was named their best. The Lions face Darley this Saturday.

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Tara Murray

Shelby Holter had a strong game for the Bombers on Saturday. (Joe Mastroianni). 289076_01

Brody Watts kicked four goals for the Kangaroos, with Jackson Treweek named their best.

The Thunder fell short against Hadfield. The Hawks led all day in the 11.5 (71)-3.9

(27) win. Bradley Kite was the Thunder’s best. Both teams have byes this week as part of the second weekend of the split round.

Jorden Braddy in the ruck for Rupertswood. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 333186_77

Sunbury Tigers heading in the right direction

The Sunbury Tigers return to the NRL Storm premiership first grade competition has been a few years in the making, but the wait has been worth it.

One of the more successful teams in the last decade, the Tigers struggled for numbers before COVID-19 and had to fold their senior team.

The work then started behind the scenes to get the team back up and running. Last season they played in the second grade, winning the premiership and earning promotion back into the top grade.

Coach Grant Paaka said they had always wanted to be back in the top flight.

“It was always part of the plan,” he said. “What happened was in 2018-19 we put a plan in place.

“We had a lot of 17-year-olds at the time. We thought they would go through the 18s, 19s as a playing group and then be ready to go in seniors.

“A lot of ex-juniors have also returned to the club and want to help rebuild at Sunbury.

Paaka said a lot of work had been done at Sunbury behind the scenes to ensure that the program is sustainable for the long term.

He said after the previous success the club had, there weren’t the people there to step up when that group decided it was time to step away.

“We got a plan together to try and get back into first grade and it’s a perfect time to move forward,” he said.

“We want to stay in first grade forever, touch wood. We have a system in place and not a lot

of people realise that we have every age group at the club.

“It’s about nurturing that sustainability for the long term and hopefully have them progress into the senior side down the track.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Sunbury Tiger.”

Off field the club has had plenty of sponsors come on board across the age groups, while they’ve got new lights and club rooms.

The club continues to grow talent that are making it to the next level. Paaka said the club has had two players play NRL, while there’s another three on lists of NRL clubs.

On field things are going well for the Tigers in their return to first grade.

The club sits third on the ladder with three wins from four games.

On Saturday, the Tigers beat the Northern Thunder, 38-16.

Paaka said there was a lot of unknown heading back into the top flight.

“I have coached the majority of them since they were 11 years of age,” he said.

“We’vehadalotofinterestfromex-Sunbury juniors and there’s a lot of new interest with growth in Sunbury. “They bring that culture of wanting to work for each other. They are reaping the rewards of that.”

Paaka said the focus for the club this season wasn’t on results, but was individual growth and getting the players to play their roles.

He said they want to be competitive each week and see what happens from there.

The Tigers this week face ladder leaders and reigning premiers the Truganina Rabbitohs.

Penny selected in the young guns team

Gisborne’s Rye Penny will be among those aiming to push their AFL mid-season draft claims against the state’s best under-18 boys footballers as part of the 2023 Young Guns series.

Thetwo-gameserieswillpittheYoung Guns team against Victoria Metro and Victoria Country under-18 teams.

The first of those games between the Young Guns and Victoria Metro was set to be played on Sunday, after deadline, with the second game between the Young Guns and Victoria Country set down for this Sunday. The Young Guns team has been selected by AFL recruiters, with the team made up of players eligible for selection in the AFL mid-season rookie draft on May 31.

The team features prospects who compete in the Coates Talent League Boys as overage players and in the Victorian Football League.

Penny, who is playing for the Calder Cannons this season, has been named in the Young Guns team. Penny was named in the Vic Metro squad for trail matches against Victoria Country last month.

Bundoora’s Jedd Longmire and Western Jets’ Jovan Petric have also been named in the team.

Victoria Metro and Victoria Country will use the Young Guns series as a trial ahead of selecting their final squads to compete at the national championships.

Gisborne continue to show good signs.

Sky Blues show promise

By Tara Murray

Gisborne continues to show positive signs in the FV state league 4 west competition despite it not reflecting on the scoreboard.

The Sky Blues are without a win after seven, but with a very young and raw side, they knew that it was going to take some time.

Sky Blues coach and president Carl Valeri said before the weekend’s match with the TruganinaHornets,ithadbeenabigchallenge for the side so far.

“The effort is there and the feeling around the club, which is really important for us,” he said.

“Right now we’ve definitely got a lot of positive signs. We have a lot of young ones, under-18s making their debuts, which is what we’ve wanted.

“We’re also engaged with the community at a high level. That’s evident at training the last few weeks, we’ve had three players turn up, wanting to join.”

Valeri said performance wise that he can’t fault what the young group is trying to do.

He said they need to continue to stick to the processes and the results would finally come their way.

“Ican’tfaulttheperformancesofthegroup,” he said. “We are not focused on the results, we want to focus on the way we’re playing and giving opportunities.

“The energy from the group is where we want it to be. We can not fault that.

“They’re doing everything that they should be doing and we’ll see that in the second half when we hopefully get some joy.”

Valeri said that even when they were putting out a disappointing performance, the group was responding the following week and pushing some of the top sides.

“It’s the type of character that we have,” he said.

“It’s not only the type of character, but that we are building something. They can sense it too.

“It’s not just someone saying it, they are seeing it themselves and it’s good to see them enjoying their football.”

The Sky Blues faced Truganina Hornets on Saturday, which on paper was the side’s best chance to get a win so far. The Hornets also entered the game without a win.

It turned out to be a disappointing day, losing 8-1.

The Hornets led 4-0 at half time before finishing it off in the second half.

Valeri said before the game that he was aware how important the game was in terms of trying to consolidate a spot in state league 4.

“We know that Truganina is a good side despite the lack of points they have,” he said.

“It’s a fight for everything regardless of who we play, we have to bring the intensity and effort. It has to be a habit and sustainable, it doesn’t guarantee a win, but a good base line.”

The Sky Blues this week face Spring Hills, which has only one win.

Calder Cannons assistant coach Matt O’Connor will again coach the Young Guns, with Ali Hamad (Western Jets), Jon Mole (Dandenong Stingrays) and Luke Williams (Calder Cannons) also part of the coaching panel.

Victoria Metro will be coached by Sandringham Dragons boys head coach Rob Harding. Western Jets coach Trent Dennis-Lane, Northern Knights coach Anthony Rocca and Calder Cannons’ Andrew Sturgess are assistant coaches.

Among those named in the metro squad are Calder Cannons’ Isaac Kako, Mahmoud Taha, Ryan Eyre and Jordan Croft.

Western Jets’ Lucca Grego and Jake Smith, along with Northern Knights Zak Johnson and Christian Mardini have also been named in the metro squad.

Rye Penny (Martin Keep/AFL Photos)

(Warren Owen)

Changes implemented for EDFL netball comp

A lack of teams has resulted in the Essendon District Football League reverting to a social netball competition for the upcoming season. Having formed a netball competition in 2019, the league has struggled to attract a significant number of sides with that number decreasing every year.

In the lead up to this season just two clubs, the Sunbury Kangaroos and Oak Park expressed fielding sides.

The league announced last week that its competition would be a short season social competition being played across 10 weeks, rather than a proper season.

So far there are five teams from the Kangaroos and Oak Park, while the club is seeking interest from other clubs to have teams.

Last season’s premiers Rupertswood in an email to players before the announcement

said that it had been left disappointed with the lack of advancement of the competition.

“Informal communication from the EDFL in recent weeks has indicated that only two teams have registered for the 2023 season,” the email said, seen by Star Weekly.

“As such we are awaiting formal communication from them that there will be no EDFL senior netball competition in 2023 which is clearly disappointing despite promises and assurances given when we agreed to move to the EDFL.

“We also note there has been no advancement of their promise to commence a junior programme.”

The email said that the club had looked at other options for 2023, including their netball sides playing in the Riddell District Netball League or joining the Western Region Football League.

“Following positive discussions with the WRFL in December and January, we lodged a formal application to join WRFL Netball prior to their application closing date at the end of January 2023,” the email said.

“Wereceivedconfirmationthatdespitetheir best efforts, they could not accommodate us in their 2023 season.

“They have strongly encouraged us to re-apply for the 2024 season and are confident of such an application being successful.

“The committee shares your frustration regarding the club’s inability to find a suitable competition for netball in 2023.”

“We will continue to work with all three leagues during 2023 to determine the best result for Rupo netball in 2024.”

EDFL chief executive Andrew Johnston remained something the league wanted to have as part of their league. He said they

Jets on the right track

By Tara Murray

Despite not coming away with the win, the Sunbury Jets will take plenty of positives out of the weekend as they continue to search for their first win of the Big V women’s state championship season.

The Jets pushed last season’s grand finalists, the Bulleen Boomers all the way on Saturday night, falling just short 92-86.

Jets coach Simon Nicholson missed the game due to state commitments, but said the feedback he had been given was all positive.

“There were a lot of positives to come out of last [Saturday] night,” he said. “Bulleen is second on the ladder and we were able to push them to six points.

“Given the tough weekend we had last weekend, I’m proud of how they were able to come back.”

Ida Andersson top scored with 21 points as all five starters scored double figures.

Nicholson said while they had shown some

really good signs this season, it was now about taking the next step and playing four quarter basketball to get that first win.

“Things have not gone our way early,” he said.

“We’ve grouped and refocused and got back on track with what we want to do and what we want to be known for as a team.

“When we play the way we want to and execute we are competitive with everyone. It’s about putting it together for four quarters and we haven’t been able to do that.”

Nicholson said he had made some adjustments to the game plan and the way they were playing and the group was starting to get more confidence in playing with each other.

One big part in that has been getting both their imports on the court.

“Ida has been around the pre-season, it’s been good to get her back on court,” Nicholson said. “She’s not 100 per cent and still recovering from ankle surgery.

“Dimitra [Gkizani] has fitted in really well and has done everything that we have wanted from her.”

Nicholson said they were hoping that the Boomers result would be the turning point for their season.

The Jets this week face the Pakenham Warriors, who they lost to by 37 points the previous week.

“Hopefully it will be a launching point and speaking to people I think it will be,” he said.

“Pakenham has won two games now. Last weekend was a low point for us.

“This is a really gettable game for us and we’re looking forward to it. We’ll see how the girls bounce back and look to build from yesterday [Saturday].

Meanwhile, the Jets men’s side suffered a thrilling loss to the McKinnon Cougars.

The Jets led early before a poor third quarter proved costly, as they lost 105-101.

MaxwellBarkeleytopscoredwith30points.

needed a bit more support from the clubs to have a fully fledged competition.

“The clubs still wanted to do something and this is what we landed on,” he said. At the end of the day, the league is still fully supportive and is happy to put in more resources and time into it.”

Johnston said they wanted all clubs to be part of the netball program and have more females playing sport.

He said they would consult with clubs this year and see whether a fully fledged netball competition would be viable next season and see whether clubs want to support the competition.

Tigers get first win of season

Lancefield broke through for its first win of the Riddell District Football League season, in a low scoring affair with Melton Centrals.

In perfect conditions for footy, both teams’ defences were on top throughout the game.

Neither team scored a goal in the first quarter, before Centrals kicked three goals to one in the second quarter to lead by 11 points at the main break. Centrals were able to extend the lead in the third quarter, before the Tigers responded late to lead by a goal heading into the final quarter.

The Tigers kicked the only goal of the final quarter to seal a 6.9 (45)-5.5 (35) win.

Benjamin Bryant was the only multiple goal kicker for the Tigers with two goals.

TigersruckTomWaterswasdominant in the second half and was named his side’s best alongside Michael Conlan. In other matches, Romsey upset Riddell at Romsey Park.

After an even first quarter, the Redbacks kicked five goals to one in the second quarter to open up a 25 point lead.

That margin stayed steady in the third quarter and the Redbacks were able to do enough in the final quarter to win, 10.5 (65)-6.6 (42).

Darcy Lockens kicked four goals for the Redbacks and was named among their best along with Ali Khalil.

Tommy Alkemade was the Bombers best.

Wallan continued Macedon’s tough start to the season with a convincing win on Saturday.

The Cats led at quarter time, but it was all the Magpies after that.

The Cats failed to kick a goal after the first break as the Magpies won, 9.12 (66)-3.5 (23).

Mason Bowden was named the Magpies best, with Samuel Indian named the Cats best.

After a slow start, Woodend-Hesket got a solid win against the Western Rams. Neither team scored a goal in the first quarter, before the Hawks kicked four to none in the second quarter to open up a 30 point lead.

The Hawks continued on after that, winning 12.16 (88)-1.1 (7).

Tara Murray

Emily Conn (Basketball Victoria)