Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 15th August 2023

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Sunbury garage sale

Sunbury Men’s Shed will be holding its biannual garage sale on August 26, to raise money for the group and bring the community together.

The garage sale will be held on Saturday, from 8am to 2pm, rain, hail or shine, and attendees will be able to enjoy a sausage sizzle.

Men’s shed secretary Albert Achterberg said they will be selling items they have made throughout the year, along with donations they have received.

“As part of our fundraising we have a garage sale once or twice a year to sell anything we make [along with] some donations, like tools we have repaired,” Mr Achterberg said.

“There will be bargains for everyone, [including] artwork, coat hangers, signage, letter boxes, rocking horses, a windmill … A lot of second hand power and hand tools.

“It’s a great place to buy an unusual gift for Father’s Day … and people can enjoy the famous men’s shed sausage sizzle.”

Mr Achterberg said money raised will go towards maintenance and welfare.

The garage sale will be held at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Zoe Moffatt

Forgotten feelings intensify

By Zoe Moffatt

Romsey community action group members have been feeling a sense of déjà vu after the release of another draft structure plan, which they said adds fuel to the feeling that Romsey is the forgotten town.

Macedon Ranges council endorsed the Draft Romsey Structure Plan at its council meeting on July 26, with multiple councillors admitting the plan had flaws.

Better Futures Romsey (BFR) member Hal Pritchard said concern within the town is growing, along with the list of issues.

“BFR has almost doubled in size in the last few weeks,” Mr Pritchard said. “We have about 350 people which is probably about 20 per cent of the households in Romsey.

“We expect that to grow as more people become aware of the draft structure plan … and as the feeling that we are not being listened to grows.”

Mr Pritchard said council identified a range of issues in the 2009 Romsey Outline Development Plan but it is yet to be fixed as the town’s population continues to grow.

“Here we are 14 years later with nothing fixed but we’re double in size … [and] now

Diggers Rest ELC

they want us to double in size again without the infrastructure.

“They have to develop a vision and plan, and progress, not just open land to development.

“We don’t have a highway, we don’t have a high school, we don’t have a hospital, we have waste water that’s trucked out because our facility is over capacity.

“Either you put the infrastructure in and we grow, or you don’t and we don’t grow, because growth without infrastructure just creates a slum.”

At the council meeting in July, councillor

Rob Guthrie said he was concerned council had built false expectations in the past.

“Last time I was on council we … [outlined] development plans … and a lot of infrastructure was identified [that] was needed before the town was to grow,” Cr Guthrie said.

“From what I can see none of that has happened.”

Mr Pritchard said BFR recognises the issues are not just council’s responsibility, and it is calling for more infrastructure from all levels of government, in particular the state government.

Sunbury Men’s Shed secretary Albert Achterberg and president Dale Wilkes (Damjan Janevski) 352341_01

Jacksons Creek platypus fears

The Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve group is concerned about the Jacksons Creek platypus population amid rubbish and reports of dogs being let off their leash.

Group president Christina Cheers has lived in Sunbury for about 23 years and enjoys going for her favourite evening stroll along Jacksons Creek.

Ms Cheers said she is concerned about the platypus population and the impact dogs swimming in the creek are having on the mammals.

“I don’t think people realise there are platypuses here and just how precious they

are,” she said.

“The concern is although there are council regulations, people let their dogs off the leash and let them swim in the creek … any self respecting platypus would freak out.”

Fellow Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve member Gillian Hume agreed and said there is also a concern about the amount of rubbish at the creek.

“There is a significant amount of rubbish dropped … including things like the plastic rings from the top of bottles, hair ties, small plastic bits and pieces,” Ms Hume said.

“These have the potential to get washed into

the creek where they will settle on the bottom, and affect the ability of the platypuses to forage for food.

“The platypuses could also get caught in the closed loop of a hair tie, for example.”

Ms Cheers said she believes the issue stems from a lack of awareness, and plans are in the works to hold a community gathering information session on platypuses later in the year.

“It’s not that people are malicious about it, it’s just that they are not aware … you’ve got to be very lucky to see a platypus, which is why people aren’t conscious about it,” she said.

Diggers Rest

Diggers Rest’s youngest residents will be able to enjoy $75,000 of improvements and new play equipment at Splendour Circuit Reserve.

The upgraded playground was opened on Tuesday, August 8, by Sunbury MP Josh Bull and Melton mayor Lara Carli.

The play equipment installation is designed to encourage exploration and discovery for younger children while providing additional accessible seating and new tree and shrub plantings.

Mr Bull said these precincts help to create a thriving heart for the Diggers Rest community as it continues to grow.

playground upgrade

“Theseprecinctshelpourresidentsfeelproud of their community, and create spaces that people want to visit,” he said. “This project is a fabulous example of what we can achieve when state and local governments come together to provide vital infrastructure that genuinely meets the needs of the community.

“These areas will grow significantly, and we are working hard to provide the infrastructure to support our valued community members for years to come.”

Councillor Carli said delivering open spaces that the community needs is a top priority for council.

“Our local parks are so important for staying connected with community, maintaining healthy habits and ensuring we all have opportunities to get out of the house and exercise,” she said.

“We have transformed this reserve into a spacethatdeliversfortheever-changingfaceof Diggers Rest.”

This project was equally funded by the state government and Melton council through the living local suburban grants program.

Zoe Moffatt

A Hume council spokesperson said council recently sought community input on its Emu Bottom Wetlands Master Plan, which will be presented to council for consideration in the next couple of months.

“Some of the feedback from the initial consultation in relation to the … master plan indicated that dogs are swimming in the creek,” the spokesperson said.

“Dogs are prohibited from entering waterways, and signage is in place … advising this. Additional signage will be installed as part of future works, subject to funding and approvals.”

Ross Watt progression

A 700-lot development in Gisborne has been given a tick of approval by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), with the planning permit yet to be determined.

VCAT approved and endorsed the development plan of 89 Ross Watt Road onJuly18,followingcouncil’sobjection at its meeting on March 9.

Theplanningpermitwhichappliesto the first three stages of the development plan currently sits with VCAT for a decision.

Macedon Ranges council granted council representatives power to negotiate for the grant of planning permit if VCAT decides it is generally in accordance with the endorsed development plan.

Council addressed the development at its meeting on August 9, and the agenda said the development plan and planning permit were separated to try and settle matters around the development plan first.

The agenda said council would maintain its objection to the proposal if anyrevisedplanningpermitapplication was found to not be in accordance with the approved development plan.

Residents voiced their objection to the development at a council meeting in September 2022, with concerns including traffic impacts and proposed block sizes.

The review was lodged by the applicant with VCAT for both the development plan and planning permit application, as council failed to make a decision in the allocated timeframes.

Zoe Moffatt

Malmsbury Fire Brigade prepare for upcoming fire season

Malmsbury Fire Brigade members recently met with Coliban Water to better understand the region’s water supply in preparation for the upcoming fire season.

At the information session brigade members weretaughtaboutthedifferentwatersourcesto help fight fires.

Malmsbury brigade volunteer Philip Flanagan said they learnt about the supply systems and their functions across Taradale, Elphinstone, Malmsbury, and Kyneton.

“We were shown maps of the various water sources, including dams such as the Upper Coliban and Malmsbury, and the pipeline and aqueduct networks for all those areas,” Mr Flanagan said.

“We went through where the systems were boosted and the location of additional water holdings in tanks and towers.

“We identified areas that had particularly higher and lower pressures, and what we could expect in certain circumstances when required out on the fireground.”

Members were also able to ask key questions aboutthesystems,drawingontheirexperiences from previous fire incidents.

“It was fantastic to understand how the Upper Coliban dam syphons to much of Kyneton, but also has a branch line down to Malmsbury,” he said. “With the majority of the area siphoning off dams, we were also made aware of additional pumping facilities.

“Having this knowledge greatly increases our ability to source water supply to efficiently fight fires.”

Coliban Water network services manager Nathalie Lopez and water and sewer planning coordinator Paul Vickery presented the

information to the members.

They detailed some of the planned future improvements for the systems, including to improve water pressure, particularly around Elphinstone.

Brigade members suggested the training be repeated every two years to refresh members’ knowledge, inform new members and ensure all are aware of system developments.

This information session follows the Malmsbury Fire Brigade receiving a $5000 grant from Coliban Water as part of its community rebate scheme.

The grant money will be used to buy lightweight,battery-operatedchainsaws,ahigh intensity light and batteries, and eight e-flares for roadside incident visibility and safety.

TaradaleFireBrigademembersalsoattended the information session.

Malmsbury and Taradale Fire Brigade members recently met with Coliban Water to better understand the region’s water supply. (Supplied)

Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Shirley and Solenn Wing, and Melton mayor Lara Carli at Splendour Circuit Reserve playground. (Supplied)

Mental health support for youth

Young people in the Macedon Ranges will be offered more mental health support through a new initiative partly funded by Bendigo Bank’s Gisborne and District Community Bank.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) was awarded almost $300,000 as part of the bank’s community investment autumn round grants to develop and deliver a youth-centred wellbeing support service.

Theinitiativewillbedeliveredinpartnership with Macedon Ranges council and Macedon Ranges Health, in the aim to reduce barriers and improve access to services and activities that provide support and connection.

SCCH community mental health manager Adam Stefano said local young people will decide exactly how the model will look.

“This will be a service that is led by young people, for young people,” Mr Stefano said.

“Over the next few months council will be co-ordinating a consultation and design process in collaboration with young people and families with the service to commence later this year.

“We want to ensure that young people have wellbeing supports that meet their needs, are delivered close to where they live or go to school and at a time that suits them.”

Million dollar donation

The Millett Family is hoping to fetch a high price for a new Sunbury property valued at $1 million, with 100 per cent of the profit to go to the community.

The property, which will be auctioned off at noreserve,isat3DeliaAvenue,andboastsfour bedrooms, three bathrooms and a garage on a 848 square metre landscaped block.

All proceeds from the auction will go towards the recently launched Millett Family Community Grants program which provides funding for local not-for-profit community, sports and charity groups. General manager Paul Millett said the initiative is the Millett Family’s way of thanking the Sunbury community for their support of the Rosenthal development over the last 10 years.

“The Millett Family have had a long history in Sunbury dating back to the mid 1800’s,” he said. “In that time the Millett families have run many businesses and been involved in

many community groups themselves and understand that financial support for such groups is important.

“Given our generational ties with the local Sunbury community, we see this as a gesture of gratitude to the community that has given us so much over the years.”

Mr Millett said the auction will take place at the property on Saturday, September 16, at 11am, and local not-for-profit groups can apply for the grants program via the foundation’s websitebyAugust18.“[Thepropertyisa]newly built double storey 43 square home… with a fully landscaped outdoor area. You can take in the remarkable views of the Macedon ranges from the comfort of [the] balcony. Everything has been thought of, just move in and enjoy.”

Details: https://www.rosenthal.com.au/ charity-auction

Zoe Moffatt

The three-year project will support an additional 180 young people over three years and will address a significant gap in mental health support.

The SCCH team that will work with young peopletodelivertheprogramincludesamental health nurse, psychologist, youth counsellors, social workers, alcohol and drug counsellors, and family violence support workers.

The grant awarded will be the largest community grant ever provided by Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Ltd (MRCE), which owns and operates Community Bank Gisborne and District.

MRCE chair Dominic Andreacchio said the company wants to invest in initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of local residents.

“We welcomed this opportunity to help close a gap in the very important area of mental health support for young people,” Mr Andreacchio said.

“Involving youth in the design process should make the new service more impactful, as well as give them the opportunity to build leadership skills and a deeper understanding of … organisations that … support youth mental health.”

Auctioneer John Saurini and agent Debbie Hollibone from Ray White Sunbury (front) and the Millett Family team. (Damjan Janevski) 350918_03

Survey reveals crime concerns

Hume residents are most concerned about hoon driving, safety at night and burglaries and thefts, the results of a new survey reveal.

The police survey was completed by 362 Hume residents in May and June, providing police with a snapshot of the community’s safety concerns.

Releasing the survey results last week, Hume Inspector Dean Clinton said road safety, particularly hoon driving, speeding, burnouts and screeching tyres, was the top concern. Rounding out the top three in Hume was safety in public spaces – particularly public transport and parks at night – with residents

citing concerns about youth offending, theft, robbery and street violence, and safety of property and possessions in relation to home burglary, theft and car break-ins.

Inspector Clinton said the top three areas of concerns were no surprise to police.

He said Hume police actively targeted hoon drivers through Operation Northern Lights, as well as running targeted operations on individualsknowntobeinvolvedinintentional high risk driving.

Inspector Clinton said Hume police would continue to work with transit police, protective services officers and shopping centre security

New stitch for museum

Kyneton Museum has sewed a new stitch in its history with the completion of restoration works and the opening of a new exhibition about craft in the Macedon Ranges.

Built in 1856, the museum is housed in the former Bank of New South Wales building in Piper Street, with the upstairs former residence preserved in time.

It recently underwent works including roof repairs, chimney and windowsill repairs, replacement of damaged floorboards, improved subfloor ventilation and drainage, and replacement of signage.

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death attended the museum’s reopening and said it was fantastic to see the completed restoration works.

“Itissuchatreasuredpartofourlocalhistory and it’s important to ensure it is looked after and preserved for future generations to enjoy,” Cr Death said. “Being able to step back in time

and learn about how people in our region lived and the tools they used for farming is amazing. It’s a wonderful educational experience for young and old.”

The new exhibition, Stitch in Time, opened in collaboration with the Kyneton Historical Society to showcase a variety of folk art and craft materials.

CrDeathsaiditprovidesafascinatinginsight into crafts and hobbies in the Macedon Ranges over the years.

“I loved seeing the diversity in the range on display, from the old gowns to retro fashions and patterns, and all of the hard work and detail that went into the hand-made crafts.”

TheexhibitionwillrununtilOctober29,and is open Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

guards to address the other concerns.

“Our neighbourhood policing team have run Operation Visible, Operation Trust and Operation Anvil at various time of the day and night. These operations provide a mix of highly visibleandcovertresponses,toprevent,disrupt and respond to the concerns around safety in public and burglary,“ he said.

“We also conduct [person of interest] based tasking each week, where we manage high risk offenders, to hold them to account. We have weekly patrols at our shopping centres and daily patrols and PSOs at our transport hubs.

“In September we will be running Operation

Leverage / OMNI to address concerns around the Broadmeadows hub.“

The survey also revealed that the overall feeling of safety in Hume had risen since 2022, with the municipality scoring 3.1 out of a 5, up from 2.9.

Inspector Clinton said that in the next 12 months, Hume police would work to improve responses to mental health emergencies, strengthen its work with the community around family violence, drugs, mental health andyoungpeople.andcontinuetotackleyouth gangs, possession of weapons and knife-related crime.

More woodworkers wanted

Sunbury Woodworkers Club members are calling for all woodturners and woodworkers in Sunbury and the surrounding areas to join.

The club meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm at its clubroom just off Circular Drive in Jacksons Hill.

Club president Anita Blume said it is a great opportunity for people of all abilities to meet fellow residents and develop their woodworking skills.

“There’s about 30 of us [in the club] … everyone from learners through to experienced woodworkers with up to 40 to 50 years experience,” Ms Blume said.

“Anyone who comes along and wants to give itagocanfromtheveryfirstsession…wehave everything that people need, we have timber and tools and machines ready to go.

“Our members make everything from the most intricate detailed pieces to doorknobs [and] some of our specialities include goblets,

chess pieces, bowls, and lidded containers.”

Ms Blume said she has been a member of the clubsinceOctoberlastyear,anditisagreatway to meet new people.

“My grandfather was a woodturner and I’ve always had an interest in it … I absolutely love it,” she said.

“It takes your mind off the clutter of daily busy life [and] it’s an excellent mental health break.

“For people who are new to the area it’s also a greatopportunitytomeetsomelocals…[there is] a lovely community feeling and we have a lot of fun.”

Ms Blume said anyone considering joining the club can come and try it as many times as they would like before becoming a member, and can connect with the club through its Facebook page.

Details: https://bit.ly/47mMfSZ

Zoe Moffatt

Sunbury Woodworkers Club president Anita Blume and fellow member Bill Dunkley at

weekend woodturning event. (Supplied)

Macedon Ranges council museum officer Meredith Blake with Friends of Kyneton Museum Inc. president Ronda Walker. (Supplied)

Gisborne olde market expansion

By Zoe Moffatt

Gisborne Olde Time Market is set to expand with an application to increase the area and hours of operation.

Macedon Ranges council heard from two submitters at its meeting on August 9, and received44lettersofsupportfortheapplication, and eight objections.

The application seeks to amend the area of the existing market to include the area to the east and the Mechanics Institute, and amend the permit purpose to arts and farm produce market.

It also seeks to amend the hours of operation to 9am to 2pm, with additional set up and pack up time.

The market has been managed by Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism (GREAT) Association since 2002, and offers about 150 stalls selling food and wine, fresh produce, quality handmade items and more.

GREAT president Rick Arden addressed council and said there are strong reasons for council to accept the application.

“We started 46 years ago … when we raised funds to buy an ambulance because Gisborne didn’t have one,” Mr Arden said.

“The market is the major regular tourism event in Gisborne we believe … [and] it brings countless thousands of dollars of business into Gisborne.

“For many of the stall holders, most of whom are local, the market is their only income and Gisborne is the most successful of the markets in the region.”

In the objections council received the main concerns regarded traffic and car parking, impact to the surrounding environment, COVID-19 impacts and impact on local businesses.

Mr Arden said the market has an approved

Sunbury guitarists share their tunes

Sunbury residents have been busy perfecting their guitar skills and learning new music at the Sunbury Neighborhood House drop-in guitar sessions.

The informal adult guitar sessions are held weekly on Tuesdays from 9am to noon at the neighbourhood house at Elizabeth Drive.

Program co-ordinator Ebony Finnin said everyone is welcome to join and group members often bring in their favourite sheet music bought from home.

“Singing and guitar music fills the hallway

from 9am … and [it] often draws an audience from our playgroup participants,” Ms Finnin said. “Some hover near the doorway for a listen, or a dance and a few of these little music enthusiasts have even joined in for a jam with ukuleles.

“Tuesday is a busy day at the house … [and] the connection made with music has no barrier and this group has heart.”

Group participant Gino Schembri has been going to the sessions for a few years and said you do not need to have experience to attend.

“I have been going for a few years every Tuesday morning … it’s just awesome,” Mr Schembri said. “The beautiful ladies who run the house … are absolutely amazing, always making you welcome with a gorgeous smile and helping everyone.

“Socomealongandenjoythefunatmosphere you don’t need to be experienced in playing guitar or singing just enjoy it.”

Details: www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Zoe Moffatt

traffic management plan, and it works closely with the local clubs in the area.

“We are fully approved by VicRoads Department of Transport and Planning and we have in place an approved traffic management plan, which is implemented each market day,” he said.

“Weworkcloselywiththefootballandnetball club to ensure safety and smooth running for all on market day … [and] we’re rebuilding the relationship with the blows club.”

The application is up for consideration and determination at a council meeting on September 13.

Work starts on footbridge

Preliminary works are underway to replace the flood-damaged Jacksons Creek footbridge in Gisborne.

Macedon Ranges council provided an update on August 4, and said it is working closely with its insurance provider to prioritise replacing the footbridge, which was damaged in the 2022 floods.

The bridge is a council owned asset that provides a key pedestrian connection between Dixon Field and the Gisborne Botanic Gardens.

Council assets and operations director Shane Walden said staff were pushing the insurance company to ensure the replacement of the footbridge as soon as practical.

“Council’s insurer assessed the bridge as beyond repair … as it has separated from its footings due to the flood waters,” Mr Walden said.

“These types of work are complex as they require site assessments, detailed designs and approvals from various authorities. Only after this is complete can construction work begin.

“We thank residents for their patience while we wait for the bridge replacement and understand people’s frustration at being unable to use the bridge as part of their walking activities in the area.”

After some initial delays, council said the preliminary works are underway, and the bridge will be removed once discussions with key authorities are finalised.

Council said it is working through insurance processes for other flood damaged assets and is seeking the necessary grant funding for assets that are not covered by insurance.

The seed of an idea grows at Macedon Ranges libraries

Most people do not head to their local library to pick up a packet of seeds, but one group in the Macedon Ranges is slowly changing this tradition with the opening of its newest seed library in Romsey.

Macedon Ranges Seed Savers run seed libraries from the Woodend and Kyneton libraries, with a third location at the Romsey library opening at the start of August.

Macedon Ranges resident Kylie Swaine is referred to by others as seed savers facilitator extraordinaire, but Ms Swaine humbly said the idea was a community born and breed initiative.

“It started as an idea from the community and has really taken off, we even have a committee now,” Ms Swaine said.

“It’s a really nice place where you can have a chat about your garden and speak to like minded individuals.”

The project was born from a Facebook group brainstorming session, which Ms Swaine started following the death of her first daughter.

“I got into gardening because my first daughter passed away and I made a garden in her memory.

“Gardening for me was a positive way I

could heal from her death … It’s been a hard journey but I wouldn’t be where I am today without that happening.

“It was about three or four years ago that I started a gardening page … and a seed library came up. Since then it’s really come to life and now we have three.”

Ms Swaine said the group packages and labels donated seeds which residents return after they have harvested their herbs, fruits, vegetables or flowers and saved some seeds.

“We are recycling in a different way for a new type of library,” she said. “We also use

deregistered books from the library and fold them into packets for the seeds.

“It’s important to be able to have a seed production that isn’t commercialised, but is localised and affordable.

“In today’s climate where everything is so expensive it’s important to have a way to get seeds for free, grow food and then be able to put that back into the community and back into the seed library.”

Details: https://www.facebook.com/ MacedonRangesLibraries

Zoe Moffatt

Guitar session participants Gino Zoeco and Gino Schembri. (Damjan Janevski) 349805_04

Yoga class without limit

Local not-for-profit organisation Windarring is helping to support Gisborne and Kyneton residents through accessible yoga and meditation sessions.

The sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays to support people with a disability to improve their core strength, flexibility, and balance.

Experienced local yoga instructor Jahne Hope-Williams runs the sessions and works with participants to adapt each movement to suit their needs in a safe and supportive environment.

For participants in a wheelchair or who require a mobility aid, Ms Hope-Williams has adapted their yoga and meditation practice to be seated, which they call chair yoga.

Ms Hope-Williams said while yoga and meditation adaptations are different for

everyone, all participants are working to increase their strength and concentration.

“We can all do yoga, not all the same, but we can all do it,” she said. “Just because [someone] issittingdoesn’tmean[they]can’tdoanything, [they] can.”

“In our sessions, we have been working on helping participants become longer and stronger. We are building concentration, enabling participants to better focus on tasks throughout the day.

“Duetotheimprovedconcentration,wehave progressed from basic yoga practices to more difficult meditation and breathing exercises.”

YogasessionsareheldinKynetononTuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, with yoga and meditation sessions in GisborneonTuesdaymorningsfrom9.30amto 10.30am. Details: 5422 7001.

Briefs

Murder charge

A 60-year-old Goldie man has been charged with one count of murder and one count of criminal damage by fire following a house fire in Goldie on August 5. On Monday, August 7, police announced the man had been charged and he faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 8. He was remanded and will next appear in court on January 22, 2023. Emergency services were called to Mt William Road following reports of the fire about 10.30pm on Saturday. The fire was extinguished and a 60-year-old woman was found dead in the property. The man suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Volunteers wanted Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is seeking volunteers to assist with its social support groups in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges on Wednesdays, from 9am to 3pm. The social support and respite program runs group activities for older people in the community who live at home, who are on a home care package, with a disability or are NDIS participants. Details: 0493 687 503 or volunteer@ scchc.org.au.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Participant Rosemary practising chair yoga. (Supplied)

Apps causing driver distraction

By Zoe Moffatt

Mobile phone apps are now the biggest distraction to people who use their phones while driving, with police noting an uptick in offending with apps like YouTube or Facebook in Hume.

NewTransportAccidentCommission(TAC) data from a survey of 2492 Victorians and found that 45 per cent of respondents admitted to interacting with an app while driving. Fifty-two per cent said they used a mobile phone in their hands, including 26 per cent who said they made or received a call, and 25

per cent who sent or read a text.

Road policing and community engagement

Inspector Darren Paterson said while detection rates remain at the same level in Hume, there has been a swing towards app usage in recent years.

“The type of offending has changed in recent years with a swing from phone calls to using apps like YouTube or Facebook,” he said.

“In the mornings offending drivers are often intercepted ‘listening’ to the news whilst a video is playing in an approved cradle.”

Inspector Paterson said the new data is not a surprise and drivers need to be aware of the

Showcase celebration

Sunbury residents recently displayed their talents, skills and diversity at a colourful Redstone festa showcase.

The event was held in late July to celebrate the Sunbury community groups that received sponsorship and grants from Villawood Properties’.

Villawood chief executive Alan Miller said the assistance was an important way of giving back to the Sunbury community.

“We were able to see some of Sunbury’s great talent and efforts in action, showing just how rich the local community is,” Mr Miller said. “Our foundation grants are about helping grow Sunbury’s bank of community goodwill and care … and [to help] local groups big and smalltogrowtheirmembershipandactivities.”

Foundation ambassador Jacqui Felgate oversaw the event and said the showcase was a celebratory affair for Sunbury.

Advertising feature

“The idea of giving back is a simple but powerfulwayofhelpingthecommunityandits people achieve their very best,” she said.

“Places like Sunbury have a wealth of talent and goodwill that often just needs that bit extra to realise its full potential.”

The Sunbury recipients include Salesian College, Rupertswood Football and Netball Club, Sunbury Basketball Association, Goonawarra Golf Club, Friends of Emu Bottom, Sunbury Cricket Club, Sunfest, Sunbury Neighbourhood Kitchen and Flashdance Performing Arts.

risks they are placing themselves and all other road users at.

“A large proportion of our enforcement data suggest that mobile phone use continues to be a heavily identified offence.

“Even with legislation changes surrounding the use of mobile phones in vehicle, we have seen little decline in the detection of these offences.

“Distraction offences contribute to varying types of collisions that ultimately could have been avoided.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and the road toll this year is having a devastating

impact across our community.”

This new data is released amid a tragic year on Victorian roads with 175 people killed so far, which is 36 higher than the same time in 2022.

The state government has increased the penalties for using a mobile device while driving to a $577 fine and four demerit points. New mobile phone and seat belt wearing detection cameras have also been introduced throughout the state to reduce road trauma.

Inspector Paterson said operations in cars, foot and on bike patrol will continue to run to detect distracted drivers.

Charlie from Flashdance Performing Arts. (Supplied)

DISABILITY

Inclusive camps full of fun

Giving everyone the opportunity to travel and experience active recreation is a key priority for the Y, which operates a number of disability camps across Victoria for people of all ages.

The profit-for-purpose organisation, which is also a Registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, has workedinthedisabilitysectorforover30years specialising in person-centred, supported camping experiences that maximise fun.

The Y’s disability camps provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in activities that cater to their specific needs and abilities. These activities are designed to build physical, emotional, and cognitive skills while accommodating individual differences.

“Y camps are just so much fun” explained Toni Thatcher, Y Camp director.

“Nearly every weekend we head off on camp to wonderful locations across Victoria. Each camp location provides different experiences and activities for the participants to enjoy and try something new. Weather that be snow camp, city camps, locations near the beach or our new Y Retreats where we visit music festivals, go glamping or even to the Grand Prix.”

Y Retreats, a new boutique camp offering was built off the back of client feedback.

They empower campers to have the choice and control over what their weekend away looks where everyone can participate in their own way whilst sharing the experience with others.

To enquire about Inclusion Services by the Y’s camp programs please call 1300 699 622 or visit inclusion.ymca.org.au.

A support worker and participant enjoying the giant swing on Y disability camps (supplied)

Childcare centre concerns grow

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges residents have voiced their objection to a Gisborne childcare development, citing concerns around traffic, noise and heritage.

The development seeks to partially demolish and develop the land at 41 Hamilton Street, Gisborne, for a childcare centre and remove nine car parks.

At a council meeting on August 9, one residentspokeoutagainstthedevelopmentand said it will affect the amenity and liveability of

Prince Street for its residents.

“MyhusbandandI[are]…longtimeresidents of Gisborne … and agree that a childcare centre is the right idea for the community but … the proposed site is the wrong location,” the resident said. “We strongly object to residential streets being touted as the solution to the lack ofonsiteparkingatthecentre,whichwebelieve indicates the site is overdeveloped.”

The resident said they did not think the car park survey was reliable due to the limited timeframe it was conducted in.

“[The survey] was done on a Thursday

during the day for a one day period that was in the post-COVID lifting of restrictions.

“The survey showed that the maximum number of cars parked on Prince Street on that day was four cars.

“We’ve lived here since 1994 and we don’t remember a day when there’s only been four cars parked in Prince Street.”

Submitter Robert Williams spoke on behalf of the applicant and rejected this claim about the survey’s reliability.

“The survey was done on the 28th of April … back in 2022, that was during the school term

Discussing business over breakfast

Tourism Macedon Ranges will once again hold its business breakfast, with Village Well founder Gilbert Rochecouste to present the keynote address.

The event will be held at the Gisborne Golf Club on October 5, at 7am to 8.30am, and follows the success of last year’s breakfast.

Mr Rochecouste is a locally and internationally recognised leading voice in placemaking and the creation of vibrant, resilient places. He founded placemaking consultancy Village Well about 30 years ago.

Tourism Macedon Ranges chair Andrew Towner said they are excited to have Mr Rochecouste join them in the Macedon Ranges.

“Mr Rochecouste has a wealth of experience to share,” Mr Towner said.

“[He has] worked on projects as diverse as Bruny Island, Flinders Lane, Queen Vic Night Markets, Dubai Creek and our own Hanging Rock.

“This event is for businesses of all sizes and industries.”

MrRochecoustehasworkedwithmorethan 2500 cities, towns, main streets, businesses and communities over the past 30 years.

He will share insights into the latest customer and retail trends that are shaping the industry and paving the way for an exciting future.

Mr Rochecouste will also show how

Performing with confidence

Members from the Sunbury-based inclusive performance company, BoilOver, have been hard at work building their confidence and practising for the upcoming Melbourne Fringe Festival.

BoilOver is a program from Sunbury and CobawCommunityHealthwitheightmembers and is led by creative staff Carmen Maddison, Karen Cleur, and Jacquelyn Hughes.

Ms Hughes said the company is a supportive environment and everyone leans on each to build confidence.

“TheytalkaboutbeingintheBoilOverfamily and that’s very true, they’re always leaning on each other,” she said.

“There’s not one [performer] that hasn’t shone, [everyone has] benefited.

“Everyone in all honesty doesn’t want to leave, I’ve been here almost 10 years and I don’t want to leave … because it’s just such a pleasure.”

Group member Savannah Coots agreed and said she likes coming to BoilOver and having the opportunity to put on performances and show people what the company is made of.

“I’ve been coming here since 2016 … I feel great to be here,” she said.

“IthelpsmetobemyselfandexpresshowI’m feeling … it’s my happy place.”

businesses and communities can thrive and flourish to unlock their full potential by embracing positive change and implementing innovative strategies.

Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association president Jenny Stillman said the event and keynote address is not one to miss.

“Mr Rochecouste is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who has guided businesses and communities to long-term success,” Ms Stillman said.

Details: bit.ly/macedonbreakfast

…[thetrafficconsultants]wouldnotberelying on data they don’t believe is appropriate,” Mr Williamssaid.“Intermsoftrafficmanagement, one vehicle movement every three minutes is expected during peak times [which] is a very low amount in traffic engineering terms.

“The location of the centre is appropriate being on a main road within the town centre which is accessible by foot, bicycle and vehicle.”

The application will be presented to council for consideration and determination at the next planning delegated committee meeting on September 13.

“I’ve been coming to BoilOver for more than 10 years … I enjoy dancing and singing, and my friends are here.”

Zoe Moffatt

Steve Phillips and Nina Robertson from ‘5 Angry Men Physical Theatre’ with BoilOver participants. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 347806

Jaymie-Lee McMahon said:

Savannah Coots said: “I like to show people what we’re made of.”

Andrew Nicolaides said: “I love dancing and acting, and I love doing the performance ‘The Birds’.”

Sara Ellis said: “I love performing here, and acting and dancing in our upcoming performance ‘The Birds’.”

Conor O’Keefe said: “They’re like my family … I like to come here every Tuesday.”

Village Well founder Gilbert Rochecouste. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

Gisborne writer, wife and mum of three Katrina Buttigieg tells Zoe Moffatt about her connection to Macedon Ranges and work running the Macedon Ranges Mumma Facebook group.

I started my own copywriting business, Macedon Ranges Writers in 2018 so I could workflexiblyaroundmyfamily’sactivitiesand commitments. I also run a local community/ tourism social enterprise, Macedon Ranges Mumma.

What’s your connection to Macedon Ranges?

I grew up in Sunbury and come from a nature loving family, so many of our weekends during my childhood were spent walking Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock with our relatives, friends and visitors from overseas. My husband is from Gisborne and we moved back out here before we started our family. I’ve travelled to many places around the world but I am always happy to come home to our beautiful Macedon Ranges.

What do you like about where you live?

I love living near the mountains. We are spoiled with a multitude of stunning bushwalks nearby, which make it easy to get out into nature. I also love the small town feel of our community.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

Our area is quite mono-cultural. I think it would be enriched if we had more people of various cultural backgrounds living here.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

There are too many to choose from but probably the walk to Sanitorium Lake. You feel like you are in an enchanted forest far from anywhere and yet it is just a 5 minute drive from Macedon.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

I was a Japanese teacher before I started my business, and lived in Japan after I graduated university. I love learning about other languages and cultures.

You run the Facebook group Macedon Ranges Mumma, tell us a bit about that and how it started?

When my three children were preschoolers, I was always searching for fun, affordable ideas to keep them busy but finding information on this was difficult. I started the Macedon Ranges Mumma website and Facebook page so other parents in the area could find all this information in one place. I share about local playgrounds, bushwalks, storytimes, family friendly events and markets, and ways to connect through playgroups, libraries, and online groups

I also support local businesses by running a monthly local business meetup group; and inviting businesses to collaborate via advertising on our website and socials, or joiningourshoplocalinitiative,wherebylocals buy a keyring and show it at participating businesses to receive special deals and when shopping locally.

YOUR

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

Gisborne writer, wife and mum of three Katrina Buttigieg. (Damjan Janevski) 347808_01

Coming together to fight stroke

The National Stroke Foundation is calling on all Australians to unite by ‘Fighting Stroke Together,’ this National Stroke Week. Jennifer Pittorino spoke to Antonio Iannella about his life as a stroke survivor.

Antonio Iannella wants people to know that they don’t have to be elderly or unhealthy to have a stroke.

TheMeltonresidentsufferedastrokein2009 at 38-years-old while on a family holiday in Vietnam.

“Literally moments before we were about to enter the Cu Chi tunnels, which are underground war tunnels, I just collapsed, there was no pre-warning,” Antonio said.

He was rushed to a medical clinic in Ho Chi Minh City.

“By that stage, I was pretty much completely paralysed and wasn’t able to speak or see, I couldn’t hear and couldn’t swallow.

“I was put in intensive care for about five days, and then from intensive care into a ward, and just ever so slowly, things started really returning to normal.”

After Antonio began to regain movement in his hands and feet, he was put on a rescue flight to Melbourne.

“When I landed in Melbourne, I went to Royal Melbourne Hospital and eventually into Sunshine Hospital where I began rehab.

“I started intense therapy rehab, from occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy, which took 10 weeks for me to start walking. Shortly after that I was discharged and began my life as a stroke survivor.”

Stroke Foundation stroke service interim executive director Kelvin Hill describes a stroke as a blockage or bursting of the blood supply in the brain.

“It is an impacting of the blood supply to parts of the brain, and there are two types of stroke,” he said.

“The most common type of stroke which affects about 80 per cent of stroke survivors is a blockage in the artery, which then stops the blood on the other side of that blockage.

“The other, which is less common, is a bleed where your blood vessel bursts and bleeding

goes into your brain, and they call that a haemorrhage.”

For Antonio, the reason he had a stroke was attributed to a weakness in his brain which caused a brain haemorrhage.

“As we know the reasons people have strokes are different, mine had nothing to do with my actual physical health,” he said.

“I was born with a weak vein in my brain, this is known as an artery vein malformation.

“Only one per cent of the global population have this condition and then a lesser amount of that actually suffers from a stroke or bleed.”

Antonio was told that only one in five people survive his condition, and there is a three per cent chance every year that Antonio might encounter a re-bleed.

The Stroke Foundation said there are several common risk factors which might bring on a stroke, but there are also several preventative measures that can be taken.

“The great news is that the things that we can do for stroke are the same things that help prevent heart disease and diabetes often and some forms of cancer,” Kevin said.

“The simple things are if you’re smoking, try to stop, reduce your alcohol intake, get a good routineofregularphysicalactivityandexercise as well as watch your diet.”

A unique point that Kevin said people usually don’t know about is watching your blood pressure.

“Peopleoftendon’tknowtheirbloodpressure, so it’s important to go to the pharmacist or local nurse or GP to check regularly.

“When people get their blood pressure checked and know what the actual numbers are, they can monitor that over time and are less likely to have a stroke that way.

“It is also important to learn F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) the signs of stroke with your family and friends.”

The Stroke Foundation said 25 per cent of people who have a stroke in Australia are

under the age of 55, and the rate of stroke in Australian adults aged 18 to 65 is rising.

The foundation said stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.

Western Health neurology department chair

and stroke professor Tissa Wijeratne has been a stroke specialist for more than 20 years, and workswiththelargeststrokeserviceinwestern Victoria.

Dr Wijeratne highlighted the importance of brain health.

“Our brains are at a crossroads at this point intime,unfortunatelyoneintwoofuswillhave a brain condition whether we like it or not,” he said. “Sometimes we know it, sometimes we don’t know, other times it might be a stroke.

“The World Health Organisation said brain conditions that come from a stroke that make a disabled group of people is the leading contributor of disability.”

Antonio attributes his recovery to a strong mindset.

“With therapy and a healthy mindset, I internally draw on my strengths and find things that are therapeutic for me,” he said.

“For me, going into wellness and studying nutritionandexerciseaswellasfindinghobbies I like has helped the most.”

Following his stroke, Antonio continued his passion for music, learning music production, song writing and recording which he enjoys at his home studio.

“As well as music, my stroke has given me an opportunity to really sink my teeth into wellness, exercise, meditation, spirituality, nutrition and health.”

Antonio understands stroke recovery is different for everyone, which is why for the last nine years he partnered with the Stroke Foundation to deliver stroke awareness presentations.

“I learnt there is nothing better than to hear a story from someone who’s been through it rather than like a doctor or a nurse.

“Mostly, I tell people to surrender. I stopped trying to get back to who I was, and embraced who I was as this new person.

“Find something that motivates you and find a purpose for yourself.”

Antonio Iannella at his home studio.

(Jacob Pattison) 351948_01 (Jacob Pattison) 351873_03

‘‘ One in two of us will have a brain condition whether we like it or not. Sometimes we know it, sometimes we don’t know, other times it might be a stroke ’’ - Dr Tissa Wijeratne

PROFESSOR TISSA WIJERATNE

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT

Neighbourhood Garden Group

Learn how to grow edible plants in this social gardening group which is developing the productive front garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. All skill sets welcome. Next working bee Saturday August 19, 10am to 12.30pm, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Repair Cafe Sunbury

Join the Repair Cafe for a cuppa and a skill share repairing broken household items; preventing landfill and promoting kindness. Saturday, August 19, 10am - 12.30pm.

Definitely a Comedy

The Mount Players will join FizzWack Theatre to bring a 97-minute show of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare on August 18 to 26.

■ www.themountplayers.com or 5426 1892

Macedon Ranges pickleball

Pickleball is coming to the Macedon Ranges with two come and try sessions on Saturday, August 19, at 2pm to 4pm and Monday, August 21, at 6.30pm to 8pm. The sessions will be held at the Tony Clarke Stadium in Waterfalls Road, Macedon, and all the equipment will be supplied.

■ David Aitken, 0419 589 425 or Ian Strachan, 0402 401 397

Crafternoon

Get crafty over a cuppa at a social group for adults. Some supplies and equipment are available or bring your own projects and craft items. Every Tuesday at 1pm-3pm during school terms, all welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Music and Singalong

Bring your instrument or your voice to a social group for adults. Songs with lyrics and chords can be viewed on the big screen, all skill sets welcome. Wednesdays 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

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 at 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 55 years-old and older. 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 Bowling Club at 10am. Enjoy outings, meetings and trips away.

■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006

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

Come have a chat

Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. Chats every Tuesday from 10.30 to 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

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

Ladies probus

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

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

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

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

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

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

■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

Toastmasters

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall.

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup

of coffee and a chat.

■ 0434 400 754

Rotary club

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

■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to 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

Hume Mens Shed

The Hume Mens Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425

Drop-in Guitar

Bring your guitar and your favourite sheet music and join an informal guitar session for adults. Share songs and learn new ones, all skill sets welcome. Tuesdays, 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights from 7.30pm to 9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays 10am to 12pm. Monday night is a Round Robin competition from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarks Oval Stadium 49 Riddle Road.

■ sunburybc@gmail.com

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

This weeks

photographers

choice picture is of dancers Lily, Liana, Saoirse, Jada, Hannah, Sienna and Fifi preparing for the Exford Primary Charity Gala. (Damjan Janevski) 351231

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

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 Contract part (6)

4 Thick cable (6)

10 Excel (5)

11 Journeyed (9)

12 Tropical fruit (9)

13 Donor (5)

14 Figure (6) 15 Impoverished (4)

19 Wan (4)

8 Straddling (4)

9 Victorian mountain range (7)

16 Had a small piece broken off (7)

17 Plant yielding fragrant oil (8)

18 Archipelago off the coast of Scotland (8) 19

1 Cutting very short (9)

2 Self-government (8)

3 Retention (7)

5 One who evens the score (7)

6 Drivel (6)

7 Horsemen (6)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

3 12 345678910111213

12 25

481327659

752169843

675813294 346295781

234976518 598731426

963458172

127684935

183276459

742861395

915723648

257194863 526317984

694538217 839645172

easy medium hard

368459721

471982536

691432587

387921645

146578329

819542367 764895231

452786193 935214876

873159462 218367954

529643718

M E I O R F 14 MEMOS MESSY MOURN NEWTS OLIVE OUTED REVUE RHINO RILED RIVET ROUGE SCREW SEEDS SENDS SIEGE SLEDS SPACE STEER STIRS SUEDE SUITE

Good 21 TIMED TRIPE TROTS TYRES UNITE WANNA WEEDS 6 LETTERS CAMERA DRONED ORDERS TESTER

Very good 7 LETTERS BRITTLE DEPRIVE MURDERS PRECEDE UNNERVE WOWSERS 8 LETTERS CAUTIONS DESERTED DETAINED EXCERPTS

N ADORE ALIBI ALOUD AUNTS AWAIT BIPED CARES CASED CLOTS COMBS COVET CRUDE DITTO DOERS DOLES ERROR EVICT EXUDE GOOSE MACHO MATED

emir, firm, firmer, form, former, forming, frogmen, from, germ, gnome, grim, grime, inform, informer, merino, mien, mine, miner, minor, mire, monger, more, morn, nome, norm, omen, reform, REFORMING, rime

1415 1617181920212223242526 M B U N D J W O R I E S F Q V H L A X C K T Y G P Z 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. 146

18-08-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 In what year will Halley’s Comet return to the solar system?

2 The comet’s namesake, Edmund Halley, was from which country?

3 The White Cliffs of Dover (pictured) are primarily what kind of rock?

4 On which continent is the pink river dolphin found?

5 What is the mineral predominantly mined in Coober Pedy?

6 Who starred as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings films?

7 How many European countries are members of the openborders Schengen Area?

8 The River Lagan runs through which European capital?

9 Who was the other co-founder of Apple Inc., apart from Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs?

10 In which California suburb is Apple Park, the headquarters for Apple Inc.?

13 26 GZ ANSWERS: 1. 2061 2. England 3. Chalk 4. South America 5. Opal 6. Ian McKellen 7. 27w 8. Belfast 9. Ronald Wayne 10. Cupertino.

No. 146

No. 146

No. 146

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BP Service Station Bulla

Jack McKenzie Community Centre Bulla

Coach and Horses Inn Clarkefield

Foodworks Diggers Rest

Diggers Rest Post Office Diggers Rest

Houdinis Cafe e Cucina Diggers Rest

Gisborne Village Fresh Gibsorne

Morgan's SUPA IGA Gibsorne

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gibsorne

Gisborne Library Gisborne

Foodworks Gisborne

Macedon Ranges Health Service Gisborne

Puma Service Station Gisborne

Caltex Service Station Gisborne

Kuppers Fuel Stop Kyneton

The Lunchbox Kyneton

Kyneton Newsagency Kyneton

Kyneton Shire Offices Kyneton

Lancefield Newsagency Lancefield

United Service Station Macedon

Black Forest Motel Macedon

Roweys Macedon Family Hotel Macedon

IGA Supermarket Macedon

Macedon Newsagency Macedon

Malmsbury General Store Malmsbury

Monegeeta Newsagency Monegeeta

Mt Macedon Post Office Mount Macedon

Baringo Food and Wine Company New Gisborne

Riddells Creek Nursery Riddells Creek

Riddells Creek Post Office Riddells Creek

Foodies Riddells Creek

Riddells Creek Supermarket Riddells Creek

IGA Supermarket Romsey

Macedon Ranges Shire Offices Romsey

Sunbury Newsagency Sunbury

Ferguson Plarre Sunbury

The Jolly Miller Cafe Sunbury

The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Sunbury

Goonawarra General Store Sunbury

Sunbury Neighbourhood House Sunbury

Muffin Break Sunbury

Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Sunbury

Terry White Chemist Sunbury

Gap Road Medical Centre Sunbury

United Fuel Sunbury Sunbury

7-Eleven Sunbury Sunbury

Asia Finest Sunbury

Puma Service Station Sunbury

Woolworths Supermarket Sunbury

Big W Sunbury

BP Service Station Sunbury

Sunbury Day Hospital Sunbury

Hume Council Offices Sunbury

Sunbury & Cobaw Community Health Centre Sunbury

McKwen Drive Milk Bar Sunbury

Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba Sunbury

Foodworks on Melba Sunbury

Melba Cafe Sunbury

Mitchells Lane Milk Bar Sunbury

Just Planet Sunbury

An Apple a Day Natural Health Store Sunbury

Luckys Bakehouse Sunbury

The Spotted Owl Sunbury

Cafe Circe Sunbury

IGA Supermarket Sunbury

Strathearn Glen Corner Store Sunbury

Sacco & Saba Cafe Sunbury

Sunbury & Cobaw Community Health Centre Sunbury

Rosenthal Shopping Centre Sunbury

Tylden Store Tylden

Coles Supermarket Woodend

II cafe Woodend

Andrews Cafe Woodend

Fox in the Chamber Woodend

Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts Woodend

Woodend Newsagency Woodend

Milko Cafe Woodend

Bourkies Bake House Woodend

BP Service Station Woodend

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Trades & Services Employment

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

General Notices

1.The proposed facility comprises the swap out of six (6) redundant panel antennas (3 x 2533mm L and 3 x 2620mm L) and turret mount with nine (9) new panel antennas (6 x 2533mm L and 3 x 810mm L) to be mounted onto a new triangular headframe; ancillary equipment to be upgraded including remote radio units, tower mounted amplifiers, mounts, cabling and feeders; pole strengthening works; and internal works within the equipment shelter, to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network (including 5G).

2.Telstra regards the proposed installation as a ‘Low impact’ Facility under the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

3.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, phone: 03 9937 6555, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, PO Box 14570, Melbourne, VIC 8001 by 5pm 30th August 2023.

SHEET METAL WORKER/ STAINLESS STEEL FABRICATOR/FITTER

We are a well-respected stainless steel fabrication and equipment manufacturer based in Sunbury and are currently looking for a full time, stainless steel Fabricator to join our team.

The ideal candidate will:

•Possess a Certificate III in Engineering –Fabrication Trade

•Be able to understand and work from technical drawings

•Be able to TIG and MIG weld stainless steel and aluminium to a high standard

•Be willing to learn and work within a team environment

•Be able to work overtime and some weekends when required

•Possess a manual Drivers’ Licence and own transport.

•3rd or 4th Year Apprentices welcome to apply. Please contact Mick Evans Mobile: 0428 781 998

Email: mick@ssafaustralia.com.au

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTI

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. How much was Port Adelaide fined for not following proper concussion protocols in their recent AFL match against Adelaide?

2. Who was named player of the series in

3. What kind of animal is the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup mascot Tazuni?

4. How many minutes did the longest point in a professional tennis match last for?

5. The upcoming movie Challengers revolves around which sport?

Which African nation is playing Australia, Brazil and Venezuela in a series of basketball friendlies in August?

Which NBA team was Michael Jordan part-owner of from 2006 to 2023?

Who did Samantha Stosur defeat to win the US Open tennis title in 2011?

In which year was the Monaco Grand Prix first held?

How many Formula 1 Grand Prix victories does Daniel Ricciardo have?

Who captained Australia at the 2023 Netball World Cup?

Which national team did Australia defeat 61-45 to win the 2023 Netball World Cup?

13. Which national team did Jamaica defeat 52-45 to win bronze at the 2023 Netball World Cup?

14. Which Rugby League legend was the inaugural captain of the Brisbane Broncos?

15. Which country in Central Europe is hosting the 2023 World Athletics Championships?

16. Which cricketer is captain of Australia's Twenty20 team?

17. Nathan Lyon is set to play the next Big Bash League season for which Victoria-based team?

18. Which national team knocked the US out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup?

19. Which NFL team was sold in July 2023 to a group of investors including former NBA legend Magic Johnson?

20. Which country is set to host the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup?

21. The Dodgers and the Angels are MLB teams from which US city?

22. In which year did Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis win the Men’s Double’s title in the Australian Open?

23. Who is the captain of the Australian women’s national cricket team?

24. Current Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey once captained which AFL team?

25. Sam Kerr missed the first two matches of the FIFA Women's World Cup due to what injury?

26. And against which team did she make her first appearance after recovering?

27. As of July, Max Verstappen and which other driver have won Grands Prix in the 2023 Formula One World Championship?

28. What nickname is Australia’s tennis Fed Cup team called?

29. Excluding 2023, how many World Cups has the Australian netball team won?

30. Liam Stocker has played for which two AFL teams?

Daniel Ricciardo

Price an electric shock from Kia

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Not before time, it’s a chance to dip a toe into theexpandingpoolofKiaelectricvehicleswith a stint in the Niro compact sports utility, albeit the top-of-the-range GT-Line.

And there looms the first obstacle: where the EV models open their account at $44,380, plus on-road costs, for the petrol / electric hybrid Niro HEV S, the full electric GT-Line sets back the buyer $72,100. That’s a big pile of dosh to step over.

And what do you receive in return?

The second-generation Niro has landed with a new look, new advanced technology, reworked powertrains, for the first time Kia Connect connected services, and what Kia claims is a 460-kilometre range.

Kia Connect is an intelligent remote-control app with functions including remote engine start, door lock control and remote climate control, as well as innovative in-car services such as destination and vehicle tracking and system status, valet parking mode, local points of interest and emergency call feature.

Kia Connect is covered over the full Kia seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and is fully transferable.

The Niro EV has extended Kia’s vehicle bidirectional charging ability whereby the vehicle can not only receive power but supply it from its high-voltage battery. In this case the so-called vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability can be used to charge external devices such as laptops.

Damien Meredith, chief operating officer of Kia Australia, said the Niro represented a sizeable improvement over its predecessor, helping to bolster the Korean manufacturer’s local line-up of electrified vehicles.

Styling

There is no mistaking the new-look Niro EV GT-Line with its striking colours. The test car, for example, was Snow White Pearl with contrasting Steel Grey panels on both sides between the C-Pillar and rear.

Underpinning this post-modern patterning were unique jazzy 17-inch alloy wheels. Up front a compact LED light set-up combines headlamp, daytime running lights and turn indicators, while rear lights include an integrated aerodynamic design that cleans airflow to help improve illumination.

The styling is regular SUV stuff and in GT-Line is topped off with a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.

Charge points are not easy to find on some EVs. Not so here: access is via an instantly recognisableflapsituatedinthecentreofwhere an ICE radiator would normally live.

Interior

The new SUV platform translates to ample space inside the cabin, capable of taking up to five occupants in relative comfort. Faux leather trim extends to front heated and ventilated seats and two-spoke heated steering wheel.

Bigger than before, with every dimension but height increasing, seat and steering wheel adjustment are adequate for comfortable driving, while the rear bench is flat and can be firmonlongerjourneys.Legandheadroomare good.

The rotary transmission controller and push button motor start / stop switch share the centre console.

Boot space, accessed via a power tailgate, has taken a jump to 475 litres but with the seats down, 1392 litres is thirteen fewer than the old car.

An under-bonnet boot holds 20 litres and is home to the battery charging lead in a dedicated compartment, while the V2L plug is located in the base of the rear seat at hand for running laptops or other small appliances.

Infotainment

Two 10.25-inch screens take pride of place in the GT-Line’s digital dash - to the left speedo and the right a power metre. The other media and entertainment screen is packed with

features including an innovative display showing the power flow and the charge state of the battery.

There’s also a 10-inch colour head-up windscreen display, while an eight-speaker harman / kardon audio delivers quality DAB+ radio and also has USB Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a wireless phone charging point up front

Powertrain

The Niro EV 150 kW electric motor is carried over from the existing car, Kia stating it now develops 255Nm - 140 Nm shy of the outgoing model without performance being compromised but range being improved. Drive is sent to the front wheels through a single reduction gear transmission, with the 64.8 kWh battery pack enabling a driving range of up to 460 kilometres, five kilometres more than the car it replaces.

Safety

ANCAP is yet to assess and crash-test the Niro so it does not yet have a rating. Eight airbags (dual front, dual side, dual curtain, driver’s knee and centre) feature across the Niro range. Active safety includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, forward collision warning, forward Autonomous emergency braking with junction collision avoidance,

AT

Kia Niro HEV S: $44,380

Kia Niro HEV GT-Line: $50,030

Kia Niro EV S: $65,300

Kia Niro EV GT-Line: $72,100

SPECIFICATIONS

Kia Niro EV GT-Line single electric motor, single speed, FWD SUV

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

reverse AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, reversing camera, forward and reverse cross-traffic alert, exit and rear seat occupant warning.

Driving

First impressions are the quietness of the car – from engine and wind to road surface noise – the result of advanced sound deadening material.

One of three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – can be called up by means of a steering wheel-mounted button. Eco is largely forgettable, Sport is firmer but less economical,

while Normal is relaxed and in keeping with the car’s character.

With a factory claimed 16.3 kWh per 100-kilometre average fuel consumption, the test car recorded an accumulated figure of 14.1 kWh per 100 kilometres average over a week of mixed driving.

A top-up battery charge of around 20 per cent, to 80 pc on a public fast charger, took 40 minutes, pushing the car’s range to 300-plus kilometres. Cost was less than $6.

Kia conducted a full ride and handling tune for the second-generation Niro in Australia, making it the first vehicle from the Korean brand to receive steering map changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Steeringwheelpaddlescanbeusedtochoose between three levels of braking regeneration. The strongest is good in traffic and delivers a pretty good one-pedal driving experience.

The turning circle is a solid 10.6 metres and thoughtfully Kia has kicked in with a remote parking feature where the key fob can be used to start the car and roll it forward and back to fit in tight garages or shopping centre spots.

Summary

The Kia Niro EV GT-Line is fine on fuel economy, comfort, range and charging convenience. However, $70K-plus is a lot to step over before getting into the car.

Generational changes inside and out for Kia Niro electric SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

Redbacks hold the key to their finals destiny

Romsey’s finals hopes are in its own hands in the Riddell District Netball League.

A win against Lancefield in the final round, will be enough for the Redbacks to return to finals for the first time since 2019.

Redbacks coach Lena Way returned to the clubthisseasontohelptheclubbecompetitive again.

She’s thrilled that she’s been able to do that.

“We have some pretty strong juniors coming up from the junior club into the senior club next year,” she said.

“We want to have a strong A-grade side as it sets the standard and the expectation and that is what we are aiming for.

“We want the younger girls to aspire to play for a competitive A-grade team. I’m very happy to have a competitive team again.”

The Redbacks started slowly in what Way has considered a rebuilding year, but have been one of the stronger teams in the back part of the season.

Way said being able to secure a few key players to strengthen the squad had been vital to helping provide some much needed experience for the group.

On Saturday, the Redbacks were able to get over the line against Diggers Rest, winning 58-44.

The Redbacks led by four goals at quarter time before extending the margin out to 13 goals at half time.

The margin remained steady through the second half.

Way said it was one of those matches they were just happy to come away with the points from.

“It was up and down,” she said. “We didn’t have our normal combos and we played a few players out of position.

“I brought Hope Evans up from B-grade for three quarters and it made a difference.

“We had a few girls who weren’t 100 per cent fitness wise. Lucia Fauonuku just got back from the world cup and we had to take her off

for the last quarter.”

Evans shot 27 goals for the Redbacks, with Emma Grech having 24 goals.

The Redbacks now sit in fifth spot, two points clear of the Western Rams. The Rams have a bye in the final round, so will automatically get four points.

The Redbacks face bottom side Lancefield, with a win and Wallan loss opening up the door for the Redbacks to finish fourth.

Way said they were just focused on coming away with the win.

“We will focus on our game, it doesn’t matter if we finish top or bottom,” she said. “We need to do the basic things well and stick to structures and hopefully get another win.”

In other results, Riddell beat Lancefield, Macedon was too good for the Western Rams and Woodend-Hesket snuck home against Wallan.

Tara Murray

Jets crash out of finals

By Harper Sercombe

The Sunbury Jets are out of the Big V championship men’s finals series in straight setsfollowingalosstoMcKinnononSaturday.

DirectlyafterthelossJet’scoachJohnWhite alerted the players to his decision to leave his role as head coach.

This is the second consecutive season the Jets have failed to win the championship after finishing in the top three. Last season they lost the grand final to Wyndham, before finishing third after the regular season this year.

The Jets were down from early on being down by nine points at both quarter and half time. The Jets went on to lose 96-84.

White said it was similar to his side’s performance against Hume in the first final.

“McKinnon were able to definitely get us out of what we were trying to do, there was a period within the second and third quarters yesterday where I think the foul count was zero to 12 in favour of McKinnon,” he said.

“They were definitely forcing us to foul them and putting pressure on us defensively, and also when it came to our offence they were stretching us up the floor and making us catch the ball out of position.

“Their game plan was solid, so it’s hard when you’re short manned and try to deal with the finals pressure, as well as to have that pressure coming from an opposition team on the floor.”

Although the Jets were adamant on making amends to last season’s performance, he said he is proud of what they have been able to achieve.

“There were a lot of extenuating circumstances that probably worked against us this year, from the start of the year it was just a bit disjointed and I think that reflected in our performances on the court,” White said.

“But [I’m] still really happy in terms of what the guys were able to achieve throughout the year and watching a lot of them grow as players and as people as well.

“I’m really proud to be a part of that.”

A shining light for the Jets on the floor on Saturday was their prolific scorer Ish Sanders who had 33 points. White said he has been fantastic this season in his ability to adapt to opposition’s plans against him.

“It was a really good example of how even at the age of 30, a seasoned veteran can still adjust their game to suit and learn about how teams are going to approach him as a player,” he said.

“It’s been sensational on his behalf, I’ve been really lucky to work with Ish over the last two years.”

While White is stepping down for personal reasons, he hopes the Jets don’t go through

Two Jets up for awards

Two Sunbury Jets players have been nominated as finalists for the Big V senior championship all-star five and most valuable player awards.

Ish Sanders will be going for a second straight most valuable player award in the men’s championship division.

Sanders is averaging more than 28 points per game, the second most in the division and has been a key reason for the Jets going deep into finals.

Trevor Clayton is in the running for a second straight defensive player of the year award. Clayton is averaging 11.56 rebounds a game.

Ida Andersson has been nominated for the women’s awards for her strong season.

After missing games early in the season due to injury, Andersson averaged 14 points and 3.28 assists a game.

Andersson will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of her former teammate, Maria Steen Jespersen, who won the award last year.

Chloe Hilderband has been nominated for the championship youth player of the year award in her first season at the club.

She averaged 12.74 points per game and a team high 4.37 assists per game.

Emily Conn had been named for the defensive women’s championship player of the year. She averaged 2.29 steals per game.

Meanwhile Owen Stephens and Daniel Salvatore are up for the all-star five and most valuable player awards in youth league men 2.

Stephens sits second on average points per game, with 23.09, while Salvatore averaged 12.46 points and 10.54 rebounds rebounds per game.

Youth league coach John De Jonge has also been recognised with a nomination for youth league 2 men’s coach of the year.

a full rebuild as he believes the core group can take them to premiership success. He previously coached the women’s side before stepping into the men’s program.

“There’s some really, really good people in that team,” he said.

“If it was me, I’d be looking at keeping that

key nucleus together and putting some pieces around them.

“But it’s going to be up to the new coach.”

Meanwhile, the Jets youth league 2 men’s side managed to come away with the championship, beating the Whittlesea Pacers in overtime on Saturday night.

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Kangaroos into top four for first time this season

The Sunbury Kangaroos have moved into the Essendon District Football League division 2 top four for the first time this season.

The Kangaroos now have to stay there this weekend to play finals.

On Saturday, the Kangaroos faced Burnside Heights which was aiming to keep its small finals hopes alive.

The Kangaroos led by 13 points at quarter time and three goals at half time.

After half time the Kangaroos took control of the match, kicking 13 goals to four to come away with a 19.15 (129)-7.13 (55).

Zachary Ploog in his first senior game in more than a month kicked four goals, as did Matthew Leonard.

League leading goal kicker Rhys Magin kicked three goals.

Ruck Brenton Sutherland was named best on ground, while Nathan Thomas and Shawn Bowden also had strong games.

The Kangaroos now sit in fourth spot on the same amount of points as fifth placed Coburg Districts, but 19 per cent ahead.

The Kangaroos face top side Oak Park on the road in the final round, while Coburg Districts are away to Burnside Heights.

East Sunbury had a tough day out against Northern Saints in their match on Saturday afternoon.

After pushing the Saints the last time they played them, the Thunder proved no match in the 20.12 (132)-6.9 (45) win.

The Saints took an early lead in the match and were able to extend it every quarter to seral their finals spot.

Ash Millane kicked three goals for the Thunder and was named their best.

The Thunder finish its season against second placed Taylors Lakes. The Thunder willbehopingtogetitsfirstwinoftheseason.

In division 1, Rupertswood locked in a top

three spot with victory against St Albans. Facing St Albans, which was aiming to pinch its spot, the Sharks had to work hard for the win.

The Sharks led at the first two breaks before trailing by one point at three quarter time.

Four goals to two in the final quarter sealed the win for the Sharks, 9.10 (64)-7.7 (49).

Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Sharks.

Luke Cannon and Zac Saad were named their best.

The Sharks will finish the regular season in third spot no matter the result in the final round.

The Sharks face second placed Deer Park on Saturday, which they will also face in the first week of finals with both sides having a double chance.

Murray

Tigers pull off big upset

By Tara Murray

Lancefield produced one of its best wins in the last decade to upset Riddell in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.

The Tigers hadn’t beaten the Bombers since 2010 and went in underdogs against a side that will be in the mix come finals time.

It meant little, as the Tigers showed the development they’ve made to come away with the points in a thriller, 11.10 (76)-11.9 (75).

Tigers coach Tim Bannan said there was plenty of excitement following the match.

“It’s pretty amazing to be part of it,” he said. “I think it is one of the best wins in years.

“Matt Bowden has played 250 odd games and he had never beaten Riddell before. It was a pretty amazing win.”

Bannan said the key for the group was the belief that they could actually get the result against a side like that.

He said they had been building without getting the results, but this time they showed they could go it.

“They stuck to the structures and everyone played a role,” he said. “No one got caught up in the position of the game.”

Bannan said from early in the game they thought they were in with chance and for them the task was pretty simple.

“We kept playing to our structures for the whole game,” he said. “They dropped off here and there, while we did let them back into the game.

“We believed from the first centre bounce.”

Not much separated the two teams all day, with just one point the difference at the final change.

In the end it would come down to the final minutes of the game.

Bannan said the dying minutes were a bit of a blur.

“About one and half, two minutes to go we kicked a point to get in front,” he said. “They went down into their 50.

“We were able to get it back in the middle and the siren went, it was so good.”

Zach Webb, Michael Conlan and Cameron Osmond kicked two goals each for the Tigers. Luke Fellows was named their best along with Conlan and Osmond.

For the Bombers, Dylan Tarzcon was their best with four goals.

The win was the Tigers fourth of the season, the most the club has won since 2016 when they won seven games.

The Tigers finish their season on Saturday against Romsey, which needs to win to have any chance to play finals.

Bannan said a fifth win would be the perfect end to the season.

“It would be nice to knock off Romsey,” he said.

Skipper Vernon re-signs for the Dragons

Reigning Sullivan Medallist Jarryd Vernon is locked in for another season with Gisborne in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.

A Gisborne local, Vernon returned to the Dragons last season after a couple of years playing in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association with Spotswood.

Vernon, who captained the Dragons last season, made 835 runs at a competition high average of 83.50, with a highest score of 178.

He also took 24 wickets, the sixth most in the competition.

Vernon won the Sullivan Medal by a massive seven votes, ahead of teammate Mick Allen.

The Dragons spent all of last season on top of the ladder, before being knocked out in the semi finals to eventual premiers Romsey, in just their second loss for the season.

Vernon said following his best and fairest win that the group had been looking to stick together and get even stronger.

The Dragons have also announced the re-signing of Matt Barake.

“Matt had an outstanding season in his first year with the Mac’s,” the club said on social media.

“His energy behind the stumps throughout the year was superb.

“Matt’s batting also played a big part in our success in the 2022-23 season. We look forward to watching Matt develop his game again this year.”

The two re-signings follow a number of announcements made earlier in the off season.

Jay King and Warren Kelly both return to the club where they are premiership players.

Jarrod Catania joined the club from Kealba-Green Gully.

The Dragons have also re-signed Darcy Thomas, Riley Vernon, Leigh Brennan and Harry Luxmoore.

“We were aiming for four or five wins at the start of the year and it would be nice to finish just outside the top five.

“It’s credit to the boys and hopefully we

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Tara

canspoilRomsey’sparty.Itwascloselasttime.” Inothermatches,DiggersRestbeatRomsey, Wallan snuck home against Woodend-Hesket and Macedon beat the Western Rams.

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Rob Waters to return to Gisborne as Fox departs

Gisborne has announced that Brad Fox has left his post as head coach for the remainder of the Bendigo Football League season.

With three rounds to play, last year’s premiership winning coach Rob Waters will return to the position for the remainder of this season and the entirety of 2024.

After winning the flag, Gisborne has failed to live up to expectations this year, currently positioned just outside of finals contention in seventh with a 6-10 score line.

Via social media the club said the year has been challenging.

“It has been a challenging season with eight of last year’s premiership players leaving at the end of 2022, plus a number of our reserves players meaning we haven’t had anywhere near the depth that we had previously,” the club’s media release said.

“In most games this year the average age of

our senior team has been just 21 years old or less.

Waters originally decided to leave the role for work reasons and burnout from coaching throughout the COVID affected seasons. He was the club’s midfield coach to this point.

The club said it was expecting an easy transition with Waters already involved in the club.

“Brad has decided to step aside now and hand the reins over to Robbie for the last three matches,” the club said.

“This creates a seamless transition and gives Robbie and the players a head-start on preparation for season 2024.

“The club will now look to attract a small number of recruits that can enhance our existing playing list. With this years’ games under their belts, and a little more experience and size around them, we look forward to a

very competitive 2024 season.”

Gisborne faced top of the table Sandhurst on Saturday in Waters’ return to senior coaching.

It was a tough match for the Bulldogs, with Sandhurst winning, 13.13 (91)-5.12 (42).

The Bulldogs led at quarter time before the Dragons kicked three goals to one in the second quarter to hit the front.

After half time it was all the Dragons, with nine goals to two to come away with the win.

Matthew Merrett was the only multiple goal kicker for the Bulldogs with two goals.

Braidon Blake, Jack Reaper and Matt Weber were the Bulldogs best.

The Bulldogs this week face fifth placed South Bendigo, before finishing the season against bottom side Maryborough.

Lions’ missed moment

By Harper Sercombe

Despite a loss on Saturday, results have fallen the Sunbury Lions way to take them a step further to playing Ballarat Football League finals.

The Lions lost to North Ballarat by just 12 points on Saturday, in what seems to be a finals preview, with Roosters and Lions in fourth and fifth position respectively.

Sunbury coach Travis Hodgson said he was encouraged by his side’s performance but said they missed their moments as they lost 10.13 (73)- 8.13 (61).

“I felt it was a really even game of footy,” Hodgson said.

“It might have been the difference, they’re a good side, they’re hard to beat at home, so to get within around 10 points, probably again indicates how close we are.

“It was disappointing we weren’t able to tip them over but it’s a bit like Melton the week before, it was probably a reasonably accurate reflection of our ladder positions.”

After beating the Roosters in a round one clash at home, and finals now just around the corner, the sides are every chance to meet each other on a neutral ground in the finals series.

“It was a really interesting game and I think both sides have shown that if that were to be the case, it would be a really good game of footy,” he said.

Saturday’s match was an even contest from siren to siren, however the Roosters were able to maintain their lead at each break.

After bringing the deficit down from 22 points at half time to only eight points at three quarter time, Hodgson said when the game was there to be won, his side failed to execute.

“We had three shots on goal in the last quarter to bring the margin to less than a kick and we didn’t nail them unfortunately,” he said.

“As a side at the moment we do a lot right, I thought we played 110 to 120 minutes really well, but at the moment we’re not just taking those moments like good sides do.

“It’s probably reflected in our position as slightly above midfield.”

With other sides around them such as Redan and East Point also not managing to register a win in round 16, it gives the Lions a bit of breathing space. Now only one win from their remaining two games guarantees them a spot in September.

They currently sit a game and percentage ahead of Redan and East Point.

“We don’t want to be relying on other sides, but the reality is, if they would have won yesterday they would have squared up with

Sports shorts

AFL

Many of the most promising under-17 boys footballers from Victoria, New South Wales, ACT and Queensland were in action on Sunday in the under-17 futures matches at Avalon Airport Oval. The teams consisted of players who are eligible to be drafted next year. Among those in the teams were Calder Cannons’ Harry O’Farrell, Noah Scott, Jayden Nguyen, Damon Hollow and Nash King.

Ballarat FNL

Maddingley Park will host some Ballarat Football Netball League senior finals. The league had hoped to host finals at Darley Park, but after consultation with Moorabool council and the BFNL board a decision was made that Maddingley Park would be used as a final’s venue instead of Darley Park, due to facilities not being ready for use.

Ballarat NL

The Sunbury Lions produced their best performance of the Ballarat Netball League season to upset North Ballarat. One of the two teams above them on the ladder, the Lions were able to come away with a 52-45 win having lead all day. Amalani Fauonuku shot 34 goals for the Lions, while Tara O’Grady shot 18 goals. The Lions remain in third spot, percentage ahead of Sebastopol. The Lions face bottom side Bacchus Marsh this Saturday.

EDFL

games [won],” Hodgson said.

“The focus for us is just repeating the effort and the intent that we have produced over the last two weeks against good sides.

“We’ve had a pretty reasonable five weeks, we won three on the trot, against East Point, Melton South and Ballarat, and then the two close losses to two pretty good sides, both away.

“I think our body of work over the last five weeks is pretty good.

“Hopefully we start to take our chances and nail our moments, and turn those losses into wins, just so we’re in the best spot we can be when we get to that first week of finals.”

The Lions will face ninth placed Bacchus Marsh on the weekend, to guarantee a finals berth.

Rupertswood sealed a top three spot and a double chance come finals in the Essendon District Football League division 1. On Saturday the Sharks faced fourth placed St Albans and were able to come away with a hard fought win. The Sharks trailed by one point at the final break, before winning 9.10 (64)-7.7 (49). Dean Galea kicked three goals and Luke Cannon named their best. The Sharks this week face second placed Deer Park, with the two teams also to face each other in the first week of finals.

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Harper Sercombe Rob Waters and Brad Fox. 301336_01

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