Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 19th September 2023

Hawks claim first A-grade netball cup

Woodend-Hesket made history winning its first A-grade Riddell District Netball League premiership on Sunday.

The Hawks had to hold their nerves late after Riddell pushed the game to overtime. The Hawks found another level to win 46-37 and claim the club’s first netball premiership. On the football field, Diggers Rest won its third senior premiership, with a solid performance against Woodend-Hesket, leading from start to finish. For more on the grand finals, turn to sport.

‘Absurd’ new firework law

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges’ new firework law has gone off with a bang of frustration for residents who are concerned about the safety of animals.

Council adopted the new local laws on August 23, which allows low noise fireworks that do not cause a nuisance or endanger animals, are not conducted more than four times per year or during a declared fire danger period.

Romsey resident Michelle Downs said the decision by council is contradictory and “ridiculous”.

“I think it’s ridiculous… It’s not even

frustration, it’s completely and utterly absurd,” she said. “They are saying they will allow [fireworks], as long as it doesn’t endanger animals, but it does endanger animals.

“How are [landowners] going to establish if there are horses or animals in danger around them? What’s the point of fining them if the animal is already dead or injured?”

During community consultation, council submitted four options for a public vote.

Thirty per cent voted for no council regulation, 22 per cent voted for the permit option, 24 per cent voted for conditional allowance without permit, and 24 per cent voted for prohibition.

Ms Downs questioned why council chose conditional allowance without a permit when just as many residents voted for prohibition.

“It’s fairly apparent to me according to the petition we put out, that [about 4628] people were against fireworks in rural areas in Macedon Ranges,” she said.

“I think it’s extraordinary that a councilwith probably one of the biggest equestrian activities in Victoria- are still saying it’s okay to have fireworks on local and private land.

“At the end of the day who takes responsibility, the council is whipping their hands clean.”

Council director planning and environment Rebecca Stockfeld said the local

law places a legal onus on private landowners and pyrotechnicians, and those found to breach the law will face significant penalties.

“Council’s local laws officers will respond to reports of non-compliance and conduct investigations as required,” she said.

“If animal owners are impacted by firework displays which do not comply with the new local law, they should report the matter to council for investigation and seek their own legal advice about civil remedies.

“While the majority… supported regulation by council of fireworks on private land, there was not clear majority support for an outright ban. Council believes this [is] the right balance for the community.”

Woodend-Hesket celebrates its first netball premiership. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360896_120

Smart buses for smart growth

By Zoe Moffatt

A Hume councillor is calling for the introduction of the SmartBus network into Sunbury, following community calls for better public transport options.

Jacksons Creek ward councillor Jack Medcraft criticised Transport Minister Ben Carroll over his inaction on the issue, and said his lack of communication is “the height of ignorance”.

“At least two terms on council I’ve raised this issue about SmartBus being extended to Sunbury and surrounds,” Cr Medcraft said.

“We’ve sent letters to the minister. This has been ongoing for years.

“I think Ben might have to put some more

ink in his printing cartridge because he has trouble sending replies.

“I just find it amazing. It’s the height of ignorance really, if you send an email to somebody, you’d expect at least an acknowledgement.”

Cr Medcraft said better public transport will help get more cars off the road and is important as Melbourne’s north-west continues to grow.

“I think with the new estates that are going up around Sunbury, we really need to look at alternative routes, especially to the Melbourne Airport.

“I’ve been pushing for years to get them to bring the SmartBus from Cheltenham or Chelsea to the Melbourne Airport to go

through Sunbury, Diggers Rest and back that way.

“We are trying to cut down the amount of traffic on the roads and [if people] know there’s a bus to go to and from a place [they] won’t have to drive, they’ll catch a bus.

“If it doesn’t get better it’s going to mean more cars. It’s going to mean more clogged roads.”

Cr Medcraft’s comments follow a petition launched on August 28 by Sunbury resident Matthew McKay calling for an improved bus service.

Mr McKay told Star Weekly the stakes in resolving the issue are high, and access to reliable and convenient transportation is a matter of fundamental equality and

Larvae land: Insect expo crawls closer

The 2023 National Insect Expo is crawling closer, and exhibitors from Australia and New Zealand are set to descend on Woodend like moths to a flame.

This year’s expo is expected to attract about 12,000 visitors and 60 national exhibitors to the Woodend Buffalo Sports Stadium from September 22 to 24.

Expo director Bert Candusio said the phone has been ringing off the hook since February from people wanting to be involved.

“Theresponsefromall32exhibitorsandover 6000peoplewhoattendedlastyear’sexpoevent was absolutely amazing so we planned early to give an even greater expo this year,” he said.

“This year’s National Insect Expo is bound to enthral each and every visitor with a vast array of insect themed displays.

“[Theserange]fromrarecollectionsofinsects to specialist breeders of all sorts of amazing creatures related to insects [like] spiders, scorpions, millipedes, snails and more.”

Mr Candusio said there is an important conservation message the expo is trying to teach the public.

“Insects and their relatives are the key component of every terrestrial land ecosystem. They form the basis of all food chains and all other well known animals rely on them.

“If you want to preserve the koala, start by preserving its habitat and the parasitic wasps that control lerp insects that cause tree die-back.”

The expo will also include insect collections, insect research projects, spider breeding methods, and there will be free special give-aways for younger children.

The expo will run from 10am to 5pm, with tickets available at the door or online. Details: cvric.com.au/expo-2023.

360083_01

accessibility.

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

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning said the department regularly reviews the public transport network to identify where improvements can be made and welcome feedback from the community.

“BusesareacriticalpartofSunbury’spublic transport network keeping locals connectedwe’ll continue working to ensure services are the best fit for the community,” they said.

Mr Carroll was contacted for comment regarding Cr Medcraft’s criticisms.

Burn-off exemption

A temporary burn-off exemption will be introduced in the Macedon Ranges throughout October, to help landowners prepare their properties ahead of the upcoming fire season.

In an announcement on September 8, Macedon Ranges council said it will allow registered open-air burns on land 4000 square metres or less without a permit for the month of October.

In consultation with local CFA brigades, council said it will give landowners ample time to clear their property and minimise fire risk before the official fire danger period starts.

Chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan encouraged landowners and residents to take advantage of the exemption.

“It is vital that we all work together to avoid complacency and prepare as best we can amid an often unpredictable, ever-changing climate,” he said

“Council officers will be continuing our annual program of targeted mowing, slashing and roadside weed management as the weather starts to warm up.”

To assist in the clean up, green waste disposal is free at council resource recovery facilities for ratepayers and tenantsintheMacedonRanges.Residents are also encouraged to make use of their foodorganicsgardenorganicsbin,which is collected weekly.

If burning off, landowners or residents must monitor weather conditions before starting any fire and must register their burn by calling 1800 668 511.

From November 1, burning-off restrictions will resume.

Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/burning-off

Flood survey underway

Theresponseoftheinsuranceindustrytomajor floodeventsacrossAustraliain2022willbethe focus of a new inquiry by the House Standing Committee on Economics, beginning with an online survey.

The inquiry will take a whole-of-economy view of the ongoing challenges caused by intense and frequent flood events.

In particular, the inquiry will look at insurers’ responses to the 2022 flood events across the country including the October floods in Victoria.

Committee chair Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino said the aftermath of intense natural disasters continues to have a huge impact on the lives of Australians, in rural and regional communities and in metropolitan areas.

“I will never forget the despair of the families andlocalbusinessownerswholosteverything,”

he said. “It is really important that people participate in the survey. Committee members need to have a good understanding of people’s experiences with their insurance companies.

“Their evidence will inform our discussions throughout the inquiry and help guide our recommendations.”

The inquiry will focus on a range of issues, including, time frames for resolving claims, obstacles to resolving claims, communication with people lodging claims.

The effectiveness of internal dispute resolution processes, the accessibility and affordability of hydrology reports and assessments, the affordability of insurance cover, and the preparedness of insurance companies for future major floods.

The survey cut off date is October 31. Details: https://www.aph.gov.au/floodinsurance

Expo director Bert Candusio with insects for the upcoming insect expo. (Damjan Janevski)

Kids Helpline contacts increase

Suicide-related contacts to Kids Helpline increased three per cent from 2018 to 2022, with local providers noticing a tend of younger cohorts presenting with anxiety related concerns.

New data released on September 11, revealed Victorian suicide-related contacts increased from 14.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent from 2018 to 2022.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health community mental health manager Adam Stefano said these statistics do not come as a surprise following COVID-19.

“The impact of the pandemic lock downs, international and local affairs continue to

impact young people,” he said. “Consequently, many young people did not reengage with support mechanisms post-lockdowns, promoting isolation, disengagement and a sense of hopelessness for many.

“We continue to see higher rates of anxiety related concerns, including adjustment disorders which tends to lead towards school refusal.

“We’re seeing presentations in younger cohorts than what we were previously seeing in the last few years.”

Service provider yourtown runs Kids Helpline, and reported a significant increase in suicide related contacts requiring an urgent

Sunbury’s robot recruit

A high-tech robot has joined the front line of the Sunbury Road Upgrade to continue Major Road Projects Victoria’s surveying technology revolution.

The new state-of-the-art robot ‘Lionel’ was unveiled this month to assist surveyors with line-marking.

Program director Dipal Sorathia said the newest edition to the team is helping to get the job done faster and safer.

“We’re equipping our surveyors with the latest innovations available so that they can complete their important work in the most safe and efficient way possible,” he said.

“On the Sunbury Road Upgrade, the robot has been completing surveying activities in around an eighth of the time that it would normally take to do the job on foot.”

The Tyker robot plotter is designed to assist surveyors to complete work without the strain

of bending over to mark points and lines on the road next to live traffic.

Lionel uses real-time kinematic positioning to deliver extremely precise, reliable measurements, and means surveyors can move Lionel from a safer location, off from the road or even in a vehicle.

Over winter Lionel was put through its paces to paint lines near the Bulla-Diggers Rest Loemans Road roundabout.

This work was previously done by hand and took up to two hours to complete one kilometer of line marking.

Lionel was able to complete the job in 15 minutes, helping to reduce the amount of time a road needs to be closed for line-marking.

Lionel is the second robot to join Major Road Projects Victoria, after TinySurveyor Terra joined the Craigieburn Road Upgrade in July.

“duty of care” response.

Yourtown chief executive Tracy Adams said Kids Helpline provided 4608 duty of care interventionsfromJuly1,2022toJune30,2023.

“Of these duty of care responses, 2000 were undertaken where young people were at immediate risk of suicide and required emergency intervention. This is higher than we have ever experienced,” Ms Adams said.

“A duty of care intervention is where Kids Helpline contacts police, child safety or ambulance when a child or young person is deemed to be at imminent risk.

“We need to take this opportunity to raise awarenessofsuicideandtopromoteactionthat

will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts by children and young children.”

Mr Stefano said he is optimistic of positive changes in the future, but services will need to receive adequate funding.

“Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health were recently provided a grant from Community Bank Gisborne and District to provide Youth Outreach Services across the Macedon Ranges,” he said.

“We are hopeful that this initiative will make apositiveimpactforyoungpeopleintheregion, however,thisprogramwillneedfurtherformal support… to increase service capacity.”

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Lionel joined the Sunbury Road upgrade this month. (Supplied)

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Briefs

Sunbury man dead

A Sunbury man has died following an altercation in Timmins Street, Sunbury, on September 9. Police said they attended the address following a report of a physical dispute between two men about 11.30pm. A 58-year-old Sunbury man was arrested and initially taken to Broadmeadows police station. He was subsequently taken to hospital as he became unresponsive and died on September 12.

Firearms seized

A man has been charged a man following a search in Diggers Rest, on September 10. Police arrested the 29-year-old man following the service of a firearms prohibition order and a search of a vehicle and residence in Clacy Street about 10am. Detectives seized several items including two sawn-off rifles, a quantity of ammunition, a holster, bayonet and alleged spike tool.

Young leaders in Hume

Hume’semergingleaderswerecelebratedatthe second Young Leaders Awards ceremony on Thursday,September7.

This year nine bright young achievers were recognised for their important contribution madethroughbeingrolemodelsfortheirpeers andthecommunity.

Mayor Joseph Haweil congratulated the recipients, and wished them luck at the young leadersworkshoplaterinthemonth.

“Hume City is in incredibly safe hands thanks to the young locals standing up to be a voicefortheirgeneration,”CrHaweilsaid.

“The young leaders recognised at these awards have shown that they care not only for

theirpeersbutforthefutureofthecommunity.”

Dozens of nominations were received from proud teachers, coaches, parents and carers, as wellasfromfriendsandself-nominations.

The award winners will attend a workshop on September 20, designed to encourage young leaders to understand their leadership capabilities and how to use that to have a positiveimpact.

The 2023 recipients include Laura Giles, Kiana Mei, Marjorie Falefata, Michaela Bench, Aleyna Ozsoy, Jamil Nabole, Siyoda Jayawardene, Natasha Walker, Victorian Afghan Youth Association and SarahHanoona.

Celebrating seniors

Macedon Ranges council is seeking nominations to celebrate older residents in the shire who have made significant contributions to the community. To celebrate the Victorian Seniors Festival 2023, council will present ’celebration boxes’ to 25 older residents. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/ Seniors-Festival

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

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Victorian Afghan Youth Association won Young Group of the Year award. (Supplied)

Looking beneath poverty figures

New statistics mapping poverty in Victoria show a drop in regional poverty, including the Macedon Ranges, but social service experts warns it does not show the real figures.

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) recently released the Mapping poverty in Victoria report highlighting what they found and how it can be fixed.

The Macedon Ranges recorded 4407 people living in poverty, which equates to 9.3 per cent of the population.

VCOSS chief executive Emma King said while regional Victoria has seen a drop in poverty, the figures do not show the impacts

of city residents moving regional and exacerbating regional poverty.

“We’re seeing people from Melbourne move out to those areas [and] locals can’t afford to live there any more,” Ms King said.

“This distorts the date with people living further out and cannot afford where they were living beforehand.

“Glorious Macedon Ranges. People were keen to move out there. They could not go five kilometres. There was more space and people could work from home and would like to live there.

“Those areas are not affordable.”

Twins kicking goals

Two of Gisborne Football Club’s youngest players are gearing up to run onto the grounds for the AFL Grand Final later this month as part of the Auskick team.

Identical twins Samuel and Patrick were named as part of the 23 side Team NAB AFL Auskick and will have the honour of presenting a premiership medal to one of the winning players.

Mother Cherie Davis said the opportunity means so much to her boys, and they both dream of playing AFL together in the future.

“We found out on their ninth birthday that they had been selected as part of Team NAB Auskick so it was the best birthday present ever according to the boys,” she said.

“They are a little nervous but very excited to play on the MCG and attend a grand final.”

MsDavissaidbothboyshavefollowedinher footsteps and are “mad Geelong supporters”. “They began following AFL last year and

quickly fell in love with the game.

“Patrick loves playing in the midfield, so his favourite player is Patrick Dangerfield. Samuel’s favourite player is Jeremy Cameron as he loves watching him kick goals.

“They also love the Geelong coach Chris Scott as he is an identical twin who played AFL with his brother Brad.

“They wanted to play both Auskick and under 9’s this year and loved playing Saturday and Sunday each week.

“Gisborne Rookies [coach Lee]... was so supportive and encouraging that they hope to have him for under 11’s next year.”

According to the poverty report, action needs to include housing affordability, the cost of living, benefits increase, investment in evidence-based interventions, targeted supports and long-term systemic funding to build on community strengths.

The report also found that Hume had the highest levels of children under the age of 15 living in poverty in Melbourne.

Throughout the municipality, there are 46,684 people living in poverty, which is the second highest in the state only behind Casey. The overall poverty rate of 20.6 per cent is the highest in the state and the highest poverty

levels of kids under the age of 15.

Ms King said it was alarming and can have serious long term effects.

“Whatitmeansisthatparentsarestruggling to put food on the table,” she said. “At school if they need an iPad their parents can not pay for it.

“They are getting left behind in every part of life and it shows. in areas where more than one third of children are living in poverty, it’s alarming.

“They are more likely to drop out of high school. We need to support people to help them strive and thrive, which is really tough.”

Identical twins Samuel and Patrick are part pf the 2023 Team NAB AFL Auskick. (Supplied)

Community coffee and chat

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a new week, Sunbury resident Sue Kotlar sat at the Nourish Eatery and Cafe on Monday morning, September 11.

She sipped on her latte and said she was nervous. It was the first meeting of her new community coffee group.

“I used to belong to a coffee group in Sydney and we moved to Sunbury last June… to be close to family in Gisborne,” she said.

“It was a good turnout, 15 ladies and one man came. I had over 200 reactions to the actual post [and 93 comments].”

Mrs Kotlar said she wanted to start the fortnightly coffee group as a way to meet new people and to get local knowledge of the area.

“My husband and I are in the 60s, and it can be difficult to meet people. A lot of comments

[on the Facebook post] said it was a great idea, and they need something in the area.

“I was overwhelmed by the response. I said to my husband before the meeting, if one or two people turn up I’m happy.

“The youngest [person there] was 19 years old. Everybody just chatted away, it was very friendly and all very casual. It’s great to have a coffee and to have a chat.”

The next meeting will be held at 10.30am on Monday, September 25, at the Nook Cafe on Evans Street.

Mrs Kotlar said she will post about it on the Sunbury Community and News Facebook page, and anyone interested can turn up on the day.

Zoe Moffatt

Zoe Moffatt

Making travel accessible

By Zoe Moffatt

With summer just around the corner, Australians are sitting down to plan their next holiday, take leave from work and hopefully not have their flight cancelled.

A local disability services and support organisation is helping make travel accessible for all residents through its latest travel initiative.

Distinctive Options Travel (DO Travel) launched this year after five preliminary trips in 2022, and is dedicated to opening up the world for people with disabilities.

Moves for new Landcare group

Rural Hume landholders are invited to attend a community meeting about forming a new Landcare group to make a positive contribution to the natural environment.

Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, with support from Hume council, will holdthemeetingonWednesday,October 11, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Jack McKenzie Community Centre, Bulla. Committee member John Robinson said there was a previous Sunbury Landcare Group, but it went into recess in 2019.

“It would be fantastic to see local landholderscometogethertore-establish Sunbury Landcare Group,” he said.

“A new [group] would provide… a way of working together to help protect and enhance the local natural environment, addresstheircommonlandmanagement issues, and access project funding.

Business development manager Paul Pearman said anyone who requires support to go on holiday can use the provider, in particular participants on the National Disability Insurance (NDIS) Scheme. “NDIS funds enable DO Travel to provide the support staff to travel with them,” he said. “Support can be provided on a one on one basis or there may be one support person for a small group.

“Some people have been to the Gold Coast for a winter break with a one to one support worker, while others have joined our group expeditions.

“We take the time to understand the barriers people have faced in the past and will do everything possible to make sure we are able to provide the support required before finalising your travel.”

MrPearmansaidtheyhavenoticedademand for supported holidays and will be hiring more staff so they can offer a variety of new holidays.

“Werecentlysupportedagroupoffunloving participants to go on a Queensland cruise to Moreton Island out of Sydney… We have also ran a 3 day local trip to Ballarat and Sovereign Hill.

“People with disabilities have dreams of travel yet may not have the resources available to them to conceptualise or complete the trip.”

Mr Pearman said the service is open to any participants on the NDIS scheme, no matter wheretheylive.DistinctiveOptionshascentres in Sunbury, Macedon Ranges, Brimbank and Bendigo.

“Rural landholders… can play a part to ensure the local landscape is cared for and managed sustainably into the future.” Mr Robinson said the meeting will discuss what a new group could do and what starting it involves.

“Landcare groups bring local people together to discuss, design, and implement practical solutions to address theirsharedlandmanagementissues,and to share their knowledge and expertise.

“This includes organising workshops, information sessions, and field days to increase landholders’ knowledge about land management issues such as weeds and pest animals.

Details:https://bit.ly/461cL2Yandudc. landcare.facilitator@gmail.com

Distinctive Options new travel provider team with business development manager Paul Pearman (front) (Damjan Janevski). 358244_04

‘‘ People with disabilities have dreams of travel yet may not have the resources available to them

- Paul Pearman

Leash tightens on Hume council

By Gerald Lynch

Hume council will refund nearly $10,000 worth of fines after discovering that there was no validly made order to allow a section of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to be enforced.

Infringements have been given out in recent months in the Hume area to members of the public failing to comply with conditions of the act, such as the requirement for dogs to be kept on a leash when in public areas.

At the Hume council meeting on September

11, councillor Carly Moore simplified the reasons for which the council had been pulled up on the enforcing of these conditions, and why it has been non-enforcable.

“Under Section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act, councils have powers to restrict the presence of cats and dogs in public places,” she said.

“But to be able to do so an order must be published in the Government Gazette and in a local newspaper that circulates in the area.”

Through an extensive search by the council of documents and council records revealed

Kids open their hearts

Students at Diggers Rest Primary School (DRPS) decided to get behind a local family doing it tough by raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

Morethan$1500wasraisedinsupportofthe Fielding family who have been heavily engaged with RCH since their youngest child, Dexter, was born with a rare heart condition.

On Friday, September 15 students dressed as RCH employees and volunteers, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, or Starlight Foundation volunteers for the fundraiser.

Every year school captains and junior school council develop an inclusive fundraising initiative that connects with families within the school community impacted by illness and/or disability. DRPS school captain Ethan, grade 6, was part of the group that decided on supporting the Fielding family.

“Our team thought it would be a great opportunity to connect, help and support families within our community,” he said.

DRPS assistant principal Bradley Kemp said thestudentleadershipteamdidanamazingjob leading and coordinating this year’s event.

“All DRPS staff and students dressed up, donated and acknowledged the fantastic work that the Royal Children’s Hospital provides for so many of our families, especially the Fielding family,” he said. “Our inclusive fundraising initiatives like Dress 4 RCH Day have provided ourstudentleaderswithanauthenticleadership experience, which has a powerful impact on our wonderful school community.”

School captain Aayla, grade 6, said she found organising a fundraiser very engaging.

“It definitely helped me develop my leadership skills,” she said. Brent, grade 5, said “the day was really successful.

“Weareproudoftheeffortseveryonehasput in to raise money for RCH,” he said.

Donations are open until September 30.

Details: https://www.mycause.com. au/p/316516/dress-4-rch-day

the information had not been circulated.

This means that any actions that council has taken in the past under this section of the act are invalid. The council had fined residents a total of $9556.

CouncillorJarrodBellechoedthesentiment of Cr Moore and admitted the council was at fault.

“There was an issue we needed to fix and I am glad that we are doing so tonight [Monday],” he said.

“While this issue impacts a relatively small number of individuals, council doesn’t

downplay the significance, and we are absolutely committed to making sure this is fixed.”

The council will now work quickly to reach out to all affected individuals and inform them of their eligibility for a refund, as well as cancelling all infringements that remain unpaid.

Work is now underway to prepare an Order Pursuant to S26 of the Domestic Animals Act for council consideration and approval. This order is expected to be presented to the council in October.

104 years of Betty Williams

A Sunbury nursing home is running out of candles after its resident Betty Williams celebrated her 104th birthday last week.

Riddell Gardens Nursing Home was full of balloons and smiles, as Betty posed for pictures with her tiara and welcomed in another birthday surrounded by family and friends on Monday September 11.

Betty’s son Steven Williams said the whole family is proud of Betty and it was a great day to celebrate her life, and journey after moving to Australia 55 years ago.

“She had such a great morning… at Riddell Gardens with entertainment, a cake and balloons,” he said. “Mum was born in 1919, she was raised in Bristol in the UK, [and] was the youngest of her siblings which meant she was

the spoilt one by her father.

“Betty and her husband moved to Australia in 1968 when she was 48 years old to Boronia and lived there until 2003.

“She then moved in with her son and daughter in law in Riddells Creek and then… to Riddell Gardens in Sunbury.”

Steven said her secret to aging is living a healthy life, with a healthy dose of chocolate on the side.

“BettyworkedinFrysChocolateFactoryand when she moved to Australia she worked at Cadbury Chocolate factory.

“[I] remember her coming home with a trench coat and her pockets were filled with chocolates. Cadbury started making a profit when she retired.”

Zoe Moffatt

Betty

Grade 5 student Noah (front) and the student leaders with the Fielding family. (Damjan Janevski) 359921_01

Early detection of prostate cancer is key to survival

September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness

Month and considering it is the most common cancer affecting Australian men (after non-melanoma skin cancer), this is a timely reminder to consider your prostate health or that of a loved one. It is estimated that over 25,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year (nearly 70 each day), sadly resulting in around 10 deaths a day.

Whilst the real cause of prostate cancer is not understood, we know that it begins when abnormal cells within the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way. The risk is higher if you have a family history or relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Symptoms include blood in urine or semen andthesuddenneedtourinate.Itisimportantto speaktoyourdoctortodiscusstestingoptionsfor you, which will likely include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test as a screening measure. GenerallyifPSAiselevated,patientsarereferred to a urologist who often order medical imaging (prostate MRI) for investigation, followed by a biopsy procedure if required.

Lake Imaging invest in cutting edge medical imaging technology to provide accurate high-resolution images. Services are available fromitsclinicsacrossMelton,Sunbury,Caroline Springs, Bacchus Marsh and Kyneton, where highly experienced radiologists are experts in detecting and diagnosing disease.

The caring and compassionate staff ensure all patients are treated with dignity and respect.

Lake Imaging accept referral forms from other medical imaging providers. Don’t delay your health, early diagnosis could save your life.

Talk to your GP today or contact Lake Imaging to make an appointment.

For more information, contact the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia or visit www.lakeimaging.com.au to better understand how radiology saves lives.

A great show weekend of fun, food and excitement

Do you love a great weekend of spectacle, fun, food and excitement? Do you love family-friendly events and activities that don’t break the budget and provide something different for all ages and interests?

Then2023isyourluckyyear!TheWhittlesea ShowreturnstoitsregularNovemberschedule, following the postponement of last year’s show to January this year. Two shows in one year!

The November show will be held across the weekend of 4 and 5 November at the beautiful Whittlesea Show Grounds which are already starting to look at their spring best thanks to the dedicated volunteer crew and grounds teams.

The show schedule, which gives you informationaboutenteringintheshow(exhibit entry) will be available online mid-September. Thescheduleprovidesinformationaboutoffice hours, the online entry system, exhibit entry opening and closing dates and drop off times.

Thisyeartherearetheusualfavouriteclasses to enter as well as some new additions. You can evenenteryourLegodesignsintheHomecrafts Section this year!

With family always the focus, the show provides something for the whole crew, and at a cost of only $5 per ticket (online) for children, it offers seriously good value for money with the wide range of free attractions and entertainment on offer. While the kids are well looked after, there is plenty for the rest of the family to enjoy. View amazing exhibits of needlework, art and cooking in the Homecrafts pavilion, educational and photographic displays, the woodchop competition, showjumping, heritage precinct, Eroni’s ’Big Top’ Circus, roving musicians and stage performances and grab a show bag or two. Have a “fling” in the Bilby Boot Throw competition or enter the Fun Dog Show, enjoy the carnival rides and the animal nursery,

which is always popular with show-goers of all ages.

The Young Person’s Competition will be held again on the Sunday of the show (Sunday 5 November). A fun and inclusive event for children and teenagers, the competition aims to encourage positivity and confidence

while developing public speaking skills in an encouraging and friendly environment. Each entrant is judged by a panel on presentation, personality and general knowledge, with entries invited for Tiny Tots, Whittlesea Junior, Pre-Teen, and Teenager categories. Each contestant will receive a participation

ribbon and the first-place winner will also take part in the Whittlesea Show Grand Parade at 3pm on Sunday.

The show always attracts a large number of equestrian entries across a wide range of competition and disciplines. The Jack Eadon MemorialShowJumpingheldonbothSaturday and Sunday, attracts big entries and will provideawonderfulspectacleforshowpatrons on the main arena. Jack was a Whittlesea local, a show jumping legend and a Life Member of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society. This major event named in his honour will attract top competitors to the show jumping arena.

The show theme this year is “Memories in the Making”, so mark your calendars now! Organisers warmly invite you to join them in November at the Whittlesea Show to make some wonderful memories of your own.

The Whittlesea Agricultural Society, one of Victoria’s oldest agricultural societies, is a group of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who continue to work hard to provide for this much-loved and important event. The society has members who are the fourth and fifth generation of the founding families who were involved in establishing the Whittlesea Show. Likewise, the reputation of the Whittlesea Show is widespread, and many visitors return to the picturesque showgrounds each year to enjoy the program of events across the weekend. Sponsorship is vital to such a large event, and we are grateful to have secured some outstanding support for the 2023 Show. We encourage enquiries from people who would like to become involved in the organisation of the show as a volunteer, or to support the event as a sponsor. You will be enthusiastically welcomed to the very committed team. Members of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society looks forward to you joining them at the 2023 Whittlesea Show.

The show provides fun for the whole family. (Pictures: Supplied)

Saving seeds in Kyneton

Macedon Ranges residents came together last week for a group session of packing seeds at the Kyneton Library.

Seed Savers usually meet at 2pm on the second Tuesday of the month at the Kyneton Library to pack locally adapted seeds for residents to plant.

Seed Savers extraordinaire Lyn Godfrey runs the Kyneton session and said the group cleaned and packaged radish, zucchini, bush beans and dill seeds for spring planting.

“Saving seed is important in preventing traditional crop varieties from disappearing and in maintaining biodiversity,” she said.

“Locally adapted seeds don’t need chemical inputs and pesticides, unlike many commercial

varieties. When you save your own seeds, you get more reliable and faster germination.”

Ms Godfrey said the group formed nearly four years ago when Macedon Ranges Seed Swap and Riddells Creek Seed Savers joined forces.

“Anyone with an interest in saving their own seed is welcome to join the group, from complete novices to experienced seed savers.

“We share information via our FaceBook group and our seed library sessions are a great way to learn more about how to save seed and to share ideas in a relaxed setting.”

Details: https://bit.ly/3rf7nKH

Zoe Moffatt

Natasha Prewett and her son Finneas (top left), Emerald Dunn (top right), and Marilyn Ashcroft (left), at the Seed Savers packing session.

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 354359

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 9.30 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

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is Ljubica Vrankovic’s shot of Parkside’s Darcy Kennedy Thomas Markey celebrating after winning the WRFL division 2 premiership. (360801_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 Commend (6)

4 Well-known (6)

10 Picture puzzle (5)

11 Rule of the few (9)

12 Bandit (9)

13 Select group (5)

DOWN

1 Heaven (8)

2 Fire-resistant fibre (8)

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER

N

S R N

C R L

D C

I

N I T G

rings, rinsing, rising, sign, signing, sing, singing, siring, siting, sting, stinging, stir, string, STRINGING, tiring, trig

gins, girt, gist, grin, grins, grist, grit, iris, nisi, rigs, ring, ringgit, ringing,

No. 151

S E S L E E K S A R E N A C O R A L E D I C T S E E K S

1 In which sport was the first national Australian team formed in 1922?

2 TheLivingSeaofWaking Dreams is a 2020 novel by which Australian author?

3 In which year was the Gregorian calendar adopted in Soviet Russia: 1917, 1918 or 1919?

4 Dan Levy (pictured) stars as John in which 2020 Christmas film?

5 True or false: the Earth has an axial tilt of approximately 13.4 degrees?

6 What was the pen name of British author David Cornwell?

7 Which two states or territories do not observe the King’s Birthday on the second Monday in June?

8 Which Australian capital city is on the traditional lands of the Kulin nation?

9 Mo Dao Zu Shi is a Chinese xianxia novel that was adapted into which Netflix fantasy series?

10 What type of instrument is a xiao?

LETTERS ACE ACT AIM ALE ASK ERA ERR GET GOT HEY HOE HUG INN ITS NAG ONE RIP ROE SAT SHE SUE TIP 4 LETTERS CALM DART DYES EPIC KIDS ODDS RODS SPEW TRIO TUNE 5 LETTERS ABBOT AMISS ANGER APING AREAS ASHED BREAD BURRO COMES COPED CRUDE DEEDS DOGMA EDGES ELDER ENDED GENRE GONER HOSED HOUSE HYENA IDIOT IGLOO INERT METRE MIGHT MINCE MOTHS NASAL ODOUR OVARY PAINT PERIL RETRY SEEDS SEEMS SHAMS SHOAL SLATS SMOTE STAVE STEEL STRIP TIMED TINGE USHER VENUE WEEDY 6 LETTERS ARISES CEASES GEEING SERIAL SPHERE STATER 7 LETTERS ERASERS GREENIE HAGGLES INDULGE PATTERN SEASIDE 8 LETTERS HANDSOME HASTENED NURTURES OVERSEES 10 LETTERS MATRIARCHS TRESPASSED 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 O L P E R V Q S K N J X F I U Y A W Z G C D T M B H 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 22-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 632871459 943725618 369547281 194253867 586419723 451982376 875694132 217368945 728136594 easy medium hard 934256718 473985261 625178934 752814693 516732849 347529186 861397425 298641357 189463572 854237619 345729861 517682943 123956784 291865437 438591276 679418325 786143592 962374158 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 MH ANSWERS: 1. Soccer 2. Richard Flanagan 3. 1918 4. SeasonHappiest 5. False 6. John le Carré 7. Queensland and Western Australia 8. Melbourne 9. The Untamed 10. Flute

No. 151

No. 151

No. 151

General Notices

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Miniature making is a big hobby at GemLife Woodend

Few people can boast owning a Spanish galleon, a paddlewheel drogher, a couple of sail boats and an amphibious combat vehicle – let alone claim to have built them by hand –but Gordon Ray can.

The GemLife Woodend over-50s lifestyle resort homeowner is currently building a model of the Santa Maria, the 15th century caravel which was one of the three ships that Christopher Columbus used on his journey to the New World.

Learning the history of the boats he builds is all part of the enjoyment of modelmaking, which Gordon says he first took up in the early 1970s and then came back to in 2009.

“The models I build are about three feet in length and they’re built from scratch,” said Gordon.“Theonlyexceptionisaplasticmodel of amphibious combat vehicle.”

Using plywood, along with wooden ice cream craft sticks, the larger models such as a Spanish galleon can take up to one year to make.

“I start by looking around the internet to see what I’d like to build first then look for plans, good profile images, and scale up from that,” says Gordon. “The models are fairly detailed but not like museum quality pieces. I call them ten-footers because they look at their very best from ten feet away.”

One of Gordon’s models holds special significance – a replica of the river-going drogher, a flat-bottomed with paddle wheels at the rear.

“My great grandfather was captain of one of these vessels in the NSW Hunter Valley,” he said.

“These cargo vessels plied the Clarence and Richmond Rivers, taking cargo from the ports to the communities situated upriver.”

Gordon’s models are more than just gorgeous to look at, they’re also designed to

sail on lakes as well.

“The models of tall-masted ships like the caravel are difficult to sail because one gust of wind can capsize them,” he said. “They’ll go out on the water a couple of times before being

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

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

put up on display.”

The last of GemLife Woodend’s final stage home sites are selling now. Each site features one of a selection of three-bedroom home designs with between 187sqm to 212sqm of

living space, a generous array of premium inclusions and designer finishes plus a 6-star energy rating.

Tel: 1800 931 188 | website: gemlife.com.au

Gordon Ray took up model making in the 1970s and has returned to in later years. (Pictures: Supplied)

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BP Service Station Bulla

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Morgan's SUPA IGA Gibsorne

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gibsorne

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Macedon Ranges Health Service Gisborne

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Caltex Service Station Gisborne

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Kyneton Newsagency Kyneton

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Real Estate Agents Everywhere

The new Type-R, worth the wait

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Where has the time gone?

It’s been five years since we last drove the Civic Type-R.

It was incredible then and it’s still an amazing car to drive, engineered to deliver a thrilling driving experience and without doubt one of the best hot hatches in the world.

Even so the Type-R’s days are probably numbered as the world moves with increasing speed towards an electric future where all cars will be lightning quick.

Think about that for a moment.

Styling

Type-R is priced from $72,600. That’s a national driveaway price and Honda says no negotiations will be entered into. It’s also $12,000 or so more than the previous Type-R by the time you add in on-road costs.

You can place your order now, but there’s just one hitch. Even at this price, you could find yourself at the end of a rather long waiting list that now stretches out to more than two years. As such we count ourselves lucky to be getting a drive now.

Remarkably, our test vehicle is finished in the same Sonic Grey colour as the previous Type-R that we drove. But if that sounds a bit drab there’s also Rally Red, Crystal Black and Championship White from which to choose.

A colleague prefers the black, but we reckon grey is the perfect foil for the red and black highlights, of which there are many.

At 4606mm new Type-R is 37mm longer, 15mm wider and 13mm lower than the car it replaces, while the wheelbase is 35mm longer.

Andatakerbweightof1429kgweight-saving devices include an aluminium bonnet which is 43percentlighter,aresinbootlidis20percent lighter and smaller wheels reduce unsprung mass by a significant 2.8kg at each corner.

At first sight the latest Type-R looks similar yet different to the model it replaces, with seating for four, a good-sized boot and tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare.

A couple of cupholders are built into the centre of the back seat and while it is quite roomy, rear seat passengers could find it a little claustrophobic, especially with no air vents.

The tail lights are first point of difference, in keeping with the styling of the latest Civic and while the triple signature exhausts remain, the rear spoiler is perhaps a trifle smaller.

Down the front the fascia is similar but different, while the air intake has moved further forward on the bonnet.

The black wheels look pretty much the same, but the pinstripe has gone and if you look closely, you’ll see they are now 19s instead of 20s, but wear wider tyres.

MichelinPilotSports,theyareanimpressive 265 x 30 in dimension, increasing the car’s footprint on the road (and presumably grip).

Last time around they were Continentals.

The brakes are from Brembo again, ventilated at front and solid at the rear.

The 350mm front discs are equipped with Brembo four-piston aluminium calipers.

The rears are 305mm in size.

Moving inside, the cabin is at once familiar but different too.

The deep sports buckets would do a Ferrari proud, finished in bright vermilion red, with red seatbelts and foot well trim and other red highlights to match, including red ambient lighting.

The chunky steering wheel has lost some of its red, but is now trimmed in suede leather.

Still not sure whether we like the feel and worry it might stick to some driving gloves.

A metal shifter and foot pedals complete the picture.

Technology has of course moved on and a touchscreen now perches atop the dash, with a digital display replacing the previous analogue instrument cluster.

Standard equipment includes ’suede-style’ fabric (ie fake), two-zone climate air, manual seat adjustment, LED head and tail lights, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming mirror, front and rear parking sensors, radar cruise control,

adaptive suspension and a limited slip front diff.

There’s also a comprehensive data logging system for tracking the car, with expanded capability that displays all sorts of info like cornering G-force.

Civic Type-R is covered by a five-year warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing, with free map updates for five years and a five-year subscription to on-line services.

Service is due every 12 months or 10,000km.

Infotainment

A 9.0-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen has been designed to minimise driver distraction, with hard buttons and customisable shortcuts to use functions and audio sources more often.

The system features Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, wireless phone charger, plus 12 volt and 2 x USB-A ports.

No mention of a brand or power output for the eight-speaker audio, suggesting it is not worth talking about.

The previous one put out 160 watts.

Engines/transmissions

The previous model produced 228kW of power at 6500 rpm and 400Nm of torque from 2500 rpm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and using 8.8L/100km.

Changes to the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine up those figures to 235kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the latter from 2600 revs this time.

They’re not huge gains but combined with a long list of refinements, promise even higher levels of performance than before.

Thedashfrom0-100km/hhasbeentrimmed to just 5.2 seconds and it uses 9.8L/100km, but seriously who cares?

The turbocharged engine is paired with a smooth, easy-to-use, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching.

Topped with a solid aluminium shift knob,

it has been engineered to deliver a crisp change action with very low internal friction. Driveistothefrontwheelsthroughalimited slip diff.

Safety

Although the car has not been tested for safety, the safety fit out is extensive, with 10 airbags, a 360-degree reverse camera, two child seat anchor points and a body structure that has been optimised for safety.

The Honda Sensing safety system includes Blind Spot Monitor, Drive Attention Monitor, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support System (HBSS) and Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).

It’s difficult to award points for safety without a means of quantifying them.

Driving

You can see from the figures that the latest Civic Type-R offers a little more power and torque, but this is only a small part of the story.

The big improvement is in the body which is significantly more rigid, delivering improved dynamics and refinement.

A helical-type limited-slip diff minimises wheel spin, allowing the vehicle to accelerate harder on surfaces with uneven traction.

There are four drive modes as well as with adjustable suspension: Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode.

An active exhaust valve changes the pitch of the engine depending on mode, but is not loud enough.

The digital instrument cluster reflects the drive mode you chose, with a race style look in +R that prioritises revs and the current gear, with a string of LEDs allowing the driver to time the change up as you near the 7000 redline.

Talk about torque.

In most sports models you spend the time changing from second to third and back again in corner-to-corner twisties, but in the Type-R

Honda Civic Type-R, $72,600 SPECIFICATIONS

Honda Civic Type-R

the zone moves up to third and fourth, even reaching fifth on longer straights.

An upgraded Electric Power Steering (EPS) system delivers pin-sharp steering, with a stiffer torsion bar and improved software control resolution to enhance steering feel and control.

Steering weight is adjustable too in settings.

The trick for getting the most comfortable, satisfying result is to put it in the new Individual mode, tick all the +R settings then switch the suspension to Comfort which stops the car from crashing through potholes.

And here’s the good bit, the car remembers and retains the drive mode settings between starts.

Grip is phenomenal and the car remains remarkably settled over undulations.

At one point we thought we’d blown a tyre after it crashed through a large pothole, but it survived unscathed.

On the downside tyre noise ramps up quickly when moving from smooth to coarse bitumen.

The Brembos are exceptional and will stand the car on its front wheels if asked to.

All in all, the Type-R is a fantastic car to drive.

Rated at 8.9L/100km, we were getting 9.3L/100km after close to 400km.

Butthisdroppedtojust6.5Lonaneasy,sixth gear run down the motorway which suggests it will be economical over longer distances.

Summing up

Sure, it’s expensive, but as they say - you get what you pay for.

The Civic Type-R has been refined in every possible way, a work of love that is a testament to Honda’s savvy engineers.

It’s a rip snorter of a car to drive, just as happy to go shopping as it is to blast around a race track, a genuinely thrilling car to drive that is well worth the wait.

The competitors could be faster on paper, but remember this is the car that holds the record for a front-wheel drive production vehicleatthefamousNurburgringracecircuit. Enough said?

The Type-R is a fantastic car to drive.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Note: This is a national, non-negotiable driveaway price.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

four-seat hatch, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 6spd manual, FWD

Dragons aim to get women’s side to the crease

The desire to provide a pathway for its junior female cricketers is behind Gisborne’s push to get a women’s side back up and going.

The Gisborne and District Cricket Associationclubpreviouslyhadawomen’sside playing in the Cricket Victoria Community Women’s Cricket Competition, but hasn’t fielded a team since the 2018-19 season.

The club has been advertising for players and a coach in recent weeks to have a side in the GDCA competition in the upcoming season.

Dragons secretary Jim Hynes said they had a really good junior girls program and they wanted to make sure that they had somewhere to play when they were too old to play under-18s.

“We are keen to get it back,” he said. “It’s now been four or five years out of the women’s competition.

“Over the last six years we’ve been running a girls program as part of the GDCA.

“We’ve had under-13s, under-15s and under-18s girls teams and we’ve won a few premierships which has been good.

“We’ve developed some good cricketers, who have gone onto bigger and better things. We want to have that pathway, if girls want to play in Gisborne once they are too old for under-18s, that can.”

Hynes said the reaction from the GDCA had been really good, as the association had been hoping the club would have been part of

the inaugural competition when it started.

Hynes said there had been some interest from players in joining the side but they were still hoping to get a few more numbers before the season started.

“There’s some girls who already play at the club who are excited to be part of it as it’s another day of cricket and they love the sport

Bulldogs in grand final

By Tara Murray

Gisborne will get another crack at Sandhurst after winning through to the Bendigo Netball League grand final.

The Bulldogs had four sides in action on preliminary final day, with three sides, including A-grade, getting wins to join the A-reserve side which was already through to the grand final.

While they would have liked to have all five teams through to the decider, coach Tarryn Rymer is super proud with what they’ve achieved so far.

“Four in the grand final, our B-reserve side was unlucky, but it was the closest they had got to them all season,” she said.

“It is exciting for the girls, it’s one in all in for the group. The girls celebrated the wins today and we have a one team aim to have all five teams in the grand final.

“I think to have four out of five is a really good effort.”

The Bulldogs A-grade side faced Castlemaine in the preliminary final and were able to win 49-36.

Rymer said they were able to put together a strong game.

“Itwasagoodtussle,”shesaid.“Ittookawhile to get away from them. We stayed controlled and worked hard and had composure in attack which was what won us the game.”

Rymer said even though they were in control of the game at three quarter time, they were wary having been in the same position 12 months ago and losing.

“It allowed us to play more freely, but we needed to stay composed as we knew we were in that position last year, up by seven goals,” she said.

“We just had to capitalise on turnovers.”

Rymer said it was a really good effort across the board from the whole side.

One of the standouts was Tiana Newman, who rejoined the side midway through the year after having a baby.

“That’s the best game she’s played this year,” Rymer said. “It was the old Betty Thompson Medal winning form.

“It was nice to see. She was pivotal for us in attack.”

The Bulldogs will face Sandhurst in the grand final. The two sides faced each other in the semi finals with the Dragons winning, 44-38. It was the closest that the Bulldogs had come to them this year with Sandhurst sitting on top all year.

The Bulldogs will also face Sandhurst in the other three netball grand finals. The Bulldogs under-18 footballers will face Golden Square in the grand final as well.

Rymer said they were hoping to have a big crowd head up to Bendigo to support all five Bulldogs teams on Saturday.

“Hopefully we can get up and around the girls, everyone is really excited,” she said.

“All the hard work this season has paid off so far. There’s one more step, we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”

and want to play as much as possible.

“There’s four or five girls from other clubs that don’t have women’s sides that are coming across as well.

“We want as many players as possible and ideally we can field two women’s teams as Lancefield does in the future.

“We’re a very inclusive club and all players are welcome.”

The club is still looking for a coach for the season. Hynes said ideally they can get a female coach to help the group grow their cricket.

“I’m a big fan of a female voice for female cricketers,” he said. “We’ve been advertising for someone to get some to help out with training and on Sundays.

“Ideallywecangetsomeonewithexperience with an experienced female cricketer.”

The club had its first training session along with a come and try night last week.

Anyone interested in playing or coaching, cancontactJimon0448884463orjimhynes@ iinet.net.au.

Tara Murray

Bulldogs, Lions and Sharks in team of year

Three Rupertswood stars have been namedintheEssendonDistrictFootball League men’s division 1 team of the year, while the women’s division 1 team is full of Gisborne stars.

The league last released the team of the year, with the captain and coach to be named at the league’s best and fairest awards night on September 29.

Sharks defender Shaun Stewart was named in the back pocket, while Dean Galea was named at full forward in the men’s team.

Zak Saad was the third Sharks player named in the team, named a rover for a second straight year.

The three were key players in the Sharks preliminary final run.

In the women’s division 1 team of the year, five Gisborne players were named in the team of 24.

Claire Bourdon was named deep down back, while Shannon McFerran was named at centre half back.

Ruby Watts was named on the wing, while Charlotte Noonan was named at centre half forward despite missing much of the back half of the season.

Brianna Woodburn was named on the bench.

Woodburn, Noonan, McFerran and Watts were all named in the team for a second straight year.

Emily Taylor was the only player from the Sunbury Lions named in the team, named as part of the eight player bench.

Shaun Stewart (Ljubica Vrankovic) 356247_07

Gisborne wants to provide a pathway for its junior girls. (Supplied)

Tiana Newman (Jacob Pattison)351744_05

Bishop steps up at Thunder to coach in 2024

By Tara Murray

East Sunbury has turned to a favourite son to coach the side in next year’s Essendon District Football League division 2 season.

The Thunder announced that Travis Bishop would coach the side next year, replacing Aaron Kite, who stood down for family reasons.

Bishop was the club’s senior football operations manager this year.

“I’mraptandveryhonouredandprivileged,” Bishop said.

“I’ve been at the club for 12 years and I’m very excited to take on the next step. I started at the club just after the beginning as a senior players and junior coach.

“The past few years I was a reserves coach and assistant coach to Glenn Hopkins. I’ve been looking for a senior footy role, it was all about timing for me.”

Bishop takes on the role with a year under thebeltfortheseniorprogramwhichreturned after a year in recess.

The club managed to get both seniors and reserves up and running. The reserves managed to get three wins under Stephen Atherton, who has been reappointed, while the senior side failed to win a game.

Bishop said the wins and losses doesn’t tell the story.

“It was very hard for us to get up and running again,” he said. “To get two teams for this year was huge.

“We always said this year was a stepping stone. I know everyone looks at success as wins and losses, but this year having two senior teams and creating a pathway through to the senior team and keep that link for a very long time is a success.”

Bishop has coached many of the group in juniors and is now looking forward to coaching then at a senior level.

He pointed out the likes of Tom Burnside and Joshua Crump, as two who had really good seasons this year.

With another year under their belts and the likes of Aaron Kite, staying on as a player, and

Mitch Church returning, there is plenty of potential.

“We had over 20 players play senior football before who had never played senior football before,” he said.

“We have already appointed two under-18.5 coaches, Liam Watson and Charlie Spencer. We didn’t have a side last year.

“They coached our under-16 ]premiership winning] side.”

The club is also aiming to get a women’s side up for the first time next season.

Bishop said he can’t wait to get pre-season underway ahead of next year’s season.

“It can’t come quick enough,” he said. “I want to strengthen the side and play a run and carry game.

“I know that we have to recruit some midfielders and hopefully the youth till come up and we can hold onto these players.

“We want to be pushing for more professionalism.”

Hawks’ agony after loss

By Tara Murray

Woodend-Hesket threw everything at Diggers Rest but couldn’t come away with the premiership in the Riddell District Football League on Sunday afternoon.

Playing in a grand final for the first time since 2007, the Hawks had been riding a wave of emotion throughout the finals series.

The Burras were the only team the Hawks hadn’t beaten heading into the grand final, with the side hoping to turn the table.

It was a high scoring start to the game with 10 goals kicked in the opening quarter, with the Burras leading by 13 points at quarter time.

The margin grew to 34 points at the main break, with the Burras in control of the game.

The Hawks started the second half the better of the two teams and had their chances to bring the game back within two goals.

But the Burras had the answers and had extended the margin to 38 points at the last break.

The spark had gone out of the game in the

last quarter, with the Burras winning 16.9 (105)-9.8 (62).

Hawks playing coach Josh Pound said in the end they were just beaten by a team that had been the best team all season.

“It’s a tough one to swallow,” he said. “We threw everything we could at them but… They had answers every time.

“We struggled to get two in a row and when we did, they didn’t let us get three in a row. They were the better side today.”

Pound said the Burras were able to get the game on their terms in the first quarter and able to control the momentum.

He said while they were able to score, the Burras were doing it just as easily and his side was never going to win a shootout.

“We were playing their brand of game and forcing us to move quick when we planned not to,” he said.

“We wanted to close the game down a little bit more early, never win a shootout. They prayed on our turnover and we didn’t cause enough of it.”

Pound said they had their chances in the

third quarter, but when they didn’t convert the Burras quickly got the ball down the other end.

Tom Gawthrop kicked four goals for the Hawks, while Tayte Pears and Harley Giddings were named their best.

Pound said he was super proud of the group and the whole Woodend community.

“Especially under the circumstances what has occurred in the community the last two to three weeks,” he said.

“For the footy club, the netball club and the sports club as a whole, to stay strong and stay tight and still win games of footy and netball, the overwhelming emotion of just proud of the group and club.”

Now with a taste of finals football for the first time in a long time and grand final heartbreak spurring them on, Pound is keen to see the club go even further next year.

“The club as a whole, there is a lot of belief that the club is in a really good position,” he said.

“Hopefully go one better next year.”

Sports shorts

AFL

Three Calder Cannons are among those who will play on the MCG on AFL grand final day. The Cannons’ stars were among 46 players who have been announced as part of the 2023 AFL Futures match. The match features the most talented under-17 footballers from across the country. Those suiting up are Isaac Kako, Nash King and Harry O’Farrell.

BFL

Gisborne inside midfielder Flynn Lakey has come second in the Bendigo Football League best and fairest, the Mickelson Medal, finishing only two votes behind the winner, Noah Wheeler from Eaglehawk. The 21-year-old has been a shining light in the Bulldogs disappointing season, finishing in seventh after winning the premiership just last season. Bradley Bernacki from the Bulldogs finished in ninth spot with 12 votes. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have announced Matthew Merrett, Liam Spear, Jed Denahy and Frank Schipano from the Bulldogs have all signed on for next season.

AFLW

Essendon lost its first AFLW match of the season, against Adelaide on Saturday afternoon, 12.9 (81)-5.4 (34). The Bombers now sit in 10th spot after the first three rounds. Bonnie Toogood and Maddy Prespakis were standouts for the Bombers, booting two goals each, while having 18 and 21 disposals respectively. Toogood also took 10 marks.

RDNL

Lancefield has announced Jodie Bannan has been appointed as the netball coordinator for the 2024 Riddell District Netball League season. Bannan comes to the club after having been heavily involved in the Sunbury Netball Association, the Macedon Ranges Netball Association and president of the Gisborne Rookies Football Netball Club.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly

@starweeklynews @star_weekly

Travis Bishop (Supplied)

- Tara Murray

Riley Paterson after the final siren (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360899_47

Hickey lauded as best on ground for Diggers

When Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb was asked at the pre-game function who he thought would win the Doug McIntyre Medal for the best on in Riddell District Football League grand final, he didn’t hesitate to say Jaycob Hickey.

Just hours later after Diggers Rest won its flag, Hickey received the Doug McIntyre Medal for his performance in the grand final.

Lobb even told Hickey before the game that he was backing him in.

“He put the mozz on me before the game when watching the twos before,” Hickey said after the game.

“Having a couple of weeks off at the end of the season was sort of not ideal preparation for me. I went down with a bit of cramping, nice and hot.

“I think there were a few other boys doing the same. It wasn’t too bad, I was happy to get on the scoreboard. I set a couple up and was happy to get the win.

“There were some great performances today, Calv [Marcus Calvaresi] was awesome, Jaidyn[Caruana]wasawesomeinthere,[Josh]

Flower, Jenno [Mitch Jensen] as well.

“It could have gone to anyone, six or seven blokes. I’m rapt to get that one too.”

The premiership was a second in a row for Hickey, who joined the club from Ballarat

Football League side Melton last off season.

It’s a move he said had been enjoyable.

“I knew that Diggers Rest were going to be really a good side this year,” he said. “They’re always up the top end of the ladder every year.

“I knew that coming across with my brother [Lachlan] and good mate Mark [Orr], we could probably do something special this year.

“To get it done finally will be an awesome feeling and I’ll really enjoy this one tonight [Sunday], I think.”

Hickey said he was keen to have a bit of a change and Lobb and Orr both spoke to him about coming across and he said he’d loved every minute of it.

He said they were full of confidence heading into the grand final.

“I think that final against Wallan really set the tone for us,” he said. “We could do anything this year and the sky’s the limit.

“Getting that one done and having the week off was really good for us, able to freshen up and hit the ground running.”

After playing in heavy rainy conditions in his premiership win 12 months ago, Hickey said it was nice to be able to play in perfect football conditions.

He said it was special to be able to share that with his brother and Orr again.

Tara Murray

Double finals delight for Burras

By Tara Murray

Diggers Rest capped off an almost perfect season with not one, but two premierships in the Riddell District Football League on Sunday.

Grand final day started well for the Burras with their reserves winning their fourth premiership early Sunday afternoon.

The seniors were soon on the field, hoping to follow suit.

After losing just one game all season, the Burras entered the grand final as favourites against a Woodend-Hesket side playing in its first grand final since 2007.

The Burras had won the two match ups between the sides during the season, with the Burras the only side that the Hawks hadn’t beaten.

It was a high scoring start to the game with 10goalskickedintheopeningquarter,withthe Burras leading by 13 points at quarter time.

The margin grew to 34 points at the main break, with the Burras in control of the game.

The Hawks started the second half the better ofthetwoteamsandhadtheirchancestobring the game back within two goals.

But the Burras had the answers and had extended the margin to 38 points at the last break to all but have secured the win with one quarter to go.

The Burras won 16.9 (105)-9.8 (62).

Burras coach Jamie Lobb said it was an amazing feeling to be at the back of the top of the table.

“It’s definitely a different feeling to this day last year,” he said. “We definitely deserved and earned this one.

“Itwasacompletelydifferentpathtolastyear whenwediditthelongway,battlingtogetguys up each week.

“This year we finished on top and earned the rightfortheweekoffandwonthefirstfinaland the boys were cherry ripe today.”

The Burras had just about a whole list to pick from, with only two players not available for selection.

Lobb had said throughout the back end of the season and finals that they believed they were peaking at the right time.

He was exactly right.

The start was a key for Lobb in trying to get the game on their terms.

“We knew if we were in it at half time that they would fade away a little,” he said “They’ve had hard games every week.

“They’re a bit more bigger bodied than us and we knew that we would get them on the outside eventually.

“We had to stick to our guns and not panic and the guys executed it pretty well.”

Lobb said he would have taken the half time margin if it had been offered to him at the start of the day.

He said they had to grind out the win in the second half and the guys really committed to everything that they were trying to do.

Marcus Calvaresi kicked four goals for the Burras, while Mitchell Day kicked three, Mitch Jensen and Josh Flower two apiece.

Jaycob Hickey was named best on ground, awarded the Doug McIntyre Medal.

Lobb himself picked that Hickey was set for a big game.

“He’s a big time player and superstar,” he said. “What he did today was one of the reasons we were so keen to get him over.”

Calvaresi, Jaidyn Caruana and Mark Orr were also named in the best.

Taylor Hine, Matthew Krul, Cole Laurie, Tom Evans and Josh Wallace became three-time senior premiership players with the club with Sunday’s win.

Lobb played in the first premiership, was a playing-coach in the second one, and now coach for the third one.

Lobb said it was special for the club that

both their teams were able to come away with premierships.

Each time the seniors have won the premiership, the reserves have also won it that year.

“It’s amazing,” Lobb said.

“If we’re going well it feeds down. There’s some good players, playing in our reserves that would play seniors in most other clubs in our areas, credit to them they stick at it, credit to them and we’re winning flags like today.

“We’ll enjoy this one for a bit longer than most, refresh hopefully go again.

Jaycob Hickey (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tom Evans (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360899_40

Harrison Wilson and Marcus Calvaresi celebrate a goal (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360899_01

Diggers Rest celebrates (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Bombers fall short to the Hawks in grand final

Riddell fell just short on the big stage in the Riddell District Netball League, losing the grand final in overtime.

After losing just one game during the regular season, the Bombers had their battles in the finals series.

TheylosttheirfirstfinaltoWoodend-Hesket and then managed to get through to the grand final with a win in overtime against Macedon in the preliminary final.

On Sunday, they faced the Hawks for the second time in the final series, this time with a premiership on the line.

It was low scoring early on with the defensives of both sides on top. Turnovers were made and shots missed.

Both teams made a number of changes throughout, especially in the midcourt and shooting circle for the Bombers.

The Hawks got to a four goal lead in the last quarter but the Bombers weren’t done.

Bothteamshadchancesinthedyingminutes to win the game, but weren’t able to convert.

Scores were locked at 33-apiece at the end of fourquarters,sendingthegameintoovertime.

From there it was all the Hawks, leading by five goals after the first period of overtime.

They kept the momentum going to seal the win, 46-37.

Bombers coach Beck Anstey said while she was disappointed, she was proud of the group and what they had achieved.

It’s the first season this group has

played together.

“They played with just so much heart,” she said. “They’ve all been playing so well.

“That’s the nature of finals… We didn’t get it to gel at exactly the right time unfortunately and we didn’t come away with

the chocolates this time.

“The girls will brush themselves off and I think they will be stronger for it.”

Anstey said she was proud how the group foughtbackintothegameforasecondstraight week. She said they had their opportunities late in the game to win it.

The ball was in their attacking third when the siren went at the end of regular time.

“We had lived experience, we trained from it,” she said. “Those first couple of minutes in overtime I think are so crucial they really set up the tempo.

“Woodend had us covered in those crucial minutes.”

Anstey said they would love to keep the group together, with so much young talent in the side like Ruby Shannon, Madison Brown, Tepea Hobson and the Burge sisters, Xara and Eliza.

It was a mixed day for the Bombers, with their B-grade side winning the premiership, but their under-19s losing to Western Rams. She said they would have loved to have got at least two premierships if not all three.

- Tara Murray

Hawks soar to premiership win

By Tara Murray

Woodend-Hesket has claimed its first Riddell District Netball League A-grade premiership.

After tasting defeat on the biggest stage 12 months earlier in their first grand final, the Hawks came back bigger and better this year.

They knocked off minor premiers Riddell in the second week of finals to win straight through to the grand final.

The Hawks would then face Riddell again in Sunday’s grand final at Romsey Park.

While the record books will show a 46-37 win in the end to the Hawks, it doesn’t tell how close the game really was.

It was low scoring early on with the defensives of both sides on top. Turnovers were made and shots missed.

Both teams made a number of changes throughout.

The Hawks got to a four goal lead in the last quarter but the Bombers weren’t done.

Both teams had chances in the dying minutes to win the game, but weren’t able to convert.

Scores were locked at 33-apiece at the end of fourquarters,sendingthegameintoovertime.

From there it was all the Hawks, leading by five goals after the first period of overtime. They kept the momentum going to seal the win.

For Hawks playing-coach Meg Grbac it was a pretty special moment that would take a while to sink in.

“We had a lot of belief that we could do it,’’ she said. “I think the last two weeks have been so difficult for so many people at the club.

“I’m glad that we could get over the line, not just for ourselves, but the whole Woodend-Hesket wide community.

“It means so much to be able to make them proud.”

Both coaches knew going into the game it was going to be a battle of the defences which it proved to be.

Grbac, one of the star defenders of the competition, said that the attackers of both ends were put under a lot of pressure.

“The shooters, they eventually found their groove and credit to every single person that stepped out on court,” she said.

“I used pretty much the whole squad today [Sunday]. I thought Tilly [Lethlan] was amazing when she came on, Charlee

[Duff-Tytler] and Abbs [Gilmore] were equally as awesome when they stepped onto the court also.

“In all, super, super proud.”

While they have the premiership in their hands now, Grbac admits that they were lucky to come away with the win in the end.

She said nerves got the better of the side in the final quarter.

“The last two minutes of the game we were probably lucky they didn’t get another score on the board to be honest with you,” she said.

“I said to them when we went to the bench before extra time, ‘straight away learn from that mistake’ and we’re lucky it didn’t cost us.

“They came on the court in extra time brilliantly and really held composure when it mattered.”

Grbac said getting the first goal in overtime was important for the group and they were able to maintain the momentum from there.

Defender Ty Coppinger was awarded the medal for the player judged best on court.

“She’s absolutely insane,” she said. “We’re so lucky that as a netball club not only to have her and the quality of player she is on the court, but the person she is off the court.

“I thought Laura Carland was awesome today in attack and I thought Hayley Rogers

in wing defence was awesome too.

“It was a whole team effort.”

Grbac also paid tribute to netball coordinator Kellie Duff and club co-president Anne-LouiseLindner fortheirworkingetting the netball program to where it is today.

“I can not speak more highly of Kel and Anne-Louise and the work that they’ve done for the netball program,” she said.

“I was so lucky to come in three years ago, at such a good time. All the hard work that they’ve put in over the last eight to nine years, they are the ones that have got us here,

“First flag for the club ever in A-grade, it’s pretty amazing. It doesn’t happen in one season, it’s been building over time.

“I’m so lucky to be part of a netball program with both of them.”

Charlee Duff-Tytler puts a shot up. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Woodend-Hesket celebrate premiership. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Ruby Shannon (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360896_47