Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 26th September 2023

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An artistic journey

A new permanent public mural honouring Sunbury’s rich history and diversity is a step closer, with Sunbury artist Ervin Molnar commissioned to create the artwork.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull and Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) announced Mr Molnar’s appointment on September 19, to paint a mural along the new Sunbury Road bridge underpass beside Jacksons Creek. Mr Molnar, who works from a Diggers Rest studio and was married on the banks of Jacksons Creek, will create a 40 metre long and five metre high artwork as part of the road upgrade.

Mr Bull said the mural makes the bridge and its underpass a nice place to be, while connecting the community to Sunbury’s heritage. “It’s enormously important that a local artist will be reflecting the character, journeys, and stories of our region,” he said.

The design will draw on inspiration from Sunbury with strong local fauna and flora elements. The artwork will be painted onto the retaining wall using specialised paints over several weeks, and will be treated with an anti-graffiti coating to protect against vandalism.

Kinder wait time blowout

By Zoe Moffatt

Giving birth to a baby in the first week of a global pandemic lockdown was not how Jenn Varrasso thought her first pregnancy would go.

Fouryearson,withasecondbabyontheway, Jenn also didn’t think she would be bypassing a kinder just a five minute walk away, to drive 15 minutes to another one.

However, due to limited kindergarten availability, this is Jenn’s reality.

“We’re a little disappointed as we enrolled [Willow] in the kinder program for 2024 with Lancefield being our top preference, but we got

accepted into Riddells Creek instead,” she said.

Jenn explained that they initially put RiddellsCreekastheirsecondpreferencewhen she was working in Sunbury, but with her baby boy coming in January this option is no longer possible.

“It would make a significant difference. If we could reduce down to one car, financially that would help us out with the cost of everything.

“Riddells Creek is probably a 15 minute drive, so a 30 minute round trip.

“It’s just harder, getting a newborn into the car and then if I have a caesarean, which I had with Willow, I won’t be able to drive.”

Born into a time of uncertainty, with

lockdown rules changing weekly and social interaction at a standstill, Jenn said it is important Willow interacts with other chilldren instead of staying home.

“She was a COVID baby, so we don’t want her to miss out… with that social interaction.

“She’s doing really well at the moment but she’s definitely very attached to me. This year she’s blossomed and I don’t want to jeopardise that.”

Fellow Lancefield resident George Carter said she had to take her first child, Hendrix, to Romsey for kindergarten as they were not offered a spot in Lancefield, despite applying 12 months in advance.

“I was working full time at the time, starting work at 6am [and]... It didn’t factor into [my husband and my] day to pick up and drop off at Romsey,” she said

“My husband works nights at the juvenile justice centre in Malmsbury and more often than not he would come home from work to sleep for an hour or so [and] have to wake up to pick Hendrix up.

“I called council and explained the situation, and they said if someone dropped out that spot would go to the next child on the waiting list, but there were children in front of [mine].”

■ Continued: Page 6.

Ervin Molnar was married on the banks of Jacksons Creek (Damjan Janevski) 357591_01

Driving towards road closure

By Zoe Moffatt

St Mary’s Primary School is one step closer to having its school grounds unified, following overwhelming support from local residents for the discontinuance of the road that divides the school.

For the past 35 years boom gates have been used to close Raglan Street, Lancefield, to vehicles during school hours.

In 2019, St Mary’s developed a master plan toaddressgrowingenrolments,andstatedthen that the proposed road discontinuance would

create a safer and better connected school environment.

During community consultation in August, 86 submissions were received with approximately 91 per cent of the respondents voicing support.

Speaking at the council meeting on September 20, play therapist and counsellor Alana, who also has a child at the school, said current pickup and drop offs are an “anxiety ridden experience“.

“I think [the discontinuance] will enhance the safety and security of the students at St

Exhibition takes flight

With September ticking by, residents from the Macedon Ranges have been filing into the free Wild Wings ’n Furry Things exhibition at The Gallery, Mount Macedon.

Artist Lesley Rosochodski created the exhibition in 18 months of “solid work,” to reflect her continuing passion for wildlife and the natural environment.

“During COVID-19, I spent a lot of time observing birds and local wildlife. I became super aware of the importance of nature to human health and wellbeing,” Ms Rosochodski said.

“I realised that even when we are removed fromnature,wearestillpartofitandyearnfor it. This led me to think of how we… describe and connect with wild birds and animals.”

Ms Rosochodski said she likes humour and expression in art, so she loved the idea of creating her own painted metaphors for various wild animals and birds.

“At surface level, the exhibition is about

the way we see and understand some of our unique Australian wildlife, through human description and characterisation,” she said.

“At a deeper level, as always in my art, it’s about reminding people of the existence and beauty of nature around them.

“[It also about] encouraging realisation of the importance of our duty of care to all species and to our planet.”

Ms Rosochodski said nature lovers, animal lovers, bird lovers, art lovers in particular should go and see the exhibition, which ends October 1.

The gallery is open Friday to Tuesday, 10am to 4pm, at 684 Mt Macedon Road, Mt Macedon (behind the Trading Post).

Zoe Moffatt

Ladies searching for scraps

When thinking of the Country Women’s Association (CWA), scones, jam and bake sales come to mind.

However, the Gisborne CWA is looking to break down this narrative and make a new name for itself.

Members are seeking unwanted fabric or wool to make art smocks, aprons and pencil cases for the five local schools in Gisborne.

Assistant secretary Allison Baker said they wanted to get the CWA name out more, so membersapproachedthelocalprimaryschools to see if there was anything they could do to help.

“We want to teach the young kids and adults that we are more than scones… I think the CWA has been a bit forgotten,” she said.

“We thought we might be of use to the primary schools…[and] one school has asked if we can make art smocks, aprons and pencil cases.

“Wewerehopingtoappealtothecommunity if they are doing spring cleaning and getting rid of unwanted fabric, as we use it.”

Ms Baker said the group will donate the finished products to the school so they can put the funding towards the students.

“It’s good for the kids, the community and the environment,” she said. “We’re happy to go withanysortoffabric,[andpeople]cancontact us on Facebook or email to donate.”

Details: cwagisborne1@gmail.com

Mary’s and provide a greater sense of wellbeing for both students and staff alike,” she said.

“I think having it open the way that it is with the boom gates does an okay job at the moment but overall school drop off and pick up is quite an anxiety ridden experience.

“Not having that secure boundary to keep the kids in that space when you’ve got a lot of school traffic coming around is quite stressful.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, submitter Michael said St Mary’s remains resolute and well motivated in pursuing the discontinuous of the road.

“[This is] because it is the best outcome for the school and the community with negligible adverse impact to any individual or group,” he said.

“Theschoolhastocontinuetostrivetocreate an environment that is functional and safe for the current day and into the future.

“[Allowing] the school to secure the portion of Raglan Street during the day [will] assist greatly with meeting this need.”

Recommendations will be prepared for councillors to consider at the next meeting on October 25.

Zoe Moffatt

Gisborne CWA members Christine, Allison, Val, Helen, Hellen and Osija.

Wild Wings ’n Furry Things exhibition by Lesley Rosochodski. (Damjan Janevski) 357592_05

‘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

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

Family gears up for bike adventure

A Romsey family will be strapping on their helmets and pumping their bike tyres to take part in Australia’s biggest bike ride next month.

Bicycle Network’s Around the Bay will be held on Sunday, October 8, and will be a game-changerforridersofallagesandcycling levels.

Luke and Helen Critchley will take part in the ride, along with Hazel (2) and Maeve (9 months). Luke said they will divide and conquer, with one daughter on each bike. “Years ago when I was a young fella my parents used to take me on mass participation

bike rides like the Great Melbourne Bike Ride,” he said.

“Our two girls, Hazel and Maeve, love the bikes… [and] I [wil] have one girl behind me and Helen has the other in front of her.”

Since its inception in 1993, Around the Bay has become a rite of passage for seasoned cyclists, colleagues, families and friends, with over 10,000 bike riders expected to take part.

Bicycle Network chief executive Alison McCormack said this year’s ride will be safer and feature more entertainment at the Albert Park start and finish line.

“Those taking part in the Family Ride will

also enjoy more peaceful pedalling, with fully closed roads… to offer riders of all abilities a separated route for traffic-free family fun,” she said.

“Around the Bay has played a key role in turning bike riding into a mainstream recreational activity… and the social side of bike riding has made the event Australia’s iconic one day bike ride.”

The official charity partner for 2023 is Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, which funds vital research to accelerate diagnosis and treatment for Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

Details: aroundthebay.com.au

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.

Willowbank Road plan progression

AproposeddevelopmentforWillowbank Road, Gisborne, has progressed with Macedon Ranges council endorsing a post-exhibition change to the planning scheme amendment and requesting the help of an independent planning panel.

The plan for a local activity centre at 101-105 Willowbank Road was considered at a council meeting on September 13.

The site would need to be rezoned to allow the development of a small supermarket, a medical centre, office and cafés and also provide 57 car parking spaces.

The plan received five objections and seven supporting submissions when it was released for community feedback in May.

In the meeting agenda, council officers said a number of unresolved issues remain, including fencing and traffic, and recommended they be referred to an independent planning panel for consideration.

“The acoustic perimeter fencing was a point of both support and opposition among submissions,” officers wrote in the agenda. “[Council] supports the installation of the acoustic perimeter fencing in principle, but require the proponent to provide evidence that [it] complies with the planning scheme and building regulations.

“A number of submitters were concerned with the current condition of Willowbank Road and its ability to accommodate increased traffic demand. [Council recommends] traffic matters… be referred to the panel.”

Council will seek to have the matter reviewed by an independent planning panel in November with recommendations to be brought for councilconsiderationatafuturemeeting.

Zoe Moffatt

Residents believe six dwelling development is no Goode

Gisborne residents have spoken out against a six dwelling development mooted for the corner of Howey and Goode streets, saying the ambience of the area will be altered irreversibly.

The application seeks to develop six dwellings with three or four bedrooms in two rows, with common access proposed in the middle, accessible via Goode Street.

Residents voiced their objections, which include concern about the additional traffic, footpaths, poor road construction, tree removal, and out of character design.

At a council meeting on September 13, one resident referenced the change in ambiance following the removal of oak trees.

“Previouslythewholeareawouldbeenclosed in beautiful oak trees, and they’ve been taken down to allow for this development,” the resident said.

“Fromourpointofviewitisverydestructive to the ambiance that we have around here, but more widely there are a huge number of units planned for this particular block and for other areas.

“I think the council needs to give quite a lot

of thought to what they want the area to look like in the end.”

A submitter representing the developer said plans for the site responds to the delivery of affordable housing, and its position in the town may reduce residents’ reliance on cars.

“The proposal delivers a range of housing close to the township centre within 100 metres of Gisborne Primary School, St Brigid’s Primary School Gisborne and the UL Daily [Nature] Reserve,” he said.

“The site is a budding town centre… so the abilityforaresidenttomaybenothaveacar,or

notrelyonacartoaccessshouldbeconsidered.

“We’ve already got an undertaking under consideration about installing the footpaths… so that’s already been dealt with.

“[We] would argue that the net result will be a significant improvement and benefit to the local community, especially in the housing availability, and affordability crisis.”

Council will consider the submissions at the next planning delegated committee meeting on October 11, 2023.

Zoe Moffatt

Luke and Helen Critchley with their daughters Hazel (2) and Maeve (9 months). (Supplied)

Plan to clear housing backlog

By Zoe Moffatt

Hume council has welcomed the Victorian government’s housing statement, while advocating for communities to remain at the centre of decision making, amid plans to clear the backlog of housing permits and make planning decisions faster.

Premier Dan Andrews announced the housing statement on Wednesday, September 20, that the government hopes will clear a backlog of 1400 housing permit applications that have been stuck with councils for more than six months.

The planning minister will now be the decision maker for significant residential

developments, including affordable housing projects.

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said council welcomes the announcement, but eagerly awaits more information to properly assess the impact on the community.

“Hume… 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,” he said.

“We will be strongly advocating for the state government to ensure that communities remain at the centre of decision making and that their voices are heard. Particularly, around third-party appeal rights in

Volunteering stalwart

Ninety-five years ago Gisborne was a very different place.

For life-long resident and volunteer extraordinaire Beth Crawford, one thing that has not changed is her love for the town and passion for volunteering.

Sitting at a table cutting fabric for the St. Paul’s op shop, Beth tells the tales of the town she said is the only place she’s ever wanted to live.

“I’ve never been anywhere else that I’d like to go better [than Gisborne]. I just like the place,” Beth said. “When I was little 300 people was the extent, there were 13 [kids] at the primary school when I left it.”

Beth celebrated her 95th birthday on September 14, celebrating in the milestone with fish and chips at the pub and trip to the pokies.

This year Beth has also celebrated three decades of volunteering with St. Paul’s, something which she said is second nature.

“[I’ve been volunteering here] since Ash Wednesday… I’ve just always done it and [I] just keep on wanting to do it, I’d like to be able to do more.

“Years ago when I was young you volunteered for everything. Nothing happened unless there was a group [volunteering].”

Throughout the years Beth has volunteered with many groups including the Red Cross, CFA ladies auxiliary, Vision Australia, Ambulance committee, swimming pool committee,seniorcitizenshomesassociation, ladies guild of the church and more.

Zoe Moffatt

respect of applications that may be fasttracked under the proposed facilitation programs.”

Cr Haweil said growth area councils such as Hume are already doing the heavy lifting to create homes for growing populations.

“In the past year alone, council approved 3000 new homes to be built in Hume.

“The majority of these applications, some 1000, were assessed and approved by officers under delegation, with only 17 applications needing to be approved by council in the chamber.”

MacedonRangescouncildirectorplanning and environment Rebecca Stockfeld said they also welcome the statement, which

emphasises the need for a strong partnership with council.

“Efforts to increase housing supply should be thoughtful and strategic, taking into account the local environment, culture, and community identity,” she said.

“Balancing investment in housing supply with the need to preserve and protect the cherished qualities of our region is a delicate but essential task in order to promote the development of sustainable and liveable communities.

“We recognise the importance of providing adequate housing for our growing population while safeguarding the unique features that make our region special.”

Connections through the post

Gisborne residents have put pen to paper this month and checked in on their friends and loved ones through a prepaid postcard initiative.

Australia Post and Beyond Blue have joined forces again to distribute four million prepaid ‘connectionpostcards’tohouseholdsacrossthe country.

The postcards will primarily be delivered to regional and rural households, giving residents the opportunity to send a personalised and handwritten postcard for free.

The Gisborne Post Office team got involved in the initiative as the postcards started to arrive in the community.

Australia Post engagement and community managerTannyMangossaidtheyaredelighted to continue the partnership and connect millions of Australians.

“Feeling connected plays an important role in our mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Mangos said.

“In an increasingly digital world, taking the time to write a note to a friend or loved one reminds them you are thinking of them and is often cherished.”

BeyondBluechiefexecutiveGeorgieHarman said the partnership plays a significant role in sharing important mental health messages.

“Since the start of our partnership… 11 million postcards have been delivered to households across the country,” Ms Harman said.

“Almost everyone experiences loneliness at some stage in their lives, especially those living inruralandremotecommunities,whichiswhy initiatives like this one are so important.

“[It]representsapowerfulgestureofsupport, enablingAustralianstoreachout,checkin,and remind one another of the strength that lies in supporting a friend or family member.

“Thepostcardsincludealistoftipsforlooking after your mental health and we encourage everyone to keep the tips in a prominent space in your home… as a helpful reminder.”

Gisborne Post Office postal manager Joe Vella and Tanya Graham with the postcards which have started to arrive in the Gisborne community. (Supplied)

Beth Crawford at St Paul’s Op Shop where she volunteers every Monday. (Zoe Moffatt)

Daughters of the West celebrate new graduates

Twenty-three women from Sunbury and surrounds have graduated from the Daughters of the West women’s health and wellbeing program.

The graduation ceremony was held on Tuesday, September 19, and followed 10 sessions where participants heard from experts on a range of health topics, including nutrition, social inclusion, and mental wellbeing.

The participants engaged in various activities designed to build connections with one another, with exercise sessions tailored to each participant’s ability.

Sunbury resident and graduate Donna Maloney said she decided to participate in the program after watching her ex-partner

complete the Sons of the West program.

“I saw first hand the positive benefits he gained and shared with his family,” she said. “I alsowantedtolearnmoreaboutwomen’shealth and feel more connected to my community.”

Ms Maloney said the program consisted of learning more about health, well-being and community connection, along with doing exercise like circuit training, team game playing, dancing and yoga.

“I really enjoyed learning more about my community and how to get more involved in it, as well as the dancing and yoga activities.

“My key takeaways from the program would have to be knowing more about the activities and services within Sunbury and how to

access or volunteer for them. As well as a stark reminder to increase my daily physical activity and choose something I enjoy to participate in.”

First delivered by the Western Bulldogs CommunityFoundationin2017,thisisthefirst time the program was delivered in Sunbury.

Western Bulldogs community and government relations general manager Kashif Bouns said the program focused on inclusivity.

“We have been able to help thousands of women over the years on their health and wellbeing journeys through Daughters of the West, The program provides an inclusive and supportive space, and we welcome women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” he said.

Kinder wait time blowout

■ From page 1.

For her second child Mrs Carter took no chances and applied for a 2024 spot two years in advance.

She said she thinks kindergartens should be zoned and there may be a need for another one in Lancefield altogether.

“I think it should be zoned like a school, and I think there should be a priority where if you have a child there your second child should get prioritised.”

Macedon Ranges council director community Maria Weiss said council encourages families to nominate up to three kindergarten preferences and every attempt will be made to place the child at one of those centres.

“Kindergarten places are allocated on a priority system and specific criteria that is based on a combination of factors, including the child’s specific needs and family circumstances,” she said.

Going once, going twice

By Zoe Moffatt

With the sun shining and auction anticipation spreading, about 250 people gathered on September 16 for the sale of 3 Delia Ave, Sunbury.

With no reserve, the new Sunbury property in the Rosenthal development was sold for $1,055,000, with 100 per cent to be distributed between 60 local not-for-profit organisations.

General manager Paul Millett said there was amazing energy on the day, and it was wonderful to see many of the groups in attendance.

“We were expecting a big crowd given the home is beautiful first and foremost and the fact that the auction was ’no reserve’, which is unheard of,” Mr Millett said. “We knew there would be great support from the local Rosenthal and wider Sunbury communities in

particular, [as there were] many groups who were to benefit from the sale.”

Mr Millett said providing support to the community at times like these are important given the current cost of living challenges.

“It is incumbent on organisations and families like ours to continually give back to the community because without their support, we don’t exist.

“It’s also nice just to say ’thanks’ without any need to get anything in return.

“The smiles on the faces in attendance on Saturday made it all worthwhile and we were proud as a family to be able to do that for the amazing community Sunbury is.”

Voluntary seniors’ group, Sunbury U3A provides educational, recreational and social programs for seniors in the area and received funding from the sale.

President Leigh Martin said it will make a

big difference to the group and what U3A can provide the community.

“We were thrilled to bits with the generosity and the forethought from the Millett family,” Ms Martin said.

“We run courses, events and activities for seniors but we don’t have a home base and so we have to rent out places.

“The money means we will have more to spend, which means we will have more flexibility.”

Sunbury U3A provides courses like French and philosophy, which Ms Martin said is important to keep intellectual engagement, along with social connections.

“We’re always trying to reduce isolation in seniors and provide them with stimulating activities… life doesn’t end at 70 years old.

“[This funding] means we can provide a lot more now with the money we have.”

“Council is looking forward to the… new kindergarten and maternal and child health building in Lancefield next year,tohelpcaterforincreaseddemand.”

Therearecurrentlyfivechildrenonthe waitinglistforfouryearoldkindergarten in Lancefield, and two for three year old kindergarten.

Macedon and Romsey both have one on the waitlist for three year old kindergarten, but there are no other children on the waiting list for council managed kindergartens.

Nearby Brimbank council will undertake a review of its current kindergarten registration and enrolment policy following concerns from families unable to find kindergarten places close to their homes.

The review will consider including an additional criteria prior to the 2025 kindergarten allocation process which would require families to detail their proximity to their preferred kindergarten.

Spring magpie attacks prompt sunglasses call for cyclists

A Sunbury cyclist who almost lost an eye after being swooped by a magpie is encouraging other riders to wear sunglasses this season.

Christiaan Nyssen was riding his bike at Yarrawonga near the Victorian-NSW border in November 2021 when he was struck by a magpie.

He usually wears sunglasses on his rides but not on this occasion.

“I have been attacked countless times and don’t have a fear of the birds,“ he said.

“This bird turned around and went straight for the eye, did a backflip and hit me right in the eye again. A neighbour said I was the fifth

person to be attacked.“

Mr Nyssen was left unable to see out of the eye from iris trauma with pupil dilation.

After being advised to wait a few months, he sought a second opinion and underwent surgery to repair the retina and remove the entire lens at Epworth Freemasons.

Mr Nyssen described it as a one in a million attack but believe s it would have been prevented by sunglasses.

“The magpie wouldn’t have had something to aim at,” he said.

With swooping season in full swing, the rider was attacked by another magpie last

week, suffering a minor ear injury.

Breeding season runs from about August to October, with magpies defending their nesting young six to eight weeks after hatching.

Other swooping prevention tactics include changing route, walking instead of running away, wearing sunglasses on the back of your head or a hat with a pair of eyes drawn on the back.

An elderly cyclist died of head injuries in September 2022 when he veered from an off-road path in Wollongong after being startled by a swooping magpie.

Sunbury and surrounds Daughters of the West participants at the graduation ceremony on September 19. (Supplied)

Sunbury resident and keen cyclist Christiaan Nyssen. (Supplied)

The new Sunbury property in the Rosenthal development was sold for $1,055,000. (Supplied)

Winners are grinners

Winners are grinners in the Macedon Ranges, with two early childhood services receiving Dental Health Services Victoria’s Smiles 4 Miles award.

Staff at Macedon Early Learning Centre and Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek received training and support to implement and meet all relevant award criteria over the course of 2022-23.

The program aims to improve the oral health of children under five years by encouraging healthyeating,healthydrinking,andgoodoral hygiene.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) has coordinated Smiles 4 Miles in the Macedon Ranges since 2017. Coordinator Amanda Perry said tooth decay is one of the most prevalent preventative diseases in Victorian children.

“One in four young children have untreated decay in their baby teeth, according to the

Australian Department of Health,” she said.

“Smiles4Milesisavaluablestepforourearly childhood services to take in improving the overall health and wellbeing of our youngest residents.”

To achieve the Smiles 4 Miles award, services mustbeabletoprovideevidenceofbestpractice across seven criteria, aimed at educating and engaging children and families.

The Smiles 4 Miles program runs over a two-year cycle, so over the next year awarded services will move to implementing everything they’ve learned over the previous 12 months. SCCH supports services by providing outreach dental visits and facilitates activities promoting healthy eating and drinking in young children.

All early childhood services in the Macedon Ranges are eligible to participate at any time in Smiles 4 Miles.

Details: amandap.perry@scchc.org.au

Briefs

Kyneton theft

Police are investigating a circumstances surrounding a $250,000 theft in Kyneton on June 20, 2023. In a post on Macedon Ranges Eyewatch on September 17, police said it is believed the offenders attended the Redesdale Road Four Seasons Waste depot in the early hours of the morning and stole a JCB Telehandler and a Manitou Telehandler with a grappling bucket.

Inclusive photo competition

To recognise International Day of People with Disability, Macedon Ranges council will holf a ‘showcasing inclusion’ photo competition and is inviting the community to submit photos that showcase daily inclusivity. Competition categories will focus on different aspects of life, and there will be a category for photographers who identify as a person with disability and for photographers under 16 years old. The competition closes on October 29.

School holidays

Goldfields and Hume libraries will continue the school holiday fun this week with a range of events. Residents can drop into the Romsey Library on September 27, to make a colourful flower from bottle tops and buttons for the library’s beautiful spring window garden. While Sunbury Library will hold a Build It workshop on September 28.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Chloe shows off her smile. (Supplied)

A place for Sunbury men

Members of the Sunbury Men’s Shed have been hard at work lately, coming together to build, repair and create new items.

The men’s shed is located at the rear of Sunbury Cobaw Community Health and operates on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.30am to noon.

Men’s shed secretary Albert Achterberg spoke to the Star Weekly before the shed’s biannual garage sale in August, and said the group is a good meeting place for men from all walks of life.

“We’re all a group of fellas who like to build, repair and sit down together and enjoy a cuppa…it’sanescapeandgoodfor[everyone’s] mental health,” he said.

The shed offers a range of handcrafted items for sale in the Shed Shop, which is adjacent to the reception area of Sunbury Cobaw Community Health.

They can also repair a range of timber items, anyone with enquiries can call and speak to a shed member to see what can be done.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100070190473246

MY PLACE

Kyneton local and 2023 National Capital Art Prize finalist Daniel Butterworth tells Zoe Moffatt about his connection to the area and work as an artist.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I am a full time practising artist who enjoys the challenge of paint and in particular capturing flesh with it. My love for the figure has been dominant throughout my artistic career, and I believe it is one of the most challenging genres. WiththisIalsorunmasterclasses,thishasseen me travel interstate as well as locally for VCE students and adults wanting to refine their skills.

What’s your connection to the Macedon Ranges?

I grew up in Spring Hill, between Kyneton and Dayelsford, before moving to Malmsbury as an adult and I now live in Kyneton. So Mount Macedon has always been a backdrop for my life.

What do you like about where you live?

Kyneton is beautiful, sure it gets cold, sure it gets hot and this is why, you get to experience all the seasons. Growing up Kyneton was just a little farming town, now It is quite sought after, and I have enjoyed watching the area transform.

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

Nothing.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time? There are a couple, Cussack and Cussack is a gallery in Piper Street, Stockroom is also a gallery in Piper Street, and Piper Street Food Company does pizza on a Friday night that can be ordered from the gin factory Animus Distillery.

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

I was asked to paint the person who started Village Cinemas and is the Chief executive

of Movie World, Sea World, Wet and Wild in front of all his staff

You have been an artist for almost your entire life, tell us about that?

My father is a sculptor so I have always been around art, and gone to galleries. Art is always in the conversation. I also have two brothers and a sister all who are creative, my youngest brother Matt is in the art world also and we are always conversing, showing each other current pieces.

My life is art and it is not like a hobby

or something I do, it is a part of me, it is my language.

Who is your favourite artist and why?

I have many for different reasons, tia Shan Shirenberg, Eric Fischl, Jenny Seville and Lucien Freud to name a few.

What is your favourite artwork and why?

If I were to own a piece of art it would be either the anatomy lesson by Rembrandt or Leigh Bowery’s back under the skylight by Lucien Freud.

Zoe Moffatt

Top row: Sunbury Men’s Shed members Carmelo Borg hanging out with the Sunbury scarecrow, Bill Lingam with his rocking horse, and Foahala Powell. Centre row: Stan Rasa, John Staines and Fred Parnis (right) at work in the Shed. Bottom row: Peter Bloem and Barry Burbridge working in the garden at Sunbury Men’s Shed. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 358671

That one big day in September

Running onto the MCG on the last Saturday in September is something many a young footy fans dream about. Next weekend that dream comes true for the 46 players who will line up in the AFL grand final. Jennifer Pittorino speaks to an ex-player and a fan about what the big day means to them.

Three-time premiership winning footballer Brian Lake said he enjoyed every minute of his three grand final experiences.

“The week leading up to the grand final is very structured, there is always something to look forward to,” said Lake who is now the Caroline Springs men’s coach in the Western Region Football League.

“As soon as you win in the prelim you think youarejustgoingtobestressedaboutSaturday, but the whole spectacle of grand final week kept me busy.”

LakebeganhiscareerattheWesternBulldogs in2002,quicklybecominga’defensivemonster’ due to his ability to out muscle his opponent and hold marks in contested situations.

In2013,LakewastradedtoHawthornwhich culminated in his first AFL premiership, when Hawthorn defeated Fremantle. It was also in this game that Lake won the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.

Lake went on to win two more premierships at the club in 2014 and 2015, the first time Hawthorn had won three successive premierships in its history.

Lake announced his retirement after playing his last game for Hawthorn in the 2015 grand final.

Sometimes referred to as Hawthorn’s lucky charm, Lake said the trio of grand final wins might have just been a coincidence.

“Some people had mentioned it to me before I said I was the difference,” he said, laughing.

“In 2012 they didn’t make it to the end, and in 2016 they went out in straight sets, so you could say I was just a coincidence.”

In the lead up to his first grand final, Lake said he made a conscious effort to get to the ground early to absorb the build-up and atmosphere.

were already there, the big Hawthorn logo, took it all in and then before you know it was game time.“

Before he ran out to play Lake performed his pre-game ritual which he picked up at his first evergameandendedupemployingthroughout his whole career.

“I didn’t want to take anything for granted, I didn’t know I was going to play 200 games,” he said.

“That first game was a very proud moment. I made sure I went in the toilet and put my guernsey on in the mirror, so I could watch myself put it on.

“That’ssomethingthatkeptgoingfortherest of my life, so I made sure every time I put on

Hawthorn’s win in 2013 was Lake’s favourite premiership, an achievement he said he will never forget.

“To have that happen in your first year, you are absolutely blessed, it’s not easy to do,” he said.

“It was a huge feeling of relief, yes thank god we won and the game is over.”

Lake said the next two wins were different, he was able to enjoy them more.

“Even though the game wasn’t over at half time, we were in really good control and we were able to enjoy that last quarter a little bit more.

“People love watching a close grand final but it’s not as good when you are in it.”

As a coach, Lake now experiences grand finals from watching from the side lines and can sympathise with the stress and anxiety felt by fans.

Western Bulldogs cheer squad member Sharon Cutajar has been lucky enough to witnessherbelovedBulldogswinaflagin2016.

“Just walking through the MCG on grand final day was like a dream come true,” she said.

“Every single year you would watch the grand final and the parade and wonder when is it going to be our turn, are we ever going to experience this?“

Having experienced her team win the flag, Sharon said watching the season’s ups and downs now is not as stressful.

“Of course we were cheering for them this year, but it’s a completely different experience for us now because we have had our time,” she said. “We have been a part of it, we have experienced it, so it is not as hurtful now watching the grand final if we are not in it .”

Growing up Sharon and her five siblings supported the Bulldogs, and now as an adult she bleeds red, white and blue.

“It is an indescribable feeling. I see the bulldogs in everything I do, including decorating my house, which has grown and will continue to.”

Born in South Australia, Brian Lake was an Adelaide Crows supporter.

“Like anyone that lived in South Australia, we went for the Crows as soon as they came into the league.

“I remember watching Darren Jarman win that first grand final, it was very memorable.” Only one team will emerge victorious on Saturday September 30.

While Lake said he had hoped GWS would win their first flag, Collingwood was now his favourites for the 2023 flag.

Sharon Cutajar in her Western Bulldogs themed garage. (Damjan Janevski) 361035_02

Brian Lake celebrates with fans after winning the AFL grand final against the Sydney Swans in 2014. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

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BP Service Station Bulla

Jack McKenzie Community Centre Bulla

Coach and Horses Inn Clarkefield

Foodworks Diggers Rest

Diggers Rest Post Office Diggers Rest

Houdinis Cafe e Cucina Diggers Rest

Gisborne Village Fresh Gibsorne

Morgan's SUPA IGA Gibsorne

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gibsorne

Gisborne Library Gisborne

Foodworks Gisborne

Macedon Ranges Health Service Gisborne

Puma Service Station Gisborne

Caltex Service Station Gisborne

Kuppers Fuel Stop Kyneton

The Lunchbox Kyneton

Kyneton Newsagency Kyneton

Kyneton Shire Offices Kyneton

Lancefield Newsagency Lancefield

United Service Station Macedon

Black Forest Motel Macedon

Roweys Macedon Family Hotel Macedon

IGA Supermarket Macedon

Macedon Newsagency Macedon

Malmsbury General Store Malmsbury

Monegeeta Newsagency Monegeeta

Mt Macedon Post Office Mount Macedon

Baringo Food and Wine Company New Gisborne

Riddells Creek Nursery Riddells Creek

Riddells Creek Post Office Riddells Creek

Foodies Riddells Creek

Riddells Creek Supermarket Riddells Creek

IGA Supermarket Romsey

Macedon Ranges Shire Offices Romsey

Sunbury Newsagency Sunbury

Ferguson Plarre Sunbury

The Jolly Miller Cafe Sunbury

The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Sunbury

Goonawarra General Store Sunbury

Sunbury Neighbourhood House Sunbury

Muffin Break Sunbury

Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Sunbury

Terry White Chemist Sunbury

Gap Road Medical Centre Sunbury

United Fuel Sunbury Sunbury

7-Eleven Sunbury Sunbury

Asia Finest Sunbury

Puma Service Station Sunbury

Woolworths Supermarket Sunbury

Big W Sunbury

BP Service Station Sunbury

Sunbury Day Hospital Sunbury

Hume Council Offices Sunbury

Sunbury & Cobaw Community Health Centre Sunbury

McKwen Drive Milk Bar Sunbury

Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba Sunbury

Foodworks on Melba Sunbury

Melba Cafe Sunbury

Mitchells Lane Milk Bar Sunbury

Just Planet Sunbury

An Apple a Day Natural Health Store Sunbury

Luckys Bakehouse Sunbury

The Spotted Owl Sunbury

Cafe Circe Sunbury

IGA Supermarket Sunbury

Strathearn Glen Corner Store Sunbury

Sacco & Saba Cafe Sunbury

Sunbury & Cobaw Community Health Centre Sunbury

Rosenthal Shopping Centre Sunbury

Tylden Store Tylden

Coles Supermarket Woodend

II cafe Woodend

Andrews Cafe Woodend

Fox in the Chamber Woodend

Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts Woodend

Woodend Newsagency Woodend

Milko Cafe Woodend

Bourkies Bake House Woodend

BP Service Station Woodend

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Is your COVID-19 jab up to date?

By Christopher Carter, CEO of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

You may remember that earlier this year there was an advertising campaign on television and radio and online urging us to get a booster vaccination against COVID-19.

If you hadn’t had a jab, or a case of coronavirus, for at least 6 months, the adverts said, it was time to “top up”, “pump up” and “keep your guard up”. It was useful and timely advice - resulting in just shy of 4 million booster doses being administered around the country between January and August.

You know what? It’s now more than 6 months since that advertising campaign started running - so is it time to go and get the needle again?

Well, on September 1, 2023, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the body that makes these decisions,

Cameras show gorillas going ape

Hidden cameras are revealing what Werribee Open Range Zoo’s family of Western lowland silverbacks get up when they think no one is watching.

The gorillas are seen expressing their instinctive playful, curious and territorial behaviours in unusual ways, from making grass ‘angels’ to playing tug-of-war with a branch.

Werribee Open Range Zoo gorilla keeper Kieralie Braasch said these actions show that 39-year-old Motaba and his two 23-year-old sons Yakini and Ganyeka, are comfortable within their island home.

“Ganyeka makes angel shapes in the grass most likely because the grass is wet and he likes the feeling of it on his skin,” Ms Braasch said.

“The chest-beating we see is normally a territorial behaviour, but in this case it’s a playful practice.”

In one of the scenes revealed by camouflaged cameras, Ganyeka hides from the rain using a plant-fibre blanket placed on his back.

Ms Braasch said that gorillas often dislike the rain, and Ganyeka is no different.

“Sheltering with available materials is a behaviour we see Ganyeka doing quite often when he goes out to forage while it’s raining,” Ms Braasch said. “He either hides under the blanket or stays undercover.”

As for play fighting over a branch, that is importantinstinctivebehaviouramongagorilla troop.

“Yakini and Ganyeka occasionally engage in brotherly tug-of war, which is a playful way to exercise their strength and territorial instincts,” Ms Braasch said.

The gorilla troop’s quirky antics are common behaviours, so visitors may be lucky enough to see them go ape in person.

Western Lowland Gorillas are one of four gorilla sub-species, and are classified as Critically Endangered by the International

Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Wild populations are threatened by habitat loss from logging and the impact of mining for coltan, a mineral used to make mobile phones.

Zoos Victoria’s ‘They’re Calling On You’ initiative encourages the public to donate unwanted mobile phones that can be recycled to raise funds for wild gorilla care and

conservation. Visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo can drop off their old mobile phones and accessories into the specially marked collection bins located inside the zoos’ entrance.

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

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

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

A western lowland gorilla under a blanket. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

The Gisborne Singers

The Gisborne Singers are presenting Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes, a collection of love songs in Ländler style for voices and accompanied by one piano, four hands. It will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2pm, at Church of the Resurrection, Macedon.

■ http://gisborne.harmonysite.com

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

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

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

Breast cancer support group

On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group.

■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect

Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents 55 years-old and older. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality.

■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Arts and games night

Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

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

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

Rotary club

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

■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Toastmasters

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

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Ardeer Primary School students Cara and Hemi working on stop-motion movie.

(Damjan Janevski) 361202_01

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community  (9)

6 Temperate (4)

10 Poem (3)

11 Armour that covers the chest (11)

12 To make more attractive (8)

13 Difficult (6)

14 Puerto Rican actor, – Guzmán (4)

15 Expresses disapproval (7)

20 Supervisors (7)

21 Landlocked West African country (4)

25 Discharge (6)

26 Producing haze (8)

28 Ornamentation (11)

29 Phone program (abbr) (3)

30 Preservative (4)

31 Visible features of an area (9)

DOWN

1 Grow rapidly (8)

2 A species of buttercup (8)

3 Heads of a monastery (6)

4 Beyond words, indescribable (9)

5 Examine (4)

7 Roma is its capital (6)

8 Dragnet (6)

9 Work; use (7)

16 Height (9)

17 Line dividing the earth and the sky (7)

18 Vista (8)

19 First name of Italian composer Verdi (8)

22 Strata (6)

23 Sudden gust of wind (6)

24 Indicates (6)

27 One of the seasons (US) (4)

10 words: Good

words: Very good

words:

I W R

M N A

I E

A N

G N S

S

No. 152

S E N D A D D Y A W A R E M A N I A N I C E R S T E R N

QUICK QUIZ

1 What condition would you have if ice crystals formed within your skin cells?

2 The 80-foot Uniroyal tyre that was used as a ferris wheel at the New York 1964-1965 World’s Fair is now located in which US state?

3 Which Boston Celtic great was also known as ‘The Chief’?

4 What type of food is pecorino?

5 Who directed the film Dances with Wolves (1990)?

6 In which country was the world’s largest firework lit, on February 8, 2020?

7 What is the name of Stan’s sister in South Park?

8 Which English alternative rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978 and was fronted by Jarvis Cocker (pictured)?

9 In what year did superhero Spider-Man first appear?

10 True or false: the falcon can fly at speeds of over 400km per hour?

No. 152

No. 152

No. 152

assign, ASSIGNING, gags, gains, gassing, gins, nags, nisi, sags, sang,

sans, sign, signing, signs, sing, singing, sings, sins, snag, snags

The Department of Defence is proposing to progress works associated with the Defence Fuels Transformation Program Tranche 2 Facilities project. It is proposed that the facilities and infrastructure associated with the Project will be delivered at eleven sites across Australia including Puckapunyal Military Area, Army Testing Grounds (ATS) Monegeetta and Joint Proof and Experimental Unit (JPEU) Port Wakefield. The Project will provide new or remediated Defence Fuel Installations to support Marine, Ground and Aviation activities within Defence.

These works are subject to Parliamentary approval and the Project has now been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (PWC). The function of the PWC is to openly inquire into the purpose, need, cost-effectiveness, revenue, and value of proposed Commonwealth projects.

This Community Consultation Session will provide further information to the Community on the proposed scope of works at the following sites:

Members of the public are invited to a virtual Public Consultation meeting to be held from 6:00pm - 6:45pm (AEST) and 5:30pm

- 6:15pm

Theapplicationproposesawasteandresourcerecoveryfacilitywithinitsexisting site.Itwillacceptupto100,000tonnesperyearofnon-hazardousfillmaterialand

who makes a submission about the application for the development licence

All comments must be made at the website above, or by mail to EPA Victoria GPO Box 4395 Melbourne Victoria 3001. Please note that any comments received will usually be made publicly available.

Further details please contact 1300 372 842. For our translation service, call Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to call EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842 epa.vic.gov.au

2023 AFL GRAND FINAL

2023 AFL GRAND FINAL

1. Geelong won the 2022 AFL Grand Final by how many points?

2. Which player won the 2022 Norm Smith medal?

3. The Brisbane Lions joined the AFL in 1999 after a merger between Brisbane Bears and which other team?

4. In which year did the league change its name from VFL to AFL?

5. The International Rules series includes AFL and which other sport?

6. Charles Brownlow played for which VFL club?

7. How many rounds did the 2023 AFL season have?

8. In which year will the currently unnamed Tasmanian team join the league?

9. Not including Australia, which two countries have hosted AFL regular season games?

10. Which city hosted the 2023 ‘Gather Round’?

11. Which two teams typically play in the Dreamtime at the ‘G annual match?

12. After the MCG, what is the largest AFL stadium in Australia?

13. What was the first non-Victorian based team to make it to the AFL Grand Final?

14. In the past decade (2013–2022), how many times has a non-Victorian team won the AFL Grand Final?

15. True or false: Collingwood won the replay match of the 2010 Grand Final after the first match ended in a draw?

16. Out of the current players in the 2023 season, who has played the most AFL games?

17. True or false: Western Bulldogs have never won a minor premiership?

18. How many times have Port Adelaide been minor premiers?

19. Which team occasionally plays home matches at Blundstone Arena?

20. Which artist was the first person to perform at the AFL pre game show and the NFL Super Bowl?

21. Since 2008 which cartoonist creates the caricature for the Premiership winners that is published in the HeraldSuneach year?

22. The Alex Jesaulenko Medal is awarded each AFL season for what accolade?

23. In 1972, the highest scoring AFL Grand Final was played between which two clubs?

24. The Jock McHale Medal is named after a coach from which club?

25. The AFL Grand Final is contracted to be held at the MCG every year until when?

26. True or false: the 2022 Grand Final was the highest attended league sporting event in the world?

27. OneDayinSeptemberis a 1980 song written and performed by who?

28. Which AFL field umpire has umpired the most games, reaching 500 in July 2023?

29. What company has made all the AFL premiership cups since the inception of it?

30. Which former AFL player was renowned for a victory handstand?

CROSSWORD WORDFIND

DOWN

1 Exclamations of joy (7)

2 Carlton winner of the 2019 NAB Rising Star Award (3,5)

3 Doctor (6)

4 GWS player Stephen – (8)

5 Referee (6)

6 Star quality (7)

8 St Kilda ruckman, with the supposed ‘best smile in the AFL’ (5,8)

14 Hold back (8)

15 Sports stadium in Brisbane (3,5)

16 Opposing team conflict (7)

17 Sports-ground (7)

19 Melbourne ruckman, Brodie – (6)

21 Restless (6)

ACROSS

7 Showing compassion (6)

8 One who shares accomodation (8)

9 AFL’s best and fairest award (8)

10 Frozen formation (6)

11 Young people (8)

12 Latitude (6)

13 Location (11)

18 Door features (6)

20Scholars (8)

22 Big cat (6)

23 Crows club (8)

24 Gather Round city (4,4)

25 Conquer (6)

Isaac Smith

Fitzroy Lions

1990

Promotion Solutions

30. Jason Akermanis

1. After the Brisbane Lions mascot Bernie ‘Gabba’ Vegas retired, which brave lion took his place?

Ray

Roy

Rick

Rob?

2. What kind of bug is the mascot of the Essendon Bombers?

Wasp

Bee

3. Which of these team’s mascots is not an animal?

North Melbourne

GWS Giants

Sydney

West Coast

4. What is the name of the fictional house that the AFL Mascots live in? A. Mascot Manor

Footy Farmhouse

Costume Casa

Happy House

1B, 2D, 3C, 4A

Macedon back into the top flight competition

Macedon is ready to go in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association as they enter the top flight of the competition, the McIntyre Shield.

The Cats were promoted into the top grade after winning the Johnstone Shield last season.

Coach Tim Berzins said everyone’s pretty pumped and excited for the challenge ahead

“It’s our first time going up into McIntyre for a while,” he said. “We’ve had some really positive feedback from players in and around the club and also from people wanting to come and play.

“So, it’s made life a little bit easier for us, we’re still finding that balance while also promoting youth.

“We feel like we’ve got a good mix of experience and youth and new players coming into the club as well.”

While Berzins is happy with faces around the club he is staying tight-lipped about who they are as the club irons out contract details.

“I won’t be saying too much yet,” he said. “We’re chasing some form of commitment from them, but there’s almost a handful that we’re very, very close to.”

However, he did shed light on some of the younger players that have been around the club for a little while, including Anthony Grobler, Joseph Barham and Ed Ferguson, who they are hoping will step up.

Last season, Grobler and Barham only played the one match each scoring 22 and 21* respectively.

While Ferguson played eight games in the first XI, taking eight wickets at an average of 17.13, with best bowling figures of 3-22.

None of Grobler, Barham or Ferguson was a part of the club’s Johnstone Shield winning side.

“We’re expecting them all to take a bigger step this year and cement themselves in as

regular firsts players,” Berzins said.

While it is a big jump from Johnstone to McIntyre, Berzins remains hopeful of the club’s chances in the top division of the GDCA.

“We’re going to win games of cricket,” he said. “We’re not going up to McIntyre just to participate and have a season there and say ‘oh, yeah, we’ve done it’.

“We’re going up there to be really competitive.

“No one’s going there to make up time on a Saturday afternoon.

“So we’ll be looking to win games, that’s our ultimate aim.”

Macedon will kick off its McIntyre Cup campaign against last season’s runners up Sunbury United on October 7 in a one-day clash at Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve.

Harper Sercombe

Bulldogs pull off miracle victory

By Tara Murray

Gisborne pulled off a remarkable last five minutes to snatch the Bendigo Netball League premiership from the clutches of defeat.

Four-time reigning champion Sandhurst seemed destined to make it five in a row late in the fourth quarter of the grand final on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The undefeated Dragons had been up by five goals for much of the last quarter and the Bulldogs were on the back foot.

For the young Bulldogs line up didn’t give up. Despite being five goals down with five minutes to go they started to chip away.

Things started to go their way and the margin started to close. With 30 seconds on the clock the Bulldogs took the lead having scored the last six goals.

With the centre pass to come, they were able to hold onto the ball, to win the premiership 40-39.

Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said it was an incredible feeling to achieve that result.

“We are ecstatic,” she said. “I’m so proud of the girls for pushing to the front in the dying seconds of the game, it was brilliantly crafted.

“They have earnt it. They worked so hard all season to get the ultimate reward, I didn’t expect that.

“I knew they were capable of it, they kept pushing and getting better and better.”

Rymer said the first key for them heading into the match was making sure they got off to a good start.

The Dragons had usually got control of the game early, with the Bulldogs having to do the chasing. The closest the Bulldogs had come to the Dragons was in the second week of finals.

“We started well,” Rymer said. “We knew that we wanted to do that and keep with them and keep the pressure on them.

“We started with the first four goals and you could tell in the first five minutes they had turned up to play.

“We were up at half time.”

TheDragonsfoundanothergearinthethird quarter to take the lead and put the pressure back on the Bulldogs.

The margin was two goals at the final change and then became five goals.

Rymer said there were a few nerves on the side lines as the game seemed to be getting out of reach. Star defender was struggling to put pressure on her foot for parts of the last quarter, throwing more into the mix.

“It’s not over until the final whistle,” she said. “I knew we had to put our foot down, which I was hoping they would do,

“It’s easy to fade away in the last quarter. We kept doing what we had been doing and had a crack.

“A few things went our way and a few turnovers and 30 seconds left we were in front.”

Rymer was counting down the clock in the last 30 seconds as the girls were able to hold onto the ball and ensure the win.

Goaler Claudia Mawson was named best on court for her performance.

Thepremiershipistheclub’ssecondA-grade premiership, 10 years after their first one.

Midcourter Tiana Newman was in that team making her a two-time premiership player. Rymer was also part of that team.

For the Bulldogs this year, it was the start of a new beginning with a number of changes in the off season with that next generation coming through.

“We had a few players turn over with other commitments,” she said. “There was so much belief and improvement.

“Tori Skrijel from the under-17s and building that connection with Claudia.”

It was a mixed day for the Bulldogs with their under-17s also claiming the premiership, while their A-reserve and B-grade both suffered losses.

Rymer said the under-17 match was as thrilling as the A-grade game.

“They were down all day and got a few turnovers and the scores were level,” she said.

“They were asking how long was left and it was 10 seconds and it was our centre pass. Bella Connors at the top of the circle made the shot. If anyone could have made the shot it was Bella.”

Rymer said while they would have loved to have claimed all four premierships, the two premierships they won were a credit to the whole netball program.

“Without the depth to push the others, we don’t win,” she said.

The Bulldogs under-18.5 footballers also tasted premiership success on Saturday.

Last season’s Johnstone Shield winners 324778_04

Gisborne’s A-grade premiers (Supplied)

Gisborne’s under-17 premiers. (Supplied)

‘Nothing short of impressive’: Heywood steps up

The Sunbury Jets have announced Nathan Heywood as their coach for next year’s Big V men’s championship season.

Heywood was assistant coach for the championship side this season, under John White.

White stood down at the end of the season, after two seasons in charge of the men’s side, having previously coached the women’s side too.

Heywoodsaidhewaslookingforwardtothis new opportunity.

“I’vebeenworkingtowardsthiswiththeclub for the last three to four years,” he said.

“I’mgratefulfortheopportunitytoworkand led the senior men’s program for the Jets, it’s a great program.

“I’ve been involved with the youth league development team in the seasons prior to the assistant role this season.

“We [he and White] had some conversations throughout the year on what I needed to do to bridge the gap.

“I’ve worked a lot with [coaching director] Kennedy [Kereama] on what things I needed to work on to be in the best position to take on this role.”

Heywood has been involved heavily in basketball across Melbourne’s north-west for a number of years across a number of different clubs.

He said the development of young athletes was one of the things that he really enjoyed the most.

With the Jets youth league men’s side claiming the Big V division youth league title, Heywood has plenty of young talent to work with at the Jets.

“It is exciting to work with them,” he said.

“I’ve worked with many of them the last couple of years in juniors, under-18s and the youth league and seen them grow into young men.”

The Jets in their announcement said Heywood brings plenty of experience and passion for the game to the role.

“Nathan Heywood’s coaching journey has

been nothing short of impressive,” the Jets said.

“Priortojoiningourcoachingstaff,hehoned his skills as a coach at various levels of the game, from youth programs to junior teams.

“His diverse coaching background, along withhisknowledgeofthegame,makeshimthe ideal candidate to lead our team.”

Jets’ general manager Chris Tighe said they believe that Heywood’s leadership will take the club’s state championship men’s team to new heightsandcontinuethetraditionofexcellence that our fans have come to expect.

The Jets were knocked out of the finals this year in straight sets after making the grand final series the season before.

Heywoodsaidthatwassomethingthatstung the playing group;.

“The last two years we’ve been on the cusp andnotabletoachievesuccess,”hesaid.“We’re keen to get as many back as possible there’s uninsured business.”

Young gun claims best

By Harper Sercombe

Sunbury Lions Simona Di Filippo has taken outthe2023BallaratFootballNetballLeague’s Sally McLean medal.

The 20-year-old was named the league’s best netball player at Monday night’s awards ceremony.

This is the midcourter’s first year at the Lions, having previously played with Melton South. Di Filippo also plays with the Hawks in the Victorian Netball League, where she won the VNL under-19’s most valuable player for 2022.

“I was completely in shock, I just really wasn’t expecting such a big award to be awarded to me so, I was in shock,” Di Filippo said.

“I was so happy, like I have put in so much hard work this season so I just felt like it all paid off in the end. “Each week Kim (Bailey) [Lion’s coach] would give me something to work on. If that would be, feeding into the circle or hitting the circle edge then feeding.

“Even my off-court work, doing gym and running, doing that really consistently helped me get there on a Saturday and be able to run out the full game at high intensity.”

Althoughthisistheyoung-gun’sfirstseason at the Lions she said she has no problems fitting into their culture and system at all.

The club reformed their A-grade side this year, after not having a team the year before.

“We all just gelled really well with the team,” she said.

“It felt really natural to just go into that team and be able to perform at my best ability.

“I think they also helped me be able to perform as well as I did, because they compliment my game, especially Tayla Honey, she just fed me really well.

“So they really helped me and I did not feel at all like I hadn’t played with them before.”

Di Filippo was also named the team of the year on the bench.

Honey also had a great season, being named as the centre and captain of the BNL team of the year.

Coach Kim Bailey was named as joint BNL coach of the year.

For the Lions a dramatic extra time elimination final loss, finished their season, leaving Di Filippo and her team determined on going a further step in 2024.

“It was such a sting when we lost,” she said.

We’ve already said that next year we’re going to come back and be stronger, and be more consistent with our training regime.

“So, I think training, rocking up every week and working on the things we need to improve to get that cup and bring it home.”

In other awards, Darley’s Brett Bewley made it back-to-back Henderson Medals. He

Sports shorts

RDFL

Lancefield is seeking expressions of interest for coaches and players to form a women’s football side in the Riddell District Football League. The club tried to get a side up for this year, but didn’t have the numbers. The club said its seeking an experienced coach to lead the program, along with players of all abilities. Details: 0439 637 767 or lancefieldfnc@gmail.com.

BFNL

Three Gisborne stars were named in the Bendigo Football Netball League team of the year. Zoe Davies was named at goal defence, Claudia Mawson at goal attack and Kirby Elliott on the bench. In the football team of the year, the Bulldogs Flynn Lakey and Braidon Blake were named on the bench, while Kyneton’s Cameron Manuel was named at half forward and Harrison Huntley at full back.

Coates Talent League

Three Calder Cannons players have been named in the Coates Talent League team of the year. Jordan Croft was named centre half forward of the boys team of the year, while Chloe Baker-West was named on a wing and Kayley Kavanagh in the middle for the girls team of the year. The Cannons’ Jade McLay finished third in the girls best and fairest, finishing on 14 votes, seven behind winner Sara Howley.

Bowls

Sunbury bowls star Carla Krizanic has been awarded Bowls Victoria life membership. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist was one of four new life members named last week. Matt Flapper, who has played for the Club Sunbury backed Melbourne Extreme, is also among the recipients. There have been only 52 members awarded life membership of Bowls Victoria in 143 years. The four new members will be formally presented with their memberships at the Bowls Victoria Annual General Meeting on October 26.

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Nathan Heywood. (Supplied)

Tara Murray

polled 27 votes, to finish four clear of Darley teammates Luther Barker.

Lions skipper Tyson Lever, Harrison Minton-Connell and Jake Sutton were all named in the football team of the year.

In other awards, Tami Hardwick on the D-grade netball best and fairest, Nathan Doyle won the football reserves best and fairest and Ryder Rousch won the Dick Rees Memorial Trophy for the best under-19 player.

Simona Di Fillipo. (Jacob Pattison) 334038_12

Borg to coach the first Thunder women’s side

East Sunbury has locked in its coach for its inaugural Essendon District Football League women’s side.

The Thunder have made a focus of getting a women’s side up and going for next season, last week announcing their coach and female football manager. Lisa Borg will return to coaching senior women’s football after being appointed the Thunder’s coach.

Borg has coached both Kyneton and Gisborne and had played 199 games, across a number of different clubs including Kyneton, Gisborne, the Sunbury Lions and Sunbury Kangaroos.

Borg said she was keen to get back into coaching senior female football.

“I’m pretty excited,” she said. “I met with [vice-president] Paul [Wigginton] and [secretary] Sam Rushworth] and their excitement for the women’s program made me

sign on the dotted line. I think it was time for me to get back into coaching women’s. I hurt myself last year, so I decided I wanted to jump into senior coaching.

“I did juniors for a little bit now and the opportunity came up to get back into women’s coaching.”

Borg said having been around Kyneton and Gisborne when they are starting up their women’s programs she knows that it takes a lot of hard work to get it up and running.

She said there had been a bit of interest already in players looking to join the side, but knows they need more to get the side up.

“I think we’ve had about 14 players get in contact since we started advertising two weeks ago,” she said. “I’ve spoken to a few people who have said that they might be interested and thinking about it.

“It’s a good time and it’s a good opportunity.

Sunbury is just getting better and there’s enough for three teams.

“We’ll see what happens.”

Borg said while she would love to play game 200, she would see what happens as she recovers from a knee injury.

Borg said it was nice to have a women’s senior football operations manager in place as to help provide support for her and the side. Keira Gledhill has been appointed to that role.

“Havingthatsupportfromthepresidentand Sam and the committee being on board will help me develop the team and focus on team success,” Borg said. “Having a female football manager shows how much they want to do it. I’m excited and bring a lot of experience and want to build a good culture and good club.”

Borg said they would likely have a get together to meet all the players, before setting up the plans for pre-season.

Tigers lock in Stewart

By Tara Murray

Lancefield has turned to a premiership winningcoachtoleaditforwardintheRiddell District Netball League.

The Tigers announced last week, that former Macedon coach Ciara Stewart had been appointed their A and B-grade coach.

Stewart had coached the Cats since 2016, before the club decided to head in a different direction midway through this season. She coached out the rest of the year, taking the B-grade side to a grand final and the A-grade team to a preliminary final.

Stewart has been named the league coach of the year on two occasions, while also claimed the Ryan Medal as the best player in the competition in 2016.

She said the Tigers had been really keen to get her involved.

“It seemed like the right fit for me and my family,” she said. “Jason [husband] is friends with Tommy [Waters] and he speaks highly of the club.

Stewart said the role at Lancefield felt right

with plenty of support to allow her to just coach and not focus on other things.

She had previously told Stat Weekly she was keen to continue to coach in the league after her departure from the Cats.

She said she enjoyed the competition and what it had to offer.

“Leaving Macedon felt like the right time for my family,” she said. “I wanted to stay in the league as the competition is good.

“It’snottoofarawayandit’svery.convenient

It’s only 30 minutes from home, it’s really close.”

Stewart said she was excited to work with the youth at the club.

The Tigers have focused on bringing through the young players at the club and area in recent years, instead of looking outside to top up the side.

Stewartsaidshewaskeentoworkwiththose young players having played and coached against some of the them before.

“I already play with Mia [Daly] and I get to continue to play with her,” she said. “There’s lots of young girls there already and everyone

seems to have a place.”

Stewart said they would likely to need a little bit of experience to support the younger players to help them rise up the ladder.

The Tigers finished bottom, failing to win a match this year.

Stewart said she may have some players follow her across from Macedon, but would know more once trials start.

“I’ll know more what gaps need to be filled,” she said. “This is new for me.”

As for her playing ambitions? Stewart said she would likely continue to play but wasn’t sure whether she would play A-grade or B-grade.

“They need some experience and I’m happy to do that if that’s what the team needs,” she said.

“I’ll step down to B-grade and I’m happy to do that if that’s best. I’ll see who is at trails and see where I’m needed. I might be needed to do more coaching in A-grade.

Meanwhile, Damian Cusack has been appointed C-grade and Tanae Bannan the under-19 coach.

The Gisborne District Cricket Association fixture has been released with the McIntyre Cup changing from ten to eight teams.

The competition’s top grade has switched between 10 and eight teams in recent years, having been 10 since the 2021-22 seasons.

The grade returns to eight teams this season, with Bacchus Marsh, East Sunbury and Wallan no longer in the top flight, while Macedon has been promoted.

The Bulls have moved to the Ballarat Cricket Association, while the Thunder and Magpies, which finished bottom two last season have been relegated.

Some of the exciting fixtures to look forward to include the grand final re-match, where last year’s premiers Romsey will take on runners up Sunbury United in round four.

The one day clash will take place at Langama Park on October 28.

Last season’s Johnstone Shield premiers, Macedon, will return to the top flight with a one day match at home against Sunbury United.

The Johnstone Cup has also changed structures, being now only for first sides andhasdroppedfrom10toseventeams.

Kilmore, Aintree, Riddell and Eynesbury remain in the Johnstone Shield with East Sunbury and Wallan dropping down into the grade.

Broadford, which joined the GDCA in the off season, will have its first XI start in that grade. It will have a bye in round one.

Changes to the structure has resulted in second competitions for both the McIntyre Cup and Johnstone Shield.

It means just one of the top four from last season in the Johnstone Shield remains in that division.

The Jensen Shield fixture has not yet beenreleased,norhavethelowergrades.

Lisa Borg. (Supplied)

Ciara Stewart. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 356240_14