Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 27th February 2024

Kicking on for 50 years

With footy players across the state gearing up for another season, the Sunbury Junior Football Club is preparing to celebrate its half decade legacy.

Founder, Larry Davis said he started the the club “because I nearly knocked two kids over… in 1973“.

“They were kicking a football around on the street… and ran out on the road to catch the ball. I asked them why they weren’t playing football with a club and they said ‘well there isn’t one’. I went to schools and got 100 kids’ names who were interested in playing junior football.”

Larry still remembers the club’s first training session. It was a rainy and misty day, which was also clouded with doubt over whether any kids would show up.

As it turned out 70 turned up and now there are 430 juniors connected with the club.

Larry said the success of the club makes him feel proud as punch, and includes the success of players such as David Schwarz and Mark Johnson who went on to play in the AFL.

High concern for Hi-Quality

By Zoe Moffatt

A plan to send 400 additional trucks to a Sunburywastefacilityin2030hasleftresidents concerned about the site’s proposed growth.

Waste management company Hi-Quality Groupisproposingtoinvestinstate-of-the-art energy generation and expand its treatment, recovery and reuse solutions at the Sunbury Eco-Hub.

If the proposal is approved, the facility is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

As part of this process, Hi-Quality held community forums throughout February. Information disclosed at a forum last week has left some residents, including Ian Sutherland, concerned about the growth of the facility.

A Hi-Quality spokesperson said modelling for the proposed activities considers approximately 400 additional trucks per day when the facility is fully operational in 2030.

“These movements would be distributed across operational hours, with approximately 8 per cent of these expected to occur during peak times,” they said.

MrSutherlandwasoneofabout30peopleto attend the forum held last Thursday, February 22,andsaidthevisibilityofthetrucksconcerns him.

“They claim this is about just 1.5 to 2 per cent increase [of anticipated 2031] traffic, but that’s unrealistic in my book,” he said.

“The visibility of the trucks is a concern… [and one of the suggested routes] Bulla Road

(turningintoSunburyRoad)isveryvulnerable and already very congested.

“The facility has a good aim to reduce the landfill growth, but putting it in a populated area brings a threat of contamination, which most normal people would prefer not to see.”

Mr Sutherland said he is concerned that a lot of people in Sunbury don’t know about the proposal.

“The people who I have spoken to are repelled by the large number of trucks going through Sunbury,” he said.

“Coming out of the meeting I felt still confused because I don’t necessarily accept all the background assertions that the facility will meet EPA standards and that still has to be accepted.”

The Hi-Quality spokesperson said they recognise traffic is of interest to residents and have engaged an independent traffic engineer to assess the capacity of the site entrance and local road networks.

“The assessment found that the site’s signalised intersection has the capacity to comfortably accommodate the proposed activities.

“Hi-Quality is proposing to add a separate left turn lane at the site entrance to further prevent any traffic flow issues at the site entrance.

“Hi-Quality also expects that all trucks would be fully covered for safe transport to and from the site as a further safety and environmental control.”

Sunbury Junior Football Club current president Chris Hanson, former coach Danny Whytcross and founder Larry Davis. (Damjan Janevski) 389187_03

Woodend garage sale

The Woodend Whole Town Garage Sale is makingitscomebackonSaturday,March2,for its 11th year.

Last year the event saw more than 40 houses register, proving the saying that someone’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Woodend residents are encouraged to register their address to secure a spot on the sale map, which can be completed online through the Woodend Neighbourhood House website or in person.

Registration costs $10, and sellers are welcome to visit the neighbourhood house to collect the official poster.

Woodend Neighbourhood House president Jenny Kerr said the garage sale is always a fun

event,fosteringconnectionsamongneighbours and the local community.

“Sellers can declutter by passing on items they no longer need, while shoppers have a blast discovering pre-loved treasures,” she said.

“We will once again be selling sausages and bric-a-brac from the front of the house, so the treasure hunting can start as soon as shoppers grab a map.”

Maps listing addresses, opening hours, and brief descriptions of the garage sales will be available for purchase for $5 from 8am to 1pm at the neighbourhood house.

Registration deadline is midnight on Wednesday, February 28. Details: www. woodendnh.org.au.

Briefs

Sunbury Scout open day

1st Sunbury Scout Group will be holding its first open day on Sunday, March 3, from 10am to 2pm at 8-10 Miller Street, Sunbury. Residents are invited to come along, meet the leadership team and enjoy a free sausage sizzle from 12 noon.

International Women’s Day

Macedon Ranges council is holding a free International Women’s Day event at the Kyneton Town Hall on March 8, 6pm to 8pm. Sarah Johnson will MC a panel to explore the achievements, challenges and strengths of women’s economic empowerment. Hume council will hold an event the same day at the Broadmeadows Town Hall, 10am to 12 noon. The event will include a panel of local leaders and inspiring women talking about their professional experiences and reflecting on the United Nations IWD theme #CountHerIn.

Pathways for Carers walk

Macedon Ranges residents who care for a loved one, someone with a disability, or someone with a mental illness are encouraged to join the Pathways for Carers walk on the first Friday of each month. The group met at the Barry Doyle Memorial Rotunda, 2 Campaspe Crescent, Kyneton, at 9.45 am for a 10am start.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Woodend Neighbourhood House volunteers get ready for the garage sale. (Supplied)

‘We’re not Hollywood’

People from all over the world travel hundreds ofthousandsofkilometerstocatchaglimpseof Los Angeles’ famous ‘Hollywood’ sign perched on the hills of the Santa Monica mountains.

Now, thanks to a new sign from property developer Villawood, Sunbury residents only have to travel to Jackson Creek Hill to witness a new American-style sign from the developer.

This new addition to Sunbury, which many locals still consider a country-style town, has angered residents, including Lisa O’Brien who has lived in Sunbury about 22 years.

MsO’Briensaidshetakesherdogtothepark every night and noticed the sign on Tuesday, February 20.

“It’s on top of the Jacksons Creek Hill and it’s facing the dog park,” she said. “I thought it wasterrible,wewatchthesunsetandthemoon come up and that’s where the sign is now.

“It is frustrating, they’re going to change the dog park to be on lead for environmental reasons but they are allowed to put that on the hill.”

Ms O’Brien said the dislike of the sign was widespread throughout the community and proves that Villawood is out of touch with Sunbury.

“It’s wrecking what Sunbury is famous for… we’re not Hollywood,” she said.

Jacksons Creek Ward Councillor Trevor Dance said he also found out last Tuesday and was “horrified”.

“You don’t want a Hollywood-style sign overlooking the ridge. [The sign] serves no purpose, a couple hundred metres up the road there’s another [Villawood] sign,” Cr Dance said. “Villawood always said they claim to be a good corporate citizen and so the Sunbury community expectation is that Villawood live up to this, remove the sign and recognise it was not appropriate.

“All the emails to Hume council have been

a huge outcry, residents don’t want it. It’s a disgrace… everyone is against it, it’s a nature reserve area with a Hollywood-style sign bearing down on the community.”

A Facebook post about the sign garnered more than 40 comments, with some users callingitan“eyesore”and“justbloodyterrible”.

A statement from the company said the sculpture has been erected on private land.

“The artwork on our Kimberley project at Sunbury is part of a public art program

synonymous with Villawood’s award-winning communities across Australia,” the statement read.

An updated 2017 Jacksons Creek Parkland FAQs from Villawood said the company “has a strong and proven track record of taking into account the needs and the issues of importancetothebroadercommunityinallits endeavours, demonstrated through its broader philanthropic activities“.

Hume council was contacted for comment.

Library grants now open

The state government is supporting local libraries to deliver more programs and spaces, upgrade facilities and provide mobile library vans.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne has opened applications for the government’s $2.2 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program to improve libraries across Victoria.

Grants between $10,000 and $200,000 are available in this Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding round.

Ms Horne said through the program, theyareensuringmoreVictoriansacross the state can access library services.

“I encourage councils and regional library corporations to apply for these grantssotheycandelivermoreprograms and services to local communities,” she said.

The state government said public libraries are about much more than books. They deliver services like cyber safety education and free internet access, supporting the community to work, study and keep in touch with loved ones.

The new programs and facilities will support communities in Melbourne and regional Victoria, with funding available for mobile library vans to provide public library services to remote communities.

The government has invested money into 120 library infrastructure projects over the last eight years. Applications for these grants are open until March 28.

For more information on Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and this year’s guidelines, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants.

The Villawood sign in Sunbury. (Supplied)

“I went for a job and was asked to stand up and turn around so he could decide…”

- Katherine Teh Advocate

Katherine Teh shares her experience of workplace gendered violence. To learn more about your rights at work, search WorkSafe Gendered Violence.

Gendered violence comes in many forms. All forms are OHS issues. All are unacceptable.

WorkSafe Gendered Violence

Beating the odds: Community win

By Zoe Moffatt

Fierce gambling harm reduction advocate Councillor Joseph Haweil has declared a recent recommendation to redirect funds from the community benefits scheme a win for the Hume community.

Recommendation five of Victorian Parliament’s Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) Report is to ask the state government to consider replacing the existing community benefits arrangements.

It recommends redirecting the 8.33 per cent of gaming revenue of clubs with electronic gamingmachinelicensestoapublicly-managed

fundtargetedtowardsreducingandpreventing gambling harm. Whether you’ve seen him quoted in The Age, The Guardian, The ABC, council communicationorinthismasthead,CrHawail has been loud and clear about his view on the benefits scheme.

He says the system is ’rigged’ and ’flawed’.

At a council meeting on February 12, Cr Hawail said he was surprised but welcomed the recommendation to consider replacing the community benefits arrangements.

“That is a major win of advocacy for this council,” he said.

“I think the outcome of that inquiry… is a

testament to how effective advocacy can be where it is targeted, where it takes a number of different approaches, and where the message is one that really exposes the injustice of the system here.

“We have said all along at this council for very many years, that these clubs should not receive a tax write off if they are not providing benefits back into the community.

“That system that is in place now… is rigged, is flawed, is a major loophole.

“And it in fact legally… allows the club sector to rort the system in terms of using the reduction of the community benefits scheme to reduce its tax liabilities, and we know the

Put your name down for rock run

Hanging Rock’s annual Run the Rock race has returned, with registrations now open for the iconic race.

The race is organised by running and fitness lifestyle company Sole Motive and will take place on April 20, with distances including 22, 13.5, five kilometres and a kids two kilometre.

SoleMotiveracedirectorJulieTeddesaidthe race has always been at Hanging Rock, but the tracks have changed as the event has grown.

“The various distances consider all types of runners… and it’s a great combination of trail running and open roads,” she said.

Ms Tedde said preparation is the most important thing for the race, and includes consistent training, purchasing the right shoes, and wearing comfortable clothing.

“The biggest tip is to practise, for example if you are going to have some drinks in the race, it’s important to try them in the training.”

Runner Taylah Elliott said she grew up running laps around the local footy running track, and has decided to take part in the 13.5 kilometre race.

“In the past six months I decided to get back into consistent running because I found that

I always experienced a positive mood change after every run,” she said.

“I chose to run the 13.5km in Run the Rock as a challenge to myself as it’s a distance that I’ve never attempted.

“Hanging Rock also provides a beautiful landscape that will hopefully prove to be a great distraction when the run gets tough.”

Ifrunningisn’tyourforte,theeventwillhave lotsofotherfun,familyfriendlyactivities,food trucks and live music in the event village.

Zoe Moffatt

majority of those benefits don’t go to the community.“

Cr Haweil also touched on the recommendation to extend the Libraries after Dark program.

“That is a program that Hume and Darebin were very much involved in getting up and running at Broadmeadows. This council then extended its participation to places like Craigieburn and Sunbury.

“Again that is a testament to the progressive policies that this council has pursued, where it comes to social policy… that is designed to reduce gambling harm in the Victorian community.”

Preventing family violence

Macedon Ranges council will share in almost $3 million to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women.

On February 16, the state government announced councils around Victoria will deliver a range of initiatives as part of the Free from Violence Local Government Program 2024-27.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said all women and children have the right to be safe at home.

“The [state] government remains focused on ending family violence,” she said.

“That’s why we are investing in our localcommunitiestosupportimportant family violence intervention programs.”

Councils will deliver programs and activities that will help people in the community understand the role they canplaytomaketheircommunitysafer.

As large employers with unique connections to their local communities, councils are well placed to support communities to both prevent family violence and stop violence against women.

This is the second round of the program,whichisalreadysupporting15 councilstocarryoutprimaryprevention initiatives in their local area.

The state government said these grants are an important part of it’s nation-leading work to end family violence.

According to the peak body for specialist family violence services, Safe and Equal, family incidents recorded by Victoria Police increased by 6.7 per cent from 2018–19 to 2019–20.

The service said a family incident is defined as an incident attended by Victoria Police where a risk assessment and risk management report was completed.

Lighting up for more action at Riddles Creek Rec Reserve

Clubs from Riddells Creek will be kicking and shooting more goals and growing its ranks with new funding for better lighting.

Funding of $200,000 will be delivered for the installation of 100 lux LED lighting to the oval at the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve. Thiswillcomplementa$50,000contribution from the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve Consultative Committee.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced on February 15, that the Riddells Creek reserve is among 12 facilities across Victoria to share in more than $2.5 million. Ms Thomas said footy, netball and cricket

clubs are the heart and soul of Macedon.

“This boost will go a long way to helping the mighty Riddell Bombers… cater for the growing number of people keen to get involved in grassroots sport,” she said.

“[It will provide] more opportunities for locals to get active and play the sport they love.”

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said council was proud to have collaborated on a positive outcome for the reserve’s many user groups including the Riddell Football Netball Club, Riddells Creek Junior Football Netball Club and Riddell Cricket Club.

“Better lighting will make such a big difference at this ground,” she said.

“[It] opens up so many more opportunities for user groups with the potential for night matches, a better night-time training experience and other events.”

Council will now work to build on earlier cost estimates sourced to progress with detailed designs, tender out the necessary works and award work to the successful construction company.

Council will also continue to work closely with user groups throughout the process. Final costs of the project are subject to

procurement processes and will be confirmed upon project completion.

The funding comes from the latest round of the Country Football and Netball Program, which is a partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.

It helps local councils replace and upgrade ageing grounds and facilities for football and netball clubs across rural and regional Victoria.

Grants from the latest round include ground resurfacing, new ground and court lightingandtheconstructionofnewpavilions and netball courts.

Tony Sortino, Taylah Elliott, Paul Mitchell and Chris Sortino practising for Run the Rock. (Damjan Janevski) 390168_03

IF YOU’VE HAD YOUR OR STOLEN, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TO VISIT YOUR LOCAL STATION...

Budget requests are trickling in

By Zoe Moffatt

Calls for funding for sporting clubs and new infrastructure were among the requests presented to Macedon Ranges council at a meeting last week.

Submitters from the municipality were invited to attend the meeting on February 21, in relation to the budget 2024/24 and council plan 2021-31 (year four). Council received 114 written submissions.

Gisborne Tennis Club treasure Ravi Sud requested funding for an “urgent upgrade” to the club’s tennis courts, following a Tennis

Australia report that four of the courts are in “very poor condition”.

“These four courts… are on a low lying ground. They’re subject to flooding and poor drainage which has caused bass instability,” he said.

A representative from Romsey Tennis Club said the club needs financial assistance, empathy, care and hope.

“The Romsey Tennis Club is in danger of closing because our courts are simply not up to scratch with bare patches, tears and mud,” they said.

“We’ll probably shut our door to

competition this winter. During competition last winter we had two players slip and fall, and thus we moved the remaining home matches to Lancefield.”

Another submitter from Lancefield park made a request for funding for an oval perimeter fence, which came up during consultation for a new master plan.

“[It’s] owned by DECA but [the park is] managed by a voluntary committee. We don’t receive any funding from the DECA for any maintenance or improvements in the park,” they said.

“We do receive 22,000 from council as a

Prepare for a wild time at the theatre

The Mount Players production team are inviting residents to step into the Mountview Theatre for a performance loosely based on the story of Edward Snowden.

With Julian Assange again dominating headlines, the production will dive into the world of leaked highly classified information.

The show Wild, is a darkly comic play that explores the unexpected, bewildering, and life-changingconsequencesofchallengingthe status quo at a global level.

It follows the life of a once ordinary guy who’s world is flipped upside down when he turns into one of America’s most wanted.

In a twist of tales, the main character Andrew finds himself in Moscow in an undisclosed hotel room, on the run and at risk of assassination.

The Mount Players president Craig Lenaine-Smith said he believes this is the first time the production has been presented by a community theatre company in Victoria.

“Wild was first performed in 2016 and made its Australian premiere in 2018 with the Melbourne Theatre Company,” he said.

“[It] is a mystery thriller tackling some of the biggest issues of the digital era-privacy, identity, surveillance and security.

“Putting a darkly comic spin on the Edward Snowden case, it is a cryptic chamber piece with a spectacular sting in its tail.”

Mr Lenaine-Smith said he is also very pleased to announce that all the cast and the director, George Benca, are new to the company.

“It is wonderful to have new talent and fresh ideas coming to our theatre,” he said.

Residents can catch this performance at nine different shows from February 23 to March 10.

Bookingsviawww.themountplayers.comor call 5426 1892.

contribution towards our maintenance. We maintain the roads around the park, the oval, irrigation, buildings and all the infrastructure of the park, so it’s a huge job.

“We estimate that our volunteer contributions… is around $200,000 per year. That’s why we think it’s a pretty reasonable ask for you to contribute to our oval perimeter fence.”

The submitter said some of the events that take place at the park include agricultural shows, truck shows, swap meets, relay for life, and events such as the Lancefield gift will be returning.

Funding pressure looms

Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell has warned neighbourhood houses will be under financial pressure and may be forced to cut back services if they do not receive a funding boost.

Throughout Victoria there are more than 400 neighbourhood houses which deliver vital services, especially in the regional areas.

MsLovelltheremustbeacommitment to deliver the requested $2.5 million for neighbourhood houses.

“Neighbourhood houses provide invaluable benefit to the community, and the government must do what is necessary to ensure these Houses remain sustainable into the future,” she said.

They provide services such as toy libraries and book swaps, English classes and internet access, Men’s Sheds and childcare, community gardens and communal lunches, arts and crafts, and food banks.

In a statement, Ms Lovell said these services are delivered by 5500 staff, and almost 7000 dedicated volunteers, who receive 10 million visits a year and give out 2000 tons of food relief.

Shesaidforaservicethatalreadyruns on a shoe-string budget, cost increases and a shortfall of funding seriously threaten the long-term sustainability of the program.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has appealed for additional funding of $2.5 million to be shared across the network, and Ms Lovell spoke in parliament to support this request.

Ms Lovell’s statement also said indexed funding increases for neighbourhood houses are not keeping pace with real inflation, and without urgent support the food banks will soon have to start turning people away.

Hume looks to sports plan amid predicted soccer surge

Hume council will investigate developing a comprehensive sports plan, amid a predicted $44 million dollar expenditure on sport for this financial year.

At a meeting on February 12, soccer and its growth throughout Hume was the topic of a robust debate, with its rising popularity a point of contention.

Councillor Joseph Haweil moved the notice of motion, calling for a stand alone soccer strategy, following Hume’s 13 per cent participation increase in soccer from 2018 to 2023.

Officers recommended that rather than

standalonesportstrategies,thesoccerstrategy be part of a holistic view of participation of all sports and the implications for all recreation spaces across Hume.

Cr Haweil said he doesn’t seek to create a two track system favouring some sports over others, but his intention is to level the playing field.

“Updatedmodellingwillseesoccerreflected long term as the most participated in outdoor sport in Hume,” he said.

“As such to plan appropriate service provisions, we need to think beyond just a few pages in a document covering 15 sports, and

instead we need to turn our minds to detailed, evidence based strategic planning.

“[In] 2024-25 we are forecasting that this council will spend a whopping $44 million dollars, or a full 29 per cent of our $154 million capital works budget.

“What is the participation rate of sports in Hume? it is 8.2 per cent.”

Councillor Jack Medcraft disagreed and said soccer is not the most demanding sport in Sunbury. Cr Medcraft is the president of the Sunbury Lions Football Netball Club.

“The predominant sports in Sunbury are football, cricket, basketball and golf,” he said.

“You are trying to paint a picture here of the whole of Hume being soccer centric.”

Councillor Jarrod Bell said he was supporting the notice of motion because sometimes councils developed plans and strategies and goals miss the mark.

“These plans and ideas sometimes don’t haveafullunderstandingofwherewe’regoing or what might come up in the future,” he said.

“I think there is an opportunity to rethink the way we do our sports planning.”

According to the motion it is predicted that by 2041, soccer will be the second-most participated-in sport, following AFL.

Director George Benca and actress Ruby James at the Mountview Theatre. (Damjan Janevski) 389929_03

New works for New Gisborne

Works to upgrade the intersection of Barringo and Hamilton roads in New Gisborne will soon get underway to improve access and safety around the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP).

The works will see a realigned intersection with a new roundabout to replace the current intersection, and are expected to be completed by July, subject to weather and ground conditions.

This will support the expected increase in traffic and pedestrians following the full development of the precinct.

A signalised pedestrian crossing will also be installed to the west of the intersection in Hamilton Road and a zebra crossing along a

raised platform to the north in Barringo Road, to improve pedestrian safety.

Council’s assets and operations director Shane Walden said construction would be staged to minimise disruption, with consecutive closures expected to Hamilton Road (east), Hamilton Road (west) and Barringo Road.

“The new roundabout and surrounding upgrades will be essential in providing better, saferconnectionstothenewfacilities,”hesaid.

“Council continues to work closely with all those nearby who may be more directly impacted by these works, including supporting the nearby schools to maintain safe connections and minimise disruptions for

staff,studentsandparentsasmuchaspossible.”

Traffic management, detours and signage will be in place during the works, with full road closures required at times.

Drivers are advised to expect some delays, particularly in the context of the separate Hamilton Road reconstruction works currently underway from the Kilmore Road intersection.

The intersection design was informed and refined through detailed planning work, alongside extensive consultation with nearby landowners and the broader community in 2021.

During this consultation, council reported close to 75 per cent of 200 survey respondents

Audiences to hear sound of Sunbury

Sunbury resident and performer Amanda Stevenson celebrates more than 35 years in musical theatre with her latest performance in the upcoming Sound of Music.

The show will be playing for a limited season at National Theatre Melbourne from March 2 to 17, as part of Theatrical’s 2024 season.

Ms Stevenson has performed in over 50 productions with companies across Melbourne and Canberra and will be playing Mother Abbess in the Sound of Music.

“I think the shows are going to be very

exciting and will provide a lot of enjoyment to those who come along,” she said.

“It’s one of my favourite musicals and the role I’m playing is a very inspirational character and motivational to Maria Rainer.

“I think the role is really interesting and has a lot of scope and some very powerful music.”

Ms Stevenson has previously received a Lyrebird Award for her performance of Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (NOVA Music Theatre).

She was also nominated for two Canberra

Area Theatre Awards for performances as Lady Thiang in The King and I, and as Ida in Princess Ida.

Ms Stevenson said she’s always had a passion for musical theatre, and once you get involved it becomes a part of your life.

“I think I’m probably a bit ‘addicted’ to it,” she said laughing. “As you work on a project with a particular [team] you do develop a closeness [with everyone].”

Details: theatrical.com.au

Zoe Moffatt

said they preferred a roundabout over alternative signalised options.

There was previously hope of an early opening of the stadium, however the higher-than-average rainfall between November and January prevented this.

“Council is working closely with all pre-booked stadium sporting clubs and user groups, to keep them updated and source alternate locations where necessary,” Mr Walden said.

“We’re looking forward to the facility openingandprovidingbenefitsforthebroader Macedon Ranges community.”

Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/MRRSP for more information and project updates.

Pharmacy pilot expands

More Macedon pharmacies are joining a pilot program to treat Victorians seeking help for mild and common skin conditions

Premier Jacinta Allan and Health MinisterMary-AnneThomasannounced the expansion of the Community Pharmacy Pilot on February 21.

From early March 729 pharmacies will beabletotreatmildpsoriasisorshingles, as part of the next phase. Ms Allan said thepilotprogramishelpingthousandsof people across the state.

“It just makes sense to be able to pop down to your local pharmacy to get treatment for everyday conditions and basic health care needs,” she said.

“Our pilot program is helping thousands of women do just that.”

This announcement comes amid new data revealing more than 3700 Victorians, who are overwhelmingly women, have already accessed care at a pharmacy since the start of the pilot.

The state government said 27 per cent of the participating pharmacies are in regional Victoria. According to the government’s release, about 2000 women have sought care and antibiotics to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and about 1300 women got a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.

Meanwhile, about 400 Victorians have accessed the in-pharmacy travel health and vaccination consultations.Macedon pharmacies in the program include: Hardy’s UFS Pharmacy, Lancefield Pharmacy, Malmsbury Pharmacy, Priceline Pharmacy Gisborne, Riddells Creek Pharmacy, Romsey Pharmacy, Terry White Chemmart Kyneton, Terry White Chemmart Woodend and Trentham Pharmacy.

Faith battle heats up as council discusses events schedule

The distribution of faith events across Hume was the topic of passionate debate among councillors when they discussed the 2024 proposed civics events schedule.

At a meeting on February 12, councillors endorsedanamended2024civiceventschedule.

The schedule details official council events that are held for celebratory or commemorative purposes.

Cr Jodi Jackson moved an amendment that the schedule include an event to acknowledge Diwali and one to acknowledge Easter.

“Hume city is one of Australia’s most diverse cities, which is something that we are all incredibly proud of,” she said.

“We know that in Hume city, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism are the

major faith orientations and each faith background holds their celebrations dear to their heart.

“Given our diversity and its richness, I’d love to see us not only celebrate the faith of the Islamic community, as included in the schedule, but also extend this to our other communities.

“The civic events schedule has omitted any other faith events beyond Iftar and I know that the other largest faith orientations in Hume would dearly appreciate this recognition by their local council.”

Cr Sam Misho said he believes council officers should undertake research to know what faiths are in the municipality and have more specific events for them.

“I think we should capture all of our audience,” he said. “I really think that we should have a policy, we do our research… and know what faiths people have.

“Before we… jumped into this we should have actually studied every different faith and worked out through the census how many people we have and address their faith and celebration.”

Cr Misho also questioned the wording of the Hume Multifaith Iftar Dinner event listed in the schedule.

“When this is Iftar, I really believe it should be Iftar, not Multifaith Iftar because for me it doesn’t make sense.

“Either we celebrate Iftar to address the Muslim community or if we are going to do

a multifaith we have to study this better, give it deep thought and come up with a different outcome.”

Cr Chris Hollow spoke against the amendment and said he felt it was too late to add extra events.

“Although I 100 per cent agree with what you’re saying, I just don’t think right now is the right time to be adding these new ones [in],” he said.

“My advice would be for the next group of councillorsandnextmayortoactuallysitdown and plan four years around what they would like to do and make sure they cover everyone from all faiths.”

Zoe Moffatt

Amanda Stevenson is playing Mother Abbess in the Sound of Music. (Damjan Janevski) 390346_04

School cleaners hung out to dry

By Zoe Moffatt

Gathered in front of parliament house, Victoria’s school cleaners, many of them from the west and north, united to protest a contract change which has slashed their hours and wages on Tuesday.

With the heat beating down on them, members from multiple unions proudly waved their flags and pumped their fists, calling for action from Education Minister Bed Carroll.

This follows an ongoing issue sparked by companies Serco and Tradeflex cutting contract hours and stripping cleaners of up to 60 per cent of their wage.

Thecompanieswereawardedschoolcleaning contracts by the state government at the end of last year.

UnitedWorkersUnionexecutivedirectorfor propertyservicesLyndalRyansaidthecleaners have been pushed into a disastrous situation.

“What these companies are doing, slashing hours, cutting corners, demanding hardworking cleaners to do more with less, is exactlywhycleanershavebeencampaigningto bring an end to this failed model,” she said.

“But instead, Minister Carroll has chosen to keep this privatised system, enabling companies to profit off the Victorian taxpayer by keeping cleaners on low wages and reduced hours.

“[Thishas]resultedinschoolsbeingleftdirty or forcing teachers to pick up the slack.”

Between speeches from cleaners and union members, the frustrated voices of many chanting ‘shame’ echoed up the steps of Parliament House.

Meanwhile driving around the city, a billboard truck called for Mr Carroll to ‘clean up this mess’.

Back on the steps protesting, school cleaner Ines Lizama said she worked as a leading hand cleaner at two schools before having her hourscut back in the changeover.

“I was devastated because I didn’t think it was going to go that far. I thought we were going to get… direct employment,” she said.

“What they have done is unbelievable. They have left everybody stranded, they haven’t got enough hours.

“I was a full timer and I’m now a part timer, and they have taken one school from me.”

As the crowd dispersed, they chanted a promise to Mr Carroll- they will be back. The

protest at Parliament House on February 20. (Pictures: Zoe Moffatt/ Star Weekly) 390049

School cleaner Ines Lizama.

Fix the Calder revival

By Gerald Lynch

Brimbank council’s Fix the Calder campaign isn’t going anywhere, despite axed funding from the federal government.

The council has renewed its campaign to Fix the Calder, calling for urgent action by both state and federal governments to ‘make it safe, get it moving and to do it now.’

In 2021, state and federal government each committed $50 million towards upgrades geared towards improved safety and reduced congestion, however the infrastructure spending review late last year resulted in the federal government backflipping on their commitment.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the funding backflip was particularly disappointing as the Calder Freeway is one of Australia’s most dangerous roads. Cr Rasic was also mayor when the campaign was first launched.

“We’re extremely disappointed… this is not good enough,” she said. “Community safety should always be the priority.

“We’re calling again for federal and state governments’ funding commitments to improve the safety and congestion on the Calder Freeway.

“I urge Brimbank residents to support our call Visit fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au to support the campaign to Fix the Calder.”

Council is campaigning for the federal government to recommit funding to provide desperately needed funding for safety works between the Western Ring Road interchange and Gap Road, Sunbury.

Further, the council is urging the state government to up its original commitment, and is seeking findings of the business case completed in 2022 for the construction of a fulldiamondinterchangeatCalderParkDrive

to be publicly released. In November, the state government refused to confirm whether its funding would still go ahead after the federal government’s decision.

A flyer is being handed out around the Brimbank area is urging residents to get behind the campaign, and said there are a number of upgrades still needed.

It says the Calder Freeway between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the Melton Highway needs to be upgraded to freeway standard.

The flyer also advocated for added lanes

from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway, and to widen the Maribyrnong River Bridge.

The council also wants a full diamond interchange at the intersection of the Calder FreewayandCalderParkDrive,andduplicated lanesonCalderParkDrivebetweentheCalder Freeway and the Melton Highway.

The Council has urged all residents to visit fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au to email federal Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King and state Transport Minister Infrastructure Danny Pearson.

Applications now open

Applications are open to local governments, community organisations and schools to apply for grants of up to $2,000, to fund events across the state during Victorian Youth Fest in September 2024.

Victorian Youth Fest is a month-long festival to showcase the skills and achievements of the states youth.

Upto110eventswillbeheldacrossthe state, made possible by an investment of $220,000.

Youth Fest kicks off in September, and will create a wide variety of events for young people ages 12-25 in their communities. Youths can organise and deliver events, showcase their skills, shareideas,buildsocialconnections,and expand their networks.

In 2023, the Youth Fest program delivered 111 activities focused on art, music, sport and theatre, as well as recreational and community festivals, giving young Victorians the chance to have their voices heard.

Previous grant recipients include the Victorian Afghan Students Association for an Afghanistan’s Got Talent event that included an art exhibition, short story competition and singing contest.

Minister for Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman said the state government are proud to support this program.

“Youth Fest is so important for sharing the voices of young people and celebratingeverythingtheycontributeto Victoria,” she said.

Applications are open until March 15.

Details: youthfest.vic.gov.au.

David Pollard, Mayor Ranka Rasic, Ian Sutherland, and Peter Watson at the launch of the Fix the Calder campaign.

Sunbury’s latest centenarian

Sunbury has welcomed its latest centenarian, with celebrations kicking off on Sunday at a local restaurant.

Patrica Rigby turned 100-years-old on February 25, with her daughter crediting the milestone to stubbornness and resilience.

Patrica’s youngest daughter Helen Ure travelled to Victoria for the festivities and said her mother still lives by herself and has always been an independent person.

“She’s a very resilient lady, she’s been through a lot in her 100 years,” she said.

“She’s never been a drinker, she’s never smoked and [she has] a lot of resilience and a bit of stubbornness. She doesn’t have any secret diet.”

Originally from Brighton in the United Kingdom, Patrica immigrated to Australia in 1973 with her family.

“My eldest brother was living here at the time and we came to visit him and decided to

move over here,” Helen said.

“We were living in Templestone and moved around a little bit and then settled in Sunbury.

“My dad, Derek Rigby, died in 2002, he was quite well known in Sunbury as he had a lot to do with the local radio station.”

Helen said some of her mother’s highlights include her time spent travelling in Europe with her husband.

“They’ve travelled quite a lot in their younger years, they used to take off in the caravan. They also had a holiday to Italy every year.”

Patrica was also a post-ministres in the UK and Australia. She has had five children, 10 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Zoe Moffatt

Patrica Rigby with a letter from the King. (supplied).

LGBTIQA+ lunches take flight

An Australian Broadcasting Corporation veteran and transgender legend Julie Peters has been announced as the first guest speaker to kick off this year’s Birds of a Feather events.

The lunch will be held at the Victoria Hotel Woodend, on Thursday, March 7 at 12pm. Entry is free and meals and drinks are at bar prices.

Now in her 70s Julie has had an interesting and varied career, and will be sharing her story at the lunch.

Julie worked at the ABC for 50 years and in her late 30s she became the first employee there to openly transition.

This was at a time when there was little understanding around what it meant to be transgender, few role models or allies, and no organisational policies in the organisation to support her.

As well working behind the scenes at the ABC, she is a doctoral researcher in public health and the anthropology of gender/ transgender, a teacher, sessional academic, cabaret performer, writer, parliamentary candidate and environmentalist.

Birds of a Feather offers the opportunity for adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex to come together in a

safe and affirming space, to share stories and feel a sense of belonging.

The events are organised by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Country LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program (CLIP). RSVPs are essential. Details: www.trybooking.com/CPDVW. Contact: belinda.brain@scchc.org.au or 5421 1666.

Julie worked at the ABC for 50 years (Supplied: ABC).

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Yoga

Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House focus on supporting participants to slow down and move well. Special attention is given to mindful awareness of movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au to enrol or give SNH a call on 9740 6978

Neighbourhood Garden

Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome at working bees on the third Saturday of each month, 10am-12.30pm, February-November.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au for more info or give SNH a call on 9740 6978

Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather lunchtime will have Julie Peters as the guest speaker for the upcoming lunch on Thursday, March 7, 12pm to 2pm. Residents are invited to join the Country LGBTIQA+ Country Inclusion Program to hear from the inspirational former media professional. The luncheon will be held at the Victoria Hotel Woodend. ■ Bookings: www. trybooking.com/CPDVW

Art Group

The Woodend Art Group holds classes and workshops in the studios in the Woodend railway station complex. They also have a social Tuesday where members and interested people can come along in the morning, have a coffee and paint together in a social environment.

■ Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252

Your Enchanted Garden

Drummond resident Phillipa Bellemore will be holding a one day memoir writing workshop on Saturday, March 16, in Lauriston from 10-4pm. The day will be spent in a beautiful environment practising different writing genres.

■ pipbell@pobox.com

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

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.

■ Meg, 5427 1100 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

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

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

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

Sunbury Art Society

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

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

Local camera club

The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month, followed by the next Monday. Doors open at 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm at Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek.

■ https://bit.ly/41j5BEw

Breast cancer support group

On the first and third Tuesday of the

month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group.

■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect

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

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

Arts and games night

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

Carer connect chat

Connect with other carers in your local area, share a light lunch, have a chat at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton.

■ 0491 174 550, or rebecca.lees@scchc.org.au

HarmoniX Vocal Company

All-male singing group happening on Thursday, 7-9.30pm in Sunbury, with a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. Rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Harlene Del Rosario who will be modelling and speaking at an upcoming International Women’s Day event. (Damjan Janevski) 389767_01

No.

To

ACROSS

1 Cicatrix (4)

3 New comers to the nation (10)

10 Marriage (7)

11 Sloping type (7)

12 Inventoried (8)

13 Publication (5)

14 Uncommon (4)

15 Bypass (10)

18 Process of change (10)

20 Help (4)

21 Homeland of Sachin Tendulkar (5)

23 Distinguishing badges (8)

26 Dizziness (7)

27 Ships (7)

28 A release of information (10)

29 Holy song (4)

DOWN

1 Cut (4)

2 More than one auditorium (9)

4 Provisional (9)

5 Homerian epic (5)

6 Practical view (7)

7 Fasteners (5)

8 Possibly guilty (9)

9 Composition in verse (4)

14 Recovered (9)

16 Bridge (9)

17 Elusively (9)

19 Having three dimensions (7)

22 Game of skill (5)

23 False gods (5)

24 Huff (4)

25 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

DECODER

No. 174

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS CAR CIA EKE ERA EWE GIN HEM HEW HUE ITS NEW OWE OWN PLY

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:

12 words: Good

18 words: Very good

25 words: Excellent

4 LETTERS EELS

No. 174

5 LETTERS

1 On which beach was the world’s first surf lifesaving club founded?

2 Susan Sarandon (pictured) caught pneumonia while filming a swimming pool scene in which 1975 cult classic?

3 In Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, which of Andy’s toys is also a piggy bank?

4 The board game Settlers of Catan features tiles that are what in shape?

5 True or false: clouds are weightless?

6 How many realms are there in Norse mythology and cosmology?

7 The Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are all teams in which sport?

8 What are the two types of pool boards used in Olympic diving events?

9 The Scream, a 19th-century composition, was painted by which Norwegian artist?

10 Which former US president is in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame?

No. 174

No. 174

SPORTS QUIZ

1. How many teams compete in the English Premier League each season?

2. Does Australian NFL punter Mitch Wishnowsky play for the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs?

3. Romantic Warrior won which 2023 horse race: the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate or the Melbourne Cup?

4. What nationality was marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum?

5. Which four clubs were last to be granted AFLW licenses, joining the league in 2022?

6. Harry Kane plays for which Bundesliga club?

7. Is the capacity of the MCG 80,000, 100,000 or 110,000 people?

The rugby league football manufacturer Steeden was founded in which state?

Which king of France was the first person to have an indoor billiard table?

10. Name the most famous steeplechase horse race in the world, run since 1836.

11. What is the maximum number of overs a bowler is allowed to bowl in ODI cricket?

Matthew Farrelly is the real name of which Australian WWE wrestler?

13. Cathy Freeman became the first Indigenous Australian to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in what year?

14. True or false: The Matildas have won a FIFA World Cup?

15. What is the NHL Winter Classic?

16. And which two teams played in the 2024 game?

17. Which position does NFL player Travis Kelce play?

18. The 2024 Royal Hobart Regatta just celebrated its what year?

19. When will the AFLW 2024 season start?

20. Lleyton Hewitt won his first Grand Slam title in which year?

21. Which two men’s international cricket teams tour Australia during the 2023/24 summer?

22.Callum Mills is the captain of which AFL team?

23. Which NBA conference won the 2024 NBA All-Star Game?

24. WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu competed in what contest against Steph Curry on NBA All-Star Weekend?

25. Which cricketing nation recently experienced their worst test match loss since World War II?

26. Which Australian cricketer scored a double century in the recent women’s test match against South Africa?

27. Recently deceased racehorse Verry Elleegant won the Melbourne Cup in what year?

28. Which Super Rugby Pacific team recently went into voluntary administration?

29. Which country’s baseball competition is known as Nippon Professional Baseball?

30.How many Super Bowl MVP awards has Patrick Mahomes won?

Travis Kelce

Lleyton Hewitt

E-power X-Trail a hybrid beauty

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

The term e-POWER is Nissan’s take on hybrids.

InthecaseofX-Trail,it’sNissan’scompetitor for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a car so popular there’s a two-year waiting list.

It’s a little different from the system offered by other manufacturers and made its debut in themedium-sizedSUVatthebeginningoflast year.

The X-Trail ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE is the cheapest of the X-Trail hybrids and comes as a five-seater with all-wheel drive.

Styling

Signature design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille have been enhanced by a unique grille treatment for e-POWER models.

The grille is framed by striking headlights that appear moulded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime runninglightsandindicatorsnestledalongthe shut-line of the bonnet.

ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE is priced from $49,990 before on-road costs.

That’s from $3200 to $6300 more than its petrol-powered equivalent, but you can’t quite compare apples with apples.

The conventional five-seat petrol model is two-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive version comes with seven seats. Gotta love those tricky marketing people.

There’s also e-Power Ti at $54,690 and the Ti-L at $57,690, also five-seaters.

ST-L e-POWER has a premium feel thanks to synthetic leather and two-zone climate air, with heated front seats, a leather-clad wheel, power-adjust driver seat and darkened rear privacy glass.

Itrideson18-inchwheelswithLEDheadand tail lights, along with LED daytime running lights and automatic high beam, as well as auto lights and wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror plus auto-fold, power-adjust heated mirrors.

X-Trail comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty plus five-year roadside assistance, with service intervals pegged at 12 months or a tightish 10,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio (but no navigation).

Ti and Ti-L get satnav, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging.

There are four USB ports: USB-A and USB-C in the front and charge only USB-A and USB-C in the back, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.

Engines/transmissions

The e-POWER with e-4ORCE system is comprised of a high-output 2.1 kWh battery together with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three cylinder variable compression petrol engine, power generator, inverter and twin electric motors – 150kW for the front and 100kW for the rear (with a combined system output of 157kW).

All-wheel drive comes courtesy of front and rear electric motors, but like most SUVs it operates predominantly in two-wheel drive most of the time with drive to the front-wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

Safety

Five-star safety includes seven airbags, including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS).

A digital around view monitor provides

moving object detection, with front and rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

Without the initial start-up noise of a petrol engine, an acoustic alert system warns pedestrians that the car has begun to move.

Isofix child seat anchors are provided for the outsiderearseats,aswellastethersforallthree rearseatsandrearseatalertpreventskidsfrom being left behind in the car.

Driving

ThebigdifferencebetweenNissan’shybridand the others is that the petrol engine does not power the wheels.

No, sir. The petrol ICE is used only to produce electricity which powers the electric motors that turn the wheels.

That makes it a series hybrid, as opposed to a parallel hybrid like the Toyota Prius (sorry, forgot, they don’t do Prius anymore, at least not here).

Under heavy acceleration or when the battery is low on charge, however, the petrol enginewilldeliverpowernotjusttothebattery – but to the electric motors.

The beauty of this system, according to Nissan, is that the petrol engine is always able to run within its ideal rev range, not forced to lug or over-rev madly as in conventional cars.

In reality the e-Power system feels a little weird and, in our experience, makes some strange noises from time to time.

In fact, it feels more like an electric vehicle than a petrol-powered one, which it is in a way.

Thanks to drive being provided by the electric motors, Nissan says there’s no delay in acceleration as with an ICE or traditional hybrid.

The instant response delivers exhilarating acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier.

Again, in reality, the response isn’t quite as instantaneous or as thrilling as promised, but it is relatively brisk.

In fact, it feels faster than the claimed 7.0 seconds from 0-100km/h. However, it can delivertorquetotherearwheelswhenrequired up to 10,000 times faster than mechanical all-wheel drive.

A drive and terrain mode selector offers five different modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road.

With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km using premium 95 unleaded and it generates 139g/km of CO2.

In comparison the 2.5-litre petrol version uses 7.8L/100km (of standard unleaded).

Maximum braked towing capacity is 1650kg, down 350kg on the petrol version.

It’s pretty quiet in the cabin of the X-Trail, thankstothefactthatthepetrolenginedoesn’t have to work hard.

For example, at 40km/h, Nissan says the sound level in the cabin is 8dB lower than competitors (it doesn’t say which).

A switch in the centre console enables one-pedal driving that slows the car as soon as the driver reduces pressure on the accelerator, slowing the car down to a creep – but not to a complete stop.

It takes the tedium out of constantly switching between brake and accelerator in stop-start city driving as well as turning corner to corner country driving into a new experience.

And, in case you’re wondering, lifting off from the accelerator activates the brake lights, warning drivers behind you.

In Sport mode with one-pedal driving selected, the e-Power X-trail feels lively and almost fun to drive.

It makes short work of hills and remains reasonably tied down in corners, albeit with a bit of tyre squeal.

ST-L misses out on a customisable, fully digitised instrument cluster, but the conventional dials are large, clear and easy to read.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

ST 2WD $36,750

ST AWD 7 seat $37,790

ST-L 2WD $43,190

ST-L AWD 7 seat $46,290

ST-L AWD 5 seat e-Power hybrid $49,990

Ti AWD $49,990

Ti AWD e-Power hybrid $54,190

Ti-L AWD $52,990

Ti-L AWD e-Power hybrid $57,190

SPECIFICATIONS

Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE, five-seat wagon

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.

It’s interesting to note that many drivers prefer to switch their digital clusters to show a pair of old-style analogue dials anyway, which makes customisation kind of superfluous.

We’re big fans of adaptive cruise control, but the current Nissan system is a struggle.

Setting the speed is easy and so is adjusting the distance to the car in front, but actually activating it is a matter of trial and error.

The gap to the car in front by the way is still too large and does not deter aggressive drivers from cutting in.

We were getting 6.8L/100km short-term which dropped to 6.4L/100km after 2000km of mixed driving.

Summing up

Hmmm . . . Not quite sure what to make of the e-Power idea.

The whole point of the hybrid exercise has been as a bridging mode to full electrification, designed to reduce fuel consumption and harmful engine emissions.

While it provides a lively drive experience, the e-Power X-Trail can’t match the RAV4 for emissions or fuel consumption, but at least it gives buyers a hybrid option and point of difference from competitors.

However, is it enough? Friends have a RAV hybrid and have been getting 5.7L/100km as regular as clockwork.

e-Power ... pricey but different in a good way.

Cannons announce leaders for season 2024

The Calder Cannons have announced that Damon Hollow will lead the club’s boy’s team into the 2024 Coates League season. Hollow first made his under-18s Cannons debut in 2022 and was made a member of the clubs leadership group last year as a bottom aged player.

He played his junior football at Westmeadows in the Essendon District Football League and is currently aligned with Epping in the Northern Football League where his father Brad is the senior coach.

He was a Vic Metro under-16 representative in2022andhasalsobeenanEDFLinterleague representative during his junior career.

New Cannon’s coach Sam Willatt said Hollow’s care for others is particularly what stood out to him.

“Damon brings his ability to connect with people, as well as his professionalism to guide a young group,” he said.

“Ihaveyettoseehimplayagainstopposition but his approach to training shows what sort ofplayerheisandwhyhewillbesosuccessful. Offfieldhedriveshighstandardsandprovides

support to allow people to improve.

“I had heard about Damon a fair bit before I joined the club, but what struck me about him ishowbalancedheis.Hetreadsthefinelineof self-belief without having an ego well, which few people can do.”

Making up the leadership group around Hollows is Jayden Nguyen and Isaac Kako

as co-vice captains and Nash King, Kieran Gallagher and Hamish Bird as leadership group members.

Cannons’ talent lead Sebastian Spagnuolo he was excited and proud to announce the six players as leaders of the club.

“All are very deserving of their new role and were chosen from a high-quality field

Bright future for Sharks

By Harper Sercombe

It may have been an off season many at Rupertswood would rather forget but new coach Brad Fox says it isn’t all bad news coming out of Salesian College.

With just weeks remaining until the Essendon District Football League division 1 season kicks off, 17 Rupertswood players have officially lodged transfer requests to leave the club.

The mass exodus from the club has paved the way for youth to take over which Fox said is something to be excited about.

Some of the club’s biggest names including DeanGalea,BrentSwallow,DylanPodolczak, Jordie Tentanello and Jacob Chahine are among the outs.

“The good news is that we’ve got 15 players that are likely to play senior football that weren’t available to the club last year,” Fox said.

“We’ve got a number of players coming back that missed the season from long-term injury as well as some recruits that we’ve brought in.

“But it certainly means that we’re going to

be a very young, and hopefully exciting team to watch.

“At this stage we’ve got 55 players available to us for seniors and reserves, we’d like to have a few more to that, it can be a long winter with injuries sometimes so I think most clubs would like to have around 60 players available for those two grades.

“So, we’re still on the lookout to add a few more, particularly people that might have played their juniors at Rupo and want to come back to the club.

“We’re building something very different from last year. The players are taking really strong ownership of what the culture around the club is going to be and it’s got to be a fun place to be.”

Since the damage to the club’s list has been known, rumours were circulating through EDFL circles that the club formally put a request into the league to drop from division 1 to division 2, however Fox was adamant it could not be further from the truth.

Rupertswood finished third in division 1 last season, losing to West Coburg in a preliminary final.

“There is no truth to those rumours

whatsoever,” he said. “We’ll be playing in division 1 and we’ll be very competitive.”

Fox said returning to or exceeding last season’s results is not something he will be consuming his time thinking about.

“People get distracted by focussing on results instead of the work that needs to go into getting the results,” he said.

“You can’t focus on the result, you can know what you want to achieve but it’s the work you’ve got to put in to create that result is where your daily focus, hour by hour focus, training session by training session focus needs to go.”

Last week the club announced Daniel Kavanagh as its new captain for the 2024 season. He has been at the club for the past seven years playing across both the senior and reserves side. He also has experience captaining at the club across other grades.

“He is an outstanding individual, he’s so much of the ethos of what Rupo is,” Fox said.

“This is a guy that knows how to lead, and it sits comfortably with him and I look forward to supporting him to continue to grow as a leader.”

of talented, respectful and hard-working Cannons’ footballers,” he said.

“The selected leaders will not only represent the playing group very well from a football point of view but they are also a fantastic representation of the current Cannons region and the many diverse backgrounds that it is home to.

“We look forward to the 2024 Coates Talent League season and seeing our onfield leaders and their teammates continue their developmentasbothateamandasindividuals and empower them to drive a strong and united culture here at the Cannons.”

Willatt added that all six leaders will bring something different to the table and will work together well.

“Damon and the leadership group all demonstrate different skills and qualities that complement each other,” he said.

“Above all, they are six good, well-rounded people who want the best for themselves and their teammates.”

The Cannons are expected to announce their girls’ leaders in the coming weeks.

Roar’s losing streak ends

Sunbury’s three game winning streak in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield season came to an end on Saturday.

The Roar faced Williamstown CYMS at the Sunbury Recreation Reserve across the last two Saturdays.

The Roar were on the back foot after day one of the clash.

The Roar made just 97 as it was bowled out in the 51st over which Roar coach Kevin Barker said was a bowl first wicket. Fill-in captain Rasika Batepola was the only player that was able to make a significant contribution to the Roar’s innings as he finished on an unbeaten 40.

The CYs resumed n Saturday at 1-39, and chased the runs down with ease, declaring after 58 overs at 8-150.

With Sohan Boralessa taking 6-66 from his 26 overs.

Sunbury was then made to bat again, losing a wicket on the very first ball of the innings.

It didn’t get much better from there, being 6-49. The Roar were then able to make a small partnership getting to 6-93, before losing the last four wickets for just one run, bowled out for 94 runs.

Rasika Batepola top scored with 31 batting at eight.

The CYs needed just 42 runs for an outright victory, and were able to do so in just six overs to keep themselves in finals contention. They finished 7-43 and claimed the full 10 points.

Boralessa took another three wickets in the second innings, finishing with 3-19.

Sunbury will play a one day match against West Newport at Loft Reserve for its last game of the season on Saturday.

Cannons’ leadership group (supplied)

Rupertswood has undergone massive changes this off-season (Ljubica Vrankovic) 341896_21

Thunder’s winning roll halted by an untimely bye

With finals just around the corner the bye might have come at the wrong time for a young East Sunbury team in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield.

Before the bye round, the Thunder was in great form, winning its three most recent matchesincludingknockingoffladderleader’s Broadford just before the week off.

President Mark Wilkins was critical of the bye as he said while it may have benefitted some teams in the division, the youth at the Thunder wanted to keep rolling.

“We don’t like the bye,” he said. “In the second grade of the competition we think it’s pretty average but that’s the way it is.

“IftheywereabitolderI’dprobablysayit’sa fantasticthingtohavebuttheboysplaycricket Saturday and could play Sunday, Monday, they’re fit enough to get through games.

“For us momentum is probably going to be an important thing.”

Afterbeingrelegatedfromthecompetition’s

first division, McIntyre Cup, last season to the second tier, Johnstone Shield, the Thunder established a clear plan and road map leading back to the top flight.

The club is assured of playing finals heading into the final round.

“We’vesetupalongtermplan,”Wilkinssaid.

“They’re a young group, they’re inexperienced but they’re getting better. There’s no high end experience in that side, there’s only a couple of 30-year-olds.

“They’re well led, they work well together, they’re brilliant in the field, they’re fit. They’re a bit younger than a few of the other sides so they get through the overs.

“It’s a long term plan, we aim to get back into division 1, we’ll earn our spot, if it’s this year or next year.

“We’ve got a long term goal with guys that are going to hang around for a few years and I’d be very surprised if we don’t have a few more come on board next year because they

love the fact that we’ve got a very young side and they blend well and mingle well. I think it’s a popular place to play cricket.”

The Thunder is set to face Aintree for the final match before finals. With Aintree in third place and East Sunbury in second, the sides could match up again in finals, where Wilkins suspects they would have a better chance of claiming victory.

“We’re probably unlucky that we’ve got to face Aintree in another one-dayer,” he said. “Our side is fit enough to get through 75 overs without an issue.

“We pride ourselves on batting through an innings and trying to bowl and field right through the whole day. They (Aintree) are a one day side currently so it suits their style.”

“The greatest thing about the finals is we play Saturday-Sunday, those that play on Saturday might pull up a bit sore on Sunday, but being a young youthful side we probably won’t go though that.”

Finals dream not over

By Harper Sercombe

Woodend kept its Gisborne and District Association McIntyre Cup finals hopes alive onSaturdaydefeatingMacedoninthesecond last round of the home and away season.

On day one, Woodend made 8-293 from 77 overs, before declaring to bowl a few overs at the Cats late in the day.

Andrew Cullen top scored with 85 at the top of the order for 85 before retiring.

Tim Berzins and Cameron Howlett took two wickets each for the Cats.

The Cats start with the bat wasn’t ideal with the side resuming at 2-19 on Saturday. Warren Else has both wickets for Woodend.

“We were pretty happy with that score, we batted pretty well,” Woodend coach Greg Matthews said after the match.

“We got a bit bogged down a little bit but credit to Macedon with their tight bowling at the time.

“But 293 is a pretty good score, it’s a big oval at Macedon and we always thought we were going to be in a reasonable position to win the match with that total on the board.”

Withtheball,Matthewssaidhewaspleased with the result but he would’ve liked to get through the wickets quicker, with Macedon batting out the 88 overs making 7-184.

William Bobetic top scored with 75 not out from 268 deliveries. Else was the main wicket taker with 3-36.

“We were pretty happy with the bowling innings, we were hoping to get through them a little bit quicker and perhaps put them back in or have a bat,” he said.

“We’re happy with the win obviously but it would have been nice to take the 10 wickets.

“We were able to take some early wickets and prevent them from getting away from us… and play the game on our terms.”

For Woodend to play finals they will need to knock off the undefeated Gisborne on Saturday and have the Sunbury Kangaroos lose to Sunbury United.

“We needed to keep winning,” Matthews said. “We’ve got a tough match coming up against Gisborne so it’ll be a good test.

“We’ll be going into it with nothing to lose really, we need to get that win to stay in finals contention so we’re looking forward to the

challenge and hopefully things go our way.

“Anything can happen, it’s going to be a challenge but a challenge that we’re excited about because we feel like we’re on the way up as a club.”

In other results, the Kangaroos are coming off a loss against Gisborne.

Gisborne batted first and posted a massive first innings total of 342, being bowled out in the 79th over on day one.

The Kangaroos could only reach 261 before being bowled out with Corey Woolley top scoring with 103.

Gisborne then batted out the day making 3-105.

Romsey defeated Sunbury United in a thriller, winning by just one wicket.

The Bees had made 191 on day one and Romsey resumed at 0-6.

Romsey was bowled out for 197.

Rupertswood sealed its spot in the top division, while Diggers Rest Bulla is consigned to relegation after Rupo got the points in that game.

Cats and Tigers out

Macedon’s premiership defence is over, while Lancefield’s hopes of going one further in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s competition has also come to an end.

The semi finals pitted last season’s two grand finalists against Darley and Bacchus Marsh, both keen to make the final game of the season for the first time.

Darley, which has been the top side all season, proved too strong for Lancefield Yellow.

The Devils batted first and was all out for 128 from 28 overs with star bar Kim Bessell making 68 not out at the top of the order. Extras was the next highest scorer with 44, as not other batter reached double figures.

Nat Jeffery was the pick of the bowlers with 3-16 off five overs.

Lancefield lost an early wicket before getting to 1-23. The wickets then started to tumble with the Tigers bowled out for 44. The last four wickets fell for just four runs.

Jasmine Kilmartin and Kim Bessell took three wickets each.

The Cats, who had won the last two premierships, faced Bacchus Marsh in the other semi final. The two teams had finished equal on points after the regular season.

The Bulls batted first and set a good early platform in their innings, eventually finishing 6-144 from their overs.

Sam Bamford top scored with 70 before retiring.

Lola Coppin took 3-15 for her overs, while Caitlin Shaw took two wickets.

At 1-49 in the run chase, the Cats had set themselves up to have a real chase at the total. The wickets started to fall and the Cats were bowled out for 100 with one and half overs remaining.

ShawandEmilyWilkinsontopscored with 23 apiece.

Bamford completed a standout all-round game with 3-10.

Darley will now host Bacchus Marsh, its cross town rivals, in the grand final on Sunday

Thomas Burnside (Jacob Pattison)318047_10

Andrew Cullen (Jacob Pattison)382208_09

Juniors score a win in mixed week for eXtreme

It was a Bowls Premier League to forget for Melbourne eXtreme senior side last week, but there was some joy for its junior team.

Hoping to go one better in the 19th edition of the event, the Club Sunbury-based club struggled to replicate what it had done the competition the edition before when it managed to make the final.

eXtreme started with two wins on day one, before dropping their next two matches. The side managed to win two games on day two to get back in front of the ledger heading into day three.

From there, the side struggled to put back-to-back wins together and it would knock it out of finals contention.

eXtremefinishedbottomofthecompetition, with six wins out of 18 games.

The team this event was Matt Flapper, Kylie Whitehead and Ray Pearse making his debut for the eXtreme, eXtreme manager Marc Bullows said it wasn’t their week.

“Just not our tournament, several tiebreaks not going our way, putting us on the back foot,” he said. “Bowls sometimes becomes a sport of luck and we literally had none.

“Kylie Whitehead had another great

tournament. Still proud of the team even though we didn’t make the finals it was a tournament of indifference with Moama Steamers and Tweed Offspreys not making finals either which both teams featuring in finals for as long as I can remember.”

Whitehead said things just didn’t fall their way and were hoping they would bounce back in BPL20.

Coach Kelvin Kerkow said they weren’t able to put it all together.

“I think we found it a little hard going at times and results didn’t fall our way, we weren’t as good as we could have been, things are positive for the future.

It wasn’t all bad for the eXtreme winning the first edition of the junior competition.

Theteamwhichqualifiedforthetournament at an event in Sunbury, beat the Moama Steelers in the final on Friday,

Club Sunbury’s own Emilee Davies was in theteamwithJontyHayesandLoganMarshall.

The team come from behind to win, 2-9, 6-3 before winning the tie breaker 1-0.

Bullows, who was team manager and coach of the youth side, said they were extremely proud of the side and what they had achieved.

Tara Murray

Warriors are ready to go

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors can’t wait for the Victorian Netball League championship season to get underway.

The Warriors are one of three new clubs that will take to the court in the VNL this season, with plenty of work having been done behind the scenes.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said practice is good, but nothing beats getting on the court for the real thing. The season kicks off on March 6.

“It’s snuck up on us,” she said. “We had our practice match and tried some different combinations ang get the girls out on the court.

“We’ve been stuck with a few injuries with the under-23s and some girls came up from the development team along with the younger girls have a chance to step up and see how they go.

“Kiara Boyd was part of the under-15 SSV team last year, Liv Powell was at the City West Falcons and Charlee Duff-Tyler has been in a VNL environment as well.

“They were ready to step up.”

Bailey said the injured players including Brydi Hutchinson, Narena Baker and Leona Hristovska should all be fit for the first game of the season.

On the championship side of things, Bailey said they were working hard to make sure the team was set to go for round one.

The group has a mixture of youth and experience, with a number of players returning to the court.

“We’ve been working on defence a bit more with a couple of players having not played for a while.

“We’re getting them back to the level of required. We face Geelong in round two who have Zanna Woods which will be a really good test for them.”

Another getting used to being back on court is Vanessa Augustini.

Augustini, who grew up in Melbourne’s west, has previously played in the VNL championship division, while was also a training partners for Collingwood’s Suncorp Super Netball team.

Augustini is a late addition to the Warriors side.

Julia Woolley (Supplied)

“I kept nagging her a lot,” Bailey said. “She’s coming back after having a little baby and some time off netball.

“She strengthens our attacking end and she played with Julia [Woolley] at Geelong. She has fitted in seamlessly.

“She still loves the game and has a passion for a game. It changes our structure and it gives us something different.

“With Simona Di Filippo and Ruby Shannon, it’s quite a mosquito fleet.”

The Warriors start their season on March 6 against Boroondara Express.

Bailey said there would be lot of excitement from the playing group.

“Getting to put on the dress and really excited to put on the uniform.

“There’s really good enthusiasm to see what we can do. You can do all the training in the world, but it’s not until game day you can see what we can do.

“Hopefully it’ll be good.”

Sunbury knocked out

Club Sunbury fell short of a Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 grand final again.

Having been so close in recent years, Sunbury had been one of the top teams all season. The side dropped off form in the back half of the season, but went into the finals on the back of a big win.

On Saturday, Sunbury managed to get the job done against Glenroy.

Sunbury won three of the four rinks on the way to a 79 (16)-62 (2) win.

Marc Bullows’ rink won 19-12, Mark Cowan’s won 20-15 and Paul Cullis’ rink won 23-17. Lee Wesley’s rink fell just short 18-17.

Bullows, John Bell and Emilee Davies were the standouts in the win.

Sunbury was back in action on Sunday in the preliminary final against Flemington Kensington for a shot to face Brunswick in the final.

It was a day to forget for Sunbury, as Flemington Kensington dominated on the way to an 85 (16)-49 (2) win.

Lee Wesley was the only winning skip for Sunbury, winning 19-13. Mark Cowan’s rink lost 25-13, Paul Cullis’ lost 25-8 and Marc Bullows’ rink lost 22-9.

Sunbury’s David Glennon said it was always going to be tough to get the win against Flemington Kensington on its home green.

He said they were disappointed not to have gone further considering where they had been on the ladder for most of the season.

“We lost by a larger margin to them three weeks ago, it was always going to be tough,” he said. “In particular its disappointing as we were in contention for the top two for well over three quarters of the year.

“Those losses in the penultimate and third last rounds really hurt. It promised tobeaareallygoodseasonbutittethered away at the end.”

Glennon said they would look to recruit some players in the off season to take that next step.

Logan Marshall, Marc Bullows, Emilee Davies and Jonty Hayes. (Bowls Australia)

“Your jewellery may be worth

than