Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 12th September 2023

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Big blue table lunch

Sunbury residents are encouraged to come together and have meaningful conversation over lunch to raise funds for Beyond Blue.

Nettelbeck Plumbing and Gas is hosting a big blue table lunch at Tradies Tucker, located near Reece and Roscoes Timber Yard, on October 27, noon to 1.30pm.

Owner Sylvana Ardono said Beyond Blue is a vital service for the community.

“From our own personal experiences we understand that being supportive and having someone to talk to or who will listen can make a huge difference,” she said. “[The] events are aimed at making hard conversations easier and raising awareness to the many layers and issues surrounding mental health.

“You may never know when you or someone you care about may need the services of Beyond Blue.”

There will be a donation jar at the event and people can donate online. Every dollar raised will go towards funding Beyond Blue’s Support Service.

Waiting for better buses

By Zoe Moffatt

Sunbury residents are calling on the state government for immediate action to improve bus services, which they say will ‘risk perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage’ if unchanged.

A petition calling on an improved bus service launched on August 28, and named Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll and Sunbury MP Josh Bull as the decision makers who need to act.

SunburyresidentMatthewMcKaystartedthe petition-whichonMondayhas358signaturesspured on by his feelings of frustration at the inaccessibility of the service.

“I am a disabled resident who cannot drive due to a vision impairment and I struggle to be independent as a result of the poor bus network,” Mr McKay said.

“Many people, especially those who rely on public transportation as their primary mode of travel, are disproportionately affected by the current inadequacies of the bus service.”

Mr McKay said the stakes in resolving the issue are high, and access to reliable and convenient transportation is a matter of fundamental equality and accessibility.

“Without an improved bus service, members of our community are facing limited job opportunities, reduced access to educational institutions, and a diminished quality of life,”

Diggers Rest Early Learning Centre

he said. “If things remain unchanged, we risk perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage that affects the socio-economic development of Sunbury as a whole.”

Mr McKay said he wants an improvement in the service and the solution may be a combination of different models, including FlexiRide, an on-demand bus service, or new bus loop.

Fellow signatories agreed and said the frequency and route of the service needs to be improved, including around local schools.

“As someone with mobility issues it is near impossible to get around Sunbury easily on [public transport],” one signatory said.

Mr Bull said he has advocated to Mr Carroll

toinvestigatetheviabilityofthecurrentservice running more frequently and/ or later into the evening based on community feedback.

“I applaud our constituents in their efforts to advocate for change and progress for our local community, and take these matters very seriously,” he said. “At the present time, my focusisonprovidingroutestonewlydeveloped areas,whereresidentscurrentlyhavelittletono access to bus transportation.”

Hume council wrote to Mr Carroll on June 28, requesting a review of the Sunbury bus network, and long-term public transport planning.

Mr Carroll was contacted for comment. Details: https://bit.ly/482zJbD

Sylvana Ardono, Benjamin Nettelbeck and Dane Trotman are getting ready for the fundraising event for Beyond Blue. (Damjan Janevski) 358037_04

The broken gate can wait, until it can’t.

Livestock is the second highest killer on farms – we all know cattle can be unpredictable.

So while it may seem like a job that’ll take longer to get the tools out than do, one small repair could save a life.

Understand your responsibilities with safety around cattle at worksafe.vic.gov.au/livestock

It’s never you, until it is.

Push for a Diggers supermarket

By Zoe Moffatt

Headingdowntothelocalfulllinesupermarket may be an afternoon chore for many, but for Diggers Rest residents grocery shopping is exacerbated by ongoing accessibility issues.

Local advocacy group, DREAM, launched in September2022,ispushingforthedevelopment of a full line supermarket in Diggers Rest. A development advocates say should have happened years ago.

Group member John Verdon said having a full line supermarket in the town would increaseaccessibilityforresidentsandbebetter for the environment.

“[Afulllinesupermarket]allowsshoppingto be accessible to all, not just those who drive,” Mr Verdon said. “Without a supermarket, residents rely on smaller convenience stores at added expense or travel to Sunbury… or Watergardens to access a variety of shops.

“Woolworths Sunbury is at least a 10 minute drive [and] Coles Sunbury is 15 minutes. This can be inconvenient and time consuming, especially for those without easy access to transportation.

“Let’s not forget about the environment. Residents needing to travel longer distances to access a supermarket or green grocery can lead to increased traffic congestion and increased carbon emissions.”

According to the Diggers Rest Precinct Structure Plan 2012 (PSP) one objective is to “deliver the local town centre early in the precinct’s development to establish its local amenity and aesthetic”.

The PSP also recommends the town centre should be “prominently located and anchored by a full line supermarket”.

“In the 2012 gazetted PSP it indicated that the town centre should be developed as early in the development of the estate as possible as it

would be needed to support the community,” Mr Verdon said.

“Yethereweare11yearslater,nosupermarket and not much of a retail precinct to speak of.

“An anchor tenant is needed for the retail precinct to support the suburb’s continued growth and meet the 15 minute city objectives of the government.”

Mr Verdon said he would like to see more action from the developer and Melton council, and he hopes a new supermarket would kickstart other amenities being built.

“It will also make it clear that the ’town centre’ including the community centre needs to be built to sustain a thriving community here in Diggers Rest,” he said.

“Because as of now we are quite simply a desert of any local government services or shopping infrastructure.”

A spokesperson from Bloomdale developer AVID Property Group said they are actively

Sunbury office dog shines

Tiffany Sacco and Zard at the Leading Real Estate Sunbury office. (Damjan Janevski) 357133_04

An Australian Shepherd from Sunbury is continuingtocaptivateheartsintheofficeafter taking out runner up in the 2023 Top Office Dog competition.

Leading Real Estate Sunbury’s resident office dog, Zard, had the judges deliberating for hours in what was the closest scoring since the competition started three years ago. RealestateagentandprouddogmumTiffany Sacco said Zard, who was born in Tasmania, comes into the office four days a week and all the staff enjoy his company.

“He came on the Spirit of Tasmania so he’s a voyager,” she said.

“He is very social… what we’ve noticed is because clients see Zard, they bring their dog for us to meet.

“Other real estate agents will come in and ask for him… [and] one of the staff members brings in dog treats for him.

“He can do heaps [of tricks], he can play dead, he can spin, he can go through your legs, he can high five, he can sit on his back legs [and] whisper.”

Tiffany’shusbandandfellowRealestateagent Adam Sacco said Zard is a good companion and always manages to get a bit of someone’s lunch.

“He’s a good companion for staff… he’s become almost like a therapy dog,” Adam said. Zard also has his own Instagram account with more than 1600 followers.

Details: https://www.instagram.com/ chasingzard.the.aussie/

Zoe Moffatt

Disability services providers to merge

Local disability service provider Distinctive OptionswillmergewithEastGippsland-based provider Noweyung, to provide service and support for people from Bendigo to Bairnsdale.

The merger was announced on August 17, following two months of discussions and due diligence, after Noweyung approached Distinctive Options earlier in the year.

Distinctive Options currently has centres in Sunbury, Macedon Ranges, Brimbank and Bendigo, and both organisations support about 350 people across the state with varying service requirements.

Ernie Metcalf is the Distinctive Options chief executive, and Noweyung’s former chief executive from 2003 to 2016. Mr Metcalf said the merger will help reduce management costs.

“Smaller country services really struggle to survive to meet the business needs,” he said.

“By removing that extra layer you are able to better support the needs of the people you are supporting.

“Having Distinctive Options as the parent body means we can grow new services and reinvest.”

Distinctive Options board chair Kalma Rathouski said the services are largely interchangeable, with each service growing to have strengths that complement each other.

“For example, Distinctive Options is proud to have developed enterprises including honey production and a café in Gisborne,” Ms Rathouski said.

“[This provides] supported employment options and a wide range of group and individual activities and supports.

“Noweyung also has a café and an award-winning gourmet food enterprise, along with a range of group support services,”

“[It has] a well-developed supported residential living offering, plus financial plan management which assists participants and their families to navigate program packages and payments.

“It is clear [the] services will complement each other and allow us to expand what is available in each of the regions.”

The merger will formally take effect after meeting final legal requirements, which is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Distinctive Options has assumed transition management arrangements in anticipation of completion from July, under the direction of Mr Metcalf and his leadership team.

working on the delivery of the shopping centre and hopes to be in a position to make further announcements shortly.

“AVID has engaged with a supermarket provider and Melton council to see this importantadditiondeliveredtothecommunity, in alignment with population growth,” the spokesperson said.

“We are very passionate about seeing the shopping centre delivered… [and are] pleased to be a key driver behind this development.”

StarWeeklyunderstandsthatMeltoncouncil is involved in discussions with the developer, and expects to hear about concept plans for the site in the near future.

Melton council indicated that it is unable to provide a definite timeframe for the delivery of a supermarket, and while it has a role in providing input into precinct structure plans, it does not have responsibility for delivering retail services.

Rugby legend to guest speak

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Birds of a Feather LGBTIQA+ luncheon is coming to Woodend on September 21, with a sporting legend set to be the guest speaker.

Former rugby league player, actor and one of Australia’s most prominent LGBTIQA+ advocates, Ian Roberts, will present at the luncheon, which will take place from 12pm at the Victoria Hotel, Woodend.

In 1995, Mr Roberts became the first high-profile Australian sports person, and the first rugby footballer in the world, to come out to the public as gay.

Pursuing a second career in acting, he has many film and television credits spanning the last twenty years.

Mr Roberts is also a sports wellbeing educator specialising in elite wellbeing, supportingqueerathletesandfacilitating an inclusion program for the NRL.

Birds of a Feather organiser Belinda Brain said Mr Roberts was a personal inspiration.

“As a young lesbian coming to terms with my own sexuality, Ian was an inspiration,” she said. “His book Finding Out, published in 1995, was compulsory reading for me.

“[He] is a true pioneer, a legend who has left an indelible mark on the game by braving abuse and homophobia to be true to himself.”

Details:www.trybooking.com/CLBOD, belinda.brain@scchc.org.au or 5421 1666

Hume an animal cruelty hot spot: RSPCA report

Hume has recorded the third highest number of animal cruelty reports in Victoria, new data reveals.

The RSPCA released Victoria’s Animal Cruelty Data for the 2022-23 financial year, which showed an almost 20 per cent increase in the number of animals needing RSPCA help compared to the previous year.

Throughout the municipality, there were 414 cruelty reports, which is the third highest in the state, behind Greater Geelong and Casey.

Hume also recorded 74 animals seized or surrendered, which was fifth highest in the state, and follows an increase in state numbers

for the sixth year in a row.

RSPCA Victoria’s chief inspector Michael Stagg said the continued increase in cruelty reports was a worrying trend.

“In the last 12 months, our inspectors have investigated more than 10,000 reports of animalcrueltyandseizedortookthesurrender of 2569 animals across the state,” he said.

“During this time, we’ve also had several investigations resulting in large-scale seizures or surrenders of animals, forcing our teams to find room and resources to care for them in a short space of time.

“When we prosecute cases of animal cruelty,

our shelter teams may need to care for the animals involved as the court cases progress, sometimes lasting months or years.

“[This adds] to the pressure already faced by our near-capacity shelters.”

Macedon Ranges recorded 100 cruelty reports, which ranks it 40 out of the state’s 79 local government areas.

RSPCA Victoria said it forecasts the number of animals coming into its care via the inspectoratewillreachmorethan3340by2027, which is a 222.7 per cent increase from 2017-18 financial year.

Chief Inspector Stagg said some of the

Age no barrier to games

A group of Woodend over 50s traveled to the Sunshine Coast last week to compete in the inaugural GemLife Games.

The competition took place on Friday, September 8, with more than 160 participants from Queensland and Woodend coming together to compete across seven sporting events, ranging from pickleball to tennis and virtual golf.

GemLife Woodend resident and lawn bowls coordinator Susan Doyle, 65, said her team of eight was very excited for the trip to the Sunshine state.

“Tobehonest,we[were]justlookingforward to having fun and meeting residents from the

other resorts,” Mrs Doyle said.

“MyhusbandShaneandIusedtoplayindoor lawnbowlswhenwelivedinNewZealand,and five of our Woodend team members play social bowls every Thursday.

“[Wealso]competeinlocalclubcompetitions intown,whichisgreatpractisefortheGemLife Games.”

GemLife Woodend also had teams compete in pool, table tennis, and ten-pin bowling, which Mrs Doyle said was a great way to create new friendships.

“The games [were] a great way to bring us together. It not only boosts our friendship circles but also gives us a chance to see

other resorts within the broader GemLife community.

“Many of the participants, including us, [were]... hosted by GemLife Maroochy Quays homeowners and [was something] we [were] really looking forward to. Hopefully we can return the favour one day.”

GemLifeDirectorandchiefexecutiveAdrian Puljich said the games were launched this year as a way of supporting its over 50s residents to liveanactivelifestyleandforgenewfriendships: “The GemLife Games perfectly exemplify the fact age is no barrier to staying active, forging new friendships, and fostering a healthy sense of competition.”

factors contributing to this increase include cost of living pressures and a lack of education.

“Cost of living pressures may be impacting people’s ability to care for their pets, whether it be their ability to provide suitable food or their ability to pay for necessary medical care,” he said.

“Many people also became first-time pet owners during the pandemic and may need further information or support to help them understand how to care for their animals.”

RSPCA said the most common type of cruelty report concerned insufficient water, food, or shelter.

Joining force for Cloverton

Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell councils will join forces to discuss the Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC), which has been positioned as the “future capital of the north”.

On Monday, August 28, councillors voted for Cr Jim Overend and Cr Karen Sherry to attend the meeting on October 3, which will be chaired by Hume mayor Joseph Haweil.

At the meeting councils will discuss the strategic importance of Cloverton MAC, which is set to become the northern growth corridor capital, if planned strategically.

Cr Naim Kurt said it is a significant proposal that has been put forward and a number of councillors put their hand up to attend the meeting.

“We believe this is in fact the first ever joint meeting of three council areas, and speaks to the significance that the Cloverton [MAC] will be as a future capital of the north,” he said.

“Thefactthatitfoldsoverthreecouncil boundaries means that we need to have a coordinated approach between all three local governments in the area.

“[This will also] put the message forward to the state government that… we need their support to make this city centre a success.”

Cloverton MAC will service a regional catchment of approximately 380,000 residents and will sustain an estimated 7500 jobs within the area.

Council said it will become the primary employment and service centre for Mickleham, Kalkallo, Donnybrook, Beveridge and Wallan.

The meeting will start at 5pm, and council said the meeting is intended to be livestreamed.

Zoe Moffatt

Councils slow to implement developer interaction register

Macedon Ranges and Hume councils welcomed an anti-corruption report into transparency involving interactions with developers, however neither council has implemented an interaction register which was recommended by Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) in 2022.

The push for increased transparency follows the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) Operation Sandon report into Casey council, which was handed down in late July.

The report investigated whether any Casey councillors accepted payments, gifts or other benefits, including political donations, in exchange for voting on or influencing council decisions on planning matters that favoured the interests of developer John Woodman.

The report handed down 34

recommendations that could impact the ways councils interact with developers.

IBAC’s first recommendation was the establishment of an implementation inter-departmental taskforce to coordinate the implementation of its recommendations.

Hume council said it is committed to acting withintegrityinallinteractionsanditbelieves its existing conflict of interest provisions are sufficient.

Chief executive Sheena Frost said council awaits the government’s response to these recommendations and is reviewing practices it can incorporate in the meantime.

“The community rightly expects staff and councillors to be acting in the best interests of the community,” she said.

“The Operation Sandon report has been long awaited and the recommendations,

in particular those designed to ensure the experiences of Sandon can never be repeated, are welcome.

“Councillors play an important role in understanding the wants and needs of residents, particularly when it comes to representing community views about the future of their neighbourhoods.

“We will welcome the opportunity to provide feedback to ensure this continues once the government’s response to the recommendations is known.”

Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council looks forward to working with the government on potential reforms, including the potential for formal registers.

“Council currently has a Councillor Interactions with External Parties on

Planning Matters Policy, which aims to increase transparency and integrity around councillors interacting on planning matters,” he said.

“This policy requires councillors or council officers… to provide information to the CEO and governance team regarding their interactions on any planning matters.

“This information is kept on file but not transcribed into a formal register, it is not made public as it involves personal information from third parties.”

This report follows five recommendations from LGI last year, including that councils should keep a register of councillor interactions with developers open and transparent and available for the public to see.

Zoe Moffatt

Woodend bowling team Geoffrey Pamenter, Patricia Morgan, Susan Doyle, Henny Brama, John Brama, Wayne Warner and Anthony Lennie. (Supplied)

Housing ‘out of reach’ in Hume

By Zoe Moffatt

A Hume councillor says housing affordability is ‘out of reach’ for residents under council’s latest Housing Diversity Strategy.

At a council meeting on August 28, Hume council adopted the strategy and endorsed the draft Good Design Guide for consultation.

The strategy aims to guide and manage housing change, with 90 per cent of established residential areas to be rezoned to limit new development to two storeys to fit neighbourhood character.

It also includes Planning Policy Framework

that that seeks the provision of at least 10 per cent affordable housing.

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Naim Kurt said the document is a significant report but he holds reservations.

“I think that this policy does try to tie up a lot of the suggestions that have come from our residents and issues which are often raised during planning meetings,” he said.

“I do have some reservations, particularly regarding the housing affordability target of 10 per cent. In my view this target falls short of what our community truly needs.

“I think a 10 per cent housing affordability

Land management tips

Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network in partnership with Macedon Ranges council will hold a free land management information session in October.

The session will be held on October 7, from 9.30am to 1pm at the Romsey Community Hub, and is for people who are new to rural living, own a small hobby farm, or have plans for rural land.

Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network committee member John Robinson said the information session will provide lots of useful and practical advice.

“The land management ‘101’ information session will be a great learning opportunity for anyone who wants to know more about managing their rural land,” he said.

“Whether you are a new rural landholder or have had a hobby farm for a while, the information session will provide lots of useful and practical land management advice.”

The session will cover a range of land management issues and solutions, so that landholders can put plans in place and take action to better manage their properties. Taking timely land management action will help landholders save money, time, effort, and can make rural living more enjoyable.

A wide range of speakers will present on topics including: livestock management and animal welfare; fencing; pastures and healthy soils; biodiversity; controlling weeds and pest animals; waterway management and programs; revegetation; running a small farm; responsibilities of rural landholders; and opportunities and benefits of getting involved in landcare. There will also be a panel discussion of presenters at the end of the session, and a light lunch will be provided.

Registration is required by October 2.

Details: https://land-management-infosession.eventbrite.com.au

target feels inadequate. It doesn’t keep pace with the household income stress experienced by many of our residents.

“I think this target will place 90 per cent of housingoutofreachformostofourresidents.”

Accordingtothestrategy,Humeusedtohave relatively good levels of housing affordability within the Melbourne metropolitan area.

The strategy claims that has rapidly been eroded the last decade, with only 15.6 per cent of all rentals in Hume being deemed affordable in March 2021.

Cr Kurt said he believes the council should be at the forefront of challenging housing

affordability.

“Currently, 45 per cent of households in Hume fall within the low to very low income bracket being less than $88,000 earned per annum in households,” he said.

“Our community wellbeing extends to housing and I think it’s incumbent upon us to push for policies that truly make housing affordable and accessible to all.”

The strategy also identifies land use categorisations with 51 per cent marked for limited change, 39 per cent for gradual change, eight per cent for moderate change, and 1.5 per cent for high change.

Private Land Conservation Officer Jason McAinch and Roadside Conservation Officer Josh Gomez (Damjan Janevski). 358072_02

Hume mayor ‘cranky’ with LGPro

By Zoe Moffatt

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil has voted to end council’s Local Government Professionals Inc (LGPro) membership, following the organisation’s call for tougher penalties on councillors.

On August 28, councillor Trevor Dance moved a successful motion to cease Hume’s LGPro membership, and to detail expenditure since 2016 on training through LGPro, including programs and sessions.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Haweil said his issue was not with the training, but he wanted to send a message to LGPro that councillors are not children.

“I was so disturbed five months ago to pick up The Age and to read an article [on] March

1, 2023, under the headline… ‘Councillors behaving badly: Calls for tougher penalties,’” he said.

“Under this arrangement the [chief executive] of LGPro and its board called out ‘appalling behaviour by councillors’.

“It attributed staff turnover and [chief executive] turnover to councillors’ appalling behaviour… It referred to the need for ‘more sticks to clamp down on misconduct by elected councillors’.

“Having significant media attention attached to something where the language being used… incredibly maternalistic and insulting. For that reason I have been very cranky with LGPro ever since.”

The article referenced LGPro’s letter to Local Government Minister Melissa Horne

Stunning art on show

More than 200 paintings by 40 local artists were on display when the 12th annual Benetas Bridgewater Lake Art Show opened to the public on September 9 and 10.

The event transformed the retirement village’s community centre into an upscale art gallery, showcasing work by residents and artists from Sunbury Art Society, Glenroy Art Group, Craigieburn Art Group and Plenty Valley Arts.

The art show has grown in leaps and bounds over the past decade with the inaugural event featuring a modest 30 paintings, produced predominantly by village residents.

Thisyear’seventincludedadiverseselection of more than 200 pieces, featuring pastels, oils and water colours on both portrait and

landscape.Alistof40artists,includinghigher profile names Rex Amos and Betty Maher, had artwork on display over the weekend.

Best Painting and Honourable Mentions was up for grabs with patrons voting for a People’s Choice prize.

Benetas general manager, strategy, infrastructure and housing Bruce Webb said the show had become an important event for theartcommunityinMelbourne’snorth-west.

“The showcase is a great opportunity for Bridgewater Lake residents and the region’s professional and amateur artists to exhibit their talents before a captive audience,” Mr Webb said.

Devonshire tea was offered with proceeds from the sale going to a local charity.

Have your say

View the concept designs

We’re removing the level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest in 2025.

Concept designs for the new road bridges are now available. We want your feedback to help shape aspects of these designs. Find out more about the project at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/diggers-rest Be the first to know about updates on the Diggers Rest level crossing removals by signing up for regular email updates at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/subscribe

about addressing culture and conduct issues in Victoria’s councils. Under legislation proposed by LGPro, arbiters would be able to issue monetary fines and disciplinary panels could suspend councillors for up to three years for bad behaviour. Cr Haweil said he was ‘disturbed’ by the language used and he thinks LGPro’s job is not to be a political commentator from the side lines.

“I was really disturbed by this type of paternalistic language being used… against people who are in elected positions,” he said.

“Ithink[the]organisation[stepped]beyond the boundaries to… a place that it really should not have been advocating for. I do want to send a message to LGPro… that councillors are not children.”

An LGPro spokesperson said the

organisation had apologised and written to the mayor to clarify LGPro’s position and to offer him the opportunity to discuss the issues and his concerns.

“LGPro understands that negative connotations or tone could be inferred from reading the reportage on its case for reform in isolation and has apologised to the council for any offence caused if that were the case,” the spokesperson said.

“LGPro believes that some of the commentary was not an accurate representation of the sensible reforms LGPro has been calling for in good faith and has addressed this in correspondence to council.”

The notice of motion was carried with seven councillors voting for the motion and four against it.

Minister visits Doreen RSL

Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel

Minister Matt Keogh and McEwen MP Rob Mitchell co-hosted a forum with the Doreen RSL for the local veteran community.

Mr Mitchell said he felt privileged to be able to hold an event for the veterans, as a way to honor and respect their service.

“Owing to the significance of the sacrifices that they have made, we must ensure that our care for servicemen and women extends beyond just their time in uniform”, he said.

Mr Mitchell said the forum fostered meaningful conversations and bridged the gap between policy-makers and those directly impacted.

Mr Keogh acknowledged the significant veteran community in McEwen.

“McEwen is home to almost 3,000 women and men who do serve, or have served in the Australian Defence Force,” he said.

“Since becoming Minister for Veterans’ Affairs I’ve been engaging with veterans and familiesalloverthecountrytohearwhatworks, and what doesn’t when it comes to supporting Defence personnel, veterans and families.”

Throughout the forum they discussed the challenges and concerns faced by veterans and their families, with the room filled with prominent figures within the veteran community as well as representatives from 10 RSL sub-branches, including Doreen, Woodend, Romsey-Lancefield and Whittlesea.

Gerald Lynch

Scan

Minister Matt Keogh addressing the room. (Supplied)

Bridgewater Lake resident Nicola Kelly with her art show entry. (Supplied)

‘Stunned’ by crossing decision

By Liam McNally

Land will need to be compulsorily acquired to make way for two road bridges that will replace level crossings in Diggers Rest the state government has confirmed.

Early designs for the two road bridges were released last week. At Old Calder Highway the road will be diverted west over the rail line south of Stan Payne Reserve, before turning north to connect with Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, between Pepper Close and Welcome Road. The new road bridge will include a separated cycling path over the rail line.

The Old Calder Freeway route is something a number of Diggers Rest residents have previously raised concerns about.

Star weekly reported that residents became concerned about the level crossing removal proposals after a site investigation work notification letter sparked fears that if the plan goes ahead certain properties may be up for compulsory acquisition by the government. These fears led to a town meeting following which preferred alternative routes were presented to the Level Crossing Removal team.

TheDiggersRestresidentwhoorganisedthe

Gift has Scouts covered

Romsey Scout Group is continuing to grow with the addition of four brand new tents for an upcoming once in a lifetime adventure to Cuboree.

The Sunbury Masonic Lodge and Macedon Ranges lodge presented the group with a cheque of almost $2000 for the new tents on Friday, September 8.

The evening kicked off with dinner at 6.30pm and was followed by the formal presentation. Cub leader Renee Riddler said about 80 people attended, and the tents will help the club’s growth.

“Thegrouphasprettymuchdoneacomplete overhaul in the last 12 months… [and] we’ve had some new leaders come in,” Ms Riddler said.

“We’ve gone from having three Cub Scouts to 20 Cubs Scouts… it’s very exciting. Moving into 2024, we’re looking to get a scout unit up and running for 12 to 15 years old.”

Ms Riddler said the group noticed it needed new tents earlier this year, and the community has been a great support in the fundraising efforts.

“We had a district camp earlier this year and we had parents and leaders supplying the tents,” she said

“From all the tents in the hall we only had one that was usable, which made us realise that we needed to get some more.

“We’ve got Cuboree coming up [soon], whichisastatewideevent,andhavingthenew tents will make it so much more comfortable and enjoyable. It will also take the pressure off everyone.

“Then moving forward, because they are high quality tents, we can continue to use them in our different units.”

Zoe Moffatt

town meeting, Bob Rau, said he was “stunned” by the compulsory acquisition announcement.

“There was a request only a couple of weeks ago encouraging us to write submissions to what we thought for the crossing - of which 92 submissions have been made - none of which have been recognised,” he said.

“Everyone supported the concept of the crossing going, but no one supported the plan which is now to go ahead.

“Everyone thought it would create a traffic catastrophe.”

Mr Rau said the Diggers Rest community has been offered no face-to-face meeting since

GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS

the submissions and he fears the government was just “ticking boxes” by inviting feedback.

At Watsons Road a new road bridge with a pedestrian path will be constructed. The new bridges will open and the level crossings will be gone in 2025.

Currently, around 6300 vehicles use the level crossings daily and up to 27 trains travel through them during the morning peak, meaning the boom gates are down for approximately 36 minutes. More trains will be able to to run more often on the Sunbury line when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.

Romsey Scout Group being presented with the cheque from Sunbury Masonic Lodge and Macedon Ranges Lodge (Supplied)

Hume small business festival

SmallbusinessownersacrossHumeflockedto the Town Hall Broadmeadows on Wednesday, September 6, to network and learn the ins and outs of owning a business.

About 250 people attended the event, including people from micro enterprise, home based businesses, start ups, as well as those wanting to start a small business.

Hume Mayor Joseph Haweil said small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy.

“Our Small Business Festival event was a fantastic opportunity for new business ideas to be heard and budding entrepreneurs to ask questions and make their mark,” he said.

“Small businesses [also] support the creation of many local jobs for our diverse community.”

The event covered topics including council services and permits, tax obligations, digital marketing and social media, legal contracts, terms and conditions, accounting and bookkeeping, starting a business and how to scale up a microenterprise.

The event was a Holmesglen event which Hume council hosted. Holmesglen runs the Self Employment Assistance Program, which is designed to assist aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

Details: https://shorturl.at/EM568

Viki Koutsandreou and Elizabeth Homann from Get It Sorted at the small business festival. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 357621

Above: Jon Mommers from Holmesglen.

Left: Small business festival organisers Maria Dimitrou and Karen Arvidsson.

Anele Mono and Simon Gough from IP Australia.

Clint Williams from Workforce Australia.

Above: Shane McPhee and Jamie Lowe from Elders Insurance. Below: Claudia Cross and Megan Kerr from Hume council.

Briefs

Fatal crash in Woodend

An 18-year-old Woodend man has died, following a crash in Woodend on Sunday, September 4. Investigators were told a motorcycle crashed into a tree near the intersection of Crows Road and Russells Lane about 1.20am. He died at the scene. Circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Youth Fest

Young people in the Macedon Ranges will showcase their talents in this month’s Youth Fest. The month long celebration in September provides opportunities for residents to showcase talents, grow networks and to connect with creative like-minded peers. The events include; Art Space by Macedon Ranges council, and Woodend X Level-Up by the Woodend Neighbourhood House. Details: vic.gov. au/youth-fest

New car park underway

Sunbury commuters are one step closer to parking with less congestion after the launch of the major construction phase of the new multi-level car park at Sunbury station on Tuesday, September 5.

Preliminary works for the 400 space carpark havebeencompleted,whichfollowstheclosure of the existing car park in June. The project is being delivered by Hume council, and is jointly funded by state and federal governments.

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said the positive impact of the project will be widely felt by different sections of the community.

“Hume council is excited to break ground on aprojectthatwillhelpfreeuplocalstreetsfrom

commuter parking stemming from the rapidly growing population in Sunbury,” Cr Haweil said. “We are proud of the many benefits the newmulti-deckcarparkwilldeliverinreducing congestion,meetingtheneedsofshoppers,and encouraging more people to catch the train.“

Sunbury MP Josh Bull said “These upgrades will make it easier for both commuters that use the train and the wider Sunbury community whowillbenefitfromincreasedparkingwithin the precinct”.

Hume council said it is grateful its work is being met with funding contributions at all levels to deliver vital infrastructure that keeps development in line with growth.

School holidays in Hume

There are a range of fun programs and activities in Hume to keep everyone entertained these school holidays. Activities include a youth escape room in Sunbury on September 18, a crafternoon surprise for children aged 5 and older at the Sunbury Library on September 19 and 22, a family trivia on September 21, and more.

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

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Hume councillor Jarrod Bell, Sunbury MP Josh Bull and Hume mayor Joseph Haweil kicking off construction at the car park. (Supplied)

Discover resort-style living at Bellbrook Gardens

Thelatestphaseisnowunderwayandselling rapidly with just four homes left in Stage 8A and preparations for the final stage 8B are already in progress.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity as these homes are expected to sell fast. Join the team for an open house event on September 20 from 10.30am and indulge in a delightful morning tea while exploring the modern homes and facilities that are unparalleled in quality and style.

This quality freestanding home Villa 129 is selling for just $786,000 and no Stamp Duty to pay. This home boasts three bedrooms a study, spaciouslivingzones,awellappointedkitchen, outdoor entertaining and a double garage.

This highly regarded villa also offers quality appliances and stone bench tops, built-in robes to bedrooms, gas central heating and split system air conditioning, ducted vacuuming, extensive outdoor entertaining, private rear garden, double garage offering direct access to the villa and much more. An opportunity too good to miss.

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is part of the Country Club Living group and is located at 168 Underbank Boulevard and is conveniently located less than 5 minutes to the center of Bacchus Marsh and 15 minutes from Melton.

TheBellbrookGardenscommunityresidents and visitors are delighted by the bright and happy atmosphere.

Youcanembracelifeandliveyourretirement justthewayyouwantwithindependent,secure living and reassurance for yourself and family.

The Country Club boasts a community

This quality freestanding home Villa 129 is selling for just $786,000 and no Stamp Duty to pay.

centre that contains a hairdressing salon, library, billiards room, craft room, and bar. Additionally, residents have access to an indoor heated pool, gym and an outdoor and indoorbowlsrink.Thevillageisstaffedwithan on-site manager and has a 24 hour emergency call system. The village bus also commutes residents on shopping trips and social outings. Join the team on September 20 for morning tea from 10.30am. RSVP is essential. Visit Bellbrook Gardens on-line at bellbrookgardens.com.au or contact Denise today for your private tour on FreeCall 1800 633 672.

What are you waiting for? Don’t leave it too late to enjoy the amazing lifestyle on offer.

...

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

the tranquility

of Bellbrook Gardens Country Club.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT

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 September 16, 10am-12.30pm, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Repair Café Sunbury

Join us for a cuppa and a skill share repairing broken household items; preventing landfill and promoting kindness. Saturday, September 16, 10am - 12.30pm

Amateur Radio Club

The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL Hall, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend at 10am. If you are interested in amateur radio or already have a call sign we’d love to meet you.

■ http://www.mrarc.org.au

Take off weight naturally

Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Thursday at 9am at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

■ Rhonda, 0409 740 924

Kyneton Badminton Club

Kyneton Badminton Club is a welcoming, fun and social group that plays on Mondays, at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre in Victoria Street. Players of all skill levels welcome.

■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Macedon Ranges Lodge

Meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome.

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

Sunbury Art Society

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

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

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

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

Rotary club

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

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.

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, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am to noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat

Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. Chats 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

Ladies probus

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

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

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

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

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

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

■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

Toastmasters

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

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

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

■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury 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

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

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s 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 9.30pm, and on Wednesdays 10am to 12pm. Monday night is a Round Robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarks Oval Stadium 49 Riddle Road.

■ sunburybc@gmail.com

One Voice Sunbury

One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday from 6.30pm at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. Fun and welcoming choir, new members welcome, no prior singing experience required. Just join in the fun.

■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Max Augoustakis and Zac Main at the radio station where they do a weekly segment called ‘Self-Titled’. (Damjan Janevski) 358073_01

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 Danish writer, Hans – Andersen (9)

6 Electronic music player (4)

10 Yank (3)

11 Right away (11)

12 Graveyard (8)

13 French (6)

14 Umpteen (4)

15 Italian composer (7)

20 Enlarge (7)

21 Church recess (4)

25 Soporific drug (6)

26 Dictator (8)

28 New birth (11)

29 Speck (3)

30 Bring up (4)

31 Unconvinced (9)

DOWN

1 Subterranean burial chamber (8)

2 Army unit (8)

3 A Japanese religion (6)

4 Be involved (9)

5 Uncovered (4)

7 Spanish rice dish (6)

8 Solid carbon dioxide, commonly (3,3)

9 Dangers or risks (7)

16 Wealth (9)

17 Skipper (7)

18 Occasionally (8)

19 Abstaining from alcohol (8)

22 Scary genre (6)

23 The capital of Austria (6)

24 Convincing (6)

27 Invites (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

3 LETTERS AGE ALE ANY ASK CHI DID END ERA

Today’s Aim:

18 words: Good

27 words: Very good

36 words: Excellent

M A E

A I E

L V

U

A R I N T

arum, atrium, aunt, etui, inure, manure, mature, menu, MINIATURE, minuet, minute, minutia, minutiae, mute, nature, nutria, ruin, rumen, ruminate, rune, runt, triune, true, tuna, tune, tuner, turn, unarm, unit, unite, unmet, untie, urea, urinate, urine, uteri

No. 150

T N T B E A D S E A S E L A G I L E S L A V E T E N E T

1 In which year was Gmail first released (in beta): 1998, 2001 or 2004?

2 Bundaberg is a city found in which Australian state?

3 Does the term ‘BreadTube’ refer to content creators on the left or right side of the political spectrum?

4 What is the title of Taylor Swift’s album released in December 2020?

5 Which company owns the social cataloging site Goodreads?

6 Taipei is the capital of which country?

7 In terms of image resolution, what does dpi stand for?

8 What is a drupe?

9 Teresa Palmer (pictured) stars as which character in the British fantasy series ADiscoveryofWitches?

10 In which year was the first female editor of TheAge appointed?

EVE GAL ICY IDS ITS NIP NOT ORE PEN PEP PRO ROE SET TOO YAP ZOO 4 LETTERS BARB DUNG DYED EBBS ESKY KIDS OATH SACS SASH SEEN SLED STOW USER WADS 5 LETTERS ABOVE ACHES ACRID ADOBE AGREE ALIBI AMAZE AMBER AMBLE AORTA ARENA BARGE BASIS BIDES BLASE BORNE BREED BROOK CANED CLIPS CRIBS CROSS DEMON DENSE DIMER DOING GLOBE HALOS HIDES INANE INTER IRATE MADAM MEDAL MEMOS MINES MOODY NESTS NIECE ORDER SALAD SANDS SEEDS SLEDS STARE STATE STOVE THETA TRUMP VISAS 6 LETTERS CAMPER GEARED MADDER METRES 7 LETTERS AMOEBAS FALTERS IMPEDES MILITIA RETCHED ROASTED 8 LETTERS COLOSSAL MERCIFUL OBSOLETE OPPONENT 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 E F O X S N H D V W T A L R Y P B U I M J G C K Q 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 15-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 562781394 615897423 743925186 139542867 498253671 981376542 874639215 327164958 256418739 easy medium hard 379825614 247351896 138569472 612943587 583697241 426718953 854176329 961482735 795234168 514287936 738629514 983765142 862391457 495178263 247913685 379456821 621534798 156842379 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 KZ ANSWERS: 1. 2004 2. Queensland 3. Left 4. Evermore 5. Amazon 6. Taiwan 7. Dots per inch 8. A stone fruit 9. Diana Bishop 10. 2020

No. 150

No. 150

No. 150

1.The proposed upgrade involves:

The removal of existing circular headframe and new installation of triangular modular headframe on top of monopole

The removal of Three (3) existing panel antennas for Optus and Three (3) existing panel antennas for VHA

The installation of Three (3) new panel antennas with 5G capability (with length 2688mm), installed onto the new modular headframe at 35.10m for Optus and the installation of Three (3) new panel antennas with 5G capability (with length 2688mm) for VHA

The removal of twenty-one (21) existing remote radio units (RRUs) and the installation of twenty-four (24) new RRUs, and reserve space for six (6) future RRUs

The relocation and reconfiguration of existing panel antennas and associated ancillary equipment including the RRUs and the installation of new ancillary equipment including antennas mounts, feeders, cabling, and other associated equipment

2.Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed works as a Low-impact installation in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3.The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EMR regulatory arrangements.

4.In accordance with section 7 of the Industry Code, C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, you are invited to provide feedback about the proposal.

5.Comments will be accepted until Monday 25 Sept 2023 (COB)

6.Further information, requests and/or comments should be directed to:

DIS

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. Which North Melbourne coach announced they would be leaving the club?

2. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined which team after nearly 20 years with the Green Bay Packers?

3. Michael Smith is best known for competing in which sport?

4. Which country holds the most Olympic gold medals for tennis?

5. Which upcoming biographical sports film stars Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz?

6. Which NRL team does fullback Latrell Mitchell play for?

In which year was Etihad stadium’s name changed

In which year did Carlton last compete in a Grand Final?

Stefanos Tsitsipas terminated his partnership with which star coach for the second time?

Which 2017 sports documentary follows Bryan Fogel’s investigation into doping?

11. Which men’s team defeated the US 110-104 at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

12. How many times has jockey Damien Oliver ridden the winner of the Melbourne Cup?

13. Heath Streak played international cricket for which African nation?

14. The John Worsfold Medal is awarded to the player voted best and fairest of which AFL club?

15. The 2023 Vuelta a España multi-stage cycling race is set to take place in Spain, Andorra and which other country?

16. What is the national sport of Nepal?

17. Who was announced as captain of the AFL’s 2023 All-Australian team?

18. American billionaire Mark Cuban is the majority owner of which NBA team?

19. Which national rugby union team is known as Los Pumas (The Pumas)?

20. Danish tennis professional Caroline Wozniacki is married to which former NBA player?

21. Which African nation’s basketball team recently qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for the first time?

22. Which North Melbourne player won the 2023 AFL Rising Star Award?

23. How many seasons did the Collingwood Magpies netball team compete in the Super Netball competition?

24. Which team did the Australian men’s cricket team recently sweep 3-0 in a Twenty20 International Series?

25. Who coached the Australian Boomers at the 2023 FIBA World Cup?

26. Which AFL premiershipwinning coach will present the Jock McHale Medal at the 2023 AFL Grand Final?

27. Which NRL team finished top of the ladder at the conclusion of the 2023 regular season?

28. How many movies have there been in the Rocky/ Creed film franchise?

29. What international team sport was recently announced as a probable event for only the second time at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games?

30. Which Matildas star will play for Real Madrid in the upcoming Liga F competition?

Harry Sheezel

Seven 24. South Africa

Brian Goorjian

Hayley Raso

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Leading with light in auto design

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

In a display, which can only be described as a case of automotive smoke and mirrors, the new Hyundai Kona is designed to look like an electric vehicle – no radiator grille – whether an EV, hybrid or petrol powered.

The maker Hyundai says this is to make the whole range of the small SUV, including petrol variants - EV and hybrids are due here by year’s end - blend in with traffic better in the future.

The ‘petrols’ on offer at present are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a CVT automatic and front-wheel drive, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder with an eight-speed torque converter automatic and all-wheel drive.

Prices for the second-generation SUV start at $32,000 and rise to $46,500, plus on-road costs. The N-Line pack adds an extra $4000. Considerably more kit does come with the price premium.

The new Kona is covered by a five-year 100,000 kilometre warranty and attracts Hyundai’s Premium Roadside Support Plan free for the first 12 months and renewed annually for up to 10 years so long as the vehicle is serviced by Hyundai.

Styling

If there were a patron saint of electric lighting, say St Osram, the new Kona would pay him or her homage, for the car’s design makes Hyundai literally a leading light in automotive design.

The absence of a grille apart, up front the full width of the compact sports utility vehicle is emphasised by an LED strip light – similar to one which debuted in the Staria – on the leading edge of the bonnet from wing to wing.

Not far behind is a similar single bar across the rear, highlighting the futuristic (EV) view from behind. Outboard lighting matches the front triangular set-up. Inside and out the new Kona is bigger than its predecessor. In profile, apart from muscular wheel arch covers, the rest is very much de rigueur for the class.

Interior

Atatadover4.3mlong,1.8mwideandalmost 1.6 m tall, the ‘small’ SUV is more spacious on the inside too thanks to a 60 mm increase in wheelbase front to back. This translates to much more leg room in the back compared withbefore.Headroomismorethanadequate for the average adult.

Absent in the 2.0 is a shift-by-wire transmission stalk to the right behind the steering wheel found in Premium and turbo grades. In its place here is a conventional centre-console gearshift.

Storage abounds, with bins in the front doors big enough for large bottles and two retractable cup holders in the centre console, plus a generous glove box, as well as wireless charging, USB-C jacks and a 12V socket.

Rear doors can take small bottles and there are two cup holders in the fold-down centre armrest and pockets on the front seat backs. Adjustable ventilation outlets and a pair of USB-C power sockets are in situ. The boot will hold 407 litres with the rear seat backs raised, or up to 1241 litres with them folded flat. A space-saver spare is carried.

Infotainment

A high-resolution 12.3-inch widescreen digital infotainment display sits above the centre stack, which incorporates climate control air-con buttons. Directly in front of the driver is a digital instrument screen inside a 12.3-inch panel.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard low down the model range, while Premium variants with satellite navigation have only wired systems. This is due to change later this year with wireless becoming available to all.

Hyundai’s Bluelink connection enables remote access from a paired smartphone

with vehicle location, remote lock and start services, plus the ability to contact emergency services in the event of an accident.

Engines/transmissions

The Kona and Kona Premium come with either a naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sending 110 kW and 180 Nm at 6200 rpm and 4500 rpm, respectively, to the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission.

Hyundaiclaimsacombinedurban/highway fuel consumption figure of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, while the test car came up with 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres over a week of varied driving conditions.

Safety Kona is on board with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety system, which includes front and rear autonomous emergency braking (with car, ‘powered two-wheeler’, pedestrian and cyclist detection), blind spot view and collision avoidance, lane-following and lane keeping assist.

There’s also rear cross-traffic alert, active cruise control, safe exit warning, surround view monitor, driver attention warning and tyre pressure monitoring. A multi-collision brake is designed to minimise the chance of additional impacts after an initial crash and an emergency stop signal

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Hyundai Kona 2.0 $32,000

Hyundai Kona 2.0 N-Line $36,000

Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium $39,500

Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium N-Line $42,500

Hyundai Kona 1.6 turbo N-Line $40,000

Hyundai Kona 1.6 turbo Premium N-Line $46,500

OPTIONS

Metallic paint $595 (all models); sunroof $1500 (Kona Premium) ; Light grey, sage green interior $295 (Kona Premium}

SPECIFICATIONS

Hyundai 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, CVT, FWD Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.

function are also standard.

There are seven airbags, including a front centre bag to minimise front occupant injuries in a side impact, as well as three top tether anchors and two Isofix positions across the rear seat.

Driving

Riding on the standard 18-inch wheels the Kona kept up a steady march over some rough country roads and reduced cabin noise intrusion to an acceptable level on concrete motorway surfaces.

Steering followed suit with positive feedback from the road, while disc brakes, ventilated at the front, had little trouble stopping the 1.4 tonne-plus vehicle in the dry-only conditions encountered.

Speed presented only one problem and that was purely electronic. The test car speed-sign recognition indicator suffered from a form of dyslexia: the 10 km/h speed limit registered in a shopping centre car park remained unchanged through several streets before the instrumentdisplayswitchedtothecorrectlegal limit.

Other speed limits were slow to catch up and slip roads constantly over-rode the legal motorway limit.

Constant speed limit and lane keeping audible warnings turned out to be overzealous, and while made to be turned off, were not easy to silence.

Summary

In typical Hyundai fashion the new Kona 2.0 stands apart in its class from a design point of view and it will be interesting to see what the hybrid and full electric models can come up with under the skin later this year.

Unique design features look to an electric future for the new Hyundai Kona. (Pictures: Supplied)

Championship defender to play for England Rhinos

City West Falcons and Gisborne gun Zoe Davies is headed to England to continue her netball career.

The championship defender, who has been a training partner for the Collingwood Super Netball side the past two seasons, has signed with the Leeds Rhinos for the 2024 Netball Super League season.

The 26-year-old, who can play at goal defence and wing defence will test herself in the Netball Super League for the first time, joining up with formerCollingwoodteammateGevaMentorat the Rhinos.

Davies played three games for the Magpies in 2022 as an injury replacement player.

She has been a star for the Falcons in the Victorian Netball League, having won three championships and two grand final best on court medals.

This season she has also been playing for

Gisborne in the Bendigo Netball League. She will finish the season with the Bulldogs before heading overseas.

Daviessaidshe’ssoexcitedfortheopportunity with the Rhinos.

“I have heard great things and it will be fantastic to get to work with Geva again too,” she said.

“I’ve watched some of the Netball Super League back home and the Roses too so it will be good to experience a new competition and style of play.

“Iamnormallyrecordedasaspeedydefender and I definitely bring a lot of enthusiasm and I am big on hard work and the family culture.

“I love a team that plays for the team and not individually so for me it’s bringing in that culture of everyone wanting to be there for each otherandworkingashardaswecan.Ican’twait to get over there and to begin my journey with

the Rhinos”

Rhinos netball director Liana Leota said the thing that excited her the most about Davies was her tenacious work ethic and energy.

“She played in front of Geva at Collingwood as a training partner,” she said. “She’s rangy, deceiving – she can work the one v one but also Come forth and block shots. She can pretty much do everything.

“You can see the energy she creates on court, but when you meet her in person she has an awesome energy and aura about her.

“I am looking forward to her getting over to the UK and getting stuck in.”

Former Falcon Jacqui Newton, who was part ofCollingwood’steamtheparttwoyears,isalso needed to the United Kingdom, having signed with Cardiff Dragons.

Kangaroos recognised

Sunbury Kangaroos stars are among those to be named in the Essendon District Football League division 2 teams of the year.

The league announced both the men’s and women’s teams of the year, with the captains and coaches to be announced at the league awards night.

In the men’s team, Kangaroos skipper Mitchell Streiff was named on a half back flank with his teammate Mitchell Kook named on the other half back flank.

It’s the first time the pair have been named in EDFL team of the years.

Rhys Magin, who finished second in the competition goal kicking, was named in a forward pocket in his first season with the Kangaroos, as was Brody Watts in his first full season of senior football.

There were no East Sunbury players named in the team.

In the women’s division 2 team of the year, the Kangaroos had four players named in the side despite dropping down into the division after four weeks of the season.

Skipper Lisa Kirby has been named in the backline along with Courtney McCormack, who was named in the Kangaroos best the most.

Georgia Marinier, who led the Kangaroos goal kicking, was named on the bench along with Holli Cecchini, who receives her first team of the year honours.

The division 1 teams are set to be announced this week.

Tigers coaching change

By Harper Sercombe

It’s the beginning of a new era for the Kyneton Football Club with a league and coaching change confirmed on the same day.

Amid the changes, incumbent coach Ethan Foreman said he has never felt so positive about the Tigers.

Foreman debuted for the Tigers as a 15-year-old, he then moved to Riddell, winning best on ground in their 2013 premiership. He later moved to Gisborne winning a premiership there last season.

For 2023 he jumped back on board at the Tigers as a player and under-18s coach, now he is ready for the top job. Foreman will be playing coach.

Paul Chapman had coached the side this year but stood down mid-season due to other commitments.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Foreman said. “It’s going to be a pretty full on challenge but

I’m ready and can’t wait to get started as coach.

“There’s a vibe around the club that I haven’t experienced.

“Everyone’ssoupandabout,aboutthemove, I think it’s the best thing for the club and I can’t wait for it.”

Kyneton’s request to join the Riddell District Football Netball League was approved by AFL Victoria on Wednesday, the same day the club took to social media to announce Foreman as coach.TheclubhadbeenplayingintheBendigo Football League.

“We’ll get to play against sides that are a little bit closer to us,” Foreman said.

“Some of the rivalries that we will create with the towns close to us like Woodend, Macedon andRiddell.Ican’twaitforitandIknowalotof our supporters are keen on that and a lot of our players are as well.”

After finishing in sixth for the last two seasons,justonespotoutsideoffinals,Foreman said he is wanting to keep his core group of

playerswhilealsolookingelsewhereforpartshe doesn’t yet have.

“We’re looking at locking in our main local guys and our main Melbourne guys from last season, and then having a real focus on getting some of that local talent back that we’ve lost over the years,” he said.

“We’re going to focus on getting players back that have left the club over the years.”

That’s something that Foreman said will be easier to do now that the club is in the RDFL. With how the Tigers will go in a new league hard to put a gauge on, Foreman said there are promising early signs.

“It’s hard to set goals at this point,” he said.

“But we believe if we can hold the majority of our list and bring in a couple of top ups with some local talent, it’ll go a long way and hopefully make a push towards RDFL finals.”

The Tigers also announced the re-signings of Harrison Huntley, Ethan Turner and Cameron Manuel.

Rhys Magin. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 347357_25

Tara Murray Zoe Davies. (Robbab Photography)

Ethan Foreman. (Jacob Pattison) 334031_04

Sharks knocked out of finals by West Coburg

Rupertswood’s first Essendon District Football League division 1 finals appearance came to an end on Saturday against West Coburg.

After winning their first final the week before, the Sharks faced the minor premiers in West Coburg, which were focused on redemption after a disappointing loss to Deer Park the week before.

It was a fairly even first half, with West Coburg leading by 10 points at half time.

From there, West Coburg found another level

It led by 28 points at the last break before finishing off strongly to win, 18.12 (120)-10.11 (71) to set up a grand final match up with Deer Park.

Sharks coach Arron Bray said West Coburg was just too good in the end.

“It blew out in the end,” he said. “We missed some opportunities at times that hurt us.

“They got a couple before half time and a couple early in the third quarter and it got out to four or five goals.

“I’m proud of the boys and what they’ve

done this season.”

Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Sharks, while Brock Landt and Mitchell Johnson kicked two goals apiece.

Bray said Jackson Cardillo and Aaron West

were good in the loss, as was Luke Cannon, Jordie Tentonello before it dropped off.

The loss means the Sharks finish the season in third spot, where they also finished the regular season.

Bombers into grand final

By Tara Murray

Riddell had to dig deep to win its spot in the Riddell District Netball League grand final.

The Bombers, who finished on top, were staring at a straight set exit from the final series during its preliminary final against Macedon on Saturday.

Eight goals down, the Bombers had to make some changes to try and work themselves back into the game.

They were still five goals down heading into the final quarter.

They were able to level the scores in the final quarter and had a shot to win the game.

When that missed, the game went into extra time and the Bombers were able to get across the line eventually, 55-49.

Bombers coach Beck Anstey was a relieved coach after the game. She said they should have won the game in extra time, but were glad to get the result in the end.

“We only levelled the scores in the last couple minutes of the game and didn’t lead until in overtime,” she said.

“We didn’t have Tepaea [Hobson] who is training with the Australian under-21 team. We didn’t have her so we had two shorter players in defence and they were up against Hetty [Donoghue].

“Amy [Starzer] was shooting well, but we made the call we needed Amy to come into goal keeper.

“She changed the game and we got a couple of turnovers and we started chasing the game down.”

Shelby Holter shot 27 goals for the Bombers, while Starzer finishing with 15 and Ellen Close 13.

Ruby Shannon was named their best.

For the Cats, Donoghue finished with 33 goals, while Chloe Williams scored 14 goals.

Defenders Janelle Birch and Katie Clarke were named their best.

The match was the final game for Cats coach Ciara Stewart with the club having already made the call to head in a different direction.

It was a big day for the Bombers with all four of their netball sides in preliminary final action,

Their B-grade and under-19 teams also won through to the grand final on Sunday.

“To have three out of four teams still alive isn’t bad at this time of the year,” Anstey said. “We had a couple of teams in finals last year and the A-grade side went the furthest, knocked out in the second week when Diggers Rest smashed us.

“To have four sides going this deep, the club is doing something right.”

Bray said the results reflect where they sit.

“They [Deer Park and West Coburg] are the best two teams and they deserve to be there,” he said.

“We didn’t recruit a great deal, so it’s been growth that has come from within the club. That is the most pleasing thing.

“If you had asked any of us in November last year if we would have taken finishing third, we would have snapped it out of your hand.”

Bray, who has already signed on for next season, said they would have a bit of a break before thinking about next season. He said they would look to try and add some more depth to the club for next season.

“Everyone needs a break, we’ve had four practice matches, 18 games and three finals with only one week off.

“Looking at the depth, we had the senior side finishing third and equal on points with Deer Park and the reserves finishing bottom with one win.

“All the other reserves sides of the finalists played finals, it’s a good effort from our boys.”

Tara Murray

charge comes to abrupt end

The Calder Cannons’ girls Coates Talent League season has come to an end on Saturday in the first week of finals.

The Cannons faced the Oakleigh Chargers in the first round of finals.

The Chargers were on top all match after kicking the first two goals of the game.

The Cannons finally hit the scoreboard in the second term thanks to Reese Sutton. However, the Chargers still took a 24 point lead into the main break.

The scoring dried up in the third quarter with the Cannons scoring the only point of the term.

In the last the Chargers regained the ascendancy kicking two goals to give them the 7.5 (47)-1.3 (9) win.

Sutton was the only goal scorer for the Cannons, in her final game for the club having returned as a 19-year-old this year.

Young gun Chloe Baker-West had another fantastic game with 31 touches, six rebound 50s and seven tackles.

AFLW hopeful Kayley Kavanagh was also amongst the Cannons best with 22 disposals, seven marks and 10 tackles.

Jade Mclay, Amy Gaylor, Yasmin Welsford, Ellie Sbeghen and Jayla Rutley were the other standouts for the Cannons.

The Cannons finished their season winning eight of their 14 games which saw them finish in fifth on the ladder.

The Cannons boys season ended the previous week, knocked out in the final card round.

said. “It was just our second loss for the season and we’ve had players in and out of the side.

Anstey said

were expecting a tough match up.

“Woodend had all the momentum,” she

“They were a lot better than us. There’s things we have to get better at and we learned a lot about playing our roles.

“We’ll go back to basics and hopefully get the job done.”

Jade Mclay. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 338826_33

Brock Landt. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 350273_17

The Bombers will face Woodend-Hesket in the grand final on Sunday, with the Hawks having the week off after beating the Bombers in the semi finals.

they

Ruby Shannon. (Jacob Pattison)337292_03

Kyneton move to RDFNL approved by AFL Victoria

Kyneton’s request to join the Riddell District Football Netball League has been approved by AFL Victoria.

As previously reported by the Star Weekly, Kyneton had applied to move their senior men’s football, along with netball teams to the competition for the 2024 season.

The RDFNL released a statement on Wednesday, saying the application was successful.

“AFL Victoria advised the RDFNL yesterday (Tuesday 5th of September,2023) that the transfer of leagues request by Kyneton Football Netball Club to join the RDFNL had been approved,” he said.

“Kyneton FNC senior football and netball will now join their senior women, junior football and junior netball in the RDFNL competition for season 2024.

“Kyneton FNC will add an exciting dimension to the senior competition.”

RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said it was a positive move for the RDFNL.

“The RDFNL have been looking for a senior club to join the league for some time now and it is great that it has come to fruition with Kyneton FNC,” he said.

“Kyneton approached us some time ago and it has been a lengthy process to ensure all parties involved are happy with the move. These decisions need time and care as there is a lot of people affected and a lot of club history to consider.”

Due to Kyneton FNC having already been accepted by the RDFNL clubs last season the move did not need to go to a vote, but the RDFNL was pleased to have the support of the senior clubs and their committees.

“WethanktheRDFNLseniorclubsfortheir support of this move and think that the KFNC will be a great fit for the RDFNL in 2024 and beyond.”

Kyneton had previously issued a statement, with presdient Hayden Evans saying after careful consideration that committee has have unanimously decided to submit an application to Bendigo Football Netball League to leave the league and join the RDFNL.

“We’re hoping this move provides a sustainable future for our club, fair and equitable competition, and an enhanced experience for all our players of which a significant majority have indicated their preference to move to RDFNL,” he said.

Evans said they issued a survey to the players with 84 per cent responding and 86

Hawks’ emotional win

By Tara Murray

Woodend-Hesket took lessons from earlier in the Riddell District Football League finals series to win through to its first grand final since 2007.

Facing Wallan for the second time in the finals in Saturday’s preliminary final, the Hawks were able to turn the table.

The Hawks led by 13 points at quarter time before trailing by four points at half time.

After half time the Hawks were able to step up and take control of the game.

They would be able to hold their composure in the final quarter to seal their spot in the final game of the season, 9.6 (60)-5.9 (39).

Hawks playing coach Josh Pound knows how special this is to the club and the supporters after a tough week.

Former junior player Harrison Duff, whose family is heavily involved in the club, died in an accident last weekend, while former player Garry Hewitt passed away during the week.

“It’s pretty special,” he said. “It’s hard to describe how I feel.

“We tried to play a good game to give the supporters and the Hewitt and Duff families a

little bit of joy this weekend.

“To get the club into a grand final, we were able to do that.”

Pound said they made a real focus of starting well after a poor first half against the Magpies last time.

He said they didn’t want to leak easy goals and defend a lot better.

“That was a huge focus,” he said. “At half time and not being down by a decent margin was a good result.

“We were hoping we could run out the game like we had been.”

The Hawks kicked out to a 14 point lead at the final break. Pound said they probably should have been a couple of goals further ahead.

With the game in their control, the Hawks needed to hold their nerve in the final quarter.

Pound said having been overawed in the first final it was something that they had spent they had worked a lot on.

“The big focus since then was asking the guys to settle their nerves and stay calm in the big situations.

“They were able to do that.”

Jack Arceri kicked three goals for the Hawks, while Josh Pound and Alistair Rae kicked two goals each.

Pound said Rae, who moved from defence into the forward line, was strong for all four quarters.

“He took two really good connected marks in the forward 50 and finished his work,” he said. “You can see how much it means to him.”

The other player Pound highlighted was Tobi-Duff-Tytler who was able to equalise some contests late.

The Hawks reserves fell just short of a grand final, losing in extra time to Diggers Rest.

The club though has both their A-grade netball and senior football in the grand final in the same season for the first time.

Pound said it means a lot for the club.

The footy side will face Diggers Rest in the grand final, after having the week off.

The Burras are the only team the Hawks haven’t beaten this season.

“The job is not done, we’re not happy just making a grand final,” Pound said.

“Wefeellikewehaveafairbitofmomentum int he final series. We’ll throw everything at them.”

per cent said yes to moving to the RDFNL.

The ability to compete, financial burden, player retention and numbers, community feedback and career pathways, RDFNL culture and governance and a one club theme are among the reasons for the decision.

“We believe that this move will provide us with an opportunity to be a sustainable club with strong and committed players who are desperate for a change sooner rather than later, who have made their views very clear through the survey,” Evans said.

“By making this decision now, it will remove any uncertainty and anxiousness and will create shared clarity of the long term vision for our players as we embark on recruitment in the coming months and reduce the unnecessary drain on club finances for 2024.”

Sports shorts

EDFL

East Sunbury has appointed Travis Bishop as its coach for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 2 season. Bishop, who was the club’s senior football operations manager, replaces Aaron Kite, who stood down due to family reasons. Bishop has more than 20 years playing and coaching experience and was previously an assistant coach and reserves coach at the Thunder.

Draft

Three Calder Cannons are among those who have been invited to the AFLW draft combine. The draft combine will showcase the country’s most talented draft-age girls footballers and will again be held across multiple locations across Australia throughout September and October. From the Cannons, Amy Gaylor, Kayley Kavanagh and Sarah Grunden were all invited. Gaylor had an interrupted Coates Talent League season due to a knee injury, missing rounds six to 15, while Kavanagh had a fantastic season boosting her disposal averages from 15 in 2022 to 26 in 2023. Grunden kicked seven goals and averaged 13 disposals, almost 5 tackles and 2 marks a game.

GDCA

Gisborne is aiming to get its women’s program back up and running for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association. The Dragons previously had a team, but haven’t had one the past few seasons. The club’s women’s pre-season training gets underway on September 13 with everyone welcome.

BFNL

The Sunbury Lions reserves are through to the Ballarat Football League grand final, while the under-19 will have to go through the preliminary final if they are to join them. The reserves were too strong for Darley on Saturday, while the under-19s lost to Sebastopol. The Lions D-grade netballers are also through to the grand final after beating Ballarat, but the C-grade side was knocked out by Sebastopol.

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Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tayte Pears (Ljubica Vrankovic) 356242_14

Bulldogs show improvement but still fall short

Gisborne walked away from its Bendigo Netball League semi final loss with Sandhurst knowing it can match it with the top side, but still has work to do.

While Sandhurst won the first spot in the grand final on Saturday, the Bulldogs showed they weren’t far off them in the 44-38 loss in the semi final.

Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said they showed plenty of good signs, but fell just short in the end.

“We lost by six goals having lost to them by 23 goals in the season,” she said. “That is the closest we have come to them.

“The girls played really well but unfortunately there were little lapses and Sandhurst put their foot down.”

Having lost to them so convincingly during the season, Rymer said they were happy that they had closed the gap.

She said it was disappointing that they couldn’t come away with the win though.

Sandhurst led by six goals at the first two breaks, with the margin back to just four at the final break.

“The opportunity was there,” she said. “It was a better performance than last time. In the third quarter we got it back to two goals [and the Bulldogs missed a shot to make it one].

“We didn’t make the most of the opportunities to win the ball off the centre pass after that.”

Rymer said goalshooter Tori Skrijel had a good game, as did their stars in Zoe Davies and Claudia Mawson.

The Bulldogs though have a second chance in the preliminary final and will face Castlemaine.

Rymer said continuing to play through

the finals was a good thing for them as they continuetogetbetterandkeepthemomentum going.

“We have the second chance,” she said. “That’s why you work hard during the season and win last week to get the second chance.”

It was a tough day on Saturday for the Bulldogs, with the under-17s and A-reserve sides both suffering losses.

Both will also play in the preliminary final.

The B-grade side won straight through to the grand final and will have the week off.

The B-reserve side played in a knockout semi final on Sunday and managed to get the win, meaning all five teams have made at least a preliminary final.

Kangaroos’ ‘fairytale run’ ends

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Kangaroos left no stone untouched but fell short at the final hurdle in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.

The fairytale story of the competition having lost their first five games before sneaking into finals and making a grand final, Saturday’s grand final against Oak Park was one step too fair.

Oak Park, which was in the grand final for a second straight season, showed why it had been the best team all season on Saturday, winning 20.15 (135)-8.5 (53).

Sunbury coach Shanon Carroll said it was a bittersweet feeling after the match.

“Webelievedwecoulddoit,”hesaid.“Itwas a different journey to get there, that is for sure.

“Ithinkthecoldheartlightofday,OakPark was the best side all year and they’ve been thereabouts for two years or so now.

“The game was probably gone half way through the third quarter. They [the Sunbury players] are happy with being where they have got to, but you can tell they are not satisfied. If anything there’s a taste now of what has to be done.”

After a physical win against Taylors Lakes in the preliminary final, Sunbury had it’s challenges in the lead up to the grand final.

Jordan James received the news he had done his ACL in the preliminary final win and would miss the grand final and most of next season.

Captain Mitch Streiff faced the tribunal on Tuesday night and then went to an appeals hearing on Thursday night to try and play. He received a two-week suspended suspension.

Ruck Brenton Sutherland, who missed the preliminary final, was ruled out having torn his plantar fasciitis.

Carroll said in the end it was all too much.

“There’s a number of stories out there,” he said. “Mitch Streiff although he got through [the tribunal] he was still touch and go with a bad corkie.

“JohnCorsohasplayedwithatorncalffrom the start of the finals, he is just an absolute bull.

“Brody Watts has a slight knee… The list goes on. That is why last week wasn’t just about making a grand final, it was about how our soldiers kept falling down and just wanted to stand up in that moment.

“Unfortunately this week, it was too much of an avalanche. It’s a good learning curve, there’s some mental toughness to take out of it, that is for sure.”

Carroll said on the day they were just beaten byabetterteam.Hesaidwhiletheydidn’tplay

the way they would have liked, there were no excuses.

“We made it this far and for all I know they had the same amount of injuries as we did leading into the game,” he said.

“We were beaten by a hungrier, more experienced, bigger bodied, better team on the day.”

Carroll said while they would enjoy what they had done this season, the key for the group now is to make sure that this drives them into the future.

“The more I thought about it this week, we can’t change history now that we did make it after being 0-5, but we can’t be satisfied heading into next season,” he said.

“We need to come out and display what we did in the second half of this season. The passion, the drive, the want to win, want to run and want to compete, rather than wait and see what happens.

“We’re happy to be here, but nowhere near satisfied with the performance on the day. I’m

very proud of the club that I have fallen in love with, can’t wait to see what we produce in the future.”

Carroll said they had already signed 90 per cent of the playing list for next season, while they had been thrilled they had made the club adestinationclubthatpeoplewanttobeapart of.

He said it’s the young kids that would drive them forward.

“The list fortunately for me goes on,” he said. “These young guys are willing to put their hands up to take jobs on.

“What do they get out of this season? Well they get 13-16 games of senior experience and now three finals games of experience, that has to go a long way.

“There’s a lot of people out there who play footy their whole life and don’t get to play in a grand final and we’ll take those little wins.

“It’s not the silverware that we want, it’s the experience and the want to perform on the big stage that they’ve taken upon themselves.”

Tara Murray

Tori Skrijel (Jacob Pattison)351744_06

Lachlan Treweek (Ljubica Vrankovic) 359355_19

Travis Faulds and Brody Watts after the game, (Ljubica Vrankovic) 359355_35

Well

Outdoor