Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 30th January 2024 by Star Weekly

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Double OAM honour By Zoe Moffatt

‘‘

We found that using those business skills for the benefit of others is a way of giving back

’’

- Allan Cann

Allan and Shirley will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year. (Zoe Moffatt/Star Weekly) 384915_12

back,” Allan said. “We spent a lot of time learning and working, and here’s an opportunity when you have the time to give back. “We would say to other people, use your skills that you’ve learnt over the years for the benefit of others. “The saying goes, happiness comes from making other people happy, and we very much believe that.” Shirley said that throughout all of the work they have done, their highlight has been knowing they’ve helped people. “I find it very satisfying to know that [we’ve] helped people,” she said.

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“To know that what you’ve done has helped bring people up to a level. That’s rewarding… to know that you’ve helped even one or two people.” When they found about about their double OAM, Allan said they couldn’t believe it. “We’re just so humbled that someone would go to the trouble to nominate us, and then for someone at the Governor General’s department to consider the application and think we are worthy. “It’s a very humbling experience, but very appreciated.” In a last ditch effort to understand what goes into a successful and loving relationship, like

that of Allan and Shirley, I ask the question I ask all couples who are celebrating major anniversaries and milestones. What is your top tip? “We’re just good friends and we enjoy each other’s company,” Shirely said. “We do have disagreements of course, everyone does.” “And I always lose,” Allan jokingly chimes in. His own answer, however, is the same as Shirely’s. “We are good friends. We do things like you do with other friends, and I think if you develop that friendship, it just strengthens the marriage.”

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With the light streaming in through the windows of their Woodend North home, newly awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipients Mervyn (Allan) and Shirley Cann look over their five acre property. They point out where the wallabies usually hide, and which hedges they trimmed on the weekend. Sitting down to chat, they are welcoming and thoughtful in their answers, and between responses they steal glances at each other. This year will mark their 60th wedding anniversary and their compatibility is hard to miss. Both Allan and Shirley received an OAM for their service to the community through a range of organisations and roles, primarily in the business field. When talking about their work, Allan said everything they’ve done, they’ve done together. “We used to consider ourselves the Coles special, two for one,” Shirley said laughing. Meeting at a dance in their late teens and early twenties, Allan said when he saw Shirly he knew he had to ask her for a dance. “Fortunately she said yes, and that’s the end of the story,” Allan said. With each other by their side, Allan and Shirley carried out assignments with the Australian Business Volunteers and the Australian Volunteers Program in places such as Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. They have helped to provide training in the areas of business planning, finance, sales, marketing, and developed a Strategic Plan for the Manufacturing Industry in Vanuatu. Within Australia, they have also been instrumental in Rotary and the Red Cross, with a combined total of 43 years of membership for both. They originally started volunteering through Rotary when they were living in Ballarat. Nearing retirement, Shirley said an advertisement in The Age looking for business volunteers caught their attention. “We thought… that was a good way to use our skills, so we both put our name down for that,” she said. With their strong background in business, the couple found it only natural that their skills should be used to help others, especially those less fortunate than themselves. “We found that using those business skills for the benefit of others is a way of giving

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Lancefield kinder works to begin Construction preparation for a new kindergarten and maternal and child health centre in Lancefield has begun this month, following planning permit approval. The project is located at 76A High Street and is set to be a modern three-room facility, complemented by accessible and secure entries as well as a dedicated rear playground area. Early works will include the installation of temporary fencing, site clearing and levelling works, and installing building footings and stumps. This will then pave the way for installation of the modular buildings transported to site, building fit-outs, landscaping and all other required works. Macedon Ranges council director community Maria Weiss said the priority project for council is expected to be

Lancefield kinder front artist impression. (Supplied)

operational by the middle of the year. “This project will provide many benefits for the community including increased kinder places for local children, local maternal and child health services, and space for community-based and supported playgroups,” she said. “We’re grateful to many groups for collaborating with us to make this a reality

including the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve’s committee of management, the neighbouring Men’s Shed and the Lancefield Playgroup committee. “We look forward to seeing the project take shape and will continue to work closely with these key stakeholders and others… to enable a smooth build and transition once the new centre opens.”

Bohemian Bulla Market is back The famous Bohemian Bulla Market, which runs every month, has returned for 2024 and is back better than ever. The market, which first started in 2015, is free to attend and includes colorful stalls selling everything from crystals to clothing to pet food. Kerri Forde co-founded the market with Donna Cuffe because they couldn’t find one in the area like it, so they decided to start one themselves. “It’s been very exciting, we’ve really enjoyed it,” Ms Forde said. “It’s like the saying that if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life. “The market is held on the third Sunday of every month, except June and July. “We had the first one back in January and it had a great turn out and great vibes, it’s always good vibes. It was just a lovely day.” Ms Forde said the family friendly event includes face painting, balloon animals, buskers, tarot readers, masseuses and healings like reiki. The Bulla mini trains also run on the same day and there’s a playground where the market is held, at 5 Green Street, Bulla. Ms Forde said they are taking new stall applications and encouraged people to get in touch with them. “Anyone who has anything weird and wonderful is encouraged to get in contact with us,” she said. Details: https://bohemianmarket.com.au/

Key features of the current site will be protected and retained, including heritage gate pillars at the entrance and the mature trees bordering the west and south of the site. The off-site construction of the modular buildings means a more efficient and less disruptive build. The project has received $3 million in funding through the state government’s Building Blocks Capacity Building Grants stream and will be delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority. Council has allocated a further $144,000 to ensure the new centre is fully furnished and has improved environmental and sustainable design elements. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/lancefieldkinder or www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/lancefieldkindergarten

Telstra base station work Trentham’s Telstra mobile base station will have temporary outages or reduction in mobile coverage while the station is upgraded with additional infrastructure. The works are set to bring better 4G services and new 5G coverage to the community in preparedness for the 3G closure on June 30, 2024. There will be no Telstra mobile coverage from Monday, February 5, at 7.30am to Friday, February 9, at 5pm. The mobile network will not be impacted on February 10-11, but there may be minor disruptions on February 12 as Telstra does call testing to make sure the upgrade is working properly. Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said while the crews need to work during daylight for safety, they will be only switching off the site when they need to. “There’s never a good time to undertake this sort of work but once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents,” he said. If all goes according to plan and weather permitting, the mobile upgrade will be completed on February 12. The local Telstra team will also be in Trentham on February 1, from 9am-5pm, on High Street- near the town square- to help answer any questions. Customers will receive text messages advising of the upcoming work. Triple-0 calls will be diverted to a working network.

Zoe Moffatt

Donna Cuffe and Kerri Forde getting ready for the Bulla market, which has just recently reopened for the year. (Damjan Janevski) 382858_01

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Renters across Melbourne’s north-west are feeling the squeeze, with new data relieving the median rent value jumped 13.4 per cent. A new report from CoreLogic encapsulated the difficult time for renters throughout the country, with a national median rent uptick to $601 per week. Renters throughout the north-west, including Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, have fared better with a $519 median rent value. However, CoreLogic head of research Eliza Owen said it’s a stressful time to see the cheapest areas rise so rapidly. “It is very concerning to see our cheapest rental markets see such high increases because these are kind of last resort areas anyway for a lot of people on lower incomes,” she said. “For the lower income households, this is going to be a really testing time. People are literally losing their accommodation because

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

‘‘

People are literally losing their accommodation because of how tight rental markets are - Eliza Owen

’’

of how tight rental markets are. “Where the housing situation is most critical right now is at that low income and spectrum and that’s where we need to be targeting. “For median high income earners, it’s an inconvenience, but it’s not as much of a housing crisis, if you like.” Ms Owen said the relative affordability of the north-west and west, which had a $491 median value, many have attracted renters. “Even though Melbourne’s west and north-west have had relatively strong growth

rates, median rent value across these areas is slightly lower than the $565 across the broader Melbourne market.” She said bringing down these rent prices requires more dwelling supply, particularly in social and affordable housing. “[It] takes time, especially right now, when construction costs are sitting about 30 per cent higher than at the onset of the pandemic. “There’s a big backlog in the pipeline and completion times have blown out. The movement of people, however, is relatively quick. “I think you’ll get the demand side response sooner than the completion of adequate dwellings, and that’s going to look like more shared housing or people just moving to cheaper areas.” Zoe Moffatt

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AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

AM beat cancer to help others By Zoe Moffatt When Ngaire Elwood was 15 years old, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. Her journey following this diagnosis consisted of 18 months of chemotherapy, missed school, and an amputation. This life-defining challenge proved to be a circular for Ngaire, leading her back to the children’s hospital. Only this time around, she is an Associate Professor, director of the BMDI Cord Blood Bank, and has spent much of her career working on improved therapies for cancer and leukaemia treatment. For her medical work, Ngaire was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). “The chemotherapy made me very, very unwell, and it’s a pretty blunt tool for treating cancer,” Ngaire said. “Having said that, it obviously saved my life. I was really impressed by all the work that was going on with clinical trials and really throwing everything at trying to cure kids with cancer. “From that time while I was still at school I really decided that that’s the area I wanted to work in long term. “So everything I’ve done throughout my studies, in my career, has really been focused on improving therapies for people undergoing treatment for cancer. “But I guess it’s even extended beyond that now when we’re looking at heart repair and brain repairs. “We now have better personalised medicines, we’ve got a whole new way of treating cancer in addition to chemotherapy drugs.” The Mount Macedon local has an impressive resume of experience, and has spent time living and working in London and North Carolina before returning to establish a leukaemia stem cell research group in the children’s cancer

Order of Australia recipient Ngaire Elwood. (Supplied)

centre at the Children’s Hospital. Now working with cord blood- the blood left in the placenta and umbilical cord after birthNgaire has personally overseen the release of

more than 500 cord blood units. “There’s up to 80 different types of diseases that cord blood can be used for… [and] we predominantly store cord blood to be used for

bone marrow transplant for the treatment of leukaemia and other blood disorders,” Ngaire said. “It’s helped hundreds of patients, not all of them have survived, but there’s been the hope there that a treatment has been offered for those patients and so that’s very personally satisfying. “I also feel really proud of the role I’ve been able to play in defining what the international standards are for cord blood, banking and cord blood use.” When asked to reflect on the moment she found out she would become a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Ngaire was humble in her answer. She spoke about how the support from many can help lift people up to achieve great things. “There’s been a lot of help in my career along the way. “I missed a lot of schooling when I was having chemotherapy, but my teachers were just fantastic. “In those days, I was at Sunshine High School, my teachers were just really great with helping me catch up. “After I finished my chemotherapy and did my schooling, I was fortunate to obtain a government rehabilitation allowance which allowed me to go to university. Then I got a Rotary Foundation Graduate Scholarship to go to London to do my masters. “All these programmes and all this support of early career people and women in STEM and so on, I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to benefit from that. “I feel very honoured that the accumulation of all the work that I’ve done and what you know what I’ve striven to do has been recognised and had impact. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the support of my family both my parents… [and] my husband.”

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Sunbury arrest On January 22 at 9.25am, police observed a blue Holden Commodore VE utility without registration plates travelling on Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. The vehicle took off through the Woolworths carpark at Rosenthal and along Vineyard Road. A short time later, police arrested a 46-year-old male, and he was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on multiple traffic offences.

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Camera vehicle vandalised Police are investigating after a traffic camera vehicle was damaged in Sunbury last year. Victoria Police said the vehicle was operating in Wilsons Lane about 5pm on November 30. A man approached the car from Carter Road and jumped onto the bonnet of the vehicle and climbed onto the roof. He allegedly jumped up and down a number of times before climbing down and spray painting the rear window with pink paint. The male then produced a hammer and attempted to smash the vehicle’s windows and smashed a front headlight, police said. He was last seen headed towards Marjorie Avenue. The driver of the car, a 43-year-old man, was not injured in the incident. Police said the offender is perceived to be Caucasian, about 187cm tall and was wearing a black face mask, black t-shirt, shorts and brown work boots.

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Duo Min Miles and Sean Forbes getting ready for their book-based music performance at Romsey library. (Damjan Janevski) 383079_04

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Dynamic duo, Min and Sean, brought picture books to life in the Macedon Ranges for a special last week to wrap up the school holiday activities for the summer break. The musical show brought delight to little kids across Goldfields libraries, with endearing and interactive songs based on books by Aaron Blabey and other top Australian picture book authors. Goldfields acting programs coordinator Chris Donnelly said they have musical performances once or twice a year. “For us it’s about highlighting literacy in all its forms,” he said. “It isn’t just sitting quietly and reading a

book. “Not all kids are avid readers but you can entertain with songs and performances so you can link that to literacy. “All of these types of activities, particularly for pre-primary school children… lead to a developed imagination and better means of absorbing information.” Goldfield libraries are located throughout the Macedon Ranges and hold a range of free activities and events during the school term and holidays. Details: https://goldfieldslibraries.com/

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Zoe Moffatt

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Door’s open at Macedon station By Zoe Moffatt Macedon Police Station has a new officer in charge and he is coming into the role with an open door policy, focused on community and connection. Before taking over this role, Leading Senior Constable Erik Woods worked in Gisborne for six years, and has experience throughout the west, including Brimbank, Melton and Ballarat. “The main goal for me is going to be building that relationship with the community,” he said. “Obviously being one person, I’m not going to be able to do it all and see it all and be everywhere at once. “But I think if we can get that relationship with the community to a good level, then hopefully they feel comfortable to report things to me.” To build this connection, Leading Senior Constable Woods will open up the station every Monday from 8am to 4pm for residents to drop by for a chat and a cuppa. “The idea behind that is, it’s after the weekend, if something happened they can come and report it to me or if they want to say G’day and touch base.” With a rock propping the door open and the police car parked out the front, Leading Senior Constable Woods said these are the tell tale signs to residents that they can find him in the station. When discussing the 11.7 per cent increase in criminal offences recorded in Macedon Ranges in the 12 months to September 2023, he pointed to increasing population throughout the shire. “There’s more people moving into the area, you have that urban sprawl, and I think with that comes some more activity.”

Leading Senior Constable Erik Woods. (Zoe Moffatt/ Star Weekly) 384913_13

There were 264 offences recorded for breach of family violence order in the 12 months to September and Senior Constable Woods said this will be an area of focus, along with the road toll and crime. “Family violence is always something that we’re doing a lot of, and… hopefully that goes back to the relationship I’ll build with the community, where they’re feeling comfortable enough to report it to me, because a lot of this sort of stuff

goes unreported.” Leading Senior Constable Woods said the single member station gives him flexibility to prioritise his focus. “If people come and report things to me, and if something is happening at certain times, I’ve got the flexibility to adjust my roster so that I can focus on something or respond to something personally. “That’s something I’m looking forward to-

being able to have people in here, have them report things to me but then address it and then tell them about how I have addressed it. “Getting that confidence that I am going to respond to what they’re reporting, then that builds trust.” Outside of his police duties, Leading Senior Constable Woods said he looks forward to getting involved in community sport and integrating himself and his family into the Macedon community.

An update on Hi-Quality Group’s Sunbury Eco-Hub SunFest in 2023. (Supplied).

Hi-Quality is proposing to invest in state-of-the-art energy generation and expand its treatment, recovery and reuse solutions at the Sunbury Eco-Hub, located at 570 Sunbury Road, Bulla.

SunFest prep begins SunFest volunteers are calling on local stall holders to register their interest in the multi-day event, with spaces already filling up fast. The 48-year-old festival held on March 16 and 17, has continued to grow with thousands of locals flocking to attend in the past few years. SunFest stalls coordinator Rachael White said they are looking for all types of stalls, big or small, and quite a few have already been accepted. “We encourage anyone who is interested in having a stall at SunFest to visit our website and check out our stalls guide and application,” she said. “SunFest is an entirely volunteer run event [and] we welcome any community members who would like to volunteer at SunFest and make this special event for our community.” The free two-day festival will feature

entertainment for all ages, including a parade, fireworks, local bands, roving entertainers, Sunbury Battle of the School Choirs and more. Ms White said the committee have been busy planning and we are on track for a bigger and better festival this year. “We will also have carnival rides and games, unique market and delicious food stalls. [Anyone] can like us on Facebook for all the latest announcements about our exciting program. “We encourage schools, local businesses, sports and community groups to join our free grand street parade. “Local businesses who would like to support SunFest or those who would like to join our colour run [can] check out our website.” Details: www.sunfest.org.au Zoe Moffatt

We are hosting a series of community meetings in February 2024 to share our plans and hear your views.

Register to hear more about our plans here You can also reach out at any time via getintouch@hiqualitysunbury.com.au or by calling 03 9021 0678

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Volunteers ‘bust guts’ for under funded wildlife Volunteers who operate wildlife shelters are calling for more government funding, saying they are killing themselves ‘financially, emotionally and physically’. Helen Round and Manfred Zabinskas OAM operator Five Freedoms Animal Rescue and East Trentham Wildlife Shelter. They recently received a $2506 grant from the state government and, while Ms Round said they are grateful, the funding only equals about one tenth of what they spend in a year. “Almost all wildlife rehab and research is performed by and funded by volunteers,” she said. “We provide a service the public expects and the government fails to provide. They can’t replicate our hours and expertise. “The grant amount wouldn’t even be a tenth of what we spend. On average we spend $40,000 to $50,000 a year to run the shelter.” The shelter received its latest funding through the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program, which offers maximum grants of $3000. Between 102 wildlife organisations,

A rescue joey at Five Freedoms Animal Rescue and East Trentham Wildlife Shelter. (Supplied)

the government has given out $230,000 this funding round. Ms Round said they spend on average $2000 per joey from the time they are rescued to the time they are released, not including the hours they put in. “We soft release them, providing them with shelter and food until they go off and be wild kangaroos- that timeline can vary. “A lot of local rescuers have been burnt

out because the work we do is harrowing, traumatic, exhausting and expensive. “We bust our guts. We do it because someone has to, once you see the need you can’t turn your back.” Ms Round points to a recent rescue, where a kangaroo, who was the victim of a dog attack, is costing the shelter about $100 a day. “We have to sedate him everyday to change his bandages, and to give him antibiotics and pain relief. But he deserves a second chance. “We’re killing ourselves financially, emotionally and physically. It’s soul destroying.” Beneath the sound of shuffling hooves from sheep being dropped off to charity Edgar’s Mission, founder Pam Ahern said government funding would definitely help her organisation. “We take those animals from the pound and council, to give them a second chance of life, but we don’t get a cent,” she said. “We’re performing a community service… often when councils and pounds aren’t available, especially after hours.”

Ms Ahern said they had noticed a decline in donations, but they truly appreciate everyone who supports them through donating and volunteering. “We’ve noticed a decline in donations as the cost of living pressures have increased, but our work still continues and, if anything, becomes greater each year. “However, we don’t want to turn our backs on the animals. One hundred per cent of our funding comes from the public, it’s the public good that keeps us going.” A Victorian Government spokesperson said work that wildlife shelters and foster carers do is critically important to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife. “We’ve invested $7.2 million over the next four years for wildlife welfare and preparedness,“ they said. “[This is] in addition to $230,000 to support the vital work of Victoria’s foster carers and shelter operators as part of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program.” Zoe Moffatt

Midsumma picnic event

Celebrating community By Zoe Moffatt With the new year well and truly underway, Macedon Ranges council is pausing to recognise and celebrate inspirational people and groups who continue to make contributions to the community. The Riddells Creek 72 Hour Emergency Team won the connecting communities award for its work to understand emergency management and to research assets and vulnerabilities impacting the town’s disaster resilience. In 2023, the team developed strategies to address the gaps in support in the first 72 hours after an emergency, and through this coordinated getting an automated external defibrillator (AED) for public access. Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House community development manager Lisa Linton said the award gives recognition by residents and emergency agencies to the community leaders who have stepped up and volunteered their time and experience to the project. “The work of the team is vital in ensuring that our community is better prepared for any emergency and able to look after ourselves in the aftermath, in collaboration with emergency services and council,” she said. Woodend Landcare, previously ‘Friends of Five Mile Creek’, took home the healthy people and environment award for almost three decades of work within the community. The group has been instrumental in restoration, and to date the group has planted more than 30,000 native trees, shrubs and ground covers. Last year, they also oversaw the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over Five Mile Creek, thanks to a bequest from ex-president

Main: The new footbridge opened on June 18. (Woodend Landcare) Left: The Riddells Creek 72 Hour Emergency Team. Right: Interval Art won the Business and Tourism Award. (Pictures: Supplied)

Jo Clancy. Woodend Landcare president Peter Yates has been involved since 2003 and said the award is great recognition for all the work they’ve done over the years. “We know the community, 99.9 per cent of them, absolutely love what we’ve done and what we continue to do,” he said. “We want to preserve and enhance the natural vegetation around Woodend. [For example] Black Gum is endangered… so we want to enhance the habitat for it to continue to survive and regenerate. “Our biggest problem at the moment is probably ivy… Our first working bee for the year is on February 4, and it’s going to be entirely removing ivy from hundreds of trees it’s growing up.” The last award, the business and tourism award, was given to Interval Art for its inclusive art-based activities that bring joy, hope and excitement while creating connections and opportunities. Beginning as a home-based business in 2018, Nicholle Gallus used her 25-plus years of experience in social services to run group

projects in primary and secondary schools in collaboration with Bounce Back Project Ready. During COVID, Interval Art was adapted and run as an online art program, which was followed by a move into a portable building in New Gisborne. Further relocation to a larger premises is also planned for 2024. Ms Gallus said she was very surprised to receive the award, but felt encouraged and like people want to help her along the journey. “I love small businesses because it’s easier to set the direction,” she said. “My heart has always been about building a community in business, and a small business allows you to have that relationship with people. “[The business has] been kind of taken in different directions… COVID hit so I had to redesign [the business] quite quickly. Being creative and open to change, enabled it to adapt a lot. “I’m very excited for the new studio, it’ll have more facilities… I’m leaving another job I’ve been doing two days a week to expand.” Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan congratulated this year’s community award winners.

Midsumma is coming to Sunbury, with a picnic style event for First Nations LGBTIQA+ community members and allies of all ages on February 10. The event is part of the Midsumma Regional Activation series and will be held in partnership between Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH). Community members will get the chance to connect and there will be live music, food, entertainment and stalls available. Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation executive officer Raquel Birch said they received such positive feedback after the 2023 IDAHOBIT event. “Attendees of the 2023 event told us they wanted more opportunities to celebrate pride in Sunbury so we can’t wait for this opportunity to get people together again,” she said. “[Events like these are important] particularly for people living in outer metro areas where there’s less opportunities, unless you’re travelling into the city. “We thought it would be a great opportunity to do something not just in IDAHOBIT. I think this is a growing community… and it’s important to support it.” Ms Birch said they came up with the event name ‘Sounds Gay, I’m In!’ after seeing it on a badge when doing research to find a name. “In the application [for midsumma funding] it said to give it a catchy name. “It made me laugh and I hoped it would be something that would catch people’s attention and sound fun, like something they would want to come to.” The picnic will run from 2-5pm at the Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation and there will be free shuttle bus transport available between the event and the Sunbury train station for the duration of the event. Registration is required.

Raquel Birch, Belinda Brain, Sue Lodge and Beth Smith. (Damjan Janevski) 383766_01

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

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12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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A ‘gold medal’ moment By Zoe Moffatt During the working week Macedon Ranges local Tony Davis heads down to the Kyneton Showgrounds to mark the lines for little athletics. While his role within the club has changed during his time there, this journey is one he’s been making for 52 years since he helped the club form in 1970. This year, Tony is being celebrated for his five decades of volunteering with the Macedon Ranges Citizen of the Year Award, one which he says is very pleasing to receive. “I received the award but there’s a lot of others that helped [me] get into that category [to be] nominated, and then be lucky enough to score that gold medal as the saying goes,” Tony said. Before retirement, Tony was a secondary school teacher and it’s this role he said that pushed him towards little athletics and his voluntary work. “[My time volunteering] has given me great pleasure,“ he said. “It has its moments where you have your ups and downs, but 99 per cent of the time, it’s always been up.” Tony’s own journey with the little athletics started in Oakleigh when he was running with the senior club, and he then went on to help establish the Oakleigh Little Athletics Centre. Upon moving to Kyneton, Tony and a number of others worked to set up a little athletics club which then included the surrounding districts. “By the end of the 1970s, quite a number of other people started to become involved in it,” he said. “We then decided to see how many little shoes we could get on the ground and we got a good response. After that it was decided to register Kyneton with Little Athletics Victoria. “When we started we had kids from around

Tony Davis and mayor Annette Death. (supplied)

the district… We had kids from Romsey, Lancefield, Woodend, Drummond. “Then other centres fired up, Lancefield got its own, Woodend got its own, and that’s when the district part was dropped.” Tony said it’s been good to see the growth of

the sport and kids get involved from around the Macedon Ranges as the population has grown. His work within the club and the sport was also recognised in 2007 when he was made a life member of Kyneton and District Little Athletics Centre.

NEWS

Fire fighters honoured Two former Macedon Ranges firefighters received the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) on Australia Day in recognition of their dedication to the Victorian community. Assistant Chief Fire Officer-regional commander William (Bill) Johnstone has had a career spanning more than 40 years. He started as a volunteer at Gisborne in 1983 and he served with the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service at Avalon, Tullamarine, Hobart and Cairns before returning to Victoria and joining the Country Fire Authority’s career ranks in 2000. CFA Deputy Chief Officer (DCO) Ross Sullivan received his medal for more than 45 years of dedicated service . Ross began his career at Bolinda and Monegeetta brigade in the junior running team before officially joining as a volunteer in 1978 at the age of 16. By his early 20s he knew that firefighting was the career for him. Throughout the years, Ross worked his way through the CFA ranks from a frontline firefighter to his current role as DCO of north east region. “January 27 will be 38 years since I began my journey as a CFA firefighter. To receive an AFSM today is surreal and an absolute honour,” Ross said. “You don’t come into these roles to be recognised. I feel very fortunate to have been at CFA for so long, to have had the career I’ve had and to have done what I’ve been able to do.”

Sergeant Justin Kurban has been honoured with a Medal of the Order. (Supplied)

Decade of innovation Avionics technician Sergeant Justin Kurban, has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his work at 35 Squadron and 37 Squadron for more than a decade. Hailing from Riddells Creek, the technician developed bespoke secure communications for C-27J Spartan aircraft, and rapidly assembled a Hercules maintenance crew for deployment to assist in evacuating Afghan civilians. Sergeant Kurban’s technical achievements include implementing a system to track flying hours of maintenance crew, who are often required on board when a plane leaves on task. “We’ve had people running about 300 flying hours in the year,” he said. “A moderate-flying pilot might do around 450 to 500.” Sergeant Kurban joined the Air Force in 2005 straight out of high school, after graduating from Gisborne Secondary College. For him, having clocked hundreds of hours in the air, passing over deserts and snow-capped mountains, the mission was reward enough.

“With fast jets it was a lot of training flights and bombing camps,“ he said. “In Air Mobility Group, I’ve been on countless humanitarian tasks and helped lots of people. “That’s been a driving factor to make the platforms a better capability and made my work feel more worthwhile – but never in my wildest dreams did I think someone would nominate me for an award.” Sergeant Kurban switched from fast jets to cargo planes almost a decade ago, working with Flight Sergeant Chris Winser ever since and more recently Sergeant Gavin Jefferis, who both put his name forward for the award. “He’s an expert technician and computer programmer that has enhanced C-27J and C-130J capability,” Flight Sergeant Winser said. “He is an utmost professional that consistently goes above and beyond. When you think about all the things he’s achieved over two squadrons; the OAM is fitting.” Corporal Jacob Joseph

Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au 12666545-AP06-24

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MY PLACE Sunbury Residents Association (SRA) treasurer Wendy Walters, chats with Zoe Moffatt about living in Sunbury and her time in the role. Tell us about yourself and what you do? I am semi-retired now, but I was a librarian at the University of Melbourne for 24 years. I’m always busy, and I love food, photography and history. What is your connection to Sunbury? I moved from Tasmania with my husband Bob and our four growing children. We built a lovely home at Goonawarra- the land was reasonably priced and we were on a golf course. We moved to Jacksons Hill about 10 years ago and refurbished the Urban Land Authorities sale offices into our spectacular home. I have been part of the Hume Community Advisory Group for the Global Learning Centre and the first community advisory group for Jackson’s Hill arts precinct. I ran the Gatehouse Cafe for eight years and commissioned artists to paint scenes telling the story of Sunbury and surrounds. This culminated in an exhibition recently at the Hume Global Learning Centre. What do you like about where you live? It is a quiet and leafy area and it is next to a beautiful little park. During COVID-19 we were able to have lots of outings in the fresh air. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? I would love a dedicated museum for all the history collections in the area, and I would love a double lane highway all the way to the airport. I would also love Caloola, Jacksons Hill restored and used. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I love being home and being with the family, friends, grandchildren and now great grandchildren. I love walking at the Nook, and also going to Launceston, where we are

Sunbury Residents Association treasurer Wendy Walters with her husband Bob. (Damjan Janevski) 375656_03

restoring our large timber home and a boat. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you? I recently had a minor stroke, and am having trouble moving my arm and leg. Luckily the F.A.S.T acronym helped and may help others F=face A=arm S=speech T=telephone. Fast

action from the Royal Melbourne stroke team and hospital in the home also helped me recover quickly. Tell us about your involvement in the residents association. My husband Bob was part of the Sunbury Rotary Club doing work locally and all

around the world, including Tonga and Nepal. I wanted to do something in the community, so I Joined the SRA about 21 years ago. We advocate to council and other authorities on behalf of the community, and this year we have given 1400 plants to kinder kids, with the help of a state government grant. We are also running a petition to get a lift at our station.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

35 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

January 31, 1989

February 1, 1994

February 3, 2004

January 28, 2014

People seeking drug rehabilitation in Gisborne or any satellite town would have to go to enormous lengths to find any assistance.

Inclusion of Sunbury in the Kennett Government’s Agenda 21 program presents the Sunbury/Macedon Ranges business community with a kick start towards a dynamic economic future.

The CFA has issued a warning to Macedon Ranges residents to prepare for intense grassland fires, despite a cool start to the year.

Thousands of people flocked to Hanging Rock to celebrate Australia Day and one of the region’s biggest drawcards, the annual horse races.

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

Dream comes true for Jayden A dream has become reality for a Maribyrnong Sports Academy student, Jayden Kim. Jayden, his father and his school’s sports director speak to Gerald Lynch about the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Major League Baseball.

aseball has always been a part of Jayden’s family. His father David Kim, played in Melbourne from the age of 14 and later moved to Seoul, South Korea, where he played in the Korean Professional League for seven years. Jayden played his early baseball in South Korea for his Little League city team, Ilsan West. Jayden was often picked as the most valuable player and went on to win a record five championships in one year. While it seems unbelievable now that Jayden would’ve ended up playing any other support his father David said that while he would’ve always loved to see Jayden follow in his footsteps and take up baseball, it didn’t always appear likely. “He started off just playing soccer and tennis and golf and all the other sports, and yeah, we just figured, you know, he enjoys soccer more,” he said. “But at around age nine, out of the blue he just said ‘dad can I try baseball?’ Obviously with my career playing baseball, knowing how tough the sport is, I was kind of like, yeah, I don’t know if you really want to do that, but if you want to try it so bad then yeah, go ahead. “He fell in love with it, and I guess the rest is history.”

‘‘

There’s a lot to worry about with the language and a new culture, but I’ve been dreaming about this - Jayden Kim

’’

After spending 20 years as a scout at Minnesota Timms, David picked up a role as a remote scout at the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of 2022. The Pirates had Jayden on their radar since 2021 and David said the club spoke to him about Jayden more before he started working with them. “They were very professional about the whole process, once I joined the Pirates it was radio silence about Jayden,” he said. “It was to the point where it was frustrating, they wouldn’t allow me to see reports, any meetings on prospects I would have to leave. I get it, but I don’t get it, but I sort of get it,” David chuckled. While it was tough to be left in the dark about his son’s draft prospects, David said the last thing he wanted was to be a ‘helicopter dad’. “I had to know my spot in the organisation, you don’t want to be ‘that guy’, and in the end the only real say I had was basically more of a confirmation on what they already saw… they asked me about his level of interest, his work ethic, it was all pretty easy to see by how he goes about it on the field,” he said. After only moving to Australia two years ago, the plan was for Jayden to finish school and hopefully move to America to play college baseball. The decision was difficult to let Jayden go to the professional game so early on and without him finishing his schooling, but after weighing up the options they decided they couldn’t turn down the opportunity. “I think the decision to go pro, with Jayden having English as a second language, even though he is an Australian citizen, was probably going to put us behind the black ball,” he said. “It’s hard enough for you know, someone fluent in English to go to a big time school, college in the States, let alone someone you know, just getting his feet immersed in English. “So, we felt the pressure of keeping up his grades at a college along with performance on the field, compared to just concentrating on being a baseball player was too much, and he

Jayden in his Pirates gear. (Instagram)

Jayden playing for Maribyrnong Sports Academy. (MSA) Inset: Jayden with teammates in the Australian camp, 2022. (Baseball Victoria)

can always return to school afterwards.” Jayden is saying his final goodbyes before setting off to join the Pirates in early February and said he cannot wait to join his new teammates. “Just really excited, nervous but excited,“ he said. “There’s a lot to worry about with the language and a new culture, but I’ve been dreaming about this. “No family is coming with me, I’ll be living with teammates in a dorm, just can’t wait to get started.” Jayden said there will be no special going away party, he is instead using his final days in Australia to work on his left hand game and make sure he is ready to impress from day one.

Maribyrnong Sports Academy director Mark McAllion said that when Jayden arrived at the school in 2021, what he lacked in English skills, he made up for and more in work ethic and passion. “He was crazily enthusiastic to get over here and get stuck in,” he said. “He even wanted to know if we had a school song, he was intending on writing one at some point. “He was always an extremely polite kid with a great attitude, he made friends and earnt the respect of everyone around him very early on.” Mr McAllion has seen a number of strong athletes come through the academy, including another MLB product last year, but he said

Jayden has one of the highest ceilings he has seen. “His potential is huge, his work ethic will hold him in really good stead, and he’s obviously extremely talented,” he said. “I mean, I’m not a baseball expert, but he’s definitely got a lot of the attributes of an elite athlete, definitely.” The MLB season tees off on March 20, so Jayden will have six weeks to try and push for an early season debut, but settling into life in America is at the top of the priority list. The Pirates started last season well with a 20-9 record, before ending the campaign with a 76-86 record, finishing fourth of five in the national league central division.

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

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

Shuttles and pickleballs Macedon Ranges Badminton Club is inviting residents to come and play badminton, or pickleball, or both at Macedon Community Centre. Badminton is played on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and Thursdays at 9.30am (starting February 1). Pickleball is played on Mondays at 6.30pm, Wednesdays at 10.15am and on Tuesday from 10am at the Romsey Recreation Centre. ■ David, 0419 589 425 or macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com

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, 54271 100 or Linda 0408 476 317

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

This weeks photographer’s choice picture is of Broadmeadows auctioneer Martin Evans. (Damjan Janevski) 384484_01

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. ■ https://fb.me/e/6h1xyerkA

Sunbury Art Society

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

Arts and games night

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

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 members are warmly welcomed ■ Doug 5428 3317, or Teresa 0417 373 006

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

Sounds Gay, I’m In! Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health are holding a free, picnic style event for First Nations LGBTIQA+ community members and allies of all ages on February 10. It will be held at 43 Macedon Street, 2pm-5pm. Registration is required and the first 50 people to register will receive a free event t-shirt. ■ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ SACMidsumma

Local camera club

Amateur Radio Club

Breast cancer support group

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

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

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

Village connect 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, Victoria Street. 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

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

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

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

Ladies probus

Chill Out Sunbury

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12-18 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

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 Ladies Badminton Club

Sunbury Combined Probus 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-noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane. ■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

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

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 email rebecca.lees@ scchc.org.au

Come have a chat

HarmoniX Vocal Company

Family History and Heritage Society

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

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

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

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

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

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

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

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 170

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

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

easy

3 6 7 9 2 5 6 7

9 6

2 4 5 7 6 2 3

3 5

7 9

DOWN

Heavenly girdle (6) Ancient Irish language (6) 'Not on your –' (5) Grant (9) Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9) Whinny (5) Concurred (6) Border (4) Give for temporary use (4) Designate (6) Fish (5) Midwestern US city (9) Device used to increase volume (9) Wild dog (5) Sibling (6) Interfere (6)

1 4 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 170

Semi-autonomous region of Tanzania (8) Tardy (8) Whenever (7) Better (7) Boy’s name (6) People of the Czech Republic (6) Video storage discs (abbr) (4) Candied citrus peel (7) Waitress who serves drinks (7) Revulsed (8) African deer (8) Network of crossed strips (7) Wrap a baby tightly (7) Takes by theft (6) Body (Lat) (6) Fat (4)

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 26

4 5

3 7 4

DECODER

No. 170

6 3 1 5

2 6 7

6 1

8 6

8 2

1 8 5 hard

10 11 12 13

N Y 22

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

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

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

30 words: Very good

S V

HEEDS HELPS INANE IRATE LASER LOATH MAXIM NOTED PERIL PROVE RAVEL REAMS REGAL RESET SABRE SASSY SEEDS SIDES SLEWS SNOBS SONES

QUICK QUIZ

1 What is the softest rock mineral?

3 What is the name of Sam Smith’s 2023 studio album?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

4 Who is the premier of Western Australia?

C H E

P L I T E A C E A T I N

S P L

ADAGE ADEPT ADORE AGAIN ALONE AORTA ARISE BABES CRANE DIETS DITTO DOTES EATEN EAVES EDGES ERATO ERROR EVADE EXTRA GENUS GROSS

2 Is the Nile river northflowing or south-flowing?

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

No. 170

H E R E

6 2 / ' , ( 5

SPEAR TENET TORSO TRACE TRIOS WADED WELTS

7 LETTERS DENSEST EARBASH LEERIER NEEDING RUMMAGE SOLDIER

6 LETTERS EBBING OBSESS RESALE SENILE

8 LETTERS DISASTER ENTITLES REPAIRED SILVERED

02-02-24

No. 170

airs, also, lours, lousy, oils, rails, rays, rivals, roils, rosily, rosy, sail, sailor, salvo, salvor, sari, saviour, savour, savoury, savoy, silo, slay, slur, soar, soil, sola, solar, soli, soul, sour, sourly, soya, surly, various, VARIOUSLY, virus, visa, visor, visual, yours

T C

Today’s Aim: 20 words: Good

4 LETTERS ACHE ARCS CESS DEBT HATS INTO LAPS LAWS MASS MELT SECT URNS UTES WETS 5 LETTERS ABETS

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

40 words: Excellent

hard

9-LETTER WORD

medium

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

1 5 4 7

easy

5x5

3 LETTERS ADS ALE ATE BAR CAP CUB DEN DEW EEL EGO ERA EVE EYE IDS IOU MRS NOR ODE PUN ROE SUE TEA TOP TOT

L WI U G Z PM J K C HX

6 2

F D B A S OQ T V R E N Y

8 1

1 3

6 9

1 7 8 3

WORDFIT

5 Is a feather star a type of calligraphy pen, a marine animal or an astrology term? 6 Ljubljana is the capital of which country?

7 Sam Heughan (pictured) is best known for his main role in which drama series? 8 What is an exonym? 9 True or false: nail polish was invented as early as 3000 BC? 10 Which animal is the closest living relative to the koala? ANSWERS: 1. Talc 2. North-flowing 3. Gloria 4. Roger Cook 5. A marine animal 6. Slovenia 7. Outlander 8. An established, non-native name for a geographical place or group 9. True 10. Wombat

medium

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2 1 8 3 5 6 4 2

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Who is the captain of the West Indies test cricket team? 2. Which team won the inaugural NRL premiership in 1998? 3. Who was Australia’s second-highest ranked male tennis player at the beginning of the 2024 Australian Open, following Alex de Minaur?

4. The first turn of Mount Panorama Circuit, home of the Bathurst 1000, has what imposing nickname?

12. True or false: National Hockey League players were not allowed to play in the Olympics until 1988?

5. What colour shirt does Tiger Woods famously prefer to wear in the final round of a golf tournament?

13. How many players are in a handball team?

6. Which water-based sport is known as Octopush in the UK?

15. Abbey Holmes played for which AFL team?

7. Ji Wallace became the first and only Australian to ever win an Olympic gymnastics medal at the Sydney 2000 Games, when he claimed a silver medal in which event? 8. In which month will this year’s Suncorp Super Netball Finals Series begin?

Tiger Woods

14. Who is the captain of the Matildas?

16. The Los Angeles Rams last won the Super Bowl in which year? 17. Which country won the Asian Cup in 2014? 18. How many points is a goal worth in Gaelic football? 19. Out of which city do The Wizards play basketball?

9. Similar in style to polo, what is the national sport of Afghanistan?

20. The 2023 film The Boys in the Boat revolves around which sport?

10. Two-seam, fosh and screwball are all examples of what?

21. The Diamonds represent Australia in which sport?

11. Which NBL team plays out of the WIN Entertainment Centre?

Alex de Minaur

22. Which Australian Olympic champion swimmer recently announced his retirement at age 27?

23. Welshman Stephen Williams recently won what Australian cycling race? 24. Who won the ‘player of the match’ award in the first test between Australia and the West Indies? 25. Which US city will host 2024's NFL Super Bowl LVIII?

28. How many kilometres is a marathon run over? 29. Which Australian city has recently submitted a bid to Cricket Australia for a new Big Bash League franchise? 30. Which sport do the Canberra Cavalry play?

26. Which city were the Los Angeles Lakers based in before moving to their current home? 27. The 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games were held in which country?

0202

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Honda sneaks in hybrid SUV

The new CR-V e:HEV RS brings fuel economy to the Honda flagship. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Honda has electrified its most popular vehicle. And who would know? One of the world’s biggest makers of internal combustion engines has been very quiet about the coming of the CR-V e:HEV RS. The Honda CR-V has long been an SUV staple for families around the world. Some 13.5 million units have been sold globally since the nameplate launched back in 1997. Two decades on, in its sixth generation, it is still the brand’s top-selling model in Australia. A late-comer to the petrol/electric generation in Australia, the five-seater e:HEV RS features a two-litre direct injection engine mated with a two-motor hybrid system putting out a combined 152 kW of power and 335 Nm of torque via an electronic Continuously Variable Transmission to the front wheels. Honda says e:HEV RS, elevates the CR-V with a dynamic edge. Its sporty appeal is amplified by body-coloured lower bumper and wheel arch trims, while piano black accents on mirror covers rear spoiler, B and C-pillar trims further enhance its sophistication. Inside, red stitching accents across the cabin, coupled with a distinctive black headliner, creates an ambiance of exclusivity and style. Surprisingly, with running-cost economy to the fore – a key step in Honda’s electrification strategy to realise carbon neutrality for all Honda products and corporate activities by 2050 - the hybrid system is limited to the flagship (most expensive) model. Some compensation comes with the RS coming well equipped compared to the rest of the range. Talking of cost, Honda Australia has adopted an agency sales model with fixed pricing that eliminates purchase-price haggling and shopping around, something Honda says it has received positive customer feedback on. The 2024 Honda CR-V range straddles $44,500 to $59,900 drive-away. The latter – the flagship Honda CR-V e:HEV RS hybrid – was on test. The SUV comes under Honda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with 24/7 roadside assist. Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000 kilometres and capped.

Styling A more powerful, sporty silhouette is achieved by pulling the front pillars back, increasing both the nose length and the wheelbase adding to the overall length. The ‘nose job’, however, seems a bit over the top but the maker says it provides functional contributions including visibility and aerodynamic performance. VTi LX and e:HEV RS get Honda hallmark Berlina Black 19-inch five-circle spoke alloys, over the standard 17 or 18s, for added sporty flair.

Interior Honda says the interior of the all-new CR-V has more cabin and cargo space with seating to suit ‘a broader range of customer lifestyles’ (fatter folk). Lateral support is the loss here, together with flatter and firmer seating. On the upside, all CR-V models now come with rear seat sliders, allowing 190 mm of movement forwards and backwards. This makes children easier to manoeuvre into position, or fit longer items in the cargo area. Rear seat reclining offers 16 positions with an additional reclining angle of 10.5 degrees, helping prevent rear passengers from getting fatigued on long drives. Access to the 589 litres of boot space comes via a power tailgate operated from an external switch. Fold the 60/40 seat backs and 1636 litres becomes available.

Infotainment Focus is on a digital instrument display, nine-inch touchscreen audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, plus front and rear illuminated USB charging ports for the driver and passengers.

Engine and transmission The all-new CR-V features a new more powerful two-motor hybrid system, mated with Honda’s 2.0-litre direct injection Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine. The motors are now mounted side-by-side rather than in-line with the engine crankshaft as in previous generations. The all-new E-CVT motor spins at 14,500 rpm and produces 135 kW peak power with 335 Nm of torque. The generator motor, which

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

spins at 17,000 rpm, puts out 120 kW, and is dedicated to charging the battery pack. The system’s combined output is 152 kW.

Safety The all-new CR-V maintains its position as a leader in active and passive safety technology, including improved Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology with a new front camera and radar system. An updated Honda Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure is designed to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front, side, and rear of the vehicle. The CR-V gets 11 airbags all up, including a centre airbag to prevent front seat occupants’ heads from crashing.

Driving There is no argument with the treatment of the driver when it comes to getting behind the wheel of the CR-V e:HEV RS. The front of the cabin has been designed with the driver front and centre, by improving the range of vision and adjusting how objects are viewed in the driver’s frame. Bonnet character lines run along the top of the inner sides of the front tyres, to enable the driver to easily discover the tyre positions. The A-pillar inner surfaces have been designed to run parallel to the direction of travel so the driver’s line of sight is drawn to this. To further improve forward vision when turning, side mirrors have been moved to create a wider gap between the mirror and the front side corner garnish. Under way, the car is no ‘bitumen burner’ but is programmed to get the best out of the petrol/electric hybrid combination. There is little obvious switch in systems, which includes the CVT. Cabin noise is far from intrusive and a 12-speaker Bose sound system makes the best of cabin architecture. Honda claims the hybrid CR-V returns 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres of fuel in the combined urban/highway, which turned out to be spot on for the test car in real time. A bonus is the requirement of 91RON petrol. The e:HEV is equipped with a toggle Drive Mode selector, which switches between

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Honda CR-V VTi X $44,500 Honda CR-V VTi L $48,800 Honda CR-V Ti X7 $46,800 Honda CR-V Ti L7 $53,000 Honda CR-V VTi L AWD $51,300 Honda CR-V LX AWD $57,000 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS $59,900 SPECIFICATIONS Honda CR-V e:HEV RS 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, 2-motor hybrid, CVT automatic, FWD

Note: These prices are drive-away.

Economy, through Normal to Sport, the last chipping in with Active Sound Control to match the sporty characteristics.

Summary Honda has produced a winner with the CR-V e:HEV RS, taking out the Car of the Year award of a prominent Australian print and online media member for 2023, so it has the hand of experts at its back.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

New rugby union club for the Macedon Ranges A conversation on the field during a masters football game, instigated the creation of the new Macedon Ranges Rugby Union club. Tim Sullivan, who played union all his life, started to play football with Woodend Masters to keep fit and out on the field. It was there the thought of a rugby union club became a reality. “It’s super exciting,” Sullivan said. “I always played rugby growing up, but there was no rugby up here for the young kids to play. “I started playing footy in Woodend and I tackled a guy with a rugby style tackle and he said why are you tackling me in rugby style? “He said they had been trying to start a club for years, would I like to start one.” From that point, Sullivan took on a key role to get things in place for a club to exist. The club has registered and has the support of Australia and Victoria rugby union associations.

Early interest has exceeded all expectations. “I decided to post in a couple of mum’s groups, as we thought we would start with the kids and work our way up,“ he said. “We thought we would get in the school systems. I had 82 mums sign up either because the mum’s want to play or their kids want to play. “I didn’t realise there were that many women that wanted to play rugby up here.” About 30 people turned up to an information night for the club as they continued to seek more interest. Among them was the vice-principal at Gisborne Secondary College, who said they could use their grounds to be home to the club. Sullivan said getting a ground had been one of the biggest concerns they had. They already has senior level coaches and two containers full of equipment.

The club had its first training session last Thursday. “I think we’ll have about the 10-20 mark,” Sullivan said before the session. “It will be a mixture of all ages. We’re super excited and we have some big sponsors lined up as well. “Next step is to get people on the field, our first tournament is in Bendigo.” Sullivan said they were aiming to have a mixed junior team for 10-13 year-olds, while if they had the numbers they would have a senior side. Sullivan said to start with they would look to face local teams to reduce the travel and eventually compete in full Rugby Union Victoria competitions. Details 0402 232 029 or tim@sondersites. com. Macedon Ranges Rugby Union’s first session

Tara Murray

(Supplied)

closing White loving being home Cats in on top By Tara Murray

New Sunbury Lions coach Matthew White is finding being back at Clarke Oval both exciting and weird. White played at the Ballarat Football League club as a junior before going on to have an AFL career, with both Richmond and Port Adelaide. Now with a few months back at the Lions and in the senior coaching role, White said he was getting used to being back at the club. “It has been weird,” he said. “It’s great to be back around everyone, but it’s a bit weird and things are different. “One fellow, I could remember his face, but I could not figure out his name, He was an old teammates old man who I hadn’t seen for 20 years “There’s lots of familiar faces and the club has changed for the better. The ground is in much better condition now, it’s fantastic.” The playing group has already returned to the track for the second half of pre-season, earlier than most other teams. White admits he’s a bit antsy to get out there and coach. “It’s been really good and there’s a lot of guys who have a new lease of life,” he said. “There’s some reserves players, who have been that for a long time. I’ve pretty much said ‘everyone has a clean bill and if you want to play senior football, you have to put your best foot forward’.“ The Lions have announced three new signings so far, with White saying there’s still a few more to be announced in the coming weeks. Jordan Tentonello has crossed from Rupertswood, while Ben Eales joins the club from Gisborne where he won a premiership. Dean Muir, who has been playing with East Keilor, returns to his home club where he played before going to the Cougars. White said they had signed everyone that they needed to sign. Pleasingly for him, there’s plenty of young talent at the club ready to step up as well. “In the under-19s, there’s three or four that are ready to play senior footy. There’s another 10 that can play senior football if we need them to step up.” Between now and the start of the season, White said they would continue to have fun on the track and they will start stepping up their preparation. The Lions kick off their season on April 13 against Redan on the road in the battle of the Lions. “It’ll be pretty solid before we start to ramp up before we face Keilor on March 9 at Highgate [in a practice match],” he said. “We’ll dial back the running component and try to do as much ball work. We’ll ramp up the crashing of bodies until we play against some opposition.”

two spot Macedon has returned with a bang in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s competition. After a long break in the GDCA women’s season, matches returned on Sunday morning and the Cats wasted no time in getting back to their best. Speaking before the game, Cats’ coach Tim Shaw said he was looking forward to Sunday’s clash. “We love playing Gisborne,” he said. “Obviously they’re our nearest competing club in men’s and junior cricket, so there’s great rivalry, through girls cricket and in the women’s now. “So we love to play them and when possible we love to get a win.” The Cats were sent to the field and were able to keep Gisborne to 7-98 from 20 overs. It was an even spread from the bowlers, with nine players having a bowl throughout the innings. Yet, Caitlin Shaw with 2-8 and Emily Wilkinson with 2-10 were the standout bowlers for the Cats. With the bat the Cats were able to cruise to victory, chasing down the runs after just 14.3 overs, finishing the innings on 3-99. Isabella Shaw was the best for the Cats, retiring on 40 not out. The coach said with his side sitting second on the ladder with just three matches to play, playing off in the grand final is the goal. The club has won the last two premierships. “The quality of the competition keeps improving which is great to see so we’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to make an impact on finals,” he said. “And the team is really focused on making an impact in the finals, we have some really strong cricketers and importantly we have a whole team of enthusiastic players who are keen to improve and bring their best game to the finals. “It’s always a work in progress, but we definitely want to finish in the top two and definitely want to make it into the last game of the season.”

Ben Eales has joined the Sunbury Lions. (Jacob Pattison) 351745_05 Tuesday, 30 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Monique Stevens steps up to lead the Jets By Tara Murray When Monique Stevens arrived at the Sunbury Jets in 2016 she never imagined that a short time later that she would be the side’s Big V state championship women’s coach. A three-time championship player with the Jets, Stevens was recently announced as the Jets coach, replacing Simon Nicholson, who is departing the club. Stevens was assistant coach last season and was set to have that role again this season. Stevens said the opportunity wasn’t one she was expecting so soon. “I’m super excited,” she said. “It felt like a natural progression and where my basketball journey is going. “I’m very honoured. They called me and asked if I would be interested and I was.” Stevens said while the late appointment

wasn’t ideal, being familiar with the club made things a lot easier. As well as being an assistant coach and past player, she has worked for the Sunbury association, with many familiar faces still about.. Stevens said after her playing days she had always been keen on coaching. “I’m learning my way into a coaching role,” she said. “I thought it would be three to five years before a head coaching role. “I was an assistant last year and again this year. I was building myself up, but it has been fast tracked.” Stevens got a taste of head coaching last season, taking the reins when Nicholson was away with state teams. She said it was a good way to get her feet wet and she thought that head coaching was something for me. Since her appointment, Stevens said she

had been busy working the phones to try and complete the squad. “We have got a few players that were signed by Simon,” she said. “There’s still some money in the budget to have an import and a couple of other players. “I’ve been straight on the phone to players, especially imports, to get that locked in as quickly as possible and get on the court.” Stevens said the squad would still have a local feel, with several local players locked in to be part of the squad. For Stevens, it will be a reunion with some of her former players. “We’ve got some transitioning up from youth league and some coming back from college,” she said. “Some Sunbury locals. It’s nice to see that career progression and some are locals that I coached in under-18s all those years ago.”

Monique Stevens (Supplied)

Sports shorts Australia Cup It will be a local derby in the opening round of the Australia Cup. State league 3 north-west club Sunbury United has been drawn to face state league 5 west team Gisborne in the opening round of the competition, which will be held on the weekend of February 9. The winner will play either Truganina Hornets or the Yarra Jets in the next round.

Big V The Sunbury Jets have announced their third import signing for the Big V state championship men’s season. Joshua Yorke-Frazer joins the Jets from the Drew-League, with the Jets announcement saying fans should be prepared for some jaw-dropping moments from the Canadian. New Zealanders Joel Coffey and Benjamon Robertson have also joined the Jets, with all three arriving in Australia last week.

GDCA

Jackson Treweek (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Roar eyes another win By Harper Sercombe The dam walls may be starting to open for Sunbury in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 season. After securing the club’s first win of the season last weekend, Sunbury again finds itself in a winnable position at the end of day one against Newport-Digman. The Roar bowled the Bulls out for 167 from 66.4 overs, however after electing to bowl, captain-coach Kevin Barker said it could have been better. Sunbury will resume at 0-12 on Saturday. “We would have liked to have them at a little bit less than 160 but to have 10 overs to face and be none down for 12 is good,” he said. “Our batters are disciplined and have the right shot selection and are happy to occupy the crease and hopefully we can get the job done. “Our batters probably haven’t got the runs they would have wanted to this year, but things like that can be forgotten about if we

can get the job done in a game like this which would put us even closer, weirdly, to the top four. “We weren’t as tight as we would have liked to have been yesterday. We dropped quite a few chances and our fielding wasn’t as good as it has been in the past, but getting that first win under the belt was massive and it would be a much better result if we could make it two in a row and chase these runs down.” A clear stand out for the Roar yesterday was left-arm orthodox bowler Sohan Boralessa who took 6-70 “He’s a class player,” Barker said. “Obviously he has a lot of first class experience for Sri Lanka. He’s played a lot of high level cricket in Victoria as well. “So when we were aware that he was available to join the club, we were pretty happy. To be able to lock in basically half the overs from one side is a really handy asset to have and he showed his class yesterday. “He threatened in most of the overs that he bowled and he could have had more than six,

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 30 January, 2024

but 6-70 is a really good result and he deserved it.” Barker said his side is full of confidence and the belief will continue to grow both internally and externally if they can get the job done on Saturday. “We’ve always felt like we were good enough to match it with all sides in the competition,” he said. “It was just a matter of whether we’re doing the basics right. “That’ll give us one win defending a total and one win chasing a total. So it would be nice to know that we can win it both ways. “It’s pretty jam-packed after first place so to be able to finish the season on a bit of a roll and get everyone believing, not just within our club, but outside of the club that we’re a pretty good div two team. “We just need to make sure that we don’t lose too many wickets to the new ball. Just making sure that we get through the first 10, 15 overs of the day relatively unscathed and then hopefully our batting line up can do the job from there.”

East Sunbury had a big win against Riddell in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday. The Thunder made 3-216 in reply to the Bombers 169. Blake Watson finished unbeaten on 100 for the Thunder. Sam Dempsey took two wickets for the Bombers. The Thunder sent the Bombers back in a hunt for an outright, but the Bombers held strong, finishing 4-41. The Thunder now sit third on the ladder. Broadford and Kilmore were the other winners.

Bowls Diggers Rest upset Kilmore in the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Highlands Saturday pennant division 1. Diggers Rest, which has won just one game for the season before the weekend, knocked off Kilmore, 56 (14)-45 (2). Broadford, Romsey and Lancefield were the other winners. Despite a loss to Romsey, Kyneton remains on top of the ladder ahead of Romsey, Kyneton Golf and Kilmore.

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Redbacks players’ loyalty ‘first class’ says coach The early signs are positive for Romsey heading into season two under coach Justin Sherman. After winning its first Riddell District Football League finals since 2015, the club has managed to retain all of its 2023 players, while also strengthening its list with external talent. Ethan Beer, Aaron Flavel, Connor Bills, Oscar Schoor and Ash Millane have all joined the Redbacks. “Our loyalty to the club and our culture is first class and I think at the end of the day if you can keep your culture strong and you can keep everyone together it sets you up for future success down the track,” Sherman said. “We’ve been able to do that really well and on top of that we’ve been able to bring in some guys that we felt like we needed, in terms of position wise and they’ve really filled a void for us. “So far those new guys have had a real impact on the group as well. The way that they’ve put their best foot forward has been really impressive and we’re just looking forward to seeing how they gel within the team.”

Joel De Haas (Ljubica Vrankovic) 347355_02_20

The Redbacks have enjoyed a long summer break after a hectic 2023, ending in a heartbreaking, three point semi final loss to Woodend-Hesket. They resume training this week. “Last year it was all crammed in with a

new coach, a new system,” Sherman said. “So this year we wanted to take a more careful approach and give the guys a bit of extra break. “That way we get all the holiday period out of the way and then we can come back and really get motoring into the practice games.

“We’re as excited as you can be at this time of year, we’re just looking forward to putting a good month of training down now and looking forward from March 2 onwards when we start practice games.” Sherman said it’s important to build on the successes of last season and to do that consistency is the key for the Redbacks. “I’ve been in the caper for a while now but you can never stop learning and growing and becoming better individually and as a team as well,” he said. “Our goal is to go as deep into finals as we can… We’re under no illusion that we just want to control what we can, we can’t look outside the four walls, we just need to concentrate on the personnel we have and the system that we want to play and from our point of view if we get that right the majority of the time we know we’re a good side. “We’ve just got to close that gap between what our best looks like and what our worst looks like and if we can meet somewhere near the middle or above I think we’re going to be a pretty solid team to play against this year.”

Important win for Sunbury

Jarryd Vernon (Jacob Pattison)321161_02

Dragons working hard By Tara Murray Unbeaten and happy with the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season so far, Gisborne knows the hard work is only beginning. The Dragons find themselves in a similar position as they were at this time last year and are keen not to see a repeat when they were knocked out in the semi finals. Dragons captain Jarryd Vernon said they weren’t content with how things were. “It’s been a good season so far, hopefully we keep going,” he said. “We spoke about it [last season] before Christmas. It’s more about concentrating on the things that we can control. “Hopefully in the back end of the year we can do them well. Last year we lost one game and were knocked out in the semi finals, we don’t want that to happen again. “The last couple of weeks we have been sticking to our plans and what we know and hopefully that will get the job done.” Vernon said they still had things to work on,

like fielding, and they would continue to work hard on that at training. He said they thought they had one area they had improved on from last season. “The young guys are going to be a point of difference going into finals from last season,” he said. “The young kids have another year of playing first XI cricket. Will Mackay and Spencer Jones have really stepped up with the bat. “We’re not relying on one or two guys and it’s really pleasing we can trust these guys to do a job.” The Dragons added another win to the books on Saturday, beating Macedon. Chasing 175, the Dragons finished 9-222 from their overs. The Cats then finished 3-68 in their second innings. While it was a convincing win on paper, Vernon said they were disappointed. “The bowlers did the job on day one and we chased down the runs, which was nice,” he said. “We were disappointed not to bat the day

out. It was a good opportunity for some of the younger guys to get out and have a hit in the middle. “They didn’t and hopefully they will learn from it.” The star on day two of the match was Vernon himself, hitting 123 off 120 balls, after a good start on day one. It was Vernon’s second century for the season. “It’s nice to get some runs,” he said “It’s been a bit of a tough start to the year but I’m finding a bit of form which is always nice. “I just want to contribute to the team and we can hopefully keep that going.” The Dragons next match is against Sunbury United, a two-day match starting on Saturday. Vernon said it would be another good challenge for them and they would hopefully continue their unbeaten run. In other results on Saturday, Romsey also remains undefeated after a big win against Romsey, Rupertswood had a disappointing day to lose to Sunbury United and the Sunbury Kangaroos beat Diggers Rest Bulla.

Club Sunbury got an important win as it took another step to locking up a top two spot in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1. Facing Glenroy, which was hot on its heels in the first for a top two spot, Sunbury came away with a hard fought 88 (12)-77 (6) at home. The damage was done by the rink skipped by Marc Bullows, which won 33-13, to return to the winners list. Lee Wesley’s rink had a one shot loss, while Mark Cowan’s rink lost by five shots and Kyle Shephard’s rink lost by three shots. Sunbury’s David Glennon said they were really happy to get that win. “It was a fantastic win,” he said. “Marc Bullows’ rink covered everyone and won by 20 shots. Marc and Sophie Kurzman in that rink were the standouts. “Last week they were going for seven [rink wins] in a row but fell just short. Hopefully they can go on another run.” Sunbury remains in second spot with Glenroy now 36 points behind in fourth spot, with Flemington Kensington sitting in the middle. Brunswick remains on top, 13 points clear of Sunbury. It will be another big week for Sunbury, facing Flemington Kensington. “They had a loss on the weekend,” he said. “We have a 19-20 point gap on that. If we can win we will almost be guaranteed a top two finish which would be great.” Glennon said overall they have three sides in finals contention with three rounds remaining. Sunbury’s third and fifth sides are both on track to play finals as well. - Tara Murray

Tuesday, 30 January, 2024 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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