Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 16th January 2024 by Star Weekly

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16 JANUARY, 2024

Roar of a good time in libraries Children were taken back in time at Hume libraries as some big creatures came to visit. The Real Dinosaurs! show visited a number of Hume libraries, including Sunbury, with Toby the T Rex, the star of the show. The dinosaurs walked, blinked and roared so they look and sound just like genuine pre-historic creatures. The dinosaur visits are among the large of school holiday program events being run by Hume council. Details: ow.ly/O0Wh50Qq9H2

Laith (8) gets up close with Toby the T-Rex and Shaun-the Dinosaurs Doctor. (Damjan Janevski). 382771_01

Tree cuts cause concern By Zoe Moffatt Kyneton residents are petitioning against the removal of 10 elm trees at the showgrounds, which are set to make way for new netball courts. The Save our Trees hardcopy petition has recently launched in response to the Kyneton Showground Master Plan, which was adopted by Macedon Ranges council in March last year. The plan accessed two options for additional netball courts and decided on option one- to remove the O’Sullivan Pavilion and adjacent trees and construct two courts side-by-side from the Mollison Street boundary.

The second option was to construct two courts side-by-side in the area at the southern end of the fire training track. Local resident Leagh Goodwin found out about the removal of the trees on Facebook this month and said the thought of the trees being cut down “horrified” her. “Everyone I’ve spoken to feels very upset about this. If the netball court could be moved to another area, then this would be a win-win for all,” she said. “They are too important to cut down.” Ms Goodwin said Kyneton is typical of old country towns in Victoria and the charm comes from the historical buildings and old trees that line the streets.

“These mature trees are historical and aesthetically create a relaxed ambience,” she said. “They soften the environment of the sportsground, add beauty and most importantly, they provide shade, shelter and habitat for our wildlife. “During the Kyneton Agricultural Show last November, it was 26 degrees and hot. The area under those trees was the one cool place outdoors.” Macedon Ranges council acting chief executive Shane Walden said during the development of the plan, numerous options for the netball facilities were considered and the most suitable location was identified.

“The adoption of the [plan] followed extensive consultation with site user groups and the broader community,” he said. “Council does not take tree removal decisions lightly and considered an independent arborist’s report that identified ten mature trees around the existing netball court as being in various stages of declining tree health, vigour, and life expectancy. “The [plan] also ensures additional tree planting on the site.” Ms Goodwin said a number of community members have put in money to go to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal but said she hopes the council reconsiders its decision so the matter doesn’t have to go to the VCAT.

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A ‘dirty’ start to the school year By Zoe Moffatt Government schools are going to be ‘dirtier, unhygienic, and ultimately more dangerous’ for students, a union is warning following ongoing contract disputes with cleaning companies Serco and Tradeflex. The United Workers Union (UWU) is warning of the consequences to students, teachers and cleaners, following a new deal that is set to slash contract hours and strip cleaners of up to 60 per cent of their wage. Serco and Tradeflex contracts run from January 15 to Christmas Day and replace ISS Facility Services, whose contract formally ended on December 22, 2023. UWU property service organiser Corey Matthews said the state government was unable to solve issues with the contract change going into Christmas. “It’s been an awful start to the year for Victoria’s school cleaners with many asking

the union how to apply for unemployment benefits,” he said. “[With] some having to ask for extensions on their mortgages with the bank. “What this means for Victorian families is that going into the 2024 school year state government schools are going to be dirtier, unhygienic, and ultimately more dangerous for our kids.” On December 20, Education Minister Ben Carroll announced “a range of improvements to school cleaning services that will strengthen and enhance workplace conditions for Victorian school cleaners.” This statement read that from 2025 cleaners in Victoria will receive a five per cent pay rise above the Cleaning Services Award and extended contracts of 52 weeks guaranteed for one quarter of cleaning staff. Mr Matthews said the situation wouldn’t have happened if Mr Carroll was paying attention. “It appears that the new deputy premier

and education minister is struggling to adjust to his new portfolios and the responsibilities attached,” he said. “It’s an incredibly bizarre and out of touch announcement when you have on average cleaners suffering a decrease of 35 per cent in wages, with the most extreme examples… losing 60 per cent. “Currently the new contractors are milking the government purse by receiving the same amount of money whilst cutting service delivery by over a third.” Mr Matthews said UWU is in the process of taking ISS to the fair work commission on behalf of members for redundancy payments, with more than 30 members not offered jobs with no redundancy payment made yet. A Department of Education spokesperson, in response to questions put to Mr Carroll, said they are committed to ensuring schools receive consistent, high-quality cleaning services and that cleaners are paid at the

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correct rate and receive their entitlements. “There has been no reduction in funding and cleaning service specification as part of the transition from ISS to Serco and Tradeflex for the 2024 school year,” they said. “In addition, the department has instructed Serco and Tradeflex that there is to be no loss of seniority for employees who were previously employed by ISS and will be undertaking the same tasks. “We will not tolerate any evidenced breaches of workplace laws and regulations.” An ISS company spokesperson said they have been working to facilitate a smooth transition for employees to the new service providers in recent months. “A small number of employees chose not to accept employment with the new providers or did not receive an offer. We have redeployed those cleaners where possible and paid redundancy to eligible employees unable to be redeployed.”

CEO kept on

By Cade Lucas The Christmas and New Year period is a joyous time for most, but for those struggling financially, it’s a different story, as western suburbs single mother Jessica Wilson knows all too well. “The whole going through Christmas then back to school fees, book lists, uniforms, December-January is just money going out the door like no tomorrow,” said Ms Wilson who has four children, three of whom are at school. With the youngest about to start too, it should be an even tougher time than normal for Ms Wilson to afford their schooling needs. Instead, budgeting and financial advice she received from completing the Saver Plus program, a financial education and matched savings course established by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence in partnership with ANZ, The Smith Family and Berry Street, has made this back to school period the easiest she’s ever had. ‘It’s a huge relief,” Ms Wilson said. “I wouldn’t have been able to give my kids the Christmas that they got and I’d have been a lot more stressed and potentially needing to borrow money to cover their school costs.” Instead, Ms Wilson still has the Savers Plus account from when she began course and which she tops up throughout the year using the saving and budgeting techniques she learnt. “Even this week I’m going to get the kids new school shoes and I have the money in the saver plus account ready to go.” Ms Wilson began the program in 2022 when she was still living with her former partner. Now separated and working as a creche

Jessica Wilson and her daughter Winter (8). (Damjan Janevski). 382753_01

assistant, Ms Wilson not only uses the advice she learnt in the course to maintain her financial stability, but also the regular tips, hints and links she still receives a year after finishing.

She’s urging other struggling parents to join up and reap the benefits too. “I recommend they start it as soon as possible.”

Hume Council has reappointed chief executive Sheena Frost for another three years. The council made the decision at its December 18 meeting to appoint extend Ms Frost’s contract until July 2027. Ms Frost was first appointed as chief executive in July 2021, joining Hume council after serving as a Casey council director. She has served in local government for more that 16 years. Ms Frost said it’s a privilege to serve the Hume community and the council in the role of chief executive. “I’m pleased to be continuing the work that has commenced to deliver a whole of organisation reform program to lift our capabilities across customer service, digital enablement and project delivery, as well as support a smooth transition for the Council to expected single member wards post elections next October,” she said. Hume mayor Naim Kurt said he’s pleased that Ms Frost and Hume have re-committed for a further three years of employment, so she can continue the significant reform agenda being sort by council. “Sheena’s new employment contract will ensure there is stability for Council beyond the next election cycle, as we look to bring Hume into the 21st century with technology upgrades, improved customer service and enhanced infrastructure delivery,” he said.

Councils feel strain as rate cap squeezes tighter By Gerald Lynch A peak local council body has slammed the decision to limit rate rises this year, with Hume council saying it’s too early to say if it will have an impact and Macedon Ranges council saying it is concerned. The Local Government Minister each year sets a local council rate cap limit for the next financial year. The cap for the 2024-25 financial year has been set at 2.75 per cent, down from the 3.5 per cent cap that was in place for 2023-24. It is still higher than in 2022-23 and 2021-22, which were both under two per cent due to Covid-19. Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) president Cr David Clark said this decision shows a review of the system is needed, with councils feeling the financial strain of rapid

inflation, staff shortages, and cost shifting. “Councils are dealing with spiralling costs on multiple fronts. To decrease the rate cap at this time means many councils will be struggling to deliver the services and infrastructure our communities rightly demand,” he said. “While local government goes backwards by 30 percent compared to CPI since the introduction of the rate cap, the state and federal budgets increase far beyond this. “For councils to be stuck at 2.75 per cent is going to be challenging in the extreme. It does not take into account the vastly different needs of councils across the state.” Hume council acting chief executive Hector Gaston said funding is required, but the council isn’t overreacting too early. “Rates revenue is a major source of funding for council to deliver the essential services,

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

facilities and infrastructure for our growing community,” he said. “Hume Council will consider the impact of the 2.75 per cent rate cap through our usual budget and council planning processes to ensure we deliver the best outcomes for our residents.” Macedon Ranges acting chief executive Shane Walden said council is mindful of the financial pressures impacting the broader community and recognises this as being a key driver behind this rate cap. “We are concerned with the decision to set the rate cap at 2.75 per cent… This means that for the past two years the rate cap has been significantly lower than inflation,” Mr Walden said. “Rate revenue enables us to deliver essential and important services to the community. It has become increasingly challenging to deliver

everything expected over the past few years. “[This is] due to the significant rise in inflation and consequent increase in operational costs.” Mr Walden said council is currently engaged in the budget planning process, and will continue to look at innovative and cost-effective ways to manage future service delivery. Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said decisions were made with families at the forefront. “Fair Go Rates mean households have certainty over their council rates and in 2024-25, the increase will be kept to the forecast inflation rate,” she said. “The rates cap has made a real difference to household budgets over the past eight years and we’ll keep working to reduce costs for families.”

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Close calls for Darraweit Guim By Zoe Moffatt Darraweit Valley Cider owner Marc Serafino has breathed a sigh of relief as the rain clouds cleared, sparing his apple orchard which was left devastated in the 2022 floods. In October last year for the anniversary of the floods, Star Weekly sat down with Marc to catch up on the recovery efforts and how he felt heading into summer. With the summer tipped to be scorching, the conversation was dominated with discussions about heatwaves and bushfires. However, this has quickly changed back to water levels and flooding.

Darraweit Valley Cider owner Marc Serafino with his daughter Lilly pointing to where the water came up over the hill and onto his crop in the 2022 floods. (Star Weekly/Elsie Lange)

“It was close but I think it was just pure blind luck,” Marc said. “It was a terrible day [Monday], it’s just the

contemplation of the amount of work if we get flooded again. I was thinking ‘are we facing those works again’. “There were some people that it did happen to again. We just got lucky… I couldn’t believe that it didn’t happen.” Located near Deep Creek, Marc said his neighbour woke him up at 4.30am on Monday morning when the creek levels were rising. “I think we’re just very lucky that the catchment area wasn’t hit as hard,” he said. “From what I saw on the record it peaked at 5.5 metres and we flood at six metres. Last year [2022] it was at 7.3-7.4 metres [when it flooded], that’s when even the house

was underwater.” According to a Vic Emergency advice at 8.59am on January 8, the level of the Deep Creek at Darraweit Guim was expected to exceed the minor flood level (5.5 metres) that morning. Looking towards the future, Marc these storms and weather events seem more frequent, along with the impacts and damage left behind. “In one night it’s off the charts, the totals seem crazier and crazier. These storms hang over you for eight or nine hours. “I used to like rain, I used to like listening to the rain and watching storms, I can’t look at a storm like I used to before. “It ruined rain for me.”

Bridging the community Sunbury Bridge Club president Michael Francis joined the club in about 2008 after seeing a notice for new members in the local paper. Sixteen years on he is encouraging others to do the same and cites the mental and social benefits as a reason to join. “I had always wanted to play, I played a bit with my parents when I was younger and pretty much fell in love with it when I started playing,” he said. “To be fair it’s been amazing, the people we have at the club are just so friendly. I’ve said it before, we’re the friendliest bridge club in Melbourne, and I stand by that.” “Most of the members are 70 plus years old and so many people have become lifelong friends because of the club.” Mr Francis said it is a great social gathering for all the members and people don’t need to be bridge experts to join.

“The thing they say about bridge is that it keeps your mind active… you have to use your mind so much to play it’s a very thinking game. “Every Tuesday we start at 12.45pm, and from about 11.30am I run lessons every week. They are informal so if anybody wants to contribute what they want to learn they can.” The club is looking for players to join on Tuesday afternoons at 12.45pm and/or Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm. The games are held in the Lounge at Club Sunbury in Riddell Road and they started back up on January 9. Details: 0400 737 005. - Zoe Moffatt (L-R) Sunbury Bridge Club members Michael Franas, Wendy Judge and Dianne Maclean. (Damjan Janevski). 382391_01

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Macedon tourism boost Macedon’s tourism industry has been given a boost, with Daylesford Macedon Tourism (DMT) receiving a $50,000 grant to develop innovative ways to encourage visitors to stay longer. The grant will help DMT to deliver a regional visitor servicing strategy to optimise investment, which includes past visitor servicing work and new research. Chief executive Steve Wroe said the project will be managed by DTM, while working closely with both Hepburn and Macedon Ranges councils. “We will use the funding to develop a modern and best-practise approach to

delivering information to visitors,” he said. “This includes pre-visit, in-region, and post-visit to help encourage repeat visitation and advocacy for the region. “We will look at digital channels, mobile, visitor information centres, which are managed by the councils [and] signage, including the use of QR technology. “[We will] also draw on recommendations on the operation of the centre for inspiration at Woodend and the recently-completed regional Destination Management Plan.” Macedon Ranges mayorAnnette Death welcomed the funding and said council is

excited about the collaboration. “[We] look forward to working closely with Daylesford Macedon Tourism and [Hepburn council], to look at ways we can attract more people to the region,” she said. “Local businesses will also benefit, with visitors more likely to stay longer or revisit the region if they have had a positive experience.” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated DMT and Goldfields Gateway, which also secured a grant. “The fund will help to connect visitors to Macedon to attractions [and] local businesses,” she said.

“[While] encouraging them to spend more and stay longer by providing high-quality, personalised and timely information about what to see and do around Victoria.” Goldfields Gateway received $625,000 to present an integrated physical and digital wayfinding system that captures and informs visitors, inviting them to explore the Victorian Goldfields. Macedon Ranges council will also share this funding, with a portion of the grant being allocated to developing new wayfinding signage to enhance the visitor experience at Hanging Rock Reserve. Details: tourism.vic.gov.au/visitorservicingfund.

Swimming success for Sunbury

The exhibit invites the audience to embark on a visual journey with the promise of renewal The exhibit can be viewed at the Old Auction House gallery until January 25 (Damjan Janevski).

(Damjan Janevski).

Exploring new growth Embracing the spirit of renewal and transformation, the New Growth exhibition at the Old Auction House in Kyneton is open to the public this month. Showcasing the work of five artists, the display draws on inspiration from the natural world, reflecting on different layers, as the world steps into the new year. Artist Pam Gleeson said floral art is a subject matter that she is pursuing along with land and seascapes, and her garden inspired her contribution. “Most of it is barely four years old, but already each year brings about amazing changes and incredible new growth every spring and summer,” she said. “I have captured…the blossoming of various plants in my paintings. Their essence and beauty forever, as each year brings change and I may never have that chance again.” Fellow artist Christopher Strong said, to him, new growth is an energetic and fast-moving part of a longer journey. “My works capture flowers at a very specific

New Growth also features work by Gina Auciello and Lesley Rosochodski (Damjan Janevski).

time in the growth cycle which I believe is beautiful, but I feel a need to paint it because I know the colour and movement does not last,” he said. “Over recent years, like many people, I’ve been focussed inwards and been required to curb ambitions.” Artist Ana Hanson said the title of the exhibition itself seemed to resonate with the

ideas she had been exploring in her art. “My work is a process of honouring both traditional and contemporary art practices by exploring a range of mediums and styles,” she said. “At the same time I draw inspiration from the world around me, particularly the places I go when I need to revive my spirit.” Zoe Moffatt

Sunbury swimmers are beginning the new year with an early win, following the announcement of the 25-metre indoor pool reopening on January 15. In communication sent to members, it was announced the defects in the pool shell painting are now rectified, the pool is full and heating. “Final preparations are being undertaken and we are reopening on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 5.30am,” the communication said. This follows a disastrous year for the pool, which was drained of water and full of setbacks after a leak was discovered on May 12. Residents continued to voice their frustration at the delays and lack of communication. At a council meeting in October, the council said the repair and improvement bill totalled $1,147,594. To say thank you to all the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SALC) members for their support, the communication said a breakfast was set to be held on January 15. All memberships that were suspended due to the pool closure will automatically come off suspension when it is reopened on January 15. Swimming lessons will be returning to the indoor 25 metre pool from Monday, January 29, and more information will be sent to learn to swim members prior to the commencement of term one. From January 15, the warm water pool will be open 5.30-7.30pm on Monday to Friday, and 8am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor 50m pool will remain open 6am-7.30pm on Monday to Friday, and 8am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday until Friday, February 2. Zoe Moffatt

Sunbury bus frustration continues to grow By Zoe Moffatt Bus pain in Sunbury is continuing to sting with residents voicing their frustration over a lack of communication for the holiday timetable changes. Sunbury resident Matthew McKay started a petition for a better bus service in Sunbury last year, which has more than 400 signatures. For Mr McKay, the frustration at the inaccessibility of the service has only continued to grow, with the latest timetable failing to notify users of change to service during the school holidays. “The sign posted timetables at the train

station and online… hasn’t changed,” he said. “I have to sit there idling waiting for a change that wasn’t advertised. “The bus runs normally at 7.27am and there is a footnote on the timetable online, which says it will operate via Lowther Hall Grammar School, St Columba’s Catholic College and Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School on school days only. To account for this shorter route during holidays, it is understood the 7.27am service departs Sunbury at the later time of 7.50am in order to complete its journey at the normal time for people travelling to Moonee Ponds so they can make their normal connections.

“The impact that has for me is that I have to wait an extra 30 minutes for the bus because I have to catch an earlier one [to make it to work on time],” Mr McKay said. With the recent downpouring of rain throughout the state, particularly in the north-west, he said this has added to the frustrating circumstances. Mr McKay said these are the struggles that those who rely on public transport have, and also highlights the need for conversation to be given to these users. “The decision makers all have cars or drivers, there’s no politician catching a bus to Sunbury station,” he said.

“They don’t operate like that so they have no understanding what it is to live like that.” A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson has apologised or the disruption and how it was communicated. “Route 483 Sunbury to Moonee Ponds has temporarily adjusted its timetable during the school holidays to account for a shortened route on two school-time services,” the spokesperson said. “The adjusted timetable will be communicated more clearly in the future and we sincerely apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused.”

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Building for students’ benefit By Zoe Moffatt Students in the Macedon Ranges will soon be able to enjoy improved school facilities, with Bolinda and Kyneton primary schools receiving funding for renovations. Bolinda Primary School will receive $498,351 to refurbish the school’s toilets, while Kyneton Primary School will receive $399,576 to repair the school oval. While toilets might not seem like a big deal, Bolinda principal Jordan Chamerski said it helps to bring the school in line with others

in the area. “I put the application in earlier in the year and I didn’t know how successful we were going to be but took a chance anyway,” he said. “Our toilets… feel like they’re from the ‘70s and needed an upgrade. To get this funding has been brilliant for our school community.” The school also had its cubbyhouse, fences and the shed repainted in the September school holidays and Mr Chamerski said these works highlight that while the school might be small, it is still being prioritised. “It’s feeling like the school is starting to get

a facelift which is fantastic,” he said. Fellow recipient, Kyneton Primary School, will use its funding for works on the school oval, which will include drainage and growing natural turf. Principal Alister Rayner said the school wasn’t able to use any of the new school build fund at the time for irrigation, which meant that the oval deteriorated. “We’re delighted to receive the funding which will make [the oval] much more usable for our children,” he said. “The work should start half way through

next year, but is always dependent on weather. It should hopefully be finalised by 2025. “This will mean that [the oval] will become available again for community events.” The funding has been allocated from the state government minor capital works fund, which has funded other initiatives, including interior and exterior building repairs, oval repairs and improvements to sports courts. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said investing in upgrades at Kyneton and Bolinda primary schools means children and staff will have the best facilities to learn and teach.

January tour for NGV The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Kids on Tour series has returned for 2024 and is coming to Sunbury and surrounds for free activities and workshops this January. Throughout the month more than 140 venues in the state including galleries, libraries, paediatric hospitals, neighbourhood houses, migrant resource centres, and community organisations, will participate for the tenth year of the series. Locally, these sessions will be held at Sunbury library on Macedon Street on January 16 and 22. For Macedon Ranges residents, nearby Trentham library will also host the NGV sessions. NGV director Tony Ellwood said the series plays an important role in fostering creativity. “The Kids on Tour program is an integral part of the NGV’s role in connecting children and their families through art, design and culture,” he said. “Ten years on from its inception, NGV has this year partnered with more community

venues than ever, reinforcing NGV’s commitment to providing access to art and design for all Victorians.” The art-making activities include an underwater drawing club, lantern crafting, inspiration train; to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills, collaging, as well as drawing and learning about flying foxes.NGV Kids on Tour has also invited teenagers to learn about the creative practices of emerging artists and build their own art portfolios through an activity developed with Melbourne-based designers. This workshop with founders of fashion brand Collective Closets, will help teens create a colourful beaded bracelet which they can keep or gift to a loved one. Details: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ngv-kidson-tour/ Kids enjoying activities as part of NGV Kids on Tour 2024. (Eugene Hyland)

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Residential subdivision works are set to commence this month as part of a development at 64 Willowbank Road, Gisborne. The works are expected to last for six months, weather permitting, and may result in some temporary road changes. This includes near the intersection of Willowbank and Bloomfield roads starting from January 15, and continuing to early February. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/ third-party-works

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Goonawarra Neighbourhood House Saturday playgroup will start back up in February (supplied). EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

For most young families, time during the week is often a rush between work, school, cooking dinners, sport and carpooling, often squeezing out time for activities like playgroups. A family playgroup at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House held on Saturdays has aimed to fix this and improve the accessibility to all families. Established in response to feedback from local families, the weekend group is well attended, particularly by local dads who have since developed a great bond. Local father Walter Van Zyl joined the ground in about the middle of 2023 and has two children he brings along to the group. “A lot more people are working non regular hours nowadays and I feel like the Saturday mornings are accessible for us… It gives us flexibility,” he said.

“It’s really great, I can’t put into words how awesome it is to have the different dads there. Our experiences are different and we relate to things differently.” One of the common interests in the group is the game Dungeons and Dragons, and Mr Van Zyl said the group talks about a range of topics. “I’ve been playing [Dungeons and Dragons] for quite a few years, it’s super hard to find time now,” he said. “We talk about non-parent things as well. “Rock up and say hi, play with your kids and... Just have a chat and adult conversation.” The playgroup is free to attend and runs from about 9-11am. It will start back up on February 3. Details: https://www.goonawarranh.com. au/whats-on/ Zoe Moffatt

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Finding time to play

Macedon group Victoria Arya Samaj has received $2000 for Holi Festival 2024, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced late last year. Arya Samaj was named as one of the 183 organisations to receive funding to deliver festivals and events throughout Victoria. Ms Thomas encouraged everyone in the local area to get involved in the festivities. “What an exciting time to live in Macedon, with our fantastic Holi Festival funded through the Multicultural Festivals and Events program,” she said. “This event celebrates the cultural diversity that forms part of Macedon and will encourage communities to come together and boost inclusion and social cohesion.”

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

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NEWS

New Sunbury playground

Curator Rhain DiPilla with work from artist Christos Linou (Damjan Janevski). 382202_03

Queerthentic art show By Zoe Moffatt LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse artists from the Macedon Ranges and other regional or rural areas are encouraged to apply for the upcoming Queerthentic exhibition. In celebration of authentic stories from regional artists in the LGBTQIA+ community, Queerthentic hopes to exhibit between 50 to 100 artworks from artists living in or hailing from rural or regional Victoria. Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts (MRAAI) is presenting the exhibit as part of the Midsumma Regional Activation Program, with $2000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to present a solo exhibition in 2025. Artist Christos Linou took home first prize in the 2022 That’s So Gay exhibit for his

work ‘A Stitch in Queer Time,’ presenting a humorous take on an optometrist’s eye chart using beading and quilting using reclaimed materials. When talking about his artwork, Linou said he felt like he was an unexpected winner and was thrilled to even be considered. “I started doing paintings in the COVID period, reminiscing on places I couldn’t go anymore,” he said. “When I was in the prongs of lockdown you’re just grabbing things at the neck. When That’s So Gay came up I thought I’m going to do an embroidery on how we see the acronym LGBTQIA+. “Fundamentally we [shouldn’t] be stigmatized or boxed into a letter.” As part of his prize Linou will put on a

solo exhibition, which will be running until January 22, at The Old Auction House, Kyneton. Each painting in the exhibition is accompanied by a fact or fictional short story to establish the context behind each painting. This exhibition is dedicated to his late partner Bruce. Linou encourages anyone to enter the Queerthentic exhibition. “Anyone can be an artist… creativity is just based on how you reflect yourself,” he said. “The more you say to yourself yes I do have a creative voice is important because the world can be almost claustrophobic with the amount of information thrown at us.” D e t a i l s : h t t p s : // w w w. m r a a i . o r g . a u / queerthentic

Creative projects grants on offer Macedon artists and creatives are invited to apply to the state government’s creative projects fund. The program supports independent artists and creative workers to build their skills and careers, develop new creative work and experiences, and take them to local, national or international audiences and markets. Grants of $5000 to $20,000 are available to Victorian professional artists, creative practitioners, collectives, groups and organisations working in all creative disciplines. This includes individuals from design to dance, fashion to film, theatre, augmented

and virtual technologies, visual art, music, literature and more. In 2022, the first round of the program supported more than 100 creative projects state wide which have collectively employed 896 individuals. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the fund helps professional artists and small creative businesses to develop new work and bring their ideas to life. “Through this fund, we are backing our local talent, and helping to take Macedon’s stories and creativity to audiences and markets across the state and around the globe,” she said.

The fund aims to support a wide range of ideas and perspectives, reflecting the diversity of the creative industries and Victoria’s wider community. It includes dedicated streams for First Peoples and deaf and disabled applicants. Applications are also encouraged from culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTIQA+ and regionally based creatives. Applications for the general, deaf and disabled and First Peoples streams close at 3pm on Thursday, February 1. Details: creative.vic.gov.au/fundingopportunities

Children in Sunbury will now be able to explore a new playground, with the latest instalment at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) featuring a sensory garden and musical instruments. Sunbury MP Josh Bull visited the Macedon Street site late last year to officially open the playground, which was constructed with funding from the West Gate Tunnel Project’s Sunbury Bulla Neighbourhood Fund. Local Wurundjeri Elder Colin Hunter Junior conducted a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country as children and educators from Our Village Family Childcare explored the space. SCCH board chair Peter Donlon was at the event to cut the ribbon for the playground, which includes mud, water and sand features, a slide, tunnel and nest swing. “Our playground was well overdue for a refresh,” he said. “Our team has worked with local landscape designers… to create something really beautiful that encourages creativity and open-ended play, which is so important to early childhood development.” The playground is used by families attending the centre for services such as speech therapy, audiology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as those attending SCCH run music groups. “Our family day care service, Our Village, also uses the playground as it’s a great opportunity for educators to bring the children in their care to meet and interact with other children,” Mr Donlon said. Mr Bull said spaces like these help build connections and enrich the community. “Connections are made between children and their parents, between parents themselves and of course between the children who are clearly loving this well thought out and fun playground,” he said. The space was also a beneficiary of the Millett Family Community Grants program.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull cutting the ribbon for the playground opening (supplied).

More crime in Macedon Ranges data reveals By Zoe Moffatt Criminal offences recorded in Macedon Ranges have jumped 11.7 per cent in the 12 months to September 2023, new crime data reveals. Crime Statistics Agency data released late last year, reveals there were 2181 total offences recorded, which is an increase of 229 incidents from the 12 months prior. Breach of family violence order continued to dominate crime in Macedon Ranges, with 264 offences recorded in the 12 months to September, compared to 223 in the previous year. Kyneton recorded the highest offences with an increase of 109 offences, Gisborne came

in second with an increase of 37 offences and Woodend was third with 71 increased offences. This data follows an announcement by Victoria Police late last year that Sunbury and Kyneton police stations will have its reception hours reduced from 24 to 16 hours a day. These reduced counter hours will be introduced in phase two, but Victoria Police has not given exact dates of the changes. A Victoria Police statement said the reduced hours at reception counters will not mean the actual police stations will be closing. “We will still have police working from the stations and patrolling the community to respond to urgent incidents and prevent crime

in the community,” the statement said. Hume recorded an increase of 1.5 per cent, and Sunbury had the third highest offences with 2344 offences recorded, which is an increase of 172 compared to 12 months prior. Stealing from a motor vehicle overtook breach of family violence order as the top crime offence in Hume, compared to the 12 months to September. It recorded an increase of 328 offences, from the prior 12 months, to total 1980 offences recorded. Despite these increases, the police statement said over the past two years, crime in Macedon Ranges and Hume has reached its lowest levels

in nearly a decade. “Police are focused not only on responding to criminal activities but also on preventing opportunistic offending including home burglaries and car break ins. “Our intelligence suggests that a considerable number of car break-ins occur due to unlocked vehicles. Therefore, we strongly urge the community to always secure their properties and vehicles. “Family violence also remains a priority for police, and the statistics indicate we are continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders.”

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Drop in Wednesdays Free holiday drop-in groups, including Music and singalong, Guitar, Cuppa, Play and Crafternoon will be happening on January 17 and 24, from 9am-3pm at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. ■ Details at www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Scottish Country Dancing The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meets every Thursday afternoon 1-3pm at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, and no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes. The new term starts February 8. ■ Meg 54271100 or Linda 0408476317

Community. Connect. Create. If you are needing support or looking for a social group to join, you can visit Community. Connect. Create, which is an online resource listing support and community groups in the Macedon Ranges. if you would like your group listed or would like to work to help this project grow please email: fiona@ communityconnectcreate.com.au ■ Communityconnectcreate.com.au

Share the Love Festival Share the Love Festival will be returning next year on February 10. The festival last February was so successful that Goonawarra Neighbourhood House has decided to put it on again. ■ Details: https://fb.me/e/6h1xyerkA

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, this could be for 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

This week’s photographer’s choice is from the F15 national championships held last week. (Jacob Pattison)

Doors open at 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm at Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. ■ https://bit.ly/41j5BEw

members are warmly welcomed ■ Doug 54283317, or Teresa 0417373006

Ladies probus Craft and conversation

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

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 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

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

Kyneton Badminton Club

Arts and games night

Sunbury Ladies 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, Victoria Street. All skill levels welcome. ■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

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

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

Carer connect chat

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

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 email rebecca.lees@ scchc.org.au

Sunbury Art Society

HarmoniX Vocal Company

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

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

Local camera club

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

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.

The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new

Sunbury Macedon Ranges Lodge

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Macedon Street, Sunbury from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@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 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon. ■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Sunbury 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

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am. ■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms. ■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. ■ Carmel , 0416 477 271

Toastmasters Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. ■ 0434 400 754

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, 0417593035

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.

easy

2 6 5 6 7 4 1 2 9 5 2 6 3

5 3

8 3 5 7 2 9 2 7 8 4 3 2 9

7 3

medium

3 6 9 8 2

7 2 4

QUICK CROSSWORD Conspiracy (5) Falls; gives way (9) Female name (7) Foozle (7) Matured (8) Specify (6) Insect (3) Form before butterfly (11) Technology devices (11) Muscle contraction (3) Fuel oil (6) Half-hearted (8) Someone who has stopped working for a living (7) Truancy (7) Learning; erudition (9) Give way; surrender (5)

25 26 27

Link (10) Citrus fruit (4) Hired killers (9) Having three dimensions (7) Polish (5) Form words (10) Principal church of a diocese (9) Endorse (9) Modern music genre (7) Neophyte (7) Male name (5) Theme (5) Honey drink (4)

4 5 6 7 8 13 15

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 24

No. 168

16 18 19 20 22 23

DOWN Fellow student (9) Capital of Northern Ireland (7) Looped rope (5)

1 2 3

DECODER

No. 168

1 6 2

7 3 9

3 5

9 6 8 7 1

3 9 4

hard

10 11 12 13

9 2 8 6 4 5 3 7 1 3 5 6 7 9 1 8 4 2 4 7 1 2 8 3 6 5 9 1 9 4 5 2 6 7 8 3 7 8 2 9 3 4 5 1 6 6 3 5 8 1 7 9 2 4 8 1 3 4 5 9 2 6 7 2 6 9 1 7 8 4 3 5 5 4 7 3 6 2 1 9 8

3 4 5 8 7 9 6 1 2 6 9 7 1 2 4 5 3 8 1 8 2 6 5 3 7 4 9 7 3 9 4 6 1 8 2 5 5 1 6 2 8 7 3 9 4 4 2 8 9 3 5 1 7 6 8 7 4 5 1 2 9 6 3 2 5 1 3 9 6 4 8 7 9 6 3 7 4 8 2 5 1

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good

C D

cede, ceded, club, clue, clued, cube, cubed, cuddle, decibel, decide, deduce, DEDUCIBLE, deuce, deuced, dice, diced, educe, educed, educible, iced, lice, lucid, ludic

7 3 4 2 9 1 6 8 5 8 9 1 6 5 3 4 2 7 5 6 2 4 8 7 1 3 9 4 8 3 1 7 6 5 9 2 2 5 6 8 3 9 7 1 4 9 1 7 5 2 4 3 6 8 3 2 8 7 1 5 9 4 6 1 4 5 9 6 8 2 7 3 6 7 9 3 4 2 8 5 1

No. 168

/ $ 9 ( 1 ' ( 5

AVERT BOGUS CANOE CHEAT CHESS CLIFF DANCE DEATH DELIS EASEL ELDER EVADE EVENT FAUNA FOALS GEESE GENES HEART HOTEL IDLER INNER

4 LETTERS DYES EDGE FLEA GETS OPAL SEAR SETS SILO SLID YARN 5 LETTERS ABIDE ACTED ARISE ASHES

LASER LEERS LEVEL LIBEL NEEDS OLIVE OVERS PEARS PLATE RESTS RIVET ROUTE RULER SCALE SHIRE SLEWS SLING STAIR STEMS STRIP TIARA

UNCLE UTTER

INERTIA ITALICS RIPPLED STERILE

6 LETTERS BEDLAM DESERT FLOWER MASSES REBELS THIRDS

8 LETTERS IDEALISE ITEMISED LAVENDER LOVELIER

7 LETTERS DIETARY IMITATE

10 LETTERS DETERRENTS REMORSEFUL

19-01-24

No. 168 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

W E D G E P E N S

D M I T R A C E A T I N

A G L

3 LETTERS AIL ATE BYE DEW DRY EAR EEL ELM ERA ERR FED ICY IMP LIE NOR OIL ONE ORE OVA RUE SEW SPY

N N

T 20

T C

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

M R

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

23 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

6 4 8 7 1 9 6 5 8 9 4 7 5 8 7 1 5 4 8 7 9 4

K U R DV F A S G P Y EW

9 6

Q C X I O BMN J H Z T L

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

How many stars are on the flag of the European Union?

Dolly, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell, was what kind of animal?

What is an abacus used for?

Sisters Alana, Danielle and Este are the members of which US rock band?

The Thinker is a bronze sculpture by which French artist?

Which 2022 film, starring Adam Driver (pictured), is based on a 1985 novel by Don DeLillo?

What four letters are found on the coloured buttons on an Xbox game controller?

Of the six types of coins of the Japanese yen, how many have holes in them?

Which country are Chupa Chups lollipops from?

10 Ha is the abbreviation for what metric unit of measurement?

ANSWERS: 1. 12 2. Sheep 3. Performing arithmetic calculations 4. HAIM 5. Auguste Rodin 6. White Noise 7. A, B, X, Y 8. Two 9. Spain 10. Hectare

No. 168

$ 6 + ( 6 6 / , 1 * ) 2 $ / 6 & $ 1 2 ( / , % ( / & + ( $ 7 7 , $ 5 $ $ 9 ( 5 7 2 / , 9 ( ( 5 5 , ' / ( 5 6 ( : ' ( : ' ( 7 ( 5 5 ( 1 7 6 5 ( % ( / 6 $ < ' , ( 7 $ 5 < & + ( 6 6 ' ( $ 7 + ( ' * ( / 2 9 ( / , ( 5 6 , / 2 ( ( / , 7 $ / , & 6 5 , 3 3 / ( ' ' < ( 6 , ' ( $ / , 6 ( ) ( ' ) / ( $ 5 ( 6 7 6 / $ 6 ( 5 , 0 , 7 $ 7 ( 2 7 % ( ' / $ 0 5 ( 0 2 5 6 ( ) 8 / 2 9 $ 6 3 < 5 , 9 ( 7 $ 7 ( * ( 1 ( 6 $ 5 , 6 ( 5 2 8 7 ( 5 8 / ( 5 , 1 1 ( 5 8 1 & / ( 6 7 ( 0 6 1 ( ( ' 6 3 ( $ 5 6

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

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1. Australian batsman David Warner has announced his retirement from which form of cricket?

4. Australian rules footballer Lin Jong played 65 games for which AFL club between 2012 and 2021?

12. Matildas defender Charli Grant recently joined which Women’s Super League club?

2. New Collingwood AFLW coach Sam Wright played 136 games for which AFL club?

5. Perth and Sydney are host to the second edition of which international outdoor hard court mixed-gender team tennis tournament?

13. Which Australian defeated Novak Djokovic in the recent United Cup tournament?

3. The 2023-24 Detroit Pistons recorded the longest losing streak in a single NBA season, with how many consecutive losses?

6. US businessman Mark Cuban recently sold his majority stake in which NBA team? 7. What type of venomous animal forced a break in play during a qualification match at the 2024 Brisbane International? 8. Mitch Kenny last played for which NRL club? 9. Following the merger of the XFL and USFL, which American football minor league is set to debut in March 2024? 10. English 16-yearold Luke Littler made history by becoming the youngest player to reach the semifinals of which World Championship? 11. How many Test matches did David Warner play in his career?

Tom Daley

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Novak Djokovic

14. The Sydney Swans will be celebrating what milestone anniversary in 2024? 15. Which Melbourne Renegades player and former Australian Twenty20 captain recently announced his retirement? 16. What is the nickname of the NFL team based in Buffalo, New York? 17. In which state does the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under take place? 18. Which country is hosting the AFC Asian Cup tournament in 2024? 19. Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani will play for which Major League team in 2024? 20. What was the first sport women were allowed to compete in at the 1900 Olympic Games?

28. Adelaide player Mark Keane previous played for which other AFL team?

21. The first Commonwealth Games was held in what year? 22. The Diamonds represent Australia in what sport?

29. Which country won the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships?

23. How many Olympic medals does Tom Daley have?

30. And who did they beat?

24. Which retired wrestler is coming to Australia in February for a series of shows? 25. In what year did the Adelaide 36ers last win the NBL championship? 26. Lara Dunkley plays for which Super Netball team? 27. What are the nicknames of the two MLB teams that play out of Los Angeles?

1901

1. One Day International 2. North Melbourne 3. 28 4. Western Bulldogs 5. United Cup 6. Dallas Mavericks 7. Snake 8. Penrith Panthers 9. UFL (United Football League) 10. World Darts Championship 11. 112 12. Tottenham Hotspur 13. Alex de Minaur 14. 150 years 15. Aaron Finch 16. Bills 17. South Australia 18. Qatar 19. Los Angeles Dodgers 20. Tennis 21. 1930 22. Netball 23. Four (one gold, three bronze) 24. The Undertaker 25. 2002 (the 2001-02 season) 26. Queensland Firebirds 27. Dodgers and Angels 28. Collingwood 29. US 30. Sweden ESS EET ADDR

STR

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Peugeot releases all EV SUV By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Launched here in September 2023, the e-2008 is Peugeot’s first fully electric passenger. A compact SUV, it joins the e-Partner compact electric van as well as the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) versions of the 3008 SUV and 508 sedan. Future electrified models will follow in 2024 with the launch of E-208 hatchback, E-3008 mid-sized SUV, e-Expert medium van and 408 PHEV. The petrol-powered Peugeot 2008 has been on sale here since 2020. It comes in two variants, Allure and GT each with a PureTech 130 engine that generates 96 kilowatts of power and 230 Newton metres of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The previous GT Sport model, with a more powerful (114 kW/240 Nm) engine was dropped from the range in 2022 to effectively make way for the e-2008. STYLING Peugeot 2008 is a stunning looking car from every angle. The front is large and expansive grille with a complex chequered louvered-style fill. The window lines swoop up beautifully as they pass the centre of the rear doors. The wheel arches are large and carry black lips to emphasise that it’s an SUV. Interestingly, the e-2008 bucks the current trend in EV design where the front is closed off, by retaining the grille from the petrol variants. It’s only there for cosmetic purposes with the only difference being that the fill matches the body colour. There are large scallops in the doors and a black panel all the way across the rear that carries large lights. The roof extends beyond the glass top and sides to give a sort of spoiler look. The e-2008 comes with 18-inch Evissa black diamond cut alloy wheels. INTERIOR Although it’s classed as a five-seater, like most cars of similar size the 2008 is more a four-plus-one. Those in the front seats might have to give up some legroom to make better space for tall rear travellers. The e-2008 comes with the latest version of the Peugeot i-Cockpit which combines the small sport steering wheel with a large head-up instrument panel and central infotainment touch screen, blended together and ergonomically positioned. The front seats are heated with power adjustment for the driver seat, which includes lumbar and massage. The e-2008’s boot has the same volume as the petrol models. That’s 434 litres with all seats in use, and 1467 litres with the 60:40 rear seats both folded down, although they don’t fold flat. There’s a slim out-of-sight area below the floor ideal for storing the charging cables. The petrol 2008s get a space saver spare wheel but the e-2008 only has a tyre repair kit. POWERTRAIN The e-2008 is based on Peugeot’s Common Modular Platform and combines a 50 kWh battery with a 100 kW front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels to provide up to 260 Nm of torque with a driving range of up to 330 kilometres using the WLTP test regime. There are three driving modes Sport, Normal and Eco. The charging point is located at the rear passenger’s side and has the usual AC and DC sockets. With three-phase power and a 16A Wallbox the maximum charge rate is 11 kW for a charge time of around five hours. Using a 7.4 kW 32A Wallbox that increases to 7.5 hours and, with a 10A domestic electrical power plug, full charge will take around 24 hours. Using a commercial DC 100kW quick charge 0 to 80 percent can be achieved in about 30 minutes. SAFETY The e-2008 hasn’t been ANCAP tested but the petrol variants were tested in 2019 and received the maximum five-star rating. Safety consists of six airbags, a rear-view camera, autonomous emergency braking and

Peugeot adds electric economy to the great looks of the 2008 SUV.

advanced grip control with snow, sand and mud modes. There’s also driver attention alert, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, in-crash braking, auto hazard light activation and tyre pressure monitoring. The e-2008 adds adaptive cruise control, enhanced autonomous emergency braking, active lane following assist, and acoustic vehicle alerting system which generates an audible signal outside the vehicle for pedestrian safety. Missing is rear cross traffic alert and a 360-degree camera. Two ISOFIX child seat anchors along with three top tethers are provided. INFOTAINMENT Peugeot e-2008 gets a large 10-inch horizontal infotainment screen that is clear and reasonably easy to use. Our preference is always a vertical screen because you can see much more without the need to scroll, but the Peugeot does work better than most. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

smart phone mirroring, as well as DAB+ radio and satellite navigation. DRIVING Entry is quite easy even for larger occupants and the seats are large, supportive and comfortable. Like all other electrified vehicles, the instant torque provides exhilarating speed off the mark. The dash to 100km/h takes fairly modest 9.0 seconds, well below that of most of its competitors. The car’s regenerative braking can be accessed through a button on the centre console rather than the more convenient steering wheel paddles of most EVs. It does not have a single-pedal mode. The battery adds 324kg on to the tare weight of the e-2008 when compared with the petrol 2008. There’s a sedate feel in the cabin during normal driving that almost feels like you’re in a larger car, even a prestige car at times. The French do like their comfort and this shows up beautifully. That’s despite the slightly sporty set up in the suspension. On the open road with twisty bits, it handles

nicely and gives feedback through the steering wheel. On motorways its smooth and almost silent, bump-thump is felt through some joints in other ones it’s fine. SUMMING UP Although the e-2008’s combination of price ($60k) and range (330km) compares poorly against its Chinese rivals that are getting under the $40k mark and in excess of 400km it will still appeal to the loyal band of Peugeot fans looking at moving into an EV for the first time. As with all Peugeot vehicles, the e-2008 comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year 160,000 km battery warranty. RATINGS ■ Looks: 9/10 ■ Performance: 8/10 ■ Safety: 8.5/10 ■ Thirst: 7.5/10 ■ Practicality: 8/10 ■ Comfort: 8/10 ■ Tech: 8/10 ■ Value: 7.5/10

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Local flavour building a buzz at Kyneton Tigers There’s a buzz coming out of Kyneton ahead of its inaugural season in the Riddell District Football League. Under new coach Ethan Foreman, the Tigers are rejuvenated, full of youth, locals and excitement. “The pre-season is going really well, the buy-in is unbelievable, we’ve got plenty of numbers to training the boys are absolutely flying, getting plenty of work done over the break,” Foreman said. “They were already pretty fit coming into the break but they’ve really been keeping up that fitness with a running program which has been really good. “The vibes are awesome, having all of the local boys back and everyone is just really buying in to going into the Riddell League and the chance of possibly some success and playing against mates from school and stuff like that, so it’s brought a lot of local boys back.” Since the move out of the Bendigo Football League was announced in September, Kyneton locals have embraced the club more so than ever before. “We’ve had a real buy-in from the locals,” Foreman said.

Ethan Foreman (Jacob Pattison) 334031_04

“We’ve obviously gone after a few that have gone over the years and we’ve had a few of those local recruits coming back in, but then also just guys who we haven’t really been in contact with but just through word of mouth and the way we’ve been going and the training numbers and just a buzz and vibe around the club has brought a lot more

numbers back than we ever expected, it’s unbelievable. “I’ve been around Kyneton since I was three, four-years-old, my old man played for them, I’ve grown up there and I’ve never seen anything like this.” While Foreman said he has been pleased with the work from all recruits there

has been some that he is particularly excited to see in the yellow and black come round 1. “Dylan Holden has been training the house down, he’s come back to us from Trentham, he’s my little cousin so I’m rapt to play another year with him. His skills are elite and he’s starting to get really fit,” he said. “Billy and Alex Mahoney have come down from Bendigo, Billy is coming off a knee but is starting to get back into training now, so he’ll be unbelievable and so will his brother.” Not only is the list full of locals but it is full of youth, with Foreman having coached the Tigers under-18s last season, allowing him to foster great relationships with the up-and-comers. “I have a very good connection with all those 18s boys and their buy-in has been awesome, some of those boys have absolutely trained the house down. “We’ve got some good numbers in the 18s too, there’s going to be a real fight for the 18s positions as well, with some of the boys pushing up into seniors as well. “So I’m excited for them and I’m excited for the future, we’ve got a young local side so it should be good, back to our roots.”

Sports shorts Bendigo NL One of the Bendigo Netball League’s best ever players will be back on court this year for Gisborne. After a year off travelling, Maddy Stewart returns to the Bulldogs as they look to defend their premiership title. Stewart, a two-time Betty Thompson medallist, is a big in for the Bulldogs and their defensive end, helping to cover the loss of Zoe Davies, who has moved to England to play in the English Netball Super League. Stewart will also coach the A-reserve side.

Ballarat FL The Sunbury Lions have secured the services of Jordan Tentonello for this year’s Ballarat Football League season. Tentonello joins the club from Rupertswood, having been one of the stars in the Sharks preliminary final run in the Essendon District Football League division 1 this year. The Lions describe him as a versatile player who can play across multiple positions on the ground, Jordan has great athleticism and a strong work rate.

Ballarat FNL

Under-15 winning Central Highlands team. (Supplied)

Highlanders claim Cup By Tara Murray It might have been a rainy end, but Central Highlands have claimed the inaugural under-15 girls Cricket Victoria Country Cup. The cup, which is part of a rejigged pathway system, had the best players from the regional areas in Victoria face off against each other. The Highlanders finished on top of their pool with three wins from four games, to face the Gippsland Pride, in the grand final. While the game got underway, only 14 overs were played as rain set in. As the highest ranked team after the pool rounds, the Highlanders were awarded the title. Highlanders coach Jenna Fowlie said it was a bittersweet way to win the title. “We got out there and managed to get 14 overs,” she said. “I knew we would get a start, it was a matter of how long the rain held out for. “We didn’t get back out there so it was a bit of an anti climax.

“We are ecstatic to get the win.” Fowlie said the thought hadn’t even crossed her mind heading into the game that they were the highest ranked team and would be crowned the winner had there been no result. In the 14 overs they did play, the Highlanders were on top having the Pride in trouble at 4-31. Tanae Grero had two wickets for the Highlanders. “We were in a really strong position,” Fowlie said. “Without being arrogant, we had the best batting line up and would have been confident chasing any total down.” Fowlie said she knew back in September that the group they had was something special and thought they could go pretty far in the tournament. Among the team were Riddell’s Tess Arthur and Tessa McNair, Ballan’s Sarah Burton and Clover McIIwaine, Bacchus Marsh’s Tanae Grero and Amelia Whiteway, and Malmsbury’s Aaliyah Terbeeke. Fowlie said the spread of contributors

across the board was one of the biggest keys to winning the title. “Jayda Wright hit a 50 in every game but one,” Fowlie said. “Bridget Stute, her opening partner was really good as well. “Clover McIlwaine, Tess Arthur, they got a few wickets each. Clover was our top wicket taker with six and we bowled every team out. “It was an all round performance and players were scoring runs throughout the series.” For Fowlie, who has been involved in the Highlanders program for 17 years, it’s the first time she’s been part of a winning team. She said she recalls two other girls teams for the region claiming titles in that time. Fowlie said it’s pretty special to be part of the group that won the first Country Cup. “It’s a little disappointing that we didn’t get to play as part of 16 teams [as in the old format], at the same time it is nice to win. “Our names will be there in the records forever.”

The Ballarat Football Netball League will kick off on April 13. The league announced its fixture late last year, with no Good Friday games to occur this year. The Sunbury Lions will start their season on the road against Redan. The Lions first home game will be the follo wing round when they host Melton South, with the Panthers football side now coached by former Lions coach Travis Hodgson.

RDFL Romsey has announced the signing of Aaron Flavel for the upcoming Riddell District Football League season. Flavel is a hard running inside mid with a strong desire to impact the contest. He joins Connor Bills, Oscar Schnoor, Ash Millane and Ethan Beer to have joined the club. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

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Burras bowlers doing well as club looks for win While the losses keep coming for Diggers Rest Bulla in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup, the pieces are starting to come together for the club. While the Burras again lost on the weekend, this time to Macedon, they were competitive in defeat, keeping the Cats to just 161 from the 40 overs. The Burras fell short in the chase making bowled out for 136 in 43 overs. Captain-coach Darren Quarrell said his side has come leaps and bounds in the bowling side of the game, however, they still leave much to be desired in terms of their batting. “The fielding side of it was very good, it’s been a huge improvement on what we were doing before Christmas, it’s a big change,” he said. “So we’re going well in that side of the game but our batting is a different story. “The total was definitely chasable, there

Tristan Krizanic (Ljubica Vrankovic)

were a couple of batsmen there who should have made runs but didn’t. There were a couple there that I think threw their wicket away which I wasn’t happy about.

“But there were also a couple who stepped up, who showed a bit of guts to try and get the total, but it just wasn’t to be.” Nathan Anderson and Lachlan Andrews led the way with the ball, taking 3-15 and 2-27 respectively. “Nathan is a stump to stump bowler, he can torment the batsman and then bowl an inswinger and get an LB [W] or a bowled,” Quarrell said. “He’s an awesome bowler to square them up and tie the runs down. Lachie had a bit of trouble, he kept on bowling it down the leg side, bowled a few wides, but once he got it on track he was very hard to hit away.” With the bat the highlight was young recruit Tristan Krizanic who made 31 batting at four. With Sunbury Kangaroos to come on the weekend Quarrell said he is hoping some

of his batsmen can get that first win they are desperately seeking for. “Nathan [Crosland] batted really well during the one-dayer, so hopefully he can back that up… Tristan has been batting great this season,” he said. “Alex Hassett’s a bit up and down at the moment but he’s just come off turf so he is trying to adjust to the hard wicket which is understandable. “A couple of others need to work on mentally preparing themselves to get themselves in first and then start playing their shots instead of swinging across the line at the start. “[Our goal for the rest of the season is] to win one.” Other winners were Rupertswood, Sunbury United and Macedon. Gisborne and Romsey’s match was abandoned due to rain.

Bombers’ tough season Woodman plays with By Tara Murray

Riddell hasn’t quite been able to put it all together in the Gisborne District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield this season. In what is shaping up as an interesting race for finals with seven teams fighting for finals, the bottom-placed Bombers are seemly out of contention and would need a miracle to play finals.vv z vvv Bombers secretary David King said they weren’t quite sure why things weren’t clicking like they would have liked. “It hasn’t been the season we had kind of hoped for at this stage,” he said. “You’d have to ask [coach] Heath [Brown] what the exact answer is, but we haven’t been playing the way we would have liked. “It’s not clicking from them.” Brown said they had managed to keep most of the players from last season, but they weren’t able to put out the same performances as the previous season. He said many of the young players were able to put out some good performances, but hadn’t been able to do it consistently enough to make serious runs or take wickets. The batting has been the Bombers main downfall, with only one score higher than 160 in the first nine rounds. Many of their totals have been chased down with a number of overs to spare. “We’re more a bowling side in terms of players,” he said. “We’ve tended to err more on that side, being bowlers more than batters. “It’s been that way for a couple of years.” The Bombers had the bye on the weekend. King said while they were unlikely to play finals, they wanted to finish the season on a high with a few wins and keep positive. King said the club’s junior program continued to be strong with both their boys and girls teams, with several featuring in representative sides throughout the school holidays. He said like many other clubs in the association, they were struggling to keep cricketers in their mid-20s, early 30s still playing the game. The Bombers’ pain on field has been made worse, with theft of copper wiring leaving the club with no power at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve. Wiring was stolen from an electricity box in early December, leaving the whole reserve with no power. “We were told last year it would be 12 weeks, so it could be out for the season,” he said. “We have no power in the club rooms and it makes it challenging. We have a generator to run a fridge on game days, but we had a few functions planned for the end of the year.” King said they had been lucky that the weather hadn’t been too warm on game days, as the rooms would have quickly warmed up. The Bombers face East Sunbury in a two-dayer starting this Saturday.

the best Sunbury’s Jin Woodman has had the win of his career so far at the Melbourne Wheelchair Open. The 14-year-old rising star is competing against the world’s best players in two tournaments at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre, his home court. Playing for a second year, the rising Australian tennis star competed in both singles and doubles in the Victorian Wheelchair Open. In the quad singles, Woodman was knocked out in the opening round by Diego Perez, 6-3, 6-1. Woodman competed in the consolation draw, winning his first match against fellow Australian Finn Broadbent, 11-9 in the final set. He lost his next match to Marcus Laudan, 6-4, 7-5. In the quad doubles, Woodman teamed up with American and world number one quad singles player David Wagner. The pair had a bye in the opening round, before losing in the quarter finals to the number three seeds, Andy Lapthorne and Gregory Slade, 7-6, 6-2. Woodman is competing in the Melbourne Wheelchair Open, which is also being held at Hume, which is currently underway. Woodman caused a massive upset on day one of the event, beating world number 16, Daisuke Ishito 6-4, 7-6, to get his first main draw win. He was set to be in second round action on Monday. Woodman is also entered into the junior event, where he is ranked number 20 in the world.

Jin Woodman at the Victorian Wheelchair Open. (Damjan Janevski) 380973_05

Harry Fisher (Shawn Smits) 202969_14

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Sunbury will bowl for victory against Royal Park Sunbury will need to bowl well for victory against Royal Park Brunswick after an interesting day of cricket in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield season on Saturday. The winless Roar was sent in amid good bowling conditions and after a good start, captain-coach Kevin Barker said he was disappointed with only reaching 164. “Obviously we want more [runs] we were in a pretty good position at two for 99 at one stage, so it was a little bit disappointing to end up that way,” he said. “It was drizzling all day, so the pitch wasn’t as easy as it probably could have been without the rain. “But we’ve had a chat about it and the top order batters know that the shot selection probably wasn’t as good as it could have been. So we probably set ourselves short, probably anywhere between 60 to 100 runs. “They sent us in, it’s a good pitch on a small ground but the overhead conditions and the

Jacob Chahine (Ljubica Vrankovic) 341896_25

pitch was a little bit soft as well, so I think 164 isn’t the worst score. “But we’ve got the runs on the board and

now we’ve got them one down so hopefully we can bowl well, hold our catches and get the job done next week.”

Being bowled out within 64 overs meant Sunbury were able to have a bowl at Brunswick for the last 13 overs of the day’s play. Brunswick was 1-17 at the end of the day’s play. “I thought we were pretty stiff not to have a few more [wickets], we probably could have landed another three or four but they did well to keep us out,” Barker said. “There were a couple of balls that missed the bails by a couple of centimetres or fell short, so obviously you want a couple more when you have a few overs at them but to have then one down with not many runs on the board after 13 overs isn’t a bad result.” If Sunbury are to snatch its first win of the season as they bowl at Ransford Oval next week, they will need to do the simple things right, Barker said. “We just need to be disciplined, bowl good line and length, hold our catches and hopefully we’ll create the chances and hopefully get the job done,” he said. Harper Sercombe

Malmsbury close to finals

Ed Ferguson (Jacob Pattison)382206_01

Solid team win for Cats By Harper Sercombe Macedon is back on the winner’s list in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season, defeating Diggers Rest Bulla on Saturday. The Cats won the toss and elected to bat on Saturday, and were able to put up a defendable score of 161 from their 45 overs. Cats’ captain-coach Tim Berzins said in the context of our season it was a huge result for them. “We knew we needed to win one to avoid staying in that bottom area and with the way results went yesterday it also leaves us only a game out of the top four, so in the context of the season it was a huge win,” he said. “We thought 160 was above par on that ground, it was extremely slow, so the only way to hit fours was to go the aerial route and we knew that. “Having runs on the board was always going to apply pressure on them. We were hoping for 140, 150 at the start of the day so getting 160 was a huge bonus.” In setting the total no player was a

significant stand out with eight of the nine batters reaching double digits and Ed Ferguson topping the run scorers with 36. “It was an all round performance, we got off to a pretty good start and then we lost a couple of wickets at key times,” Berzins said. “We then had young Ed Ferguson come on and make 36, and he’s really shown his worth over the last couple of weeks and showed what ability he does have, and he played another really mature innings and he was just helped out along the way by everyone chipping in so it was a pretty big team effort.” It was more of the same with the ball, with five of the bowlers taking wickets, lead by Chris Ingleton taking four for 20. The Burras were bowled out for 136 in the 43rd over. “Everyone played their role, did their job,” Berzins said. “We utilised the quicks early and then we know with the ball being as wet as what it was we really needed to bowl the slower bowlers towards the end and make it hard for them, and make them really try and hit out to try and get the runs, so we took the pace out of it

at the end and everyone did their job.” With still four games of the home and away season to go, Berzins said the goal for his side is simple. “Our aim is to win as many games of cricket as possible, we said that at the start of the season, so we’ll continue playing our game,” he said. “We’ve got a big game coming up this week against Gisborne, and we’re not going in there to participate, we’re going in there to see if we can give it a real shake up and take a big scalp and who knows what can happen from there.” He said to win against the undefeated ladder leaders will take a strong team effort. “It will just have to be an all round consistent performance again, and just stick to our team plan,” he said. “We know what they are capable of, if one guy fails they’ve always got someone who could step up in that other position and that’s where we’re going to have to do the same. “We’re all going to have to play at our best so we’re pretty excited about the challenge ahead.”

Malmsbury is one step closer to locking in a Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield finals berth, defeating Melton South on the weekend. After losing the toss and being sent in to bowl, Malmsbury was clinical with ball in hand, running through Melton South. Vice-captain Jock Braszell led from the front on Saturday afternoon, taking five wickets for just 34, as Melton South were bowled out for only 64 from 8.4 overs. Kyle Fisher also proved to be a handful taking 3-21. In the chase, opening batsman Parminder Singh and number three Leo Pruden were able to get the job done with ease. Singh remained 45 not out at the end of the chase while Pruden fell late in the piece for 25. Malmsbury secured the win, three down in the 12th over, finishing 3-67. Malmsbury moved above the Royals with the win into third spot. It wasn’t the same result for Hanging Rock after its total was chased down by St Anthony’s. After a strong performance by opening batsman and skipper Liam Omeara, making 43, wickets began to fall too frequently for the club, being bowled out for 137 after 35 overs. The Saints Gurinder Singh Grewal was a clear standout with the ball taking 5-16 from his seven overs. Defending the small total put up proved too difficult for the travelling side, as St Anthony’s chased the runs down just four down in the 24th over. They finished 4-141. Singh Grewal proved his true all-round abilities making an unbeaten 57. Hanging Rock now sit second bottom on the ladder and will face Malmsbury at home on the weekend. Lancefield suffered a loss to Aintree in its match. Aintree made 160 with Amanpreet Singh top scoring with 47 at the top of the order. Harvey Lehner took three wickets for the Tigers. The Tigers fell just short, finishing 9-150.

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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