Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 9th April 2024

Vintage cars drive auction

A working 100 year-old Dodge is one of about half-a-dozen vintage cars about to go to auction in Diggers Rest.

M.E Auctions is organising the sale that also includes a 1951 Daimler, a 1955 Mercedes and a 1969 Toyota bus, all in working condition.

There’ll also be “paddocks full” of other goodies including tractors, a forklift, machinery, implements, workshop and landscaping tools, PA gear, and more.

Seller Wez Rowe said he’s always had a penchant for buying and collecting unique items he likes at the “behest” of those around him.

“I get to a point where I’ve got too much of a good thing and have to clear them out,” he said.

Mr Rowe said the Dodge ended up in his possession after a friend who was restoring it passed away from cancer in 2020. “Hopefully someone else can give it the attention it deserves,” he said.

There will be a viewing of the auction items on Friday, April 19, from 2pm to 4pm at 219 Diggers Rest RoadCoimadai Road, Diggers Rest.

The auction will be conducted online only, via live video stream from 10am on April 20. Details: meauctions.com.au/ saturday-20th-april-2024---diggers-rest

Repairs hinder rescue

By Zoe Moffatt

Criticism about long delays to repairing CFA vehicles and equipment were recently aired in parliament, following a brigade near Kyneton being delayed at a rescue because of an unrepaired vehicle problem.

Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell raised the issue during the last sitting day of parliament and said CFA fire brigades are experiencing widespread serious maintenance issues with primary fire and rescue vehicles.

“Volunteers at a brigade near Kyneton are made to use a 26-year-old pumper that has dangerous issues with its air brakes,” she said.

“CFA head office says the problem is unlikely to be fixed for some time and that there are no replacement pumpers available.”

Ms Lovell said volunteers have advised her there are widespread maintenance issues with vehicles, which the Emergency Services Minister has been informed about, but there are still long delays to repairing vehicles and other equipment.

“Regional Victorian communities pay their fire service levy, yet they still have to fundraise for essential equipment, including vehicles,” she said.

“Last week the brake issue resulted in delayed turnouts to trapped persons in road rescues. The air issue also means that the fire truck may not be able to start its pump at a fire.

“CFA volunteers do an incredible job in the community, and they deserve to have vehicles and equipment that are adequately maintained and safe to use.”

A CFA spokesperson said safety is always CFA’s primary consideration and operational vehicles are a key part of that response capability.

“Wetakethemaintenanceofourequipment seriously. The average age of the CFA fleet is 15.5 years and CFA replaces vehicles as, and when, it can within the budget it has available,” they said.

“All emergency response vehicles within the CFA fleet are maintained by our expert mechanical officers and are subject to annual maintenance servicing and an annual

fire-worthy inspection by qualified technical stafftoensuretheyareingoodworkingorder.

“The CFA total base budget for fleet vehicle replacement is around $11 million per year.”

While Ms Lovell spoke about delays within the CFA, nearby firefighters in Brimbank have also voiced their frustrations over the alarming frequency of equipment failures plaguing their station.

As previously reported by Star Weekly the St Albans Fire Station has received seven replacement vehicles for their fire truck – also referred to as an ‘appliance’ since September last year.

The state government was contacted about Ms Lovell’s comments and her question in parliament.

Wez Rowe is auctioning off a collection of vintage cars. (Damjan Janevski) 397403_01

Families in transport ‘bubble’

By Zoe Moffatt

Students from the Macedon Ranges are continuing to be affected by V/Line train strikes and works, with call outs requesting help for the stranded teens often popping up on community Facebook pages.

When Gisborne student Paige Sleidhtholm and her mother made the difficult decision to move her from her local school to TAFE in Bendigo it was a decision born out of grief. Paige’s father had died in a freak accident and together they decided the move would be a fresh start for the then 15-year old.

Mother Marnie Smith said the school move as a whole had been a positive experience but struggles with public transport had been

extremely frustrating.

“It’s almost like we’re stuck in a bubble here, and you can’t get through it,” Marnie said.

“It’s fantastic that we have the V/Line service here, I just think they need to offer more services, especially with the growth in the area.

“Kids going further out for school- away from Melbourne- aren’t looked after like the kids going towards Melbourne.”

While community Facebook pages are frequently awash with stories of frustration at public transport, there has been one noticeable trend and that is the call for community members to help pick up or drop off teenagers at train stations, often going to

places like school or work.

For Paige, this call out helped her to get home after she said a fatality on the Swan Hill line caused the service to cease in late March.

She said one train was cancelled, which resulted in about 200 people needing the following train.

“At this point I spoke to Katrina and she said there was a lady who was able to give me a lift,” Paige said.

As Paige’s younger brother goes to a different school in Gisborne, her mother Marniewasn’tabletotravelthe200kilometre round trip to pick her up.

While this was not an ordinary situation, V/Line disruptions due to strikes have also

Almost three decades of swapping

The Lancefield swap meet and car show is returning to the Macedon Ranges, celebrating almost three decades of its existence.

The 29th edition of the meet will take place at Lancefield Park on Chauncey Street, on Saturday, April 14 from 7am to 4pm. Judging will take place on the main oval at 11am. Sweep Meet coordinator Pam Choate said they are expecting a good crowd this year, after last year’s attendance drained away as the rain poured in.

“Last year’s attendance wasn’t so good because we had two inches of rain… it was

terribleweathersowe’rehopingfornorainthis year,” she said.

“The weather really makes it, because if you get a sunny day you get thousands of people… and it’s looking promising this year.”

Starting with about 100 sites, the meet has now grown to include more than 400 sites and Ms Choate said they are expecting at least 3000 people in attendance this year from across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

“It’s good for the whole Macedon Ranges shire and beyond, the community becomes

part of the day as well,” she said. “I’ve had quite steady car enquiries and a couple of car clubs, we’re expecting over 200 [cars] again.

“On the day there’s lots of car parts, and everything to do with cars, as well as collectables and dotted amongst the cars is a variety of stalls.”

Entry on the day is $6 per person and there will be six judging categories, including best vehicle- Australian origin, American origin, British/ European/ Asian origin, best vehicle with unrestored/ original patina, best motorcycle and best overall vehicle.

impactedPaigegettingtoschoolthisyearand further highlights the effect of disruptions.

“For about three weeks there were strikes on Monday and Friday so I couldn’t get to school, I studied [at home].

“Considering the trains have still been delayed I haven’t been going to school as much, I had my attendance checked and it was 63 per cent.

“It’s kind of annoying when teachers say ‘oh we talked about this last week’ but I wasn’t there.

“I find it hard especially when it’s a task I’m beginning but when it’s an assignment I’ve already started it’s not too bad.”

Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson was contacted for comment.

A day to meet neighbours

While it’s too late for Neighbour Day 2024, Hume residents may soon be able to enjoy a day out with neighbours, courtesy of council.

Neighbour Day is a national initiative that usually occurs in March.

It originated to foster community connection and allow residents to meet and catch up in an informal setting.

The day has already been adopted by nearby council, Brimbank, which runs a program offering $250 to citizens to hold events in their neighbourhood.

Councillor Karen Sherry raised a notice of motion in the March 25 council meeting, and strongly threw her support behind the initiative being adopted by Hume.

She has asked for a feasibility study into how it can work for Hume, and said it would help to connect the community.

Councillor Jarrod Bell said his connection to the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) has allowed him to experience first hand the benefits of a neighbour day celebration, and he endorsed the concept.

“Research shows that those who have strong relationships with their communities and neighbours are more likely to help one another and have better outcomes when faced with emergencies,” he said.

Councillors passed the notice of motion, and it will now be further investigated by council officers and be considered for a future year.

New Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant licence

Coliban Water and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have reached an outcome regarding the new operating licence for the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant.

In a statement from Coliban Water on April 3, the managing director Damian Wells said he is pleased the amended licence will contain environmental performance standards.

“[This] will protect the environment and human health, and [is] consistent with our Environment and Sustainability Policy.

“In 2019 we acknowledged the historical non-compliance issues at the plant, and began a $20 million investment program.

“Over the past four years this investment has delivered a dramatic step-change in environmental performance.”

Mr Wells said this includes a 95 per cent reduction in phosphorus in river releases, a trebling of treated water storage, a new 14 kilometre pipeline for recycled water and a new class c to class b recycled water facility.

He said there has also been an additional 350 megalitres of recycled water provided for agricultural use each year, as well as continued supply of recycled water to the Kyneton Racecourse, the Kyneton Botanic Gardens and local sports fields.

In its own statement, EPA said the decision to allow further amendments to the licence stillgivesappropriateprotectionforthehealth of the Campaspe River and the environment.

Coliban will be allowed to release up to two parts effluent per one part receiving water flow, but it can only do so for up 30 per cent of the 800 megalitre annual discharge they are licensed to release, EPA said.

The remaining annual limit can be discharged at one part effluent per three parts receiving water flow at any other time.

Coliban must also operate and maintain an interlock that automatically diverts effluent

from the discharge pump station at the treatment plant to a holding lagoon when total ammonia concentration exceeds 1.4 milligrams per litre.

EPA said the outcome was reasonable and still gave good protection to the environment through extensive controls including automated systems, and allowed the Kyneton plant to operate responsibly.

This is a complex outcome and EPA said it will be engaging with the community to give a thorough explanation of how it will work while still delivering on our environmental goals.

Loraine Kraus and Bill Balean get ready for the Lancefield Swap Meet. (Damjan Janevski) 396217_01

Divided over the future

By Zoe Moffatt

The Macedon Ranges community continues to be divided over the future of the Kyneton Showground, the netball changing facility and the 10 elm trees that line the grounds.

The small town has recently received its fair share of media attention with the Kyneton Football Netball Club (KFNC) calling for improvements to its “sheep shed” changing facility.

The club president Hayden Evans said there are no showers, no hot water, no heating or cooling, no sanitary facilities and rats and mice everywhere.

While Macedon Ranges council has adopted a masterplan for new change facilities- which removes the elm trees- an objection lodged to this removal has put progress on pause.

Rob Bakes is a spokesperson for the local residents objecting to the removal of the trees andsaidtheysupportthelongoverduebuilding of decent, safe and healthy changing rooms.

“What we oppose is the unnecessary removal of the 10 mature trees to build those rooms,” he said. “In the consultation process, the community, other clubs using the sports ground, including the netball club, supported the option that did not require the trees to be removed.

“Thiswasignoredbythecouncil,fornogood reason.”

Mr Bakes said the sporting ground is used year round by many clubs including junior cricketers and Little Athletics in summer when heat is at its highest temperature.

“It is well known that mature deciduous trees play an important role in reducing air temperatures.

Sunbury teen arrested

A Sunbury teenager was among five children charged after a string of alleged offending and an extended follow through Melbourne.

Police said it is believed the children, travelling in an alleged stolen Nissan X-Trail, attended a convenience store in HighStreet,Armadaleabout10.40pmon Tuesday, April 2.

Someofthechildrenallegedlystolethe store attendant’s car keys before stealing his MG wagon parked outside the store. The remaining children fled in the Nissan X-Trail.

It’s further alleged the five attempted a robbery a short time later at a convenience store on Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East about 11.20pm.

It’s believed the stolen MG was dumped and the Nissan X-Trail, which had allegedly been stolen on March 29 with the keys inside, was followed across a number of suburbs, including Carlton, Blackburn and the CBD.

Mr Bakes said the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) applicants are also concerned about the impact of removing the trees on the heat on their neighbouring properties.

“This matter could be resolved today if the council agreed to build the changing rooms without removing the trees.

“Thereisaplaceonthelandwherethatcould bedoneandithasalmostuniversalcommunity support. It is not the applicants to VCAT but the council who is holding up this project.”

Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said the master plan was

“If anybody doubts this they should go down to the botanic gardens on a hot day, stand under the magnificent mature trees there and see how they feel compared to standing in direct sunlight in open untreed areas.”

adopted following extensive consultation with user groups and the community.

“The location… is consistent with the principles of gender equity and Netball Victoria’s facility guidelines... encourages good visibility… and maximises player and spectator confidencefromasecurityperspective,”hesaid.

Mr O’Sullivan said council does not take decisions like the removal of the tree lightly, and an independent arborist’s report found the trees were in various stages of declining tree health, vigour and life expectancy.

“The master plan ensures additional tree planting on the site to complement other existing trees that continue to surround the ground to the south and south-east.”

Police said the car was immobilised using stop sticks on Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale about 12.40am, April 3.

Two 15-year-olds, a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds were later arrested in Kerr Street, Fitzroy.

A 17-year-old Sunbury teenager sustained a minor injury to his hand and was conveyed to hospital for treatment.

He has been charged by summons with two counts of theft of motor vehicle, two counts of attempted burglary and robbery.

He is due to appear at a court at a later date.

“We followed the kids down the Surf Coast after our friends told us about Armstrong Green. To our surprise, many residents in the community in our beautiful new village also came from the North West. So join us in 2024.” Register

Kyneton Football Netball Club players in the changing facility. (Supplied)

Taste of the Deep Creek

Farmers and makers from Deep Creek Valley invite the public to the dining series event in mid-April.

The event promises a unique five-course lunch that highlights the seasonal produce of the region.

Local producers such as Madelaine’s Eggs, Dreaming Goat Dairy, Wildwood Organics, ChinChinFarm,SourceFungi,andBlackmore Wagyu will serve each course, featuring the hero ingredient from their farms.

DV Cider host and featured producer Jenny Abalos said, “if you love a foodie experience and love to know the story behind your food, come meet the makers and growers of our region.

“These are growers that have become a master at their craft, purely through research,

and good trial and error. All have the same ethos of instilling community, sustainability and innovation in their farming techniques.”

The lunch pairs each dish with specially crafted cocktails from Chin Chin Farm and DV Cider.

Guests will also receive exclusive access to the Eastern Macedon Ranges Producer Sample Pack, offering a variety of culinary treats.

Ticket are on sale and covers all food and drinks.

The lunch, set against the backdrop of the scenic Eastern Macedon Ranges, will take place at DV Cider House on Sunday, April 14 from 12.30-5pm.

Details: https://www.chinchinfarm.com. au/events/deep-creek-valley-producers-lunch.

Briefs

Works underway

Macedon Ranges council has announced upgrades to the intersection at Barringo and Hamilton roads in New Gisborne are now underway. Council said a new roundabout will enhance access and safety around the nearby sports precinct, while a signalised crossing on Hamilton Road and a zebra crossing on a raised platform on Barringo Road will also be added. Hamilton Road east and west construction will begin early April to mid-June, while Barringo Road north and south construction will begin mid-April to mid-May. Detour routes and updates: mrsc.vic.gov.au/ hamilton-barringo

Garage sale

1st Riddells Creek Scouts will be hosting a whole town garage sale on Saturday, April 20, from 8am to 2pm, to attend the Australian Jamboree, in Maryborough, QLD. Garage sale and car boot sites are $10, and will be added to the map. Maps will be available on the day for $5 each from the 1st Riddells Creek Scout Hall. Indoor market stalls are available for $15, and there will be a firewood raffle on the day. There will also be a battery drive, and attendees are encouraged to drop off car batteries to the scout hall.

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A past event of DV Cider, a cocktails provider for Deep Creek Valley dining event (Supplied)

Community push for Bulla Bypass

By Zoe Moffatt

The Sunbury community is calling for the state government to push ahead with the Bulla Bypass if it wants to keep processing and disposing spoil from Big Build and infrastructure projects at the Bulla Spoil Processing Facility.

The minister for planning recently wrote to Hume council for its views on changing the Hume Planning Scheme to allow the Bulla SpoilProcessingFacilitytoprocessanddispose of spoil from Big Build projects and other infrastructure projects for another 24 years.

Currently, only spoil from Big Build is accepted at the site, an arrangement that was

set to end on April 1.

Sunbury resident Ian Sutherland has previously voiced his concerns about Hi-Quality’s proposed growth, and said he is more concerned about how the waste is going to get to the facility.

“I think [waste] has to go somewhere and they appear to have enough room in the Hi-Quality tip to handle those,” he said.

“The traffic for that and more particularly thedomesticwastetrucks,whichwillbesmelly as well… to [have] 400 [additional trucks] is going to be a big problem.

“The current routes all impact the community, so if they want to improve that situation they should build the Bulla Bypass.”

A festival of voices

Sunbury will be filled with a harmonious melody as the Festival of Choirs hits town.

Hosted by HarmoniX VC, about 110 performers from eight choir groups will be singing a harmonious melody on April 20 and 21. The first day of the event will be held at St Marys Anglican Church Sunbury from 7pm until 10.30pm.

Expect a festive evening with special guest Mitch Tambo, who will perform three solo songs and three in collaboration with the HarmoniX and DynamiX choirs which make up HarmoniX VC.

Mitch Tambo, a celebrated Gamilaraay man, merges traditional Aboriginal sounds with contemporary music, gaining acclaim for his rendition of “You’re The Voice” on Australia’s Got Talent 2019.

The festival continues on April 21, from

1pm to 4.30pm at the Memorial Hall, with the Festival of Choirs showcasing diverse community choirs.

HarmoniX VC’s Peter Galland, said they encourage the young and the not-so-young to come along to this festival.

“Be uplifted in spirit by the magic of over 100 combined voices ringing out in harmony with the brilliant Mitch Tambo.”

Entry to the concert is free, but attendees are required to book tickets due to limited seating.

The West Gate Tunnel Project sponsors this unique celebration.

Bookings: https://www.trybooking. com/1184869 or https://www.trybooking. com/1191227.

Mr Sutherland said the state government should pay for the road if it will help transport waste from state government infrastructure projects. Hume council is also calling for the Bulla Bypass to be built if this is to go ahead. Upper house MP David Ettershank recently raised concerns about the expansion of the Hi-Quality’s Sunbury Eco-Hub in parliament andsaid“thewestisthebestbutitgetssomuch less.”

Mr Sutherland said he agrees with that statement and said there are lots of issues in the west the state government is not addressing.

In response to concerns about the additional trucks and potential routes, a Hi-Quality spokesperson said several existing and

approved B-Double truck routes through both Bulla and Sunbury are being considered.

“The final routes and truck volumes travelling on each would depend on where the waste is coming from, and who is supplying it. Exact routes would be determined closer to the commencement of operations,” the spokesperson said.

“HiQ understands that truck movements are a concern for the community. It recommends that truck movements are dispersed across several different approved routes and… distributed across operational hours to reduce truck movements during peak hours.”

The state government was contacted for comment.

Roads report is moving slowly

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges council has delayed releasing its report into the Management of Unsealed Roads within Township Boundaries Report, saying the Christmas and New Year weather events interrupted the work.

Council manages and maintains 76 kilometres of unsealed roads within township boundaries, and said it receives a high number of customer requests annually regarding dust, maintenance, and requests to seal these unsealed roads.

Speaking to the motion on March 27, council’s director of assets and operations

“[It would detail] an options analysis complete with recommendations and costings for managing unsealed roads within township boundaries,” he said.

“Our staff began working on the investigations and the issues and opportunities regarding the recommendations and costs.

“This work was interrupted by the time commitment in responding to the rain events over the Christmas and New Year period and the follow up activity following these events.”

Mr Walden said the investigations to date include engaging an unsealed roads specialist to conduct a comprehensive review of the

Shane Walden said council resolved on August 23, 2023 to receive the report from officers by March 31, 2024.

management practices associated with the unsealed road network.

“There will be a report that will offer an assessment of the current existing unsealed road network condition.

“It will analyse whether the network’s condition is anticipated to improve or deteriorate based on the effectiveness of the current maintenance program and the budget allocations.” According to the council agenda, officersarecurrentlyinvestigatingareviewand updateofthespecialchargeschemepolicy,dust suppressiontrial,operationalandmanagement review and benchmarking of current unsealed road practices, and unsealed road materials testing.

Cr Mark Ridgeway said this is an issue which has been close to his heart and one he has been keentoseesomeprogressonovertime.

“I find it a bit ironic that here I am seconding a motion to extend the presentation time for anothercoupleofmonths,”hesaid.

“I think under the circumstances that it is really important that we get it right and there is certainlyworkthathastogetdonebeforewecan actuallygetthispresentedtous.

“We’regoingdowntherightpathandit’sgreat toseeithappening.”

An options analysis and recommendations for managing unsealed roads within township boundaries will now be presented at a scheduled councilmeetingpriortoSeptember30,2024.

Stopping the violence with the help of Rotary

The Rotary Club of Sunbury opened the door on discussions about family violence, with a forum in late March.

The event was held at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, with speakers including state and local police, and Orange Door and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) representatives.

Respect Victoria reported in March 2023, about 39 per cent of women in Victoria have experiencephysicalorsexualviolencesincethe age of 15.

Sunbury Rotary member Terry Grant said Rotary in Australia and New Zealand decided they want to put a voice in the community to stop the violence.

explain the seriousness of the issue in our community.

“The Orange Door representative Mary Delia gave an address on the services offered locallytothevictimsoffamilyviolenceandthe support provided.

“Justine Maher, Jarryd Pantazis and Adam Stefano [from SCCH] provided an extensive insight into the services they provide emphasising that all services are readily available to the broader community members.”

MrGrantsaidtheRotaryClubwerethankful for the support from the organisations in the lead up to the forum and on the day.

“Victoria Police Sunbury officers Senior

“The forum was to shed light on the occurrence of family violence within the community as well as highlight some of the support groups currently operating in the community,” he said.

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Sergeant John Bliss, Acting Senior Sergeant Tarek Najmeddine and Sergeant Erin Simpler along with several other officers attended to

“Personally, I find it very gratifying to live in a community where such professional and personal support systems are in place for all of us,” he said.

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Spuds take centre stage

Trentham is gearing up for the 16th Great Trentham Spudfest.

The festival celebrates the potato heritage and community spirit in the region.

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

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Festival coordinator Kye Theobald said this year’sSpudfestpromisestobebiggerandbetter than ever before.

“This year we are running across two days and are delighted to say that Spudfest is still a freeeventthankstothesupportofoursponsors and partners,“ she said.

“We are also introducing some specially curated events that will require a ticket.

“Celebrating our great potato region across two days is a great opportunity for visitors to stay and plan a full weekend of discovery with friends and family.“

DayoneofSpudfestwilltransformTrentham into a carnival scene, with activities spread across four main precincts and finish with Spudfest Cèilidh at The Factory on Market Street, an evening of Celtic music, food and dancing.

A bus tour led by the Trentham Historical Society will offer insights into the heritage-protected Spud Huts in the area. Day two includes farms in the region being open for tours.

Visitors can explore local produce on the self-guided Farm Gate Trail, participate in The Great Spud Scavenger Hunt, join a Historical Society Tour, or discover the secrets of the Red Beard Historical Bakery’s 133-year-old Scotch oven and potato bread.

Farmer Luke Wicker will sell his range of potatoes at the festival, with Wicker potatoes having been grown in the area for more than 100 years.

“Spudfestisoneofthebiggestdaysoftheyear around town. So you really have to come along and try our spuds and celebrate our history.“

The festival will take place on May 4 and 5.

Details: https://www.trenthamspudfest.org. au.

Anne Parisianne

Visitors at the Great Trentham Spudfest. (Supplied)

Zoe Moffatt

Speakers and attendees at the forum on family violence. (Supplied)

Stroke survivor shares recovery

By Anne Parisianne

One night in July 2020, just a couple hours after feeding her youngest son, Sarah Miles woke up with throbbing needle-like head pain.

The pain subsided about 15 minutes after she swallowed Panadol, then she went back to sleep.

The following morning, she awoke unable to see out of her right eye.

Worried about her condition, her husband Jeremy Miles googled her symptoms and found that she might have had a stroke.

‘‘ We need to be reminded that just because we’re young doesn’t mean a stroke or heart attack is going to discriminate ’’

- Sarah Miles

She laughed at him as she was only 33 then.

“I thought stroke was only something that the elderly get,” Ms Miles said.

But that day, during a hospital visit, doctors diagnosed the mother of four with early onset ischaemic stroke.

According to the Heart Research Institute (HRI), stroke is a major cause of death in Australia and can attack anyone at any age.

After the stroke, Ms Miles right-eye vision was impaired.

“I suffered from the fatigue, the brain fog, the loss of words and my train of thought [sometimes] disappeared midway of a conversation, midway sentence,” she said, recalling her other physical conditions then.

During the recovery period, she often felt

tired even when doing ordinary tasks.

Like when she chopped up ingredients for dinner, she often had to stop because her arms easily got tired.

Ms Miles was also extra sensitive to bright

light and loud sounds.

Eventually, Ms Miles recovered from the effects of the stroke.

“There were a series of challenges to overcome. There was physical recovery…and

emotional recovery,” she said.

Now, the vision in her right eye is back.

Since March last year, Ms Miles has played local football, joining Macedon Football Club.

“When you experience something... so huge andsignificant.Youdorevisitalotofyourown life and how you want to live it. So football is something I’ve always wanted to play,” she said.

She received the club’s coaches award last year.

Havingexperiencedstrokeherself,MsMiller understands the importance of spreading awareness about the impact of stroke.

“We need to be reminded that just because we’re young doesn’t mean a stroke or heart attack is going to discriminate.”

Ms Miles also supports the need for stroke researchbytheHeartResearchInstitute(HRI).

A ground breaking study by the HRI has discovered that a natural chemical in broccoli can prevent and treat blood clots that can lead to stroke.

In pre-clinical trials, this broccoli-derived compound significantly increased the success rate of clot-busting drugs from 20 per cent to 60 per cent without causing bleeding, a common side effect of blood thinners.

The research, led by Dr. Xuyu (Johnny) Liu and PhD student Ivy Guan, suggests this compound could be used as a preventative measure for high-risk individuals and improve treatment outcomes for stroke patients.

The team is now advancing to clinical trials, hoping to develop new medications that could be available within five years.

When asked for some advice she can give to others suffering from stroke, Ms Miles said, “However, it may look to you, reaching out for support from family, friends or even the stroke community is probably something that you need to do. Because you’re not alone.”

Sarah Miles. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 396820_03

Planning for the traffic network

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges residents will be able to voice their opinion on the future of the traffic network in Kyneton, with a notable uplift in traffic volumes forecast within the next 17 years.

At a meeting on March 27, Macedon Ranges council endorsed the release of the draft study for six weeks of consultation beginning in April.

The study found a notable uplift in traffic volumes forecast in the Kyneton region to

2041 during the peak period of 3pm to 6pm, and noticeable congestion in parts of the network in the future baseline scenario, most significantly on Mollison Street

It also found the Edgecombe Street connection (once the bridge is built) would be well utilised as it becomes the key north-south corridor, along with Mollison Street.

Council said the two future network scenarios would result in significant congestion relief on Mollison Street, given that part of the north-south traffic is

redistributed to Edgecombe Street.

Speakingtothemotion,CrMarkRidgeway said the study had been long awaited but he still had some questions.

“There’s bound to be a lot of interest in it and we’re expecting quite a bit of feedback on the study,” Cr Ridgeway said.

“[The study] does get very technical in places, there are certainly things in there which I still have question marks over and I’m sure there will be the same from other people

“But I think at the end of the day, it’s

Recruitment drives local services

Families whose children require speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy now have access to more local options, following recruitment at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH).

Appointments with the new allied health clinicians are now available for children six years and under living in the Macedon Ranges who are on an National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan.

Appointments are also available for those not on an NDIS plan. SCCH can see children aged up to the age of 10 years for physiotherapy, and up to the age of six years for speech and occupational therapy.

Children and Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas visited the health service’s Kyneton site on April 3, to meet with staff and have a tour of the facility.

Ms Thomas, who is also the Health Minister, said she is “proud to see how this fantastic facility is helping our local families and their children get the services they need, close to home.”

SCCH manager primary care Britenie Power they are so happy to be working towards meeting the growing need for early childhood intervention support.

“Families in the Macedon Ranges have the

opportunity to see one of our highly skilled allied health professionals close to home,” she said.

“They do not require a formal referral from another health professional, they can give us a call and we will run through the referral process with them.”

For families who have concerns about the development of their baby or pre-school child, SCCH runs fortnightly drop-in sessions.

Parentsandcarerscancomealongwiththeir child and have a chat with one of the child and youth health teams.

Details: 5421 1666 or email admin@scchc. org.au

something we’ve been waiting for for a very long time and it’s important to get it out.”

It was also resolved to separate the process of the movement network study from the Kyneton Urban Design Framework, which Cr Ridgeway said he was pleased about.

“It was stuck in a bit of limbo while that was going through its motions,” he said.

“So this will help expedite the whole processofourstrategicplanning…eventually around the Kyneton South area which has also been stuck in limbo until some of these pieces of work have been completed.”

Briefs

Teens arrested

Three teenagers have been arrested in Sunbury after evading police north-west of Melbourne on Monday morning, April 1. Victoria police said it is believed three offenders armed with machetes committed two home invasions and an attempted carjacking in Mickleham at about 6.30am. No one was injured. A stolen black Path Finder was then followed by the Air Wing through Wyndham Vale, Werribee and suburbs north-west of Melbourne, reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, police said. The three occupants exited the vehicle outside a shopping centre in Sunbury just before 10am where they were arrested by Critical Incident Response Team officers with the assistance of Air Wing. A 16-year-old Wyndham Vale boy, a 15-year-old Ivanhoe girl and a 15-year-old Windsor girl were questioned by police over the incident.

Police catch out hoons

Police have issued 14 car owners with defect notices in a targeted operation in Whittlesea. On March 23, the Achilles Taskforce took to the streets to target hoon drivers. Fifty-seven people allegedly associated with recent hoon activity in the Hume and Whittlesea areas were instructed to present their vehicle for roadworthy inspection, with 42 attending. Police issued 14 defect notices for mechanical faults, engine modifications, window tinting and tyre issues. Seven of those who received defect notices also received infringement notices for more serious defects and other traffic related offences.

Snap building inspections on the way for Macedon Ranges

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

Victoria and Macedon Ranges council are joining forces to warn local construction businesses that there will be some surprise visits to local construction sites from Monday, April 8.

The EPA will work with council to ensure builders, developers and construction workers are meeting their safety, environmental and building compliance obligations.

The joint operation is similar to those run in other regional areas including Mildura,

Bass Coast, Shepparton, Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Wodonga, Geelong and Bendigo.

The EPA is focusing inspections on construction site management, particularly dust, sediment run-off and waffle pods which are too often allowed to escape site boundaries.

Council said it will focus on ensuring requirements are being met for building sites under local laws, including secure site fencing, suitable refuse and sanitary facilities, and asset protection measures.

EPA north west regional manager Paul

Ratajczyk said they are looking for typical building site pollution that can cause offsite impacts.

“Where businesses are ready to do their best we provide advice, but our priority is the environment, and we can step up to official notices or fines if necessary,” he said.

“We’llalsoincreaseawarenessofthegeneral environmental duty and environmental laws thatapplytotheconstructionanddemolition industry, to prevent harm to human health and the environment.”

Council’s director of environment and

planning Rebecca Stockfeld said council is committed to ensuring our environment is protected and that builders operating in the Macedon Ranges are abiding by our local laws.

“We’ll continue to collaborate with other authorities – such as the EPA – to enforce compliance and improve understanding,” she said.

TheEPAsaiditwantsthelocalconstruction industry to be aware that at any time during the week they could be drop in and will use its powers to enforce compliance.

David Wild, Mary-Anne Thomas, Lizzie Blandthorn, Adam Stefano, Britenie Power and Peter Donlon. (Supplied)

Trail begins for extra veg

By Zoe Moffatt

The Edgy Veg Trail has once again returned to the Macedon Ranges, with the initiative kicking off last week as part of the Autumn Festival.

The award trail initially started in 2022 to encourage people to eat more vegetables and try new dishes. This year, it has an added motive of encouraging people to substitute meat-free alternatives in their meals as the cost of living continues to hit residents across the country.

ProjectcoordinatorLucyCampbellsaidthe initiative runs from April 5 to 28, and there are 21 dishes across the 17 venues involved. This covers the two categories of best in cafe

and pub, and a restaurant category.

“You can vote on as many dishes as you like, but you can only vote once on each dish,” she said.

“The winning dish is calculated with reference to the number of votes received… across three categories [of] taste, presentation and the likelihood is that it will be reordered.”

Some newcomers to the trail include Macedon Ranges Wholefoods, 600 Above, Pig and Whistle Hotel, Lost Watering Hole Lancefield Brewery and Harvest and Soul Providore.

Ms Campbell said she is looking forward to seeing if any of last year’s winners defend their title, and the voters will enter a chance to win a $100 voucher.

“A prize of either $100 voucher at Mort and

Pestle, which is a kitchenwares shop, or a eat more veg workshop at the Big Bowl of Happy which is like a cooking school.

“I think it’s a great competition for people that might be a bit hesitant to try [plant based]... or haven’t cooked that way before.

“[When you try eating plant based meals out] I think people realise that you can have beautiful food and don’t need meat on dairy or anything to make it super tasty.

“A lot of the cafes are using local produce, so things that are growing seasonally in the Macedon Ranges and they’re working with what’s local.

“It helps keep prices down to eat locally sourced food and that can be amazingly cheap to have legumes as your protein source as opposed to buying meat.”

Crackdown on speedsters

Speeding motorists were caught out by policeintheMacedonRangesduringthe Easter weekend safety operation, with 33 speeding offences recorded.

Operation Nexus ran from March 28 to April 1, in an effort to crack down on dangerousandrecklessbehaviourduring a traditionally high-risk period.

In the Macedon Ranges, police detected 33 speeding offences, five unregistered vehicles, two drink driving offences, two drug driving offences, one disqualified driver, one unlicensed driver and 15 offences of disobeying signs-signals, two seatbelt offences and two impoundments. In Hume, there was one unregistered vehicle, two drink driving offences, three disqualified drivers, four unlicensed drivers, one offence of disobeying signs-signals, two seatbelt offences, three mobile phone offences and two impoundments.

State wide, more than 8000 traffic offences were detected, with almost 4000 Victorianscaughtspeeding.

Threepeoplediedoverthelongweekend, includingtwoseparatemotorbikeaccidents where it’s believed the riders lost control of their bikes. A third man was killed while standingnearhisvehiclenearMorwell.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said they were concerned a number of people would drive impaired over the Easter period and sadly that becameareality.

“And to see people combining alcohol and speed is terrifying, putting not only their lives but the lives of others at serious risk,”hesaid.

Claire Rowland with the Edge veg competition winner Sam Deol, Stephen Rocard and Liyi Zhou, with Lenka Thompson. (Damjan Janevski) 333350_04

Joeys grasp second chance at life

with pain relief and colic medication to relieve trapped gas in their digestive system, which can occur because of stress and diet.

“They’ve had a tough start to life, but with plenty of care from zoo vets, nurses and their wildlife carers, both joeys are now starting to thrive,” Dr O’Dwyer said.

Two orphaned joeys have defied the odds and will eventually return to the wild following lifesaving care at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The four-month-old common wombat and seven-month-old eastern grey kangaroo were each found debilitated by the side of a road next to their mothers who had died from road trauma injuries.

The Australian natives were each taken to wildlife carers who sought expert medical support from the team at Werribee Open Range Zoo’s RSPCA Koala Ward.

Veterinarian Dr Jen O’Dwyer said the juvenile wombat weighed just 380 grams and the kangaroo joey only 1.2 kilograms when they were first brought in for specialist treatment. The wombat, who has been affectionately named Myrtle, arrived from the Central Highlands district, while the kangaroo named Ruth was found in Bylands.

“Both joeys were found to be highly dehydrated upon arrival as they had not had access to their mother’s milk - an important source of energy, calcium and protein to support growth during early life development,” Dr O’Dwyer said.

Each was provided with round-the-clock feeds of specialised milk, supplementary electrolytes and oral rehydration therapy. The joeysunderwentthoroughexaminationsunder

“Myrtle, in particular, has grown and now weighs approximately three kilograms.”

Ruth was an inpatient at Werribee Open Range Zoo for three days in January and had a return check-up in February.

Myrtle had three separate visits throughout January and February to support her ongoing care.

“When we have cases like Ruth and Myrtle, where we can see them through their medical care and then on to being rehabilitated by carers, there is no better feeling,” Dr O’Dwyer said. “Health permitting, once they are old enough to fend for themselves in the coming months, they will be released back into the wild in a safe location nearby where they were originally found.”

Dr O’Dwyer said wildlife road trauma injuries are sadly common, however there are some simple steps to help reduce impacts to wildlife during road travel.

“Pay attention to road signage and try to avoid travelling during dawn and dusk as that is when animals are generally more active. If you need to travel during that time, be alert and aware at all times. If you come across an animalthatisinjuredordistress,pleasecontact Wildlife Victoria or your local wildlife carer who will be able to provide expert advice about the best course of action to take.”

You’re Invited!

Bellbrook Gardens Information Session

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is excited to invite you to attend our next Information Session to be held at the Club House.

Light refreshments will be served. This will be a great opportunity to visit our wonderful community facilities, view Villas for sale and learn more about retirement living.

Thursday April 18th at 10.30am 168 Underbank Boulevard Bacchus Marsh 3340

Please RSVP online to bellbrookgardens.com.au or FreeCall 1800 633 672 RSVP Essential – Places are limited

For any queries please contact Denise Sniegowski We look forward to catching up with you soon!

View.com.au’s stunning rise shown by new data

View.com.au is the fastest growing residential property portal in Australia with a 102 per cent growth in unique audience since October according to new data.

IPSOS released new data which compared propertyportaldatafromOctober toFebruary with the majority of portals have declined or have had very low growth*.

View’s had a 102 pre cent growth increase, while realestate.com.au was the next best with a 2.2 per cent growth.

Domain’sportalhadadeclineof2.6percent, while Allhomes’ portal declined by 9.0 per cent and Homely declined by 0.5 per cent.

View.com.au’s chief marketing officer Paul Tyrrell said it’s fantastic to see such strong audience growth on View as they continue to enhance the product and build the brand.

“Our consumer proposition is unique and features over 136,000 properties for sale, however it offers a complete view of the market with access to nearly 11 million properties Australia wide, with buyers able to express interestinpropertiesevenifthey’renotforsale. All delivered by best in class mapping from Nearmap,” he said.

“The marketing campaign is now in full swing and we’ve seen some massive spikes, particularly from our broadcast partnership with Channel 7’s AFL coverage. To be the fastest growing property portal in the country is a testament to the hard work of the team and a clear demonstration of the need for a competitive alternative in the property portal space.”

“Our agent partners are enjoying the benefit of this audience growth with our premium productdeliveringupto10timesmoreenquiry than our free product. But we’re only just getting started, watch this space.” Homely’s February total audience dropped

to 600,000 with View’s February audience over 80 per cent higher at 1.1 million according to IPSOS data, with users of View spending on average 2.8 times longer on site than they did on Homely.

While internal Google Analytics data is showing nearly 1.7M Users for the month of February on View.

The executive team behind View includes seven ex-Domain executives that successfully took Domain to a $2.2 billion listing on the ASX and the company is headed up by former Domain chief executive Antony Catalano.

“We’re seeing the proposition we’ve built clearly resonating with consumers and we’ve got great momentum,” Mr Catalano said.

“Our freemium model for agents presents a true alternative to the traditional listings model; it’s free to list on View and our low cost premium product is performing incredibly well and delivering strong value for agents and vendors. We can make it free or keep prices low because VMG’s business model is not predicated on listings revenue, where the only option is annual price increases. We’re creating a true property ecosystem that caters to all steps along the property journey.

“While REA continues to cement its number one position, Domain’s audience has stagnated and we’re seeing some agents downgrading or dropping them from their advertising schedule due to high costs, underperformance and questionable return on investment. The industry is fed up with the status quo.

“We are the first genuine challenger to Domain’s number two audience position, having been propelled into the number three position for residential property portals showcasing properties for sale in only five months and relegating Homely to the number 6 portal behind Allhomes.”

GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS

Anthony Catalano.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Drop in Wednesdays

Free holiday drop-in groups for adults, including music and singalong, guitar, cuppa and craft afternoon will be happening on April 3 and 10 at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

House AGM

House AGM Members of Sunbury Neighbourhood House are invited to attend a special general meeting at 6pm on April 22, to be held via Teams video link. The only item of business to be decided will be the passing of a special resolution to adopt a new set of rules of association for SNH.

■ rob@sunburyhouse.com.au

Health and wellbeing trail walk

The health and wellbeing walk will include yoga, a walk around Salesian lake and surprise treatment at the centre for wellbeing foundation. It will cost $95, and includes lunch, fresh juice and half hour treatment. Limited bookings available.

■ cfwellbeingfoundation@gmail.com or Sandra, 0411 100 947

VIEW Club

Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organisation and a valued part of The Smith Family. We meet on the third Friday of each month at 11am at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. New members warmly welcome

■ Lee-anne, 0403 047 909

Sunbury Art Society

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

■ Ken, 0407 062 568 or Yvonne, 0429 994 828

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 or 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 or 9740 6978.

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

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. 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

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

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

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is St Leo the Great Primary School students enjoying a colour run. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 399304_01

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.

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 nouns ending in “s”.

2 Where was Australia’s first uranium mine?

3 Which plant family does lavender come from?

4 What is apophenia?

5 What are the three official languages of the landlocked European country Luxembourg?

6 Which country was Sam Neill (pictured) born in?

7 In which Australian state is the town of Wonglepong found?

8 Who was the Emperor of Japan during World War II?

9 What was the first synthetic fabric used in clothing?

10 In which year was the first Australian of the Year awarded?

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Who did the Australian men’s soccer team defeat 5-0 recently in Canberra?

2. Which car manufacturer supplies the Red Bull Formula One team’s power unit?

3. Which famous action star competed as a diver for England in the 1990 Commonwealth Games?

4. Which IPL cricket franchise won the title in 2023, its fifth in total?

5. And which Indian batsman is the all-time leading runscorer in the competition’s history?

6. How many drawn grand finals have there been in the history of the VFL/AFL?

7. Thomas Bach is the president of which major international sporting body?

8. Which Australian motorcycle racer competes in the MotoGP competition

How many Australian Open men’s singles titles has Novak Djokovic won?

Which Super Rugby Pacific club has won the competition’s last

In which year did North Melbourne last win a premiership?

Which former child actor and contestant I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series?

13. Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson are Monday night hosts for which AFL television program?

14. The Adam Sandler film HappyGilmore features which sport?

15. Jonah Oliver is a leading Australian expert in which field?

16. Which athlete is the all-time leading scorer in the history of NCAA Division I basketball?

17. Which team sport has the largest playing field?

18. Ilia Malinin recently won the 2024 World Championship title in which sport?

19. What is a perfect score in Olympic archery?

20. Which Matildas and West Ham player has had their season cut short due to injury?

21. Jack McVeigh was awarded the 2024 NBL Finals MVP playing for which team?

22. Which nation’s rugby league team is known as the Kumuls (birds-ofparadise)?

23. Which US boxer provided Tim Tszyu with his first professional defeat?

24. Jackson Hastings plays for which NRL club?

25. Kansas City Chiefs running back Louis Rees-Zammit played 32 internationals for which national rugby union team?

26. Favourites to win the 2024 women’s NCAA basketball championship, the Gamecocks represent which US college?

27. The UFC 305 mixed martial arts event is set to be held in which Australian capital city?

28. Favourites to win the 2024 men’s NCAA basketball championship, the Huskies represent which US college?

29. Which team defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win the 2023–24 FA Women’s League Cup final?

30. Melbourne United basketballer Matthew Dellavedova played for which US college team?

Review: the Mitsubishi Eclipse

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

I read somewhere that the government was going to drop financial incentives for plug-in hybrids in April next year.

I’m not surprised. While PHEVs look good onpaper,withtheirultra-lowfuelconsumption figures - the reality is very different.

For example, vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV are good for a claimed 1.9L/100km. But to achieve this figure, you need to recharge the battery every 100km, or the final figure is liable to be considerably higher.

Basically, the battery provides 45km of petrol-free travel for the first 100km travelled, 45kmforthenextandsoon.Don’trechargethe battery and you won’t reap the benefit.

Styling

With seating for five occupants, Eclipse Cross sits between ASX and Outlander in terms of size.

There are three plug-in hybrid versions from which to choose: ES, Aspire and Exceed.

Prices start from $47,290 for ES, $51,240 for Aspire and $55,990 for top of the line Exceed.

All PHEVs come with an auto and all three are underpinned by all-wheel drive.

Standard kit includes cloth trim, two-zone climate air conditioning, 18-inch alloys, push buttonstart,LEDdaytimelights,cruisecontrol and rear parking sensors.

Aspire adds suede and synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, power-adjust driver’s seat, LED headlights, front parking sensors, along with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

Exceed adds full leather, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjust passenger seat, built-in navigation, head-up display and a double sunroof – plus an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system.

The PHEV received some minor updates earlier last year, including a power tailgate for Exceed and V2L (the ability to power external equipment) for Aspire and Exceed. latest USB-C ports or a 12-volt socket in the cargo area. Ditto rear air vents.

It’scoveredbya10-year200,000kmstandard warranty, provided that it’s always serviced at a Mitsubishidealership,otherwiseitdropstofive years and 100,000km.

So be wary if you’re consistently averaging more than 20,000km a year.

The battery warranty is for eightyears/160,000km battery warranty.

Infotainment

Infotainment comprises a now small 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlayandAndroidAutoandaneight-speaker Mitsubishi-branded sound system.

Engines/transmissions

The powertrain comprises a 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, one for the frontandoneforthebackaxle,plusa13.8kWh battery.

The engine produces 94kW of power and 199Nm of torque, while the electric motorsdeliver60kW/137Nmand70kW/195Nm apiece.

A combined figure is not provided, but throttle response is sharp thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors. Drive is to all four wheels through a single-speed transmission and is remarkably smooth.

Safety

Standard safety includes seven airbags, rear view camera, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, plus an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system. The latter reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles when the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds of up to 10km/h.

Driving

Eclipse has grown a little in size since

launch. It now offers a pleasant, comfortable environment, with more rear legroom and a larger boot.

The cool two-piece rear window has gone, replaced by a conventional and probably cheaper one-piece unit.

A revised instrument cluster displays engine speed as well as EV charge levels and battery use - but alas no digital speedo.

Thefrontseatsandsteeringwheelareheated, but cooling would have been a better option given our climate.

Although larger overall, plug-in hybrid versions have a smaller boot than the standard model because of the space occupied by the battery pack. At the same time the spare wheel has been replaced by a tyre repair kit.

The PHEV system is ‘EV-biased’ and prioritises EV mode wherever possible, but can deploy series or parallel hybrid modes when required.

In EV mode (available from 0-135km/h), the PHEV is powered by the front and rear electric drivemotors,drawingcurrentfromthebattery.

In series hybrid mode (available from 0-70km/h), the car continues to use the battery to power the front and rear motors, while the petrol engine is engaged to run the generator to charge the battery while driving.

This mode is also automatically activated when the driver wants maximum acceleration, or for example when driving uphill or when battery charge is low.

In this mode, the vehicle will attempt to revert to EV Mode as often as possible for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.

In parallel hybrid mode (available above 70km/h), the PHEV operates like a traditional hybrid.

This means the petrol engine drives the front wheels in tandem with the front electric motor via the multi-mode front transaxle, while the rear electric motor drives the rear wheels.

Once again, the vehicle is configured to revert to EV mode or series hybrid mode whenever possible.

There are five steps that add drag when you take your foot off the throttle, sending energy

back to the battery.

But, unlike other vehicles of this kind, you still need to apply the brakes. A button marked ‘SAVECHRG’suggestsyoucansavethebattery charge for use later, but it’s a bit confusing.

The whole PHEV thing might sound a bit complicated, but there’s no need to worry because the car takes care of everything — everything that is apart from charging.

ThePHEVhasACType2andDCCHAdeMO style input sockets.

Using the supplied cable and a regular 10A powerpoint it takes seven hours to fully charge.

It’s also supplied with a second cable for faster Mode 3 charging using a wall charger which takes four hours, while 0-80 per cent with a full-blown commercial DC charger takes 25 minutes.

The Mitsubishi Remote Control app allows drivers to plan and activate battery charging remotely via the app, to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.

Mitsubishiclaims55kmofelectricrange,but that’s under the old NEDC standard. Under the newer, more stringent WLTP system, it’s actually 45km - but 55 sounds better.

Basically, if you live in the ‘burbs, Mitsubishi claimstheelectricrangeissufficienttopopinto the city and back without needing to recharge. We reckon it’s a costly option and a lot of mucking around for little in return.

The cynical might suggest it has more to do with satisfying emissions requirements across the range rather than delivering real world benefits.

At the same time, because it’s a plug-in hybrid, you don’t need to worry about being stranded. When the juice runs out, the petrol engine kicks in.

Hybrid questions aside, the PHEV is a heavy car and this has implications for ride and handling.

There are five drive modes: tarmac, snow, gravel, normal or economy.

Normal or Eco are what most urban motorists will use, while tarmac is in effect a sport mode in which the car becomes tauter, sportier and more responsive.

The ride is harsher on anything apart from smooth bitumen, even though they’ve done a bit of work on the rear suspension. You feel all the little imperfections and the car can take longer than normal to settle as it continues to bounce up and down on the suspension.

That weight means and the fact the car sits relatively high and also means it has a tendency to run wide in corners, with squeal hard braking and lift-off oversteer when braking late and hard into corners.

Thesteeringlacksanysortoffeel.Infact,you can waggle the steering wheel (technical term) from side to side with little or no effect on the direction of travel.

It’sliketryingtochangedirectioninthebilly carts we used to build as kids in the backyard with wood pinched from building sites.

A sports car it is not.

With a 45-litre tank, it takes regular 91 unleaded.

We were getting 6.5L/100km after more than 800km, bearing in mind that the trip computer in Mitsubishis are a law unto themselves.

That’s nowhere near the claimed 1.9L/100km, but unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to recharge the battery after the initial charge had been depleted.

Interestingly, 39 per cent of our time was spent driving in EV mode - not sure how. This compares with 7.7L/100km for the 1.5-litre turbocharged all-wheel drive version of the car.

On a final note, our test vehicle was fitted with Mitsubishi-branded roof racks, which were the source of an annoying hum at speed.

Summing up

At $14,750 more than the regular model, the Eclipse Cross PHEV Aspire is a big ask.

For a little less you can get into something like MG’s ZS Long Range EV, a fully electric SUVwith440kmofrangethatdoesnotrequire charging as frequently.

While buyers might be coming around to the benefits of EVs, they have demonstrated a reluctance to pay the outrageous prices that manufacturers are demanding for them.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. (Supplied)

Warriors show positive signs in clash with rivals

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors weren’t able to come away with the points, but showed some positive signs against the City West Falcons on Wednesday night in the Victorian Netball League championship division.

Facing their western suburbs rivals for the first time, it was the more experienced Falcons that proved too strong in the second half, winning 66-57.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey was fairly positive following the match.

“I wasn’t too disappointed to be honest,” she said. “We know that they are the benchmark for the whole competition and have been amazing for how many years and for us to get within nine goals and really we gave them some cheap goals in the last quarter.

“So really pleased that we can at least run with them.”

Bailey said the Falcons speed probably got them a little bit in the end, with the Falcons having a much faster side than them.

She said the intensity that you need to play constantly was also a bit of a difference.

“It was a good learning curve for us, but to get that close, I’m really pleased,” she said.

“I was pleased with their endeavour, just some silly turnovers. We still had 34 turnovers.”

Bailey said their defence which they knew would be a work and progress was really good.

She highlighted Georgia Berry’s role on Jane Cook. She said Vanessa Augustini had a great game speed on Montana Holmes.

Kim Borger shot 34 goals for the Warriors, while Julia Woolley shot 23.

Bailey said it would be nice to build a bit of rivalry with the Falcons in the future.

She said they play hard netball and they are trying to play that game of netball as well.

Bailey said a performance like that showed that they can compete with some of the top sides in the competition.

“We’re not going to be the cellar dwellers that doesn’t win a game for the season,” she said.

“Our aim is to make finals but you know, just to be competitive is an awesome thing.

“Even if we don’t get to meet that goal which I hope we will, but to be out there and be competitive and that teams know that they’re not playing the Warriors and thinking it’s going to be an easy win, is really good.

In the under-23s, the Warriors suffered another loss, losing to the Falcons, 60-36.

Bailey said that the Warriors physical pressure proved too much.

“For some of these girls is a bit of a wake-up call,” she said.

“It’s pretty tough. But again, the Falcons are a great team. They run a press which we struggled to get through.

So we’ll go back to training this week and do some work on that.”

A positive for the Warriors was Brydi Hutchinsonplayingherfirstgamefortheclub.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Warriors, who face the Boroondara Express, which is 5-0 in the championship division.

Bombers grab first win

By Tara Murray

Riddell will take an opening round win in the Riddell District Football League knowing there’s still plenty of work to be done.

The Bombers faced Macedon on Saturday in the annual PUKA Up Cup, with the Bombers coming home with the four points.

The Cats led early on before the Bombers levelled the scores heading into the half time break.

A five goal to one third quarter blew the match open in the favour of the Bombers and that would be the difference.

The Bombers with the win, 8.7 (55)-6.8 (44). Bombers coach Arron Bray said a win is a win and they’ll take it.

“Macedon was pretty good,” he said. “I think realistically we only played 20 minutes of our football and that was the difference in the day.

“We stuck with what we thought would get the job done.”

Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Bombers, with Bray saying the full forward could have easily had six.

He was the only multiple goal kicker for the Bombers.

Jesse Horton, Jacob Chahine and Trent Stead were the best according to Bray, saying they didn’t really have a standout.

“We had to regroup as a team after quarter time and we were able to do that,” he said.

“We adjusted a couple of things and it paid dividends. It was an arm wrestle for most of the day.”

Another who had an impact was Kamen Ogilvie., Ogilvie, who has won best and fairest medals in the Essendon District Football League, joined the Bombers three or four weeks ago, giving them another boost.

For the Cats, Jason Cooke and Sam Indian kicked two goals each, while Hamish Govan and Matthew Dick were named their best.

The Bombers have a couple of injury concerns out of the match.

Dylan Tarczon went off in the first 10 minutes of the game and will likely have a scan, while Brent Swallow had some hamstring tightness late and they pulled the pin on his day.

Bray, who joined the Bombers in the off season, said they know they have a lot of work to do, with several new players. He said while many people thought they were premiership favourites, he said reigning premiers Diggers Rest was still the team to beat.

The Bombers face Kyneton this Saturday.

The Tigers had the bye after playing Woodend-Hesket on Good Friday, coming

away with a good win.

Bray said he was expecting a good game.

In other results on Saturday, Romsey came away with the points against Wallan.

The Magpies led by 26 points at half time before the Redbacks worked their way back into the game, with seven second half goals to

Night to forget

Sunbury United had a night to forget in the FV state league 3 north-west competition on Friday.

After a first up draw before the Easter break, Sunbury was keen to open its account against the Western Eagles in round two.

The Eagles scored the only goal of the first half before putting on a show in the second half.

The Eagles scored four second half goals to run with a convincing 5-0 win.

Timothy Williams scored a hat-trick for the Eagles, while Goran Kozeljic scored the other two.

Sunbury’s task for a first win will be a hard one this weekend, facing Laverton.

The state league 4 west premiers have had an immediate impact in the higher division, winning both of its matches so far.

Meanwhile, Sunbury’s Australia Cup campaign came to an end during the Easter break.

Facing National Premier League side Heidelberg United, in one of the club’s biggestgamesinyears,Sunburylost8-0.

Meanwhile, Gisborne is also still searching for its first win of the season in state league 5 west.

The Sky Blues started with a draw against Bendigo City before Easter and then faced the Surfside Waves on Saturday.

The Waves did enough to claim the win, 3-2.

Gisborne this week faces Spring Hills, which also dropped from state league 4 in the off season.

The Stallions have a win and loss from their first two matches.

one, getting them a 9.8 (62)-7.9 (51) win.

Darcy Lockens kicked three goals for the Redbacks, with Chris Petroro named their best.

Diggers Rest won the other match, proving too strong for Lancefield in the second half, winning 14.10 (94)-7.3 (45).

Sunbury United (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Kim Borger (Supplied)

Kamen Ogilvie (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Azzopardi and Gerada to lead Cannons’ girls

The Calder Cannons have named Grace Azzopardi and Ava Gerada as co-captains of the girl’s team into the 2024 Coates League season.

Playing in her second season, Azzopardi has become a valuable member of the Cannons outfit.

She had also been a standout player at the Sunbury Lions, where she earned the best first year player award last season.

Azzopardi said she was pleased to be recognised among her peers. The players voted on the leadership with some input from the coaches, but they took the leading role.

“During pre-season one of my goals was to be in the leadership, so it’s a huge honour to be named among the other girls,” she said. “I think it’ll be a good year.”

She said she hopes to spend more time in the midfield this year after spending most of last year on the half back line.

“It’s been one of my goals, I’ve been working on my fitness,” she said.

“We had our practice game last week and I was in the midfield and that went well.”

Gerada, who played her junior football at Westmeadows, is now in her third year at the Cannons.

Entering her draft year, Gerada said she’s trying not to put too much pressure on herself.

“Honestly feeling really honoured that the girls and the coaches have trusted both me and Grace with the role,” she said.

Gerada is likely to move back to the forward line after having a spell in the back line to round out last season.

But it’s AFL midfielder Scott Pendlebury she most admires.

“I’ve grown up watching the boys, I think his skills and him being so consistent throughout the game, I feel like I look up to him the most.

Chloe Baker-West, Amelia Wright and Camryn Bux have also been named in the leadership group.

The Cannons kicked off their season on Saturday against the Northern Knights.

The Knights kicked the first two goals of the game and managed to increase that margin to 20 points at half time.

The Cannons finally hit the scoreboard in the third quarter, but the margined increased by one point.

TheKnightsfinishedthematchoffstrongly, winning 5.10 (40)-2.3 (15).

Amelia Wright kicked both goals for the Cannons.

Milla Murphy, Jade Mclay and Wright were named the Cannons best.

The Cannons face the Bendigo Pioneers on Sunday in Bendigo in round two.

Huge Redbacks’ signing

Romsey has landed a blockbuster signing for the Riddell District Netball League season, with Victorian Netball League and former Super Netball player Shimona Jok joining the club.

Jok (nee Nelson), has built a career as a prolific goal shooter since moving from Jamaica to Australia.

Jok played a key role in Collingwood’s dramatic final season in the Super Netball competition, but wasn’t offered a contract after the team was scrapped.

She has since signed with the City West Falcons in the VNL and as a training partner with the Melbourne Mavericks where she might return to Super Netball if selected. Redbacks coach Lena Way said it was massive for the club and the league to land a player of Jok’s calibre.

“It’s huge to have someone of her calibre play with us,” she said.

“Just for her to share her experience with our young players and to give them an opportunity to play alongside her, we are very fortunate she’s come to us.

“We must have the right vibe around the

netball club, I think it’s a really positive place for girls and women.”

Way said she will lean on Jok’s experience, particularly in offence, but won’t let her status diminishtheinputoftheentireplayinggroup.

“One of my sayings is, ‘the wisdom is in the group’,” she said. “Nobody owns the wisdom, it’s not held by one person.

“Iaskallofmyplayerstogivetheirthoughts and share their ideas.”

ThisseasontheRedbacksA-gradeleadership will be comprised of Lauren Anglin (captain) and Emma Grech (vice-captain).

Anglin has returned to the Redbacks after some time away from the club.

She played a key role in the club’s 2017 A-grade and 2018 B-grade premierships.

“I’ve personally played with her for years, she is a great leader on the court and really positive and encouraging of our younger players,” Way said.

“It was a clear choice for me.

“AndmyvicecaptainisEmmaGrechwhois one of the younger players, it’s great to see her stepping up in the role.”

Former coach Danielle Davidson has also

returned to the Redback for the 2024 season, while VNL stars Maggie Lind and Lucia Fauonuku are also back.

The Redbacks season kicked off on Saturday with the traditional home opener against Wallan.

Jok wasn’t on court for the Redbacks.

Like last season when there was an average margin of five goals between the two teams, this was another thriller.

The Redbacks led by one goal at the first two chances, before the Magpies led by four goals at the final break.

That would be enough with the Magpies winning, 44-41.

Speaking before the weekend, Way said playing and winning close games has given her team confidence.

“I think it’ll be close again,” she said.

“It’ll be physical and close and a really good contest, a great way to start the year.

“There’s a lot we need to achieve before we start thinking about the finals series… but of course our aim is the grand final.”

Sports shorts

AFLW

Calder Cannons Kayla Forbes was part of an under-23 all stars team that played against the AFL National Academy Girls side on Saturday. Made up of the top 18-year-old talent across the country, the academy girls squad showcases players eligible for the 2024 draft, while the Under-23 All Stars side is comprised of select talent playing in Victoria, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, as nominated by AFLW clubs.

Bowls

Club Sunbury has announced Michael Vesikko as its new coach for Bowls Victoria pennant. Vesikko previously played at the club before going on and playing at higher levels returns to the club as it tries to further push itself up the pennant grades.

Coates Talent League

The Calder Cannons opened their account in the Coates Talent League boys competition on Saturday. Facing the Northern Knights, the Cannons led at every break. The game didn’t break open until the final quarter, with the Cannons winning, 12.9 (81)-7.9 (51). Dante Iacovone, Isaac Kako, Harry Ryan, Patrick Said and Cooper Herbert kicked two goals each. Thomas Barnett and Damon Hollow were named their best. The Cannons have a bye in round four with the majority of other teams.

Bowls

Club Sunbury’s Josh Leszczynski claimed silver at the Bowls Victoria Victorian Open. Leszczynski played off in the under-18 open triples final with Moama’s Jacob Brighton and Bendigo East’s Sam Nemeth, but fell just short, losing 16-12 on Sunday morning. He had also competed in the singles event, where he was knocked out in the first round, the mixed pairs and boys pairs, where he also lost in the first round. Club Sunbury’s Akasha Fortune claimed the under-18 girls singles title.

Grace Azzopardi in round one (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Shimona Jok. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Thunder not shaken by historic first match

East Sunbury coach Lisa Borg isn’t daunted by the challenge of steering the club’s first women’s team in the Essendon District Football League division 2.

Both the Thunder and Taylors Lakes will both be fielding their maiden women’s side when they clash at John McMahon Reserve in round one on April 13.

Borg, who has previously coached at Kyneton and Gisborne and played nearly 200 games of football herself, said there had been encouraging signs throughout the pre-season.

“I think we’re all excited, some are pretty nervous, but that’s to be expected,” she said.

“The club has been very supportive.”

Borg estimated half of the 20 player squad was new to the game.

“I’ve never just jumped into a team where everyone has played before,” she said. “I think it shows who the leaders are, who can step up.

“There are players who have never played before but are born leaders and some players who just want to play football.”

In her first outing as the club’s coach, Borg will come up against her former coach from her playing days at the Sunbury Kangaroos, Joseph Antonetti.

There’s also some former Kangaroos players in both sides.

“I’m glad they’re the first, because I know they’re going to be a nice team,” she said,

“They’re new as well and I know some of the players as well.

“I think they’re going to have a different dynamic to us with more younger players.”

Sophia Iosifidis has been named as the club’s inaugural captain with Sarah Hunt as vice-captain.

Chantelle Harding, Danielle Harding, Ally Salpingidis and Rach White make up the

Tigers cubs ready to win

By Oliver Lees

League.

Stewart has taken over the top job after leaving Macedon and is faced with the challenge of rebuilding the Tigers, who were winless last season.

Across A-grade and B-grade the Tigers have retained eight players from last season and brought in 11 new faces.

Stewart said there had been a great energy among the group throughout the pre-season.

“They’re a really fresh group which is nice,” she said.

“They’re a very young group.”

“We’ve had practice matches and won a couple too. They’re not used to winning games and not used to scoring so many goals, so it’s a big achievement for the girls.”

The Tigers played their first game of the season on Saturday against Diggers Rest.

It was a winning start for the Tigers.

After jumping out of the blocks and leading 16-9 at quarter time, the Tigers were able to extend the margin to 12 goals at half time.

The Burras were able to decrease that to nine goals at the final change.

The Tigers didn’t let nerves come into it, winning, 54-33.

Tarnee Hammond shot 23 goals for the Tigers, while Shanae Brundell shot 16. Karlee Bruno and Eve Trainor were among their best.

Speaking before the weekend, Stewart said she was filled with confidence.

“I’m hopeful for a win,” she said.

“One win is going to be like a grand final, particularly for the girls who have been here for a long time.”

One young player who will be pushing for a run in the A-grade side is Tarnee Hammond. Hammond was a stand out contributor in B-grade last year, leading the competition with 401 goals scored.

Stewart said she had been putting in a mountain of work to improve her game.

“Tarnee is a very accurate goaler,” she said. “We’re going to look at the opposition and the makeup of our A-grade and B-grade sides on a weekly basis.

“Where appropriate she’ll come in. She’s a young girl who has a lot of potential, we’ve beendoingone-on-onesessionsonSaturdays.”

Mia Daly has been selected to captain the A-grade side this season.

Stewart said Daly’s captaincy was a just

reward for her years of loyalty to the club.

“She leads from the front, she’s the voice, she sets the example for everyone to be their best on the court,” she said.

“She was desperate to be captain, she’s played a long time and has never had that privilege.

“She’s one of the players who stuck with the club when they hadn’t won a game.”

Bella Collodetti has been named as

remainder of the leadership group.

Borg said they were prepared for the season to start, but that the club is always looking for more players and any was welcome to come down and join the club.

“We’re inclusive to everyone and we have a very supportive network and team,” she said.

“The culture is strong and it starts with our president who wants us to succeed.”

In other first round matches, it will be a Sunbury derby with the Sunbury Lions hosting the Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday morning.

The men’s competition also gets underway on Saturday.

In division 2, East Sunbury hosts Westmeadows and the Sunbury Kangaroos will play Taylors Lakes.

In division 1, Rupertswood faces St Albans.

Mixed start for the Jets

The Sunbury Jets showed some positive signs first up in the Big V women’s championship division, splitting their two matches.

The new-look Jets had their first hit out on Saturday night against the McKinnon Cougars.

There wasn’t much between the two sides in the first half, with the Cougars leading by two points at the main break.

The third quarter would be the difference in the game, with the Jets winning that quarter 18-4 to lead by 12 points at the final break.

They managed to hold steady in the final quarter to win, 70-60.

Chloe Hildebrand top scored with 32 points,whilehersisterAbbyHildebrand had 18 points.

Thematchmarkedareturnofacouple of former Jets.

Former New Zealand international Jess Bygate is back at the Jets, having been part of the club’s division 1 championship in 2016 alongside new coach Monique Capaerllo.

Emily Angove, who was one of the rising stars of the competition a few years ago, has also returned to the Jets.

On Sunday, the Jets fell just short of getting the win against Warrnambool Mermaids.

The Mermaids started the better of the two sides but came half time there was just one point behind them.

It was still one point at the final break with the Mermaids having taken the lead back.

The match went down to the final whistle, with the Mermaids doing enough to win, 86-84.

Abby Hildebrand top scored with 22 points.

The Jets men started their season with a loss to McKinnon on Saturday night.

vice-captain, however she is currently recovering from a foot injury that will see her miss the start of the season.

In other results, Wallan snuck home against Romsey in a thriller.

Riddell opened with a big win against Macedon, winning 56-35.

MeredithBallshot29goalsfortheBombers, while Christie Brinkhuis shot 19 goals for the Cats.

The Cougars led throughout the match, with a 28-14 third quarter, putting the margin out of reach.

The Cougars won, 86-70.

Joshua Yorke-Frazer top scored with 20 points for the Jets. He was the only player to score double figures.

Oliver Lees East Sunbury ahead of its first match (Supplied)

New Lancefield coach Ciara Stewart is confident her young squad can take positive strides this season in the Riddell District Netball

Tarnee Hammond (Ljubica Vrankovic)