Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 16th May 2023

Big goals for small school

Newham Primary School is working hard to educate and improve its sustainability through leadership groups and ongoing projects.

The small school has a range of sustainability projects for students to learn about the Macedon Ranges and how they can be more sustainable including an ecology talk, whole school tree planting days and a river detectives program.

Principal Simone Wood said sustainability has been an important aspect of the school for a long time.

“We’ve developed a junior sustainability leadership group … [where] they’ve made videos to teach other students how best to do composting and recycling,” she said.

One of the school’s upcoming projects is a planting day in May, where staff and students will plant hundreds of trees.

“We’ve been allocated by Melbourne Water about 300 trees, but we need to figure out the best planting pattern,” Ms Wood said.

“The children are going to be learning about where we can [plant, as we] can’t just start planting stuff [anywhere].”

Rate pain looms in Hume

By Hannah Hammoud

Despite strong opposition from three councillors, Hume council’s draft budget 2023-24 has been endorsed for public consultation and includes an average rate rise of 3.5 per cent to help fund a $128 million capital works budget.

Cr Karen Sherry acknowledged the “challenging” financial climate that all residents are facing as the rising cost of living pressures continue to squeeze.

“Our investment in services and infrastructure will help our growing community continue to thrive, it will provide thesupportforourresidentsfrombirththrough to their later life. It is financially responsible

and considers all that our community needs,” Cr Sherry said.

A proposed capital works program of $128.25 million will go towards maintaining, upgrading and building community facilities, roads,footpaths,parksandreservesin2023-24.

The capital works program touts major development projects across the municipality with more than $38 million injected into a number of projects, including the upgrade of the former Craigieburn Leisure Centre to a new indoor sports facility, Kalkallo North Community Hub, Greenvale indoor cricket centreandSeabrookReserveCommunityHub.

Council has proposed an average rate increase of 3.5 per cent, the largest increase permitted under the state government’s rate

cap.

The draft budget includes the introduction of the waste services charge which will be removedfromthegeneralratesandbecharged for separately. Hume council will also roll out the introduction of Food Organics/Green Organics (FOGO) bins.

Crs Trevor Dance, Carly Moore and Jodi Jackson expressed their concerns over the inclusion of expensive items listed in the budget, each concurring that the draft budget was not ready for consultation in its current format and required further information.

The draft budget includes the allocation of over $38.42 million as part of the capital works budgetoverthenextfiveyearsforanEnterprise ResourcePlanningTechnologysolution,which

CrDancereferredtoas,“afancydescriptionfor upgrading our IT systems”.

The technology investment will be subject to afurthercouncilreportnextmonthtoconfirm the final scope and allocation in the budget.

Cr Moore said she could not support the technology investment in absence of all the details.

“ … I do not think that it is financially responsibletoincludea$40millioniteminour budget,whetheritisadraftbudgetornotuntil, we have had at least a detailed business case. This would not be good governance.”

Residents will be able to provide feedback on the draft budget until May 30.

Council will hold a submissions hearing on June 5.

Newham Primary School sustainability leaders Sophie, Leo, Lewis and Freya planting trees. (Damjan Janevski) 333429_01

Calls for freeway action

The Calder Action Group is calling for more funding to upgrade the Calder Freeway from the state government, after it missed out on funding in the federal budget.

The Calder Freeway has been the subject of community concern for more than a decade and was named as one of state’s top 10 deadliestroadsin2021,withBrimbankcouncil launching a ‘Fix the Calder Campaign’ the same year. Both governments committed $50 million to the project in 2021, but there has not been significant allocated funding included in budgets since.

Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said the community is in limbo without funding to upgrade the freeway.

“We’ve been pushing this as a community

group for the last 10 years,” Mr Mowatt said.

“We formed the group on June 7, 2007 with the view to improve the Calder. Nothing’s happening, it’s getting worse, there’s still a lot of accidents [and] congestion is getting worse.

“The longer we leave it, the more it’s going to cost the government and community.”

Mr Mowatt said he was disappointed the freeway did not receive any funding in the federal budget, particularly the Calder Park Drive and Calder Freeway Overpass project.

“In short the federal budget 2023-24 has given diddly-squat about the Calder Freeway,” he said. “I[t] is a road of national importance but … not when budget time comes around from the federal government.”

With a current business case before a

budget estimates committee, Mr Mowatt said he finds the lack of timely progress for the upgrades frustrating. He said while housing developments were being approved, there was a lack of infrastructure to support the growing number of people who use the road.

“It begs the question where is all the money from the developer contribution going?

During his work with the Calder Action Group, Mr Mowatt said he has contacted state treasurer Tim Pallas with a submission to the 2023-24 Victorian state budget and Sunbury MP Josh Bull, but said Mr Bull had not replied.

Mr Bull said detailed planning work has been ongoing on this project and he will continue to advocate for the upgrade to the major infrastructure minister.

Melbourne Airport jobs bonanza

Airlines, ground handlers, retailers and other providers at the Melbourne Airport are on a hiring blitz and hoping to fill hundreds of roles at a jobs fair on Thursday, May 18.

The airport is the state’s largest employment precinct outside of the Melbourne CBD, and the positions on offer range from cabin crew, frontofhousehospitalityandretail,throughto law enforcement, transport, and security.

More than 40 airport-based businesses are on the lookout for staff, welcoming resumes from entry-level applicants through to senior management.

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said it’s the perfect time to start a career inaviation,withpassengernumbersontherise. “Notonlyareweseeingmorepeopletravelling, but we’re also renovating parts of the terminal,

such as adding 11 new restaurants in terminal one, creating new retail and hospitality opportunities,” she said.

“Qantas, Jetstar, Rex, Bonza and Virgin all have vacancies to fill, and a couple of our international carriers are also recruiting.

“Thisisthefirsttimewe’veheldacareersfair on-airport, and it’s a great opportunity to get a feel for the environment and speak directly with employers.”

Melbourne Airport’s Jobs Fair will be held in frontofterminalfourandwilloperateovertwo separate sessions from 2-4pm and 4-6pm.

Complimentary terminal car parking in the terminal four car park will be available to guests at the event. Register: https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/melbourne-airport-jobsfair-tickets-623371921197

Assumption College students ready to shine on stage

Assumption College will bring a cherished childhood story to life when students and staff present the senior production ‘Charlie’.

Scheduled on May 25, 26 and 27 at the Plenty Valley Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, the stage will be filled with colour, and immense imagination with over 60 Assumption College students performing original songs and new hits in their rendition of the loved Charlieand theChocolateFactory

The character of Charlie will be brought to life by year 9 student Francesco in what will be sure to be an impressive debut. Willy Wonka will be played by year 12 student Elizabeth, in her final appearance with the production team.

“The production crew are in an intense preparation phase, and we could not be any more in awe of the skill and artistry of the performers,” said producation co-ordinator Jo Porch.

“Behind the scenes we are busy ensuring all elements of the show are in place and I have no doubt that at curtain call, the students will shine.”

Family, friends and community members are invited to book tickets to the show, in what will be a professional and fabulous fun filled night at an impressive venue.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at

Charlie will be brought to life by year 9 student Francesco, while Willy Wonka will be played by

‘‘ I have no doubt that at curtain call, the students will shine ’’

- Jo Porch

Book by David Greig

Music by Marc Shaiman

Lyrics by Scott Wittman Marc Shaiman

Sunbury Downs offers a rich educational experience

Sunbury Downs College is a vibrant year 7 to 12 coeducational secondary college, offering a richeducationalexperienceinanenvironment that encourages excellent outcomes for all students.

The college offers a wide range of programs catering for all students, with a strong emphasis on developing individual wellbeing and positive interpersonal relationships.

Studentsbelongtooneoftwo‘minischools’, middle years (7-9); and later years (10-12), with year-level coordinators working with homegroup and classroom teachers.

Sunbury Downs College has a comprehensive educational program including English, mathematics, science, humanities, health and physical education, arts, technology and languages (Italian).

The college also offers a range of VCE subjects, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) together with a structured VCE Vocational Major program in years 11 and 12, catering for students with an interest in applied learning.

SunburyDownsCollegeoffersanAccelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) program, extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE. The ACE program is a select entry course with enrolment from feeder primary schools for students in years 7 to 9.

The college offers a wide range of inclusive activities and programs which cater to all students, including debating, maths club, band and choir.

There are year level and specialised camps and excursions that complement the teaching and learning program. It offers instrumental musicandpresentsahighlyacclaimedmusical production, enabling students to excel in an environment that fosters participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the

classroom.

Students are allocated to one of four houses (Aitken, Evans, Jackson, Mitchell) on enrolment, with an inter-school sporting program offering students the opportunity to

represent the school at the local level. The college values of respect, resilience, ambition and community are embedded within the school’s teaching and learning practices. These core values support a culture

of participation and excellence based on developingpositiverelationshipsandpersonal growth by all community members.

Auxiliary captains with college captains and principal Warwick Beynon. (Supplied)

Salesian College helps every student strive for success

At Salesian College Sunbury, staff pride themselves on preparing students for the future. Motivated by the Salesian charism, the college provides a quality education and promotes the school values of community, learning, excellence, and faith, both in the classroom and in everyday life.

The culture is inspired by the example of Saint John Bosco (Don Bosco), the founder of the Salesians, and in 2023, the college community is proud to celebrate 100 years of Salesian presence in Australia.

The college motto, ‘Striving in Life’, reflects the belief that, given the opportunity and right environment, every student can strive for success. Students are encouraged to have a voice in all aspects of their learning, and a broad range of subjects allows them to be challenged and to open their minds to the potential in their future.

In2024,thecollegeislaunchingabrand-new curriculum structure – My Salesian Passport – that celebrates innovation in teaching and learning.Theprogramisdesignedtoempower studentstoembracetheiruniqueinterestsand abilities and build a learning pathway that optimises motivation and engagement from year 7-12.

The college is based on beautiful and unique grounds that feature a working farm, an indoor sports stadium, a lake, a heritage mansion, and premium facilities. The latest buildingprojectsincludeacontemporaryfood technology building, and a state-of-the-art STEAM centre (due for completion later in 2023).

The college’s commitment to cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities is reflective of its overarching goal to provide an environment that instils a love of learning in young people and inspires them to strive in life.

Students are empowered to take an active

part in their school journey through student voice and leadership opportunities, and co-curricular clubs and activities. Later this year, students will perform their 2023 college

production. Tickets will be on sale to the public in the next few weeks.

Whynothearfromthestudentsthemselves? Visitthecollegewebsitetobookaspaceonone

of the onsite, student-led tours where you will discover Salesian College Sunbury’s unique campus and see what sets the college apart!

College principal Mark Brockhus with students Eva Giuliano, Jake Giuffre,Celeste Sotelo and Julian Caruana. (Supplied)

Feel a sense of belonging at Braemar College

Choosing where to send your kids to school can be a tough decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, like family and friends, and your own experiences with schooling. Plus, you have to take into account the financial and logistical aspects.

That’s why I want you to meet four awesome year 7 students at Braemar College – Olive, James, Michael, and Lillian. They all started at theschoolin2023andcangiveyouagreatidea of what it’s like to be a student there.

When I inquired about the reasons for choosing Braemar, their responses were enlightening. James appreciated the expansive areas, while Olive and Lillian appreciated the difference between the Woodend and Mount Macedon campuses, where they spent part of their schedule. Michael found it appealing that the campus was not visible from the main road, as it was surrounded by either open fields at Woodend or trees and vegetation at the Mount campus, creating an authentic sense of space.

The sense of safety on campus was a wonderful advantage for these four students. The beautiful natural environment only enhanced their feeling of security. The abundance of farm and wildlife was truly remarkable and something they were able to witness every day. It was a stark contrast from their previous city lifestyle, but the vast open spaces and rural setting of Braemar was a refreshing change they eagerly anticipated each day.

Michael shared how connecting with his teachers made him and his classmates feel valued, while Lillian reflected on the joy they found in their core classes of Encounter and Investigate. James praised the diversity of electives available, and Olive appreciated the support of the caring staff. The flexibility provided by the teachers allowed everyone to feel accepted and accommodated in their approach to learning, and the young people were grateful for these positive traits in their educators.

After engaging in conversations with the year 7 students, it is evident that they possess a genuine fondness for attending school. They expressed their appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere, the amicable and competent teachers, and the engaging and stimulating classes. Most notably, they conveyed a strong sense of belonging and security within the school community. As the principal, I am immensely proud to hear such positive feedback from our young students. Why not come and see for yourself?

Russell Deer, Braemar College principal

Braemar College year 7 students Olive, James, Michael, and Lillian with principal Russell Deer. (Supplied)

Nurturing every student to reach their full potential

Sacred Heart College Kyneton is a Catholic secondary school in the Mercy tradition, offering a caring and safe learning environment.

The college is absolutely committed to educating the whole person, to ensure that the young people in the college’s care flourish academically, spiritually, socially, psychologically, and physically.

Organised into two sub-schools, the heads of junior (years 7-9) and senior (years 10-12) school oversee the growth of the junior and

senior experience, with a particular focus on student wellbeing.

These members of staff work in partnership with parents and alongside the classroom teachers, with the ultimate aim of nurturing each student to reach their potential.

A range of subjects and experiences are offered to those in years 7 and 8, allowing an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge across many areas.

In year 9, students begin making some subject choices in line with their interests.

Thesenioryears(years10-12),provideamore adult and individualised learning environment wherestudentsformcollaborativerelationships with peers and teachers.

Students are encouraged to strive for excellence in their academic and vocational studies and are offered a choice of pathways to suit their various learning styles and future aspirations.

Community members currently considering options for their children’s secondary journey are encouraged to learn more about the diverse

educational offerings of Sacred Heart College Kynetonbyattendingoneoftheregularcollege tours (see the enrolment page of the college website for further information and bookings – www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au).

Other opportunities to visit onsite include the annual open evening held in April each year and the junior school showcase scheduled for October 12, which provides an insight into the work of students from years 7 to 9. Contact college registrar, Denise Lawrence, if you have any general enrolment inquiries.

Senior hospitality students at the college’s recent open evening, and junior students participating in one of the college’s regular music ensemble days. (Pictures: Supplied)

Free tools to live well

Coping with the pressures of everyday life can be hard.

For some of us it’s enough to reach out to friends and family to share the load but often some extra help is needed.

There has been a lot of talk in recent months about the lack of availability of mental health professionals plus the cost of support services can be prohibitive.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is offering a free weekly group therapy session in Kyneton for anyone managing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress or any feelings of sadness or despair.

‘Tools 4 Living Well’ draws on the experience of members of the group as they share their stories and their strategies on managing their mental health.

The sessions also include practical

skills such as mindfulness and breathing exercises.

The group is designed to be accessible to anyoneinthecommunity,includingparents of pre-school children as a supervised child-friendly space is available away from the group.

Sunbury and Cobaw is proudly rainbow tick accredited offering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Individual counselling can also be offered.

The group meets every Tuesday between 9.30am and 11.30am at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s building at 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton.

To register your interest contact Gina Alvarez on 03 5421 1617 or email gina.alvarez@scchc.org.au.

Clothes swap for charity

A local clothing swap raised $540 for the Gisborne food bank, while bringing the community together and reducing clothing waste.

Faithworks Church in Gisborne kicked off the ladies clothing swap on Friday, May 5, with 60 to 70 people turning out to donate clothes, find clothes and socialise.

Event organiser Kerri Matthews said they had more people attend the swap then was expected and the weekend was a success.

“We raised $350 on the Friday and we then opened up on Saturday and Sunday,” Ms Matthews said.

“It was amazing …. the woman said this was a great idea and we should do this for kids and

other clothes [in the future].”

Ms Matthews said the leftover clothes got donated to Teen Challenge for its op shop stores, or to be sold to be made into rags if they were not suitable for the op shop.

One Facebook user commented that the swap “is such a clever way to clean out your wardrobe, bring home some new clothes, donate to charity and meet new people all at the same time.”

Ms Matthews said this comment was the perfect way to sum up the weekend and they will be looking forward to holding another one in the future.

Zoe Moffatt

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is offering a free weekly group therapy session in Kyneton. (Supplied)

Take advantage of a free will review at Grainger Legal

When you ask Jasmyne Cadman, wills and sstate lawyer at Grainger Legal, about Law Week, she smiles a little wryly.

“I’ve gotta say, it was a big week for us in the wills and estate team. I spoke to more people about their wills within that one week than I thought was humanly possible!” she said.

In 2022, Grainger Legal opened its doors as part of Law Week celebrations and invited the public to sit down with a lawyer for free at any one of their offices and find out what documents they need in place to avoid the risk of dying without a will. The response was overwhelming.

“We were still getting enquiries many weeks after the end of Law Week,” said firm director, Joanne Santos.

“It was quite apparent to us that many people are unsure what sort of detail needs to go into their will and whether or not their existing will still properly caters for their needs.”

It is for that reason that Grainger Legal will once again offer free, no obligation appointments to discuss your circumstances and discover what documents you need to put in place. If you already have a will, they will review your existing will and let you know if it is still doing what you want it to do. An appointment of this sort would normally cost $150.

ThemessagecomingfromtheGraingerLegal team is that a will is an important document, which reflects your wishes and distributes your assets in the event of your death.

Caroline Grainger, principal lawyer at Grainger Legal says she doesn’t want anyone’s loved ones to go through the stress and extra cost of sorting out an estate without the benefit of a properly executed will setting out the deceased person’s wishes.

“If someone dies without a will, it is an added heartbreak to their family to have to sort

through their affairs and then discover that even if they think they know what the deceased person would have done with their estate, they still have to abide by the laws of intestacy. Often these situations end up in a great deal of additional time and expense – a situation that could have been easily rectified by a simple and inexpensive will being prepared.”

Victorian Law Week is managed by the Victorian Law Foundation and is a state-wide program of community events and activities that makes learning about the law easy. It is designed to help Victorians understand their rights, find answers to their questions, know what help is available and how our legal system works.

To organise a free, no obligation appointment with a member of the wills and estates team at Grainger Legal, contact the office on 5407 0161 or visit the website at graingerlegal.com.au.

Appointments are being offered at the firm’s Castlemaine, Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury offices.

Jasmyne

The team at Grainger Legal. (Supplied)

Events strategy first in a decade

By Hannah Hammoud

Humecouncilisseekingcommunityfeedback for the 2023-23 draft events and festivals strategy, Vibrant and Inclusive.

Vibrant and Inclusive is the first events and festivals strategy in over 10 years. Prior to the development of Vibrant and Inclusive, council’spreviouseventsstrategywasadopted in 2010.

Vibrant and Inclusive was informed through community feedback from an events and festivals consultation process that was undertaken last year. The Participate Hume

page attracted 690 visits, with 588 people responding to the survey.

From a list of different types of festivals and events on offer, the top three preferences from respondents were: Major festival with headline act, activities, and food (43.8 per cent), Community event with activities and food (42.2 per cent) and Food and wine festival (35.1 per cent).

Key findings from the survey supported the development of strategic direction and guiding principles of the strategy.

The key principles of the strategy are to deliver events that are inclusive of all the

Hume community, have a primary purpose of community benefit and are financially and environmentally sustainable.

Cr Jarrod Bell shared the strategy at a council meeting on Monday, May 8 and encouraged the community to provide feedback on the draft events strategy through the council website.

“This strategy reflects the council’s aspirations for a thriving community and a strong sense of belonging, and provides the guiding principles to support us in our role as an event producer, supporter, partner and enabler,” Cr Bell said.

“ … I believe that Vibrant and Inclusive is a significant step in our council’s commitment to supporting our community’s aspirations.”

The draft events and festivals strategy will be open to stakeholder and community feedback until June 7, 2023.

Following the feedback period, council will finalise Vibrant and Inclusive with consideration for feedback received and present it to council for adoption.

Details:https://participate.hume.vic.gov.au/ events-and-festivals-strategy-draft

Councils get road funding

Hume and Macedon Ranges councils have received an investment into their roads under the federal government’s Infrastructure Program stage four announcement.

In an announcement on Wednesday, May 3, Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King released the funding allocation, with Hume receiving $2,552,055 and Macedon Ranges receiving $2,272,541.

Ms King said the government is committed to prioritising road upgrades in regional, rural and outer urban areas.

“We are delivering our election commitment of a further $250 million through phase four,” Ms King said.

“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks, especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times.

“We [are supporting councils] in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.”

Sunbury Art Society held its 36th Annual Show

331565_03

36 years of the Sunbury Art Society

Sunbury Art Society held its 36th annual show recently with a range of local artwork on display at Sunbury’s Boilerhouse Gallery.

The exhibition ran from May 6 to May 13, with Hume councillor Jarrod Bell opening proceedings for the show on May 5. Society vice president Robyn Pryse said the night was well attended despite the chilly weather, with wine and nibbles helping to warm up attendees.

“There were some beautiful works on display to showcase skill and talent,” Ms Pryse said.

“Without all [the] wonderful contributions and hard work, we wouldn’t be able to run the show.

“Heartfelt thanks to all of you.”

Hume council offered its congratulations to the society at its meeting on Monday, May 8, with Cr Bell talking about his time at the exhibition.

“It is without a doubt in my mind one of the pinnacles of arts and culture in the Sunbury and broader Hume community,” Cr Bell said.

“Bringing together hundreds of people across our community and displaying the

works of about 25 fanatics artists from all different age ranges, skill sets and mediums.

“Of particular note… I would like to highlight the fact that students of the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges specialists school… participate and have their own gallery space.

“[It is] a fantastic partnership.”

The Sunbury Art Society also has an upcoming exhibition running from June 22 to September 3, at the Hume Global Learning CentreinSunburytofeatureworksfrommore than 40 society members.

Zoe Moffatt

Hume council said Cobram Street in Broadmeadows, Mason Street between Waratah Street and Salvator Drive in Campbellfield, and Oaklands Road in Oaklands Junction are proposed to receive the funding and the designs well progressed.

Macedon Ranges council director assets and operations Shane Walden said council is grateful for the funding, however it has not yet allocated the funding to any specific projects.

Residents speak out against Gradys Lane development

Macedon Ranges residents have spoken in opposition of a development in Gradys Lane, Kerrie, with objections surrounding fire risk, inappropriate land use and setting the precedent for similar developments.

Four residents spoke about their objections to the application at a planning meeting on May10,withafurtherthreewrittenobjections presented to council.

The application seeks to develop a 15.375 hectare site for a dwelling, a studio, two agricultural buildings and horse husbandry, to keep two horses on the land.

One resident said the permit application is high risk and sets a precedent for smaller lots

with dwellings to be developed in the farming landscape.

“The high risk permit brings no benefits to our dispersed farming community,” the resident said.

“[It sets] precedent for lots under 40 hectares in [rural conservation zone] farming landscape to add a dwelling plus money making studio.

“[This contradicts] direction to encourage consolidation of existing isolated small lots and discourage development of small lots in rural zones for residential use.”

Another resident opposing the application spoke about the fire risk and said the

development brings an unacceptable high fire risk.

“Adding four structures next to five power lines on steep heavily forested land in a locality with no [Country Fire Authority] is reckless endangerment of life,” the resident said.

“[It] ignores the planning mandate to avoid increasing bushfire risk … [and] brings unacceptably high risk to people already living in extreme risk.”

An individual speaking on behalf of the applicant said the application acknowledges the bushfire risk and the planning scheme contains conditions that it will comply with.

“It is acknowledged the area is a high bushfire risk,” the individual said.

“The planning scheme contains detailed provisionsthatmustbecompliedwithinareas difficult of bushfire management overlay.”

“These scheme conditions have been addressed and complied with.”

Theindividualalsosaidthelotisbiggerthan the two adjoining lots, and the application seeks to protect the bush currently on the lot. Council will consider the application and residents submissions at the next planning delegated committee meeting on June 14.

By Zoe Moffatt

(L-R): Robyn Pryse, Marina Zakryszka, Yvonne Bradford and Julieanne Beckham (Damjan Janevski).

Calling on all volunteers

Citizen Advocacy Sunbury and Districts is calling for more volunteers to help mentor and be a friend to community members facing difficult challenges.

The advocacy and mentorship program has been running for over 38 years and looks to support freely given friendships between a person with an intellectual disability and a community member.

Program co-ordinator David Abela said it is important for vulnerable people in the community to feel connected to other members.

“In this day and age … disability services have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, often creating a high degree of dependency on the service system,” Mr Abela said. “It is as important as ever, that isolated, vulnerable people in our community are connected to independent individuals in their community.”

Citizen Advocacy will be holding an information and supper night at Sunbury Global Learning Centre on May 24, from 6.15 pm to 8.30 pm for people who are interested to learn more about the program.

The information night will talk about Social Role Valorisation (SRV), which is a method to improve the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised community members.

International SRV Association member John Armstrong will speak about SRV and how citizen advocacy can help people achieve the goals and aims of SRV in real life.

Program participants will also be at the information night to share their experience and what each person has gained through their relationship.

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

Briefs

Federal budget

The federal government handed down its budget on Tuesday, May 9, with McEwen residents set to receive an increase in Jobseeker, rent assistance and bulk billing. Approximately 12,500 people in McEwen on Jobseeker will receive a $40 increase in their fortnightly payments. With jobseekers aged 55 to 59, including almost 500 people in McEwen, to receive an increase of $92.10 for their fortnightly payments.

Funding for local schools

Two Macedon Ranges schools have received a share of $32 million in grants to upgrade school infrastructure and equipment. On Thursday, May 4, McEwen MP Rob Mitchell announced Newham Primary School and St Ambrose’s Parish School in Woodend would both benefit from a $25,000 grant each.

Equestrian feedback wanted Macedon Ranges council is seeking public feedback on the community equestrian facilities plan and the Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan. In an announcement on May 9, council said both plans are in the first stage of a two-stage consultation process with feedback accepted until Sunday, May 28. Details: https://bit. ly/42DyNqE

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

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Zoe Moffatt

Advocate David Abdilla, co-ordinator David Abela, assistant co-ordinator Shukona Benka and client Stuart Woods. (Damjan Janevski) 333419_01

A house full of support

Neighbourhood House Week was under way across Sunbury and Macedon Ranges from May 8 to 14, with the theme of ‘locals connecting locals’.

Lancefield Neighbourhood House and RomseyNeighbourhoodHousebothcelebrated the week with a range of activities, including a coffee and chat group and a new cafe.

Lancefield Neighbourhood House co-ordinator Vivien Philpotts said the house is aplaceforcommunitymemberstodropinand learn what’s going on in the neighbourhood.

“Our mission is to contribute to a happy, healthy and inclusive community,” Ms Philpotts said.

“We have our town house, [which is] a place

forpeopletodropinandknowwhat’sgoingon in the community.

“We also have a community garden, recycle centre, photocopying and internet access and food share, [and we] just launched a cafe.”

Ms Philpotts said the house has a lot of volunteer opportunities and is a great place to meet people.

“We have something for everybody, it’s a great way to meet people, develop skills and contribute to the community…and to your own health, volunteering is good for your health,” she said.

Details: https://bit.ly/3VUYZe3 and https:// romseynh.org.au/ Zoe

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

Moffatt

Left: Romsey Neighbourhood house coffee ‘n’ chat group with Laurie Sklifas and Michelle Balthazar. Above: Group members Michelle Balthazar, Michelle Coon, Satacy Zawila, Bridgett Atkin, Sue Briggs and Laurie Sklifas. Right: Sue and Bridgett enjoy a coffee. (Damjan Janevski) 333325

Top left: Lancefield Neighbourhood House co-ordinator Vivien Philpotts at the food share.

Top right: Lancefield residents Tracy Norrie, Linda Wakeham, Carole Sinclair and Mark Munroe enjoy Neighbourhood House week. Above: Linda Wakeham at the Lancefield Neighbourhood community garden. Right: Victoria Courtenay using the internet access. (Damjan Janevski) 333323

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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

Neighbourhood Garden Group

Gardeners are invited to drop in, check out the progress and join the volunteer team at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. Next working bee Saturday, May 20, 10am-12.30pm, 531 Elizabeth Driv, Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

What’s Going on With Boys?

An information session for parents, carers and mentors of young people in the Macedon Ranges. Thursday, June 8, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, Macedon Woodend Scout Hall, 118 Railway Place, Macedon, Light supper provided.

■ healthpromotionsunbury@scchc.org.au, or 0493 683 023

IDAHOBIT Celebrations

Join Hume council and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health for the raising of the rainbow flag for IDAHOBIT day on Wednesday, May 17 at 4pm at Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation at 43 Macedon Street. The event will include children’s activities from 3.30pm.

Malmsbury Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ Market 9-1pm in the Village Green in the centre of Malmsbury, Sunday, May 21.

Malmsbury Flea Market

Flea Market is in the Malmsbury Town Hall 91 Mollison Street, Malmsbury, Sunday, June 11.

Vintage Machinery Rally Day

Gisborne Vintage Machinery Society will hold its annual rally day at the Steam Park (Webb Crescent) , New Gisborne on Sunday, May 21, gates open 9am to 3pm. ■ www.gisbornevmrs.com

Kyneton Badminton Club

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

■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

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

Sunbury Art Society

The society meets each Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm at the Boilerhouse, Jackson’s Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with 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 Café Sunbury

Join us 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.

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 Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is 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 the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am for 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, Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The free program is for people 12-18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Carer connect chat

Connect with 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

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group, for people 15 years and older.

■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

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

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12-18 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

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 family history, come to meetings at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury.

■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Rotary club

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

■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at

9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am.

■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

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

Toastmasters

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and t hird 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 for a variety of activities.

■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the friendly men’s group on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Football club at 9.30am, 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 Nick Athanasiou from ‘Studio Skunk Control’. (Damjan Janevski) 333472_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 133

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

ACROSS

1 Melodious (7)

5 From Stockholm, say (7)

9 Herald (9)

10 Donated (5)

11 Amazement (6)

12 Oral doctors (8)

14 Creations (6)

15 Scottish island (4)

19 Idly lounge (4)

20 – scholar (6)

24 Clouded eye (8)

25 Immune system organ (6)

27 Get to (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

30 Settle (7)

DOWN

1 Native American hairstyle (6)

2 Thread (6)

3 Yardsticks (8)

4 Records (4)

5 Image taken of an electronic display (10)

6 Octave (6)

7 Backer (8)

8 Large Australian spider (8)

13 Alluring (10)

16 From the menu (1,2,5)

17 Seasoned smoked beef (8)

18 Fierce storms (8)

21 Chicken breed (6)

22 Small rodent (6)

23 Sternutation (6)

26 Confirm (4)

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 345678910111213

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER WORD

12 25

183694527

957182463

378421695 215367849

649758132 736849251

462573918

894215376

659781342

436897125

521364798

783452961 397528614

142639587 265143879

easy medium hard

978215436

814976253

B Today’s Aim:

216738495

427913586

361584927

521936784 679851243

893145672 532479168

745296831 184362759

958627314

G O O E N A 3 LETTERS ADO AND ARE AVO DOE DON EKE ELF ERR FAT ICE NEE NOR PAP RIP ROE RUE SEA SUE THE TIN USE WHO 4 LETTERS AYES DENT DESK DROP GETS ICON MEAL ODES PAYS SEES STEP STEW VICE YENS YOUS 5 LETTERS ACHES

Very good ADORE ALIKE ALPHA ARISE CASTE CAWED COLON CRAVE DOLLS DONOR DROSS EDGES ELECT ELUDE ENROL EVENS FONTS GOUGE GREEK HEAPS

HORSE HOTEL INANE IVORY MATHS MATTE NOTES OPERA PANEL REVEL RIVET RULED SEEDS SLEEP SPREE STAVE STREW TRILL TRITE TROUT

TWEET TYING VENUE WIRES YELLS 6 LETTERS DEATHS DEEPER EASIER GENTRY 7 LETTERS CAPSULE COMFORT CREMATE

OVERATE SAUSAGE VIEWING 8 LETTERS ARMOURED DISALLOW SERENEST TETHERED 11 LETTERS COMMISERATE VACATIONING

groom, mange, manger, mango, monger, moorage, ogre, omega, orange, oregano, organ, rage, ragmen, rang, range

1415 1617181920212223242526 Y J E I C N R S M O P F V U B T A Z W G D X L H Q K 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

No. 133

germ,

BOOMERANG,

among,

19-05-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 How many teeth does a crocodile typically have: 66, 77 or 88?

2 An Aussiedor is a hybrid of what two dog breeds?

3 By what names are Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and al-Madinah better known in Australia?

4 In which ocean would you find the Mariana Trench, the deepest place on Earth?

5 In 1935, cane toads (pictured) were introduced to Australia to control what insect?

6 Traditionally, on which day during Easter would pancakes be made?

7 According to the song My FavouriteThings, what comes next: 'Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels, Door bells and sleigh bells and ...'?

8 Beefsteak, cherry and dwarf are all varieties of what?

9 What name is given to someone who studies reptiles and amphibians?

10 Who wrote TheShockDoctrine: TheRiseofDisasterCapitalism?

13 26 HK ANSWERS: 1. 66 2. Labrador and Australian Shepherd 3. Mecca and Medina 4. Pacific Ocean 5. Scarab beetles 6. Shrove Tuesday 7. Schnitzel with noodles 8. Tomatoes 9. Herpetologist 10. Naomi Klein

No. 133

No. 133

No. 133

anger, argon, bagmen, bang, barge, began, berg, bongo,

borage, brag, brogan, embargo, ergo, game, garb, gear,

german, gnome, gone, goober, gore, grab, gram, groan,

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

Multiple Positions:

Climbers, Groundies, Trainees and/or Labourers

G'day all. Our Tree Lopping business is looking Climbers, Groundies, Trainees and/or Labourers to join our team.

• Full time, Part time or Casual.

• Experienced or inexperienced.

• Work is in and around the Macedon Ranges.

• Based in Gisborne.

If you love the outdoors, working with machinery, and keeping fit whilst at work then please give me a call.

All the best, Brett at Mr Lumberjack Ph: 0417 400 718

Homes on 0424 551 418 or email: info@summerfieldhomes.com.au.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which rising star of the women’s tennis circuit recently had a tense press conference with journalists at the Madrid Open?

2. Who will NRL star Jack Wighton play for in the 2024 season?

3. Which Queensland city has been announced to host a Women’s NRL

5. Which NBA team does Ja Morant play for?

6. How many teams currently compete in the Super Netball competition?

7. Which former champion Indian batsman is now the team’s head coach?

8. Which team had the first pick in the 2023 NFL draft?

The Super Rugby team known as the Drua are based in which country?

What country will host the 2026 Winter Olympic games?

Which delisted Gold Coast Suns player has been drafted to the NFL Detroit Lions?

What position does footballer Harry Kane play for Tottenham?

In which year is a Tasmanian team joining the AFL?

14.Brisbane Lions star Will Ashcroft became a contender for which AFL accolade during Round 7?

15.True or false: According to Forbes, Naomi Osaka was the highest-paid female athlete in 2022?

16.Which Disney+ documentary centres on the Matildas soccer team?

17. In which state was the NFL Magic Round held?

18.Who is set to replace Gillon McLachlan as the new AFL CEO?

19. And for how many seasons did Gillon McLachlan have the role?

20. In which year was NBA star Stephen Curry drafted to the Golden State Warriors?

21.How many teams currently play in the VFL?

22. Which sport involves spiking?

23. Benjamin Breault is the playing coach of which AIHL team?

24. When is the FIBA 2023 World Cup being held?

25. And in the 18-man squad just announced for Australia, how many are current NBA players?

26. WWE wrestler Cody Rhodes is the son of which Hall of Famer former wrestler?

27. True or false: tug of war used to be an event at the Olympics?

28. Who currently captains England’s men’s cricket Test team?

29.How many games has Collingwood player Brody Mihocek played where he’s kicked five or more goals?

30. In what year did the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles win their first premiership?

Naomi Osaka

Isuzu genie delivers to the Max

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

It seems that like the Genie of the Lamp a customer’s wish is Isuzu Ute’s command, for a new model has elbowed its way into the top echelons of its rugged pick-up truck ranks.

The Japanese manufacturer has slotted the D-Max LS-U+ in between the well-presented LS-Udoublecablifestyleuteandflagshipofthe updated third generation for those who want a touch of luxury without the ‘shouty’ styling of the X-Terrain.

The new D-Max LS-U+ Crew Cab 4x4 Ute features similar equipment to the MY22 LS-U variant,butwiththeadditionofpremiumblack leather-accented upholstery and interior trims.

Convenience is also enhanced by the addition of a Smart Key, providing keyless entry, push button start, welcome light, and walk away door lock. Similar to the system in theX-Terrain,thewelcomelightilluminatesthe cabin when it detects the key is within 2 metres of the vehicle and the latter automatically locks thevehiclewhenthesmartkeyisdetectedmore than 3m away.

Also available is a genuine canopy, which adds a combination of convenient lockable pop-outorslidingwindows,makingtheLS-U+ a versatile load carrier.

Pricing reflects the added creature comforts and convenience, with the LS-U+ priced at $61,900 plus on-road costs, $2500 more than the regular LS-U, but considerably $4000 cheaper than the range-topping X-Terrain.

Warranty is six years or 150,000 kilometres; seven years roadside assistance, provided servicing is with an Isuzu Ute dealer, and seven years capped price servicing.

Styling

The LS-U+ comes exclusively with a double cab and style-side high tensile steel body on a ladder-frame chassis.

The front is lifted from X-Terrain extremes with a dark coloured grille broken up by dual chrome cross pieces, the latter considered a badgeofpremiumquality,especiallyinEurope.

Flanking this are automatic bi-LED headlights, incorporating LED daytime running lights, with auto-levelling and automatic high beam control. Below are LED fog lights.

LEDs sign off the rear with combination taillights. On a sad note, large heated door mirrors are poorly positioned up front to produce a niggling blind spot.

A versatile factory-fitted tub liner is installed inside the 1570 mm long, 1530 mm wide, 490 mm deep tray. A selection of tonneaus and canopies is available from the Isuzu Ute GenuineAccessoriescatalogue.Thetestvehicle was fitted with a manually operated lockable roller tonneau cover (see Summary below).

The D-Max LS-U+ rolls on 18 inch machined-face alloy wheels with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres. There’s a full-size spare.

Interior

The cabin is modern and comfortable, with black leather-accented upholstery, eight-way power assisted driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a premium-leather bound steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment. Dual zone air-conditioning allows driver and front passenger singly to control the temperature. Rearpassengersalsobenefitfromrearairvents.

Infotainment

High on the central dash is a 9-inch high-definition infotainment system, featuring voice recognition, in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ radio, and the latest in smartphone mirroring, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Occupants can take advantage of a premium eight-speaker surround sound system.

Engines / transmissions

The LS-U+ is powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine, developing 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

InlinewithallMY22D-Maxmodels,theLS-U+ takes up a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes standard with Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System, a suite of advanced driver safety and assistance technologies, including a state-of-the-art 3-D stereo camera that detects other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. .

Standard with IDAS are autonomous emergency braking with turn assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, plus eight airbags including a knee and centre-airbag.

Driving

Sharing its engine and chassis with the Mazda BT-50, there is considerable clatter from under the D-Max LSU+ bonnet. There’s little excuse these days for this amount of diesel rattle and here the motor shows its age.

The six-speed transmission handles most situations but can be a tad tardy in dropping down a cog under hard acceleration.

Isuzuclaimsacombinedurban/highwayfuel consumption of 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The test LS-U+ used as much as 10 litres per 100 kilometres of diesel in city working and 6.6 litresper100kilometresonmotorwaycruising, so there’s little to complain about here.

I am not alone in having a love-hate relationship with vehicle lane intervention. As part of the IDAS suite, the LS-U+ features the new Lane Support System switch, located

on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to toggle all Lane Support Systems on or off, by a single push of the button for two seconds.

Going off road? Switch to Isuzu’s Terrain Command 4x4 with 2-High, 4-High and 4-Low drive modes, an electromagnetic rear differential lock and ground clearance of 240 mm.

Measuring up among the best in the range, approach, departure and ramp-over angles weigh in at 30.5 deg, 19.0 deg and 23.8 deg, respectively. A water wading depth of up to 800 mm is also up there with the best in class. With customer surveys detailing that close to half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle, the D-Max LS-U+ has a 3.5 tonne braked towing capacity and is equipped with a factory-fitted tow bar receiver as standard.

Customers can thus tailor their vehicle to specific towing needs, with an optional seven or 12 pin plug, electronic brake controller, tow tongue insert with 50 mm ball and a weight distribution hitch. All are available through Isuzu Ute’s Genuine Accessories catalogue.

Summary

Isuzu’s third-generation D-Max range has successfully muscled in on the highly competitive pick-up truck range in Australia with close to 22,000 examples sold in 2021. Proving popular among families, however, it’s worthrememberingtubcapacityandversatility are seriously limited by the solid roller cover - a bit like comparing a briefcase to a travel trunk.

($62,990 driveaway)

SPECIFICATIONS

Isuzu LS-U+ 3.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 6sp automatic, 4x4 Utility

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

The D-Max LS-U+ . . . Isuzu slips in a spot of luxury. (Pictures: Supplied)

Young Bulldogs shine in Bendigo Netball League

Gisborne’s young A-grade side has pleasantly surprised coach Tarryn Rymer in the Bendigo Netball League.

With a number of new faces and many coming up through their ranks, the Bulldogs knew they would take some time to settle.

But after five rounds, the Bulldogs are up towards the top of the ladder where they normally are.

Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer is excited by what she has seen so far.

The Bulldogs sit in second spot with a two goal loss their only blemish.

“We have a really young A-grade side and we will continue to build as the season goes on,” she said.

“I’ve been really impressed with some of the combinations with each other. We have a young goal shooter Tori Skrijel, who has come up from the under-17s.

“She has impressed me each week with Claudia [Mawson] our the front of her bringing her into the game.

“Claudia is feeding her beautifully.”

Rymer said the depth across their

senior program had been important in the development of the A-grade side.

They have a number of players in their A-reserve side that can step up into the top side when needed.

Rymer said the inclusion of Zoe Davies into the defensive end had also made a huge difference.

“Zoe brings so much leadership into the defensive end,” she said.

“They hang off every word that she saws on the court.”

The Bulldogs faced local rival Kyneton on Saturday in the fifth round of the season. Whilethescorelineshowsa54-26win,Rymer said it was a lot closer than that for much of the match.

“Kyneton is a great team,” she said.

“We got the jump on them in the first quarter and we shot 17-6. After that they were really competitive.

“It was really nice to push the lead out in the last quarter, but the middle quarters were close.”

Rymer was full of praise for the Tigers side

saying that they could push for the top five.

The side is currently in sixth spot.

“They are improving all the time,” she said.

“They’ve got the Man0gan sisters that can play everywhere and it’s good to have Michelle Fletcher on the court.

“We have a lot of respect for them, they’re a good bunch of local girls.”

There is a competition wide bye this week.

The Bulldogs face Golden Square the following week, while Kyneton will host Castlemaine.

Tara Murray

Tigers hold off Bulldogs

By Tara Murray

Kyneton hasn’t had much success at Gardiner Reserve in recent history, but that meant little on Saturday as the Tigers snuck home against Gisborne.

One of the local rivalries in the Bendigo Football League, the Bulldogs have had the wood against the Tigers for much of the last 20 years.

On Saturday, the two teams dished up a thriller with the Tigers able to hold on against a fast finishing Gisborne, winning 12.3 (75)-10.13 (73).

Tigers coach Paul Chapman said there was plenty of excitement as they beat the Bulldogs for the first time since 2018.

“It’s been a long time,” he said. “It’s really exciting, we got off to a slow start to the year and we managed to get a good win the week prior against Maryborough.

“We then got to challenge ourselves against the reigning premiers and come away with the win, it’s really exciting.”

Chapman said for the first three quarters they played some really good football and were able to control the tempo.

They managed to get out to a 30 point lead heading into the final quarter.

“The boys executed perfectly for three quarters,” he said. “For most of the day we had control and when we didn’t, we didn’t take long to wrestle back momentum.

“In the last quarter we changed our mindset and tried to protect the lead.”

Not for the first time this season the Bulldogs have finished in a flurry. Four goals to nil in the first part of the quarter, reduced the margin to with a goal.

Chapman said the group were able to hold their nerve when they really needed to.

“It got a little bit scary for a little while,” he said. “The last four minutes we slowed it down and we felt like they weren’t going to score.

“We probably should have hit that mode a little bit earlier.”

Chapman said they will take a lot of learnings out of the game as they continue to grow as a side.

Cameron Manuel kicked four goals for the Tigers, while Jayden Eales and Thomas Quinn kicked two each.

For the Bulldogs, Pat McKenna kicked five goals in his first game for the season.

Chapman said some of his players were starting to put together a good run of form.

“Cam three games in a row now has played well,” he said. “Jake Summers was good for us for a second week in a row.

“Harrison Huntley had the job on Pat

Sports shorts

RDNL

Romsey and the Western Rams played out a thrilling draw in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday. The Redbacks led through the first half, before the Rams led by four goals at the last break. A 12-8 goal final term was enough for the Redbacks to snatch a 49-all draw. Rebecca Hicks shot 34 goals for the Rams, while Amalani Fauonuku shot 26 goals for the Redbacks. Woodend-Hesket, Riddell and Macedon were the other winners.

RDFL

Macedon made it two in row in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition on Friday night. The Cats were too strong for Romsey, winning 9.1 (69)-0.1 (10). Woodend-Hesket got its second win of the season beating Melton, 5.11 (41)-4.1 (25), while Kyneton remains undefeated after beating Mount Alexander, 12.12 (84)-2.1 (13).

Big V

The Sunbury Jets women’s side is finally on the board in the Big V women’s state championship division, beating the Pakenham Warriors. At home on Sunday night, the Jets set the win up in the first half, leading by 16 points at half time. The Warriors fought back in the second half, but fell short with the Jets winning 58-54. Abby Hildebrand top scored with 17 points.

McKenna and even though he kicked five, he did a good job on him.

“Ethan Foreman was good against his old side. Everyone played their role really well.”

The Tigers now sit in seventh position, just percentage behind Gisborne in fifth spot.

This week there is a competition-wide bye.

Chapman said the aim for his playing group

was to just continue to get better each week.

“We knew it would be a slower start to the season,” he said. “It was a messy pre-season.

“Even during our losses we’ve been getting better every week and that is the challenge.

“We know we are a relatively new looking team, we want to take it step by step and see how that goes.”

Maggie Lind was best for Romsey on Saturday. (Jacob Pattison) 334541_04

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Tori Skrijel is making her mark. (Jacob Pattison) 326147_15

Jake Summers gets ready to take a mark. (Jacob Pattison) 334031_08

East Sunbury Thunder will only get better: Kite

East Sunbury will be better for getting games underitsbeltintheEssendonDistrictFootball League division 2 competition.

Returningtothefieldafternothavingsenior sides last season, the Thunder were sitting 0-4 as it had a bye at the weekend.

Coach Aaron Kite said they would take plenty of positives out of the first few rounds.

“It has been a tough couple of weeks,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of positives and we will be better for it. We’ve had 15 blokes play their first senior game of footy this year.

“It’s a big effort and we will keep building from that. The scoreboard doesn’t look good, but there’s a couple of games that could have nearly gone our way.”

Kite said there were patches in games that were proving costly, as they looked to get momentum and build on things.

He said there were some areas that they

know they have to work on.

“We are still staying together and learning,” he said.

“You see the scoreboard and being 0-4. We had a bit higher expectations, but some things don’t go our way.

“The vibe is still up and about. We’ll keep working as we know there’s a few areas that should be to our advantage, but haven’t gone our way yet.”

Kite said when they play their best football, and move the ball fast, they are an exciting team to watch.

He said they need to make the most of their opportunities, having been wasteful in front of goal against the Northern Saints and Taylors Lakes.

Whiletheseniorsideiswinless,thereserves managed to win in round four. Kite said the win was exactly what the club needed.

“We’re had a lot of injuries so the reserves

have had to make 25 changes in the first four rounds,” he said.

“For those boys getting the win gives the whole club some momentum.”

Kite said the bye had come at the perfect time for them and they would likely get five players back for their match against Burnside Heights.

“The competition is really close and competitive,” he said. “Anyone can beat anyone.

“We need to make sure we don’t have a slow start in the first quarter and then have to try and peg them back.”

In matches at the weekend, Rupertswood returned to the winners list in division 1.

TheSharksprovedtoogoodforCraigieburn, winning 13.9 (87)-8.5 (53).

Baker-West named most valuable player

Calder Cannons young gun Chloe Baker-West’s performances on the national stage have been recognised, named Vic Metro’s most valuable player attheunder-16nationalchampionships.

Baker-West was named the Victoria Metro’s best player in both their games with the side losing both of their matches.

Coaches of the Victorian Metro team selected her as their most valuable player.

Baker-West, whose local club is Strathmore, was also named in the All-Australianteamforthecompetition, named in a back pocket.

Northern Knights’ Marlo Graham was named on a half forward flank. The All-Australian team features players from seven different teams. Western Australia has six players selected, while Gold Coast Suns Academy and South Australia each have five representatives.

Western Australia midfielder Mia Russo was named the best and fairest for pool A, while Ava Usher from the GoldCoastSunsAcademytookoutpool B best and fairest.

Lions showing promise

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Lions are on the right track in the Ballarat Netball League.

After not fielding an A-grade side last season, the Lions are sitting 2-3 as they head into their first bye of the season.

Twoofthoselosseshavebeentolastseason’s grand finalists, North Ballarat and Darley, and within five goals.

Lions coach Kim Bailey said after the loss to the Devils they were happy with how it was going so far.

“We haven’t trained together,” she said. “We’ll get a session in and have a look at each other.

“We lost by five goals to North without ever playing together and then last week was a bit of an abnormality, we had a bad game.

“Darley played really well, it was really hard to stop their shooter.

“We’re competitive and I’m expecting to make finals and who knows from there. We’ll keep getting stronger and stronger,

week by week.”

On Saturday, the Lions pushed Darley all the way in the 45-42 loss.

For large parts of the game, the Lions had control but couldn’t push the margin beyond two goals.

Changes to the Devils line up in the third quarter started to pay off and they took the lead heading into the final quarter.

The margin got out to as many as five, but the Lions wouldn’t give up but they couldn’t get enough turnovers when needed.

Bailey said while you never like to lose a match, it was a good performance.

“They are a good team,” she said. “It was hard to stop their goalers, they played really well.

“We threw some ball away we probably mostly shouldn’t have and were a little bit undisciplined.

“We will regroup. We’ve now got a break next week with the bye, come out fighting against Bacchus [Marsh] the next week.”

Bailey said some of the turnovers caused

were from the team’s inexperience together.

She said with a young goal shooter in Lani Fauonuku it was always going to take some time. Fauonuku shot 33 goals on Saturday.

“Lani is still a young girl,” Bailey said. “There will be some turnover ball from that, we know that.

“We’ve never played together before, we’re still learning each other’s combinations, others style.”

The Falcons were also limited with minute restrictions to some of their Victorian Netball League players.

Georgia Hellyer was limited to a quarter, while Lucia Fauonuku missed the game as she recovers from a small injury.

ItmeanttheLionshadtoplayRuthSmithin wing defence for the first half. Smith is more known as a goaler or a wing attack.

Baileysaiditwasjustthenatureofwhatthey had to deal with due to having VNL players.

The Lions sit in sixth spot with a bye this week.

Russo averaged 24 disposals per game for Western Australia, which included 32 contested possessions across both matches. Usher averaged 25.5 disposals, 5.5 tackles, six clearances and a goal a game.

The best and fairest awards were selected by a panel comprising Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador –Chair), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy coach-manager), Tanya Hetherington (AFL talent development coach), Jess Smith (AFL national female talent manager) and AFLW club recruiters Phoebe Carter (Sydney Swans), Jordan Loxley (West Coast Eagles), Trent Moseby (Richmond) and Anthony Tang (St Kilda).

South Australia and Brisbane Lions claimed title wins, with South Australia taking out the pool A title by winning both games in the round-robin series, while the Lions narrowly edged out the Gold Coast Suns Academy on percentage in pool B after both teams were undefeated.

Lani Fauonuku (Jacob Pattison)334038_16

East Sunbury (Supplied)

Tara Murray

Digger Rest snares win in grand final rematch

Diggers Rest ticked the box and came away with the four points against Riddell in the Riddell District Football League grand final rematch.

While it was the Bombers who got the glory on that one day in September last year, the Burras got the last laugh on Saturday.

The Burras led throughout the game, but weren’t able to break the Bombers, who stayed in touch throughout.

The Burras did enough to get the four points, winning 9.9 (63)-7.6 (48). Burras coach Jamie Lobb said they were happy to come home from Riddell with the points.

“It was a just win, but we put the four points in the bank and away we go,” he said.

“It was a pretty good game. We had five or sixthatdidn’tgetupandweknewthatitwould bring us back to where they are at the moment.

“We had a two to three goal buffer through

most of the game, but it never felt like we were going to lose.”

Lobb said the most pleasing thing from their perspective was guys who have had quieter seasons so far, stepping up and taking the pressure off some of the others.

Jaidyn Caruana kicked three goals for the Burras and was named their best alongside Tommy Schwarzenberg and Lachlan Hickey.

“That was probably Caruana’s best game for the club,” Lobb said. “Since he’s come to the club he’s been injured and COVID. It was nice to get a full pre-season into him and put some games together.

“TommySchwarzenberghasmovedintothe back line and has been good, while Lachlan Hickey,oneofthenewguys,hadhisbestgame for the club.”

The win has the Burras sitting undefeated after five rounds, with four wins and a bye.

Lobb said it was a good starting point for them. “We’ve beaten Macedon at Macedon and Riddell at Riddell,” he said.

“We’re not playing our best footy by any means, we have high expectations of what we want and we aren’t there yet.”

Thisweek,theBurrasfacetheWesternRams.

Lobb said Mark Orr would be back from suspension, while Deven Costigan was a chance to return.

He said Taylor Hine, Josh Flower and Austin Cicero would likely miss again, adding they weren’t going to take any risks with matches against Wallan and Romsey to come.

Lobb said the Rams present a different test this week. “It’s another challenge for us and their focus,” he said. “Western Rams are on the improve, but are still a way off.

“We’ll approach the game like normal and see how they go out there.”

Cats secure first win

By Tara Murray

Macedon knows it has work to do to close the gap with the top sides in the Riddell District Football League.

The Cats were winless after the first three rounds, having faced the top three sides from last season.

They opened their account on Saturday night under lights against Lancefield.

Cats coach Al Meldrum said it had been a tough start for the side.

“We knew it would be pretty challenging,” he said. “We played the top three from last year.

“In patches we were competitive. For a half against Riddell and three quarters against Diggers Rest.

“On the weekend we had a bright start and then really struggled to create avenues to score.

“We knew we were a little short of the top three last year, but we’re still not quite there.”

Meldrum said the difference had been a bit of personal shortage and execution.

He said a couple of big outs in the forward line were hurting them.

“We’remissingJasonCookandJackKernan up forward,” he said.

“It’s a struggle offensively without them. There’s the flow on affect, it’s not just their talent and ability to hit the scoreboard.

“The other players in the forward line are now getting the number one or two defender.

“We’ll be without Jason for quite a while, with Jack, we’ll hopefully know in the next couple of weeks how bad his arm injury is.”

While disappointed not to have those guys outthere,Meldrumsaidit’sanopportunityfor some more younger guys to get opportunities and experience.

The Cats also have a number of new guys at the club this season. Meldrum said they were starting to gel together.

“It’s the most guys that we have brought in at the same time during my time,” he said.

“They’re all good guys and role players, it will take a bit of time to gel. You can do a lot of reps at training, but the biggest growth is in the game.

“They guys are really positive and have been a big tick for us off field with their training standards and attendance which has been really pleasing.

“They’ve brought a lot to the table, we’re only going to get better.

TheCatsfacedLancefieldonSaturdaynight.

Meldrum said before the match they were expecting a tough match against an improved

Kangaroos drop to divison 2

The Sunbury Kangaroos are one of two teams that have dropped to Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition for the rest of the season. The league made changes to both its division 1 and 2 competitions, following the completion of the first four rounds, having looked at results.

The Kangaroos along with Pascoe Vale, which were in division 1, will now beindivision2fortherestoftheseason.

Both teams were sitting 0-4 and forfeited their round four matches due to lack of numbers. Both teams suffered big losses in their first three matches.

The division 1 competition will now be a six team competition, with no teams coming up to replace the two teams that have dropped down.

The competition now consists of Greenvale, Gisborne, Essendon Doutta Stars, Burnside Heights, Sunbury Lions and Tullamarine. Changes to the division1fixturestartthisweek,withthe Kangaroos and Pascoe Vale scheduled to face each other on the weekend.

It was the Kangaroos that celebrated with win on Saturday in a dominant display. The Kangaroos came away with the win, 8.10 (58)-1.4 (10).

Nat Dunne kicked three goals for the Kangaroos with Anneliese Vansantvoort named their best.

The division 2 competition will increase from seven teams to eight teams, with their no longer a bye.

While the Kangaroos and Pascoe Vale will be in that competition, Greenvale’s second side has officially withdrawn from the competition.

TheJetshadforfeitedalltheirmatches, after not having enough numbers to fill a second side.

The other teams in the division 2 competition are Airport West, Coburg Districts, Moonee Valley (2), Westmeadows (2), Aberfeldie (2) and Maribyrnong Park (2).

Tigers line up which got their first win of the season in round four.

After trailing at quarter time, the Cats were able to steadily build a lead throughout on the way to a 9.14 (68)-6.3 (39) win.

Hamish Govan kicked three goals for the

Cats in a best on ground performance. Lukas Fellows was named the Tigers best. In other results, Romsey beat the Western Rams, Woodend-Hesket got the points over Melton Centrals and Diggers Rest won the grand final rematch.

The Sunbury Kangaroos women’s side.

Jai White (Jacob Pattison) 329132_11

Brodie Hoyne (Shawn Smits)

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