Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 28th May 2024

Pointing for perfection

Surrounded by pointe shoes, tutus and home-schooling books, Sunbury teenager Chelsea Jovanovic talks about ballet. The love and passion in her voice is hard to miss, and when asked why she dedicates between 25 to 30 per week to the art form, she is quick to answer.

“[There’s] something about it that I love, it makes you feel free,” Chelsea said. “It just makes you feel happy, everyone who enjoys it has the passion … and that’s what I feel.”

Starting ballet at just four years old, Chelsea now trains full-time at Melbourne Academy of the Arts and is looking forward to travelling to Las Vegas to attend the European School of Ballet summer school.

She was also offered a position at summer schools in New York and London, and is looking to gain local sponsorship for her upcoming training.

“I’m very excited … I chose [European School of Ballet] because… I feel that one will help with my technique.”

Looking towards her future, Chelsea said she would like to get into a ballet company overseas or in Australia and become a principal dancer.

Sponsorship details: vikki.j@outlook. com

Zoe Moffatt

Romsey boundary plan

Macedon Ranges council will ask the planning minister to create a protected settlement boundaryforRomseyaspartofanewstructure plan for the town.

Councillors adopted the final draft Romsey structure plan during a council meeting on May 22.

The plan will guide how Romsey will change and grow until 2050.

Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfield told the council meeting that the protected settlement boundary would determine the long-term extent of growth in the town, while ensuring there would be sufficient land for the houses and jobs required to support the community.

Council sought feedback on the plan in 2018-19, 2022 and 2023.

Changes were made to the settlement boundary included in the final draft plan following Greater Western Water’s feedback about the Romsey Treatment Plant buffer zone, removing that area from the boundary.

The change also meant the employment precinctplannedfortheareahadtoberelocated to south of Greens Lane.

Cr Rob Guthrie also moved an amendment to establish a 30-metre minimum setback of residential lots from the eastern boundary of 2131 Romsey Road to ensure an appropriate

interface with adjoining rural land.

Cr Guthrie said while he had concerns about the plan, he felt it should be adopted by council to prevent the planning process from being taken over by the state government.

However, Cr Geoff Neil, implored his colleagues to defer the plan, stating that he felt councillors and the community had not had enough time to consider it.

“Thecommunityreceivedthisdocumentlast friday, ironically so did we as councillors,” he said.

“There are quite a few surprises in there.

“I don’t believe Cr Guthrie’s motion goes far enough.”

Cr Neil said councillors had been contacted by a number of residents expressing their concerns about the plan.

“We need to pause and listen, not just adopt a document because it has been placed in front of us,” he said.

“I think that we need to change our attitude a little so that what we put to the minister is based on provision of amenity, not provision of population.”

Cr Neil’s plea was rejected by a majority of councillors, who voted to adopt the final draft plan. Council will also ask the planning minister to undertake consultation before finalising the structure plan.

Sunbury teenager Chelsea Jovanovic. (Damjan Janevski) 408362_01

Family violence training for GPs

By Hannah Hammoud

The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is on a mission to protect and support patients experiencing family violence through its innovative program, Primary Care Pathways to Safety. This program equips general practice staff with the necessary tools to provide trauma-informed care to victim-survivors.

Funded by the federal government Department of Health and Aged Care, the programofferstailoredtrainingtoGPs,practice nurses, practice managers, and reception staff. The aim is to enable them to effectively assist patients disclosing intimate partner violence

or other forms of domestic abuse. Support ranges from providing information on local services to alerting emergency organisations for immediate protection.

Developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne’s Safer Families CentreofResearchExcellence,whichdeveloped targetedtrainingprotocols,theprogrambegan in 2019, with funding provided to 30 practices across Melbourne’s north and west for training and resources.

One of the 30 practices is the Deer Park Medical Centre. Practice manager Namarata Malhotra said GPs take on a multifaceted role in addressing family violence.

“Beyond merely identifying signs of abuse,

they serve as frontline advocates, offering compassionatesupport,andactivelyfacilitating connections between affected patients and the essential resources and services needed to navigate and overcome such challenging situations.,” Ms Malhotra said.

’’... Our approach encompasses confidential consultations, where individuals can openly discuss their experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Additionally, we offer tailored referrals to specialised services, ensuring that patients receive the specific assistance they require. Furthermore, our dedicated team coordinates ongoing care, guidingpatientsthroughtheirjourneytowards healing and empowerment.’’

Deer Park Medical Centre principal doctor Atef Asham said the funding has enabled the centre to enhance its support services, including training staff in identifying and responding to signs of family violence, implementing protocols for patient safety, and expanding access to counselling and support programs.

’’If you’re experiencing family violence and unsure where to start, consider reaching out to trusted healthcare professionals like your GP, whocanoffersupport,resources,andguidance on seeking help and safety planning,” Dr Asham said.

NWMPHN is now recruiting another 30 practices to undertake the training.

Funds posted to the people makes a difference

Live4Life has joined more than 150 grassroots communityandnot-for-profitgroupstoreceive upto$2000infundingthroughAustraliaPosts annual People of Post grants.

Woodend-based Live4Life is a registered health promotion charity, which brings together rural and regional communities to improve youth mental health and wellbeing and reduce suicide.

The grant will help Live4Life run this year’s crew camp in central Victoria, giving members an opportunity to build their confidence, deepen their mental health knowledge and learn the skills they need to become true leaders.

Kyneton Post Office postal service officer Jeannie Hibbins nominated Live4Life, for aligning to one of Australia Post’s community strategic focus areas of mental health.

Live4Life chief executive Bernard Galbally thanked the Australia Post team, especially Ms Hibbins, for the grant that will bring young

people from different communities together at crew camp.

“This support will help Live4Life crew

members develop their skills as Mental Health Ambassadors,” he said. “[These are] crucial skills that they take back to share with young people in their communities,”

Australia Post has awarded local Victorian community groups 47 grants as part of the program,withthemajorityofprojectsfocusing on mental health, to help foster community connection, resilience and awareness.

Australia Post general manager of communityandstakeholderengagementNicky Tracey said the seventh year of the program would help local organisations continue to make a positive impact.

“At the heart of this initiative is Australia Postteammembers,whowitnessfirst-handthe incredible work community groups do every day across Australia,” she said.

Zoe Moffatt

Plump pumpkin pulls award

Hobby farmer John Collins was named winner of the Malmsbury Farmers’ & Artists’ Market’s annual Giant Pumpkin Competition with his massive 27.6 kilogram Atlantic Giant.

Placing first in the ‘heaviest pumpkin’ category on Sunday, May 19, Mr Collins and his seven-year-old son, Johnny, planted the prize-winning pumpkin at their Kyneton hobby farm last November.

To grow the fruit, Mr Collins said he researched giant pumpkin varieties and growing strategies on the internet, discovering the Dill’s Atlantic Giant variety from The Diggers Club.

“From very early on, you identify the pumpkin that you’re going to stick with and cut off every other pumpkin,” he said.

From there, he and his son fed the plant with worm manure until the fruit grew to about 30 kilograms before it lost moisture and reached its final competition weight of 27.6 kilograms.

Mr Collins and his son also entered a pumpkin in last year’s competition, where they placed second in the ‘ugliest pumpkin’ novelty category – which Mr Collins said they “didn’t necessarily intend” to achieve.

For next year’s competitors, Mr Collins will package and make available the seeds from his winning pumpkin, encouraging growers to “never give up on your dreams” in winning the competition.

This was the competition’s third running year, with prizes awarded in the categories of heaviest, prettiest, ugliest, longest, and best-dressed pumpkins.

TheMalmsburyFarmers’&Artists’Market runs on the third Sunday of each month at the Malmsbury Village Green.

Instagram: instagram.com/ johnmovestoafarm

Oscar Parry John Collins with his winning pumpkin. (Supplied)

Live4life team Bridie Jonstone, Mina Beverley, Talon Gostelow, Jeannie Hibbins from Australia Post and Live4life chief executive Bernard Galbally. (Damjan Janevski) 406647_01

Community focus for budget

TheMacedonRangesRegionalSportsprecinct, Macedon Ranges Shared Trails, Kyneton ShowgroundsNetballCourtandchangerooms project and renewal works at the Gisborne Mechanics Community Centre are among the projects to receive funding from Macedon Ranges council in 2024-25.

Councillors adopted the budget for next financialyearduringacouncilmeetingonMay 22. It includes a $26.67 million capital works program.

Ratepayers will experience an average rate rise of 2.75 per cent, in line with the state

government’s cap on rate increases.

The budget document notes that council is experiencing heightened operational expenses which directly affect its ability to provide essential services and execute projects.

It also noted that grants for capital and operating programs from state and federal government have decreased.

For the 2024-25 budget, council accepted community submissions about projects residents would like to see funded in late 2023, providing officers more time to consider the requests. Council received 114 community

submissions.

Mayor Annette Death noted that the budget was put together amid “ very tight financial framework” but said councillors and council officers had strived to include as many new capital works projects as possible.

She said one of the most common requests was for funding for council’s botanic gardens, which resulted in funding in the budget for a botanic gardens team leader to oversee maintenance and development activities at the municipality’s three botanic gardens and high profile parks such as Romsey Ecotherapy Park

Donnan with Auskick

Children kicking goals in Gisborne

Gisborne Auskick is off to a flying start, with 160 Auskick players registered for this year’s season.

The 2024 season kicked off on May 4, and thegroupclosedregistrationsonMay13,with its record breaking registration numbers.

Bec Donnan runs Gisborne Auskick with a fellow parent and said they decided to close the registration for safety and management, as the sessions are run by volunteers.

“We were just watching the [registration] numbers climb and we couldn’t believe it … this year and last year we had 121

registrations,” Ms Donnan said.

“We’re so happy, it makes us so happy to see kids out on a Saturday morning, learning new skills and social skills.

“I think [the growth] is coming a lot from the schools, I think a lot of kids talk about it at school … they love it.”

Ms Donnan said the sessions are open to kids between the ages of four and 12 years old, as long as they turn five by the end of the year.

Parents are encouraged to be present for the session, which runs between 9.30am and

Film tells of the refugee experience

MacedonRangesRuralAustralianforRefugees (MRRAR) is hosting a film screening of the movie, For Sama, throughout the Macedon Ranges in June.

The documentary by Syrian activist, journalist, and filmmaker, Waad Al-Kateab, will be screened at Norma Richardson Hall, WoodendonJune21,at7pm,andattheChurch of Christ, New Gisborne on June 22, at 7pm.

The film is a love letter by Waad to her one-year-old daughter in case she does not survive the conflict in Aleppo, Syria.

For five years she documents her life falling in love, getting married and then giving birth to her daughter whilst living under constant siege in a hospital set up by her husband.

MRRAR member Colette Atkins has been a part of the group since April last year, and said she wanted to join due to the dire situation of

the refugees in the community

“I’d seen the film during refugee week last year…Iwasprettyblownawaybytheimpactof it and thought it would be good for the group,” she said.

“It’s because she’s filming this and living in a war zone at the time of filming, it makes you understand a bit more what people go through.

“I think people need to connect with that to understand why people come here.”

MRRAR said although the devastation of this conflict is heartbreaking, the film reveals incredible strength, resilience and love.

Waad fled Aleppo in 2016 for London and ForSamawasreleasedin2019.Duringthistime Waad also launched an Advocacy Campaign Action For Sama. MRRAR welcomes any and alldonationsatthedoor,andalightsupperwill be served after each screening.

and Kyneton Community Park.

Other projects requested by the community and funded in the budget include Romsey FootballNetballClubCourtresurfacingworks, lighting upgrades for the South Gisborne Tennis Club, Romsey Tennis Club resurfacing works, additional funding for tree planting across the shire and the design of two new tennis courts with LED lighting at Ross Watt Reserve.

Cr Mark Ridgeway said he was impressed by theextenttowhichcouncilofficershadlistened to the community’s requests.

10.30am on Saturday.

“[At the session] we have a quick warm up and chat with kids about what they liked in the previous week,” Ms Donnan said.

“We go through three activities [including] football and motor skills. Then we play some games on the mini ovals with about 28 kids [in each game].

“We have some amazing volunteers who take them through the game.”

Details: gisborneauskick@gmail.com

Zoe Moffatt

The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants have officially opened, with $450,000 available for projects that involve young people actively caring for Victoria’s biodiversity and natural environment.

Schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and youth groups can all apply for grants of up to $5000 for projects encouraging young Victorians to learn moreaboutthestate’splants,wildlifeand nature.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the grants play such an important role helping young Victorians connect with nature.

“Since 2018, the grants have provided more than $2.5 million to projects across the state, with 584 projects being completed and making a difference,” Ms Thomas said. “These grants benefit our beautiful landscapes across the state and help young Victorians get involved in nature-based programs at a young age.

“[They] can instill a passion for the environment that can last a lifetime.”

The state government said more than 47,000 young people have been a part of the program and grant recipients have also planted 99,000 indigenous plants across numerous landscapes.

Past projects funded by the grant programincludethecreationofawalking trail aimed at promoting opportunities for students to care for indigenous plants and animals on Phillip Island.

The state government said it has transformed land with indigenous flora in Bundoora and biodiversity-focused excursionstolearnaboutlocalwildlifein Yarra Glen.

Applicationsforthegrantswillcloseat 3pm on Friday, June 14. Details: https:// shorturl.at/jc1bX

Bec

participants. (Damian Janevski) 407165_05

DJs in Diggers Rest

A group of students from Diggers Rest Primary School have been busy remixing songs to use the power of music to connect.

During term two, 10 boys from grade six have been selected to participate in a weekly DJ-Podcast program run by DJ ‘Ragz’ from Urban Movement.

Assistant principal Brad Kemp helped select the students for the program, who all requested to participate.

“We felt like we needed to connect those students in a fun and engaging environment,”

Mr Kemp said.

“We’ve had a very positive response from all the students, they’re looking forward to producing [a] DJ set with their songs.”

The program is designed to engage students at a deeper level within the school community and build a stronger sense of inclusion and connectedness.

Throughout the program the students have developed a range of skills which will allow them to prepare for a life beyond primary school.

Briefs

Hume clean day

Sunbury residents are invited to drop off their unwanted mattresses, couches, white goods, tyres and e-waste at Hume council resource recovery centres for free on June 1, from 8am to 4pm. Residents will need to show proof they live in Hume and can bring up to 15 items of hard waste to 515 Riddell Road, Sunbury. Details: hume.vic.gov.au/wasteoptions

Tourism project take off

The state government will provide grants of up to $5 million to tourism infrastructure projects, which will create jobs and promote new projects across regional Victoria. The grants will be delivered through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund to assist tourism businesses, not-for-profit and Traditional Owner organisations. Applications for the Regional Tourism Investment Fund are open from Thursday, May 16 until Friday, July 19. Details: tourism.vic.gov.au

Business awards

Applications are now open for the 2024 Hume Business Awards for categories including, business of the year and Hume business leader. Residents can submit an application for their business or a business that they work for in Hume until July 5, to be considered. Details: www.hume.vic. gov.au/businessawards FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Fusing friendship and fun

Louis Grima is providing free friendship across Melbourne’s north-west to bring together like-minded people and give people an opportunity to enhance their social life, with the Fusion Friendship Group.

After running a single’s dance club more than 20 years ago, the passion returned for Louis to bring people together and seek out new friendships from himself and for others, causing him to found this group.

He said the group provides an opportunity for anybody to make new friends in safe environments.

“We’re mainly into music, dancing, and dinners,” he said. “We’re out every Saturday and Sunday.”

“There’s no cut off on age, we’re open to anyone, but it’s more suited for 45 and up.”

“This group’s aim is to bring together and

give the opportunity to people to enhance their social life and to meet new and interesting like-minded people. Our events will predominantly be held in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. If this sounds like you, don’t die wondering and hop on board.”

The group hosts a number of events, with anywhere from 10 to 40 people attending each time.

Mr Grima said the group’s strong mix of people from all over Melbourne’s north and west means the group has events all across Melbourne, but most notably in the North the group loves Music Land and the Darebin RSL. To cater for older members and regular workers, they have Sunday events typically running from 3pm to 6pm. Join: https:// shorturl.at/pyJsV

Gerald Lynch

Louis Grima runs a friendship group in the northern and western suburbs. (Damjan Janevski) 407123_01

DJ ‘Ragz’ and participating students. (Supplied)

Call for more large event spaces

By Gerald Lynch

Concerns of over the concentration of large open spaces in Hume has opened discussions on more spaces being developed or upgraded.

While Hume boasts more than 580 parks, reserves, and open spaces, only a select few have the capacity to host large public events.

This has caused Craigieburn’s Anzac Park, Jack Roper Reserve in Broadmeadows, and The Nook in Sunbury to bear the brunt of hosting a number of events within a short span of time, according to council.

During a recent council meeting, councillors noted that the concentration of events has caused challenges for residents, with increased

Sunbury Rotary president Merv Minett, SCCH team leader of family services Renee Griffiths and SCCH manager of family services and housing Justine Maher. (Damjan Janevski) 407455_01

Driving change in family violence

Sunbury residents impacted by family violence have been given a helping hand to meet their transportation needs, through a car donation from the Rotary Club of Sunbury.

Sunbury Rotary has been heavily involved in local family violence education, and in its next step to tackle this issue, it has donated a car to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH).

SCCH family services and housing manager Justine Maher said the car will be used to help transport individuals in the family service and family violence program.

“Initially we met with rotary a few months agototalkaboutfamilyviolenceandtheimpact on women and children,” Ms Maher???? said.

“Rotary wanted to know how they could help and an area identified was that some families found it difficult to get to appointments, such as doctors appointments.

“They then went back to their own club and decided Rotary wanted to donate a car for SCCH family service and family violence program.”

With the impact of family violence increasingly evident in nation-wide news, Ms Maher said it’s more complex than it’s ever been.

“Family services are seeing more and more families coming … with historic or current family violence,” she said.

“[Thisdonation]isgoingtohelpourprogram reach more people … it’s going to help us reach more clients.

“It’s a new connection with Rotary and we look forward to working with them in the future, without community support to help with those extra funding needs we wouldn’t be able to run our programs.

“Sunbury Police were also heavily involved in bringing this connection of groups together, which then resulted in this donation.”

Anyone who needs help or is being affected by family violence can contact Orange Door Sunbury for advice or support: 1800 271 151.

Zoe Moffatt

traffic congestion and high levels of noise on a frequent basis, particularly for those living close to Anzac Park.

Councillor Joseph Haweil said Hume is a proud destination area, but the open spaces availability is struggling to keep up with the number of large scale events that are held.

Aside from the noise complaints of local residents, Cr Haweil also noted that all the current large sites lack a common theme; shelter.

“Many residents groups and associations ask us more than anything else for a festival and events site that has a covered or shaded area,” he said. “Unfortunately, we as an organisation havehadtocancelverymanyofourownevents

‘‘ We as an organisation have had to cancel very many of our own events ... because of the weather conditions ’’ - Joseph Haweil

because they’ve been rained out and because of the weather conditions.

“We want to reach a point where we do make an investment in a place I think will be very well utilised, which will draw people from across the city and further afield.”

He noted that this is a long term move of five to 10 years, but there are a number of “quick wins” available for council to act on to address the current issues.

Cr Jim Overend said not a week goes by withoutabigevent,andtheycanoftenrunlong into the night.

“We do need a permanent home for these events, with a permanent stage and cover,” he said.

Last year, Hume’s Carols by Candlelight was abandoned due to wet weather conditions.

Council will use the coming financial year to assess options and look for suitable outcomes for a future capital works program, and look to address it in the 2025-26 budget.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Funding for volunteers

Community groups in and around Sunbury have received funding from the federal government to support their volunteers under the Volunteer Grants program.

Hawke MP Sam Rae announced on May 17, that 35 community groups in Hawke received funding, including the Sunbury Basketball Association (SBA) and DREAM Group in Diggers Rest.

SBA received $1000 to fund fuel and transportation costs for volunteers, which the group said was to recognise and thank many of the SBA volunteers.

“[We are] grateful to, again, receive community funding from Mr Rae. The SBA will use this funding to recognise and thank many of our volunteers,“ a spokesperson said. “Like all community organisations, SBA relies on and is indebted to its volunteers.

Without them, we simply couldn’t provide our members with the competitions and programs that we do.

DREAM advocacy group received $1500 for ITequipment,andgroupmemberJohnVerdon said the team is extraordinarily grateful and really excited about receiving the funding.

“[The funding helped] us purchase some IT equipment … [including] a computer, mouse and keyboard,” Mr Verdon said.

“This means the group can operate independently and not be reliant on personal equipment … [which] can lead to delicate conflict of interests.

“It allows us to stand on our own two feet … It’ll be a resource for the whole group.”

Other funded projects include equipment purchases, training costs, fuel and travel costs for volunteers, events promoting volunteerism

and more.

The federal government said local volunteers put in countless hours to make the community a better place to live, whether it’s through sporting clubs, neighbourhood houses or community groups.

“Ourlocalvolunteersdosomuchforus.This funding is all about giving back, to help them continue their good work,” Mr Rae said.

Successful recipients in Sunbury and Diggers Rest include: Careworks SunRanges Inc, Goonawarra Neighbourhood House, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Tennis Club (Sunbury) Inc, Sunbury Basketball Association Inc, Sunbury BMX, Sunbury Community Soccer Club Inc, Sunbury Lions Basketball Club Inc, Sunbury RSL Sun-Branch, Sunbury Senior Citizens Club Inc, Sunbury Softball Association Inc, Sunbury U3A and Sunspec Support Group.

Woodend RSL receives grant

The Woodend RSL Sub-branch will receive a $49,000 state government grant towards facility improvements under a programfocusedonsupportingveterans.

The sub-branch is one of 20 organisations across the state that will receive support under the Veterans Capital Works Program, which benefits veteran memorials and community buildings through funding upgrades and maintenance.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated Woodend RSL for receiving the funding.

“This grant will be used to build a community shed for storage and workshop activities for their members andvolunteergroups…Ithankthemfor the commitment they show to our local community every day,’ Ms Thomas said.

Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman said that the grants will help honour Victorian veterans. “We’re restoring and upgrading memorials and community building – to preserve the stories, history and value of Victorian veterans and their loved ones,” she said.

Across the state, the grants will also benefit the Restoring War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program, which assists the maintenance of war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.

Fourteen organisations will receive funding under this program, including Ballan RSL Sub-branch to restore the historic Barrys Reef WWI Avenue of Honour, and Boroondara council.

Oscar Parry

Shining a light on dedicated local volunteers

Throughout the country last week, remarkable community members were recognised for their volunteering as part of National Volunteer Week.

Closer to home, in the Macedon Ranges, counciltooktheopportunitytoshinealighton locals who have helped to shape the shire into the place it is today.

Mayor Annette Death said this year’s theme ‘somethingforeveryone’perfectlycapturedthe essence of volunteering.

“There are a diverse range of volunteer opportunities available across our shire, catering to individuals from all walks of life,” she said.

“I encourage anyone with some spare time and a willingness to help to seek out local groups that might need a hand.

“On behalf of council, I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who currently participate in volunteer roles.

“Whether you’ve been involved for a short time or a long time, you all make such valuable contributions and a real difference to our community.”

Karen Shugg – Karen Shugg started volunteering at Galahad’s Animal Sanctuary in Gisborne in January, 2020, and says volunteering instils a profound sense of purpose and uplifts one’s outlook on life. “I feel volunteering is a two-way street,” Ms Shugg said.

Her days at the sanctuary are filled with heart-warming interactions with a diverse array of animals, from sheep and cows, to chickens and even camels.

“This for me is just beautiful, to be able to hang out with these guys,” said.

Frank Singleton – Frank Singleton is a dedicated member of the Romsey Country Fire Association (CFA), embodying the spirit of community service.

With more than three years of service under his belt, Mr Singleton said he finds fulfilment not only in times of crisis but in fostering a culture of safety within local schools.

“The motivation is … I would help someone if I was paid or not paid,” he said.

“It’s good to do something just for the fact

that you can be a role model and an example for others in the community.”

Woodend SES – The Woodend SES is continuing to make a profound impact on the community, with dedicated individuals including Jane Crozier, Paul Riches, and Peter Burkhard.

Mr Riches is the group’s unit controller, and he oversees training, operations and community outreach, while managing the unit.

He said the rewards of volunteering extend beyond personal satisfaction to the tangible difference it makes in the lives of those they assist.

“[There is] enjoyment when people show their appreciation when they’re in a situation where they’re not able to help themselves and being able to resolve an issue for them on the day,” Mr Riches said. “It can be personally rewarding as well as beneficial to others.”

Cassie Bailey – Cassie Bailey’s volunteer journey began alongside her partner, with The

Kindness Collective in Kyneton.

Through its Foodbank, op-shop, drop-in space, soup kitchen and crisis relief initiatives, theCollectiveaimstoprovideessentialsupport andassistancetocommunitymembersinneed.

Whether it’s assisting customers at the op-shop or engaging with visitors at the Foodbank, Ms Bailey cherishes the chance to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives.

“We support families that really need support, we’ve got a great team,” she said. “It’s something I enjoy doing.”

John Tohovitis – John Tohovitis has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the Riddells Creek Football Netball Club through his service within the community, dating back to the 1990s.

For Mr Tohovitis, volunteering at the club isn’t just about giving back, he said it’s about forging connections, fostering community spirit and providing a positive outlet for local youth.

“If you can contribute, it’s good personally andforthevolunteeringsideofthings,”hesaid.

Local volunteers, pictured left to right: Karen Shugg, Frank Singleton, Paul Riches from Woodend SES, Cassie Bailey and John Tohovitis. (Pictures: Supplied)

Hawke MP Sam Rae visited the Sunbury Basketball Association to celebrate the grant. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

Sunbury Community radio veteran and local resident Bill Kirk tells Zoe Moffatt about his connection with the town and almost two decades spent at the local station.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I moved to Sunbury in July, 1983, with my wife and first son. We moved into a house in Goonawarra, at that stage the place was surrounded by paddocks basically, and cows would wander down the street. I have four adult kids and five grandchildren, they’ve all been schooled in Sunbury and I was heavily involvedinschoolcouncils.Iamalsoinvolved in the Sunbury Family History Society as they were when they were first established.

Tell us about your time at 99.3FM and how you got involved?

I started in 2005, when a fellow school councillor was the station manager at the time. I hadn’t really been aware of it to be honest before then and eventually I decided to have a go at it. I had a lot of music and didn’t really have anyone to share it with other than myself. So I took the opportunity and joined up in May 2005, and have recently finished after about 19 years.

How does it feel to look back at almost 20 years there?

Fantastic, I really enjoyed my time there. Somebody said to me right at the start, ‘you sound as though you’re enjoying the music you’re playing,’ and that was my philosophy. I wanted to sound as though I was enjoying doing it and hopefully the listeners were as well.

What do you like about where you live?

We moved here originally because of the ‘citing living, country life’ slogan, but obviously the town has changed considerably since then. However, I still feel it’s a much

better environment to live in compared to the inner suburbs.

And what, if anything, would you change about where you live?

Parking is always a problem, depending on the time of day and where you want to go, but at least at the moment, we don’t have to really pay for parking.

Win for Rugby League

Rugby League has a new home in Broadmeadows, with the completion of the redeveloped Seabrook Reserve.

In conjunction with the state government and NRL Victoria, Hume council has opened the $22 million facility, which will act as the new headquarters for NRL Victoria.

The centre will be the new home for Melbourne Storm’s elite female development pathways, NRL Victoria and its youth development squads, and Touch Victoria, acting as a home for players and teams from grassroots to the elite level.

It features three new turf pitches, a pavilion with female friendly change rooms, a half pitch for touch rugby, high performance training facilities, medical facilities, match day amenities, a kitchen, and meeting and administration rooms, including space for community groups to meet.

Melbourne Storm currently has just three playersoriginallyfromVictoria,butMelbourne

Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said the facilitieswillhelptobridgethegapforbudding locals.

“The continued growth of rugby league locally and introduction of new Melbourne Storm pathways programs for female and male players is exciting for the game in Victoria,” he said. “With the support of the Victorian government and Hume City Council, we hope to see more local players wearing the Storm jersey in years to come.”

These facilities will also be used by local sports organisations and clubs including the Northern Thunder to ensure more grassroots clubs have the best facilities and infrastructure to support rugby league’s growth in Victoria.

HumemayorNaimKurtsaidthenewfacility will help to grow the game in Hume.

“Thisdevelopmentwillsetanewstandardfor women’s sport and Rugby League development in Hume, while also being a win for the community,” he said.

Places that serve a nice coffee

time?

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

I’ve often felt for the past 19 years that there weren’t very many people listening to my shows because I tended to have a different style of music than some of the more popular,

more modern day shows. I did the Sunday classic morning program for 10 years between 2006 and 2016, which was 477 shows between 6am and 9am on a Sunday morning and there’s only a few Sundays I missed. I think the thing I was most proud of was that I did 18 Christmas morning shows in a row, and that was part of about 150 fill-in shows that I did over the years as well.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

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

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

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

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

Where is your favourite place to spend

(Damjan Janevski)

405347_02

Claudia Davey - Touch football, John Wilson - NRL, Dr Amanda Green - chair NRL, Hume council chief executive Sheena Frost, Cr Joseph Hawiel, Brent Silva - GM NRL, Frank Maguire, Hume mayor Naim Kurt, Steve Dimopolous MP, Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews Ward, with Melbourne Storm academy players behind. (Tim Carrafa Photography)

The ‘critical’ first 1000 days

Australia is grappling with the twin crises of family violence and housing shortages. At the Caroline Chisholm Society (CCS) these two nation-wide issues have come to a head as Hannah Hammoud reports.

The Caroline Chisholm Society – based in the western suburbs of Melbourne –provides wrap-around family services to prevent the need for child protection involvement for thousands of women and their children who might otherwise have entered or experienced the trauma of out of home care.

CCS chief executive Jennifer Weber says early intervention and prevention is the key to working towards positive outcomes for vulnerable women.

“We are experiencing a demand for services, particularly for women who are pregnant and impacted by family violence and homelessness,” Ms Weber said.

‘‘ Pregnancy is often a very vulnerable time for women and it can often be the trigger life-event where women start to experience violence ’’ - Jennifer Weber

“We know from research that pregnancy is often a very vulnerable time for women and it can often be the trigger life-event where women start to experience violence.”

Ms Weber said services like the CCS aim to provide essential support to pregnant women, allowing them to self-refer to family services priortochildbirth.Thegoalistoconnectthese expectant mothers with resources early on, ensuring their safety and readiness for their baby’s arrival. However, the current surge in demand has meant that pregnant women are often not prioritised until after their baby is born.

This delay can lead to severe consequences. For instance, when at-risk mothers give birth, childprotectionservicesmaybecomeinvolved immediately if there are concerns about the mother’s ability to provide a safe environment for the baby. In some cases, mothers have reported being told they cannot take their baby home or continue breastfeeding because child protection has decided to place the baby

in care due to perceived risks.

Ms Weber said a common scenario involves mothers who are escaping family violence and have been unable to secure stable housing during their pregnancy. Upon giving birth, they face immediate scrutiny from child protection services. If they are found to lack safe housing, their newborn may be required to stay in the hospital until suitable accommodation is found. This situation forces new mothers into a frantic search for housing, under the pressure of knowing their baby cannot come home until it is resolved.

MsWebersaidfundingreceivedbytheCCS limits what the organisation can do in the early intervention/prevention space – called the “first 1000 days” – a critical time between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday. The first 1000 days represents a time that can be an opportunity for both “tremendous potential” as well as a time of “potential risk of adversity and vulnerability.”

Ms Weber said funding for family services liketheCCSisthe“loosechangeinthecouch” to supporting this increasingly vulnerable cohort of women.

“Wearenotaskingformillionsandmillions of dollars but we are asking for the discussion and serious consideration to be given to how we can be funded,” she said.

“There are more than 2000 women in Victoria needing help and there are very limited pathways into services for women. Instead of somebody putting them onto a waitlist, we can start working with them straightaway,andwegetreallygoodoutcomes when we do this because we can move very quickly to stabilise the situation.

“To me, the housing first principle is first and foremost. In the government budgets there are very grand themes that seem to be identified,butwhataboutwhenorganisations areendeavouringtodowhattheseaspirations are trying to solve by coming up with real solutions. But we in fact still can’t get access to respectable housing solutions, and by that I mean not putting pregnant women into hotels that most of us would never want to be staying in, and they’ve got two to three days to stay there and then they’ve got to find somewhere else.”

A state government spokesperson said victim survivors of family violence are prioritised for social housing.

“Housing allocations for family violence survivors have grown by 49 per cent since 2019-20,” the spokesperson said.

“We have also invested more than $72 million in the Victorian Budget 2024-25 to provide immediate support and emergency accommodation for survivors of family violence.

“The Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward recently met with the sector to hear about what is working well and what more we can do to provide emergency accommodation for those escaping family violence.”

Ms Weber said the CCS wants the government to enable them to work with women “sooner rather than later”.

“We want them to help us find houses and accommodation that can be available for six to 12 months at least in the short term to stabilise mum’s situation,” she said.

Ms Weber said in the prenatal stage, providing timely support to expectant motherscanbeapivotalmomentthatchanges the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their unborn children.

“I often think of it as a sliding doors moment,” Ms Weber said.

“Consider the case of a pregnant woman who arrives in Victoria from another state, fleeing family violence and other issues. She has been couch surfing, and her Centrelink payments have been disrupted due to her unstable living conditions. In the final weeks of her pregnancy, she visits a Centrelink office to fix her payment issues. During her visit, she starts to reveal more about her situation, which raises red flags. The Centrelink social worker then comes over to speak with her and this is where the sliding doors moment happens. The social worker has a couple of options, they could either flag her case in the system or they could call the Caroline Chisholm Society. Within hours of us getting that call, we’ve set up a practitioner, a doula to support mum during her childbirth, and because we’ve been able to provide wrap around services we can then start addressing housing and other issues and child protection doesn’t need to be involved.”

Ms Weber said this scenario underscores the critical need for proactive support systems for expectant mothers, especially those in vulnerable situations.

MsWebersaidthecurrentsystemoftenfalls short with many expectant mothers facing delays and barriers when seeking support, sometimes resulting in situations that could have been avoided with timely assistance.

“We need to do better for anyone regardless of their particular situation – not having to sit and wait at intakes to be considered for a few nights of accommodation. But particularly so for a pregnant woman, it’s such a critical time for them as they are about to give birth, if child protection gets that call and has to investigate once mum gives birth… this is not going to be a great outcome.

“If baby has to be removed from mum and go into care, what’s that going to cost? Not just the social and emotional wellbeing of mum and bub, but on the system itself?”

Caroline Chisholm Society chief executive Jennifer Weber. (Damjan Janevski) 407746_01

(iStock)

More regional tourism support needed says TMR

Macedon Ranges’ peak tourism body has welcomed initiatives in the state budget to support regional tourism but said more needs to be done.

Earlier this month, the state government released its 2024-25 budget, which includes $62 million to support the continuation of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF).

Tourism Macedon Ranges Inc chair Andrew Towner said while the RTIF was welcomed, it was a challenging budget for regional tourism, and Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) remain underfunded.

“The state’s Hanging Rock Masterplan provides the perfect opportunity for the government to fund a project that will protect

this iconic site,” he said

“While providing economic stimulus to the region and [creating] a place for the enjoyment of future generations of residents and visitors.

“The cuts to Visit Victoria’s marketing spend were extremely concerning and short-sighted and reflect the view that spending on the visitor economy is seen as a cost, not an investment.

“Victoria is behind both NSW and Queensland in terms of visitation and these cuts will ensure that the state remains in this position.”

According to the RTIF, funding is focused on the five product priorities identified in

Experience Victoria 2033, which include First Peoples’ led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink and nature.

Mr Towner said these ‘pillars’ align with Tourism Macedon Ranges Inc and it is highly supportive.

“However, a position is nothing without a supporting product and we are advocating strongly for investment in key products that align with the pillars.

“The progression of the Hanging Rock Masterplan is an obvious one, as it aligns with both the First Peoples and Nature pillars.

“Investment in Mineral Springs and the Hanging Rock to Daylesford Rail Trail also aligns with these priorities and provide

Posting for connection

This month, one million households across the state will receive a special prepaid postcard thanks to Australia Post and Beyond Blue.

The Connection Postcard program is entering its fourth year, with a strong focus on encouraging greater community connection and supporting mental wellbeing across the country.

According to Ending Loneliness Together’s State of the Nation Report, nearly one in three Australians struggle with loneliness, especially in remote or regional areas, causing Australia Post to increase its distribution of postcards in this year’s program.

The two-part ‘Connection Postcard includes important mental health information and Beyond Blue contact details, and a detachable second part including a pre-paid postcard for recipients to pen a personalised note to send to a friend or loved one.

Created by regional Australian artist, Jocelyn Proust, the brand-new illustration includes two fairy wrens in a vibrant natural setting to signify the power of communication for connection and begins with the words, ‘sharing this postcard because I care’.

Australia Post general manager of community and stakeholder engagement, Nicky Tracey, said Australia Post is proud to be expanding the campaign in 2024.

“We know that when we connect, we feel better. This is why we’re delighted to be a longstanding partner of Beyond Blue, helping to connect people with each other and to mental health information,” she said.

“Last year’s Connection Postcard campaign demonstrated that 95%** of recipients who sent on the postcard felt more positive.”

The postcards include encourage people to share a thought, share a memory, and share a story.

excellent opportunities for our region.” Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the government was investing in experiences, attractions, industries and partnerships that make Victoria a tourism drawcard.

“We have invested more than $45 billion across rural and regional Victoria over the last decade, with our strong investment in Victoria’s visitor economy and blockbuster major events generating a new record high of $37.8 billion in tourism spending in Victoria in 2023 – $5.4 billion higher than 2019 levels,” he said.

Plans for safer Station Street

A new crossing will be built in Riddells Creek with a grant from the state government, improving pedestrian safety and connectivity.

Macedon Ranges council will receive $75,345 to build the crossing on Station Street, just before Hamilton Street, creating safer passage between the shops and Riddells Creek Station.

The grant comes after a lack of pedestrian crossings in Riddells Creek was highlighted by the community during the Draft Riddells Creek Movement Network Study, which identifiedtraffic,parking,andpedestrian safety issues in the area.

Council assets and operations director Shane Walden thanked the government for offering the grant in response to community feedback.

“A lack of pedestrian crossings was identified as a major issue within the study and by the community, with Station Street specifically listed as a problem area,” Mr Walden said.

“It is fantastic to be able to address this area of concern and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Planning and construction of the crossing will begin during the 2024-25 financial year.

“Whilepeoplehaveneverbeenmoredigitally connected,theresearchshowstoomanypeople experiencefeelingsofdisconnection,loneliness andisolation.Inourfourthyearinpartnership with Australia Post, we hope to continue fostering genuine connection through the simple act of sending a personalised postcard,

BeyondBluechiefexecutiveGeorgieHarman said the expanded campaign is coming at a time when greater community connection and awareness about accessible and affordable mental health support is critical.

while also encouraging people to look after their mental health and know that Beyond Blue is always there for them with free support around the clock,” she said.

“Whether it’s a simple conversation, a supportive gesture, or a shared experience, fostering connection is essential for nurturing resilience, reducing isolation, and promoting overall wellbeing.”

Macedon Ranges council is one of 40 Victorian councils to share in more than $2 million under the annual Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program.

Funded projects to use safe system principles to reduce crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Oscar Parry

Zoe Moffatt

Gisborne Post Office team Joe, Jamie and Tanya. (Supplied)

New babies on the Savannah

calves – a spectacular and mysterious species of antelope – recently born at the zoo.

Werribee Open Range Zoo Savannah keeper Katie Jones said the tiny calves are difficult to spot because they spend their first few weeks separated from the herd.

calves when they think the coast is clear, and the calves re-join the rest of the herd when they’re old enough.”

Nyala are a shy species of antelope that prefer to dwell in dense forest areas in order to camouflage.

If you look carefully, you might spot some very big ears poking through the long grass at Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Savannah. The ears belong to four precious Nyala

“After the calves are born, the mothers use a behaviour called ’stashing’ where they hide them in long grass or at the base of trees to protect them from potential predators,” Ms Jones said.

“The mothers come every day to feed the

Ms Jones said the striking white vertical stripes that run down their shimmering chestnut fur are what makes them so unique.

“They’re not the best runners and have a bit of an awkward gait, so to camouflage

they rely on the dappled sunlight casting patterns similar to the stipes and dots on their backs.

“It can take quite a lot of looking through the trees to see them and even zookeepers struggle sometimes.”

Lowlandnyalaareamedium-sizedantelope native to south-eastern Africa. Males can be identified by their large spiralling horns. Scientists estimate nyala have lived for over five million years, making them older than humanity.

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One of the four Nyala calves born at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Right: You can often spot the calves hiding in the long grass. (Pictures: Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

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

■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

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

■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat

Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. Chats every Tuesday, from 10.30-11.30am, at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon.

■ Carol, 0431 186 575

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome.

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.

■ sunburybc@gmail.com

One Voice Sunbury

One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. Fun and welcoming choir, new members

welcome, no prior singing experience required. Just join in the fun.

■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

Family History and Heritage Society

If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and your own family history, come along to meetings at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month, which from May will be at room five at the Global Learning Centre in Sunbury.

■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Rotary club

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

■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am.

■ Jo, 0410 834 272

Toastmasters

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of the Melton South Primary School colour run.(Damjan Janevski) 408205_01

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

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. They are temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.

■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.

■ Greg, 0417 593 035

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

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Keegan Payne has won a million dollars after catching what kind of fish in an annual NT angling competition?

2. Where are the 2024 Olympics taking place in July?

3. Who won the Norm Smith medal in 2023?

4. In 2022, which team won the Major League Baseball World Series?

5. Bundee Aki currently plays rugby for which country?

6. In which year did Toby Greene become the solo captain of GWS?

7. Which boxing legend is returning to the sport for a heavyweight match against a famous YouTuber?

Helen Housby plays for which Super Netball team?

Roland-Garros is another name for which Grand Slam tournament?

10. Which Austrian player announced they were retiring from professional tennis after suffering a wrist injury?

11. Which team has the first overall selection in the 2024 NBA draft?

Bowler James Anderson has taken 700 wickets playing for which national cricket team?

Australians Ziggy Mackenzie and Dane Henry recently won world junior championship titles in which sport?

14. How many NBL teams did the late Corey 'Homicide' Williams play for?

15. Inaugural Tasmania Football Club CEO Brendan Gale played 244 games with which VFL/AFL club?

16. Which tennis professional was struck on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs at the 2024 Italian Open?

17. Stormy the Ice Hog is the costumed mascot for which NHL team?

18. Which Central American country hosted the 2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships?

19. How many games did the Detroit Lions win during the 2008 NFL season?

20. Mike Budenholzer is the latest head coach of which NBA team?

21. Which two teams played out a draw in Round 9 of the AFL?

22. Former South African cricket captain Johan Botha is the new head coach of which Australian state team?

23. In which year did Rome host the Summer Olympics?

24. Which club finished on the bottom of the 2023-24 English Premier League table?

25. How many times did Mick Doohan win the 500cc world motorcycle championship?

26. And his son Jack is the reserve driver for which Formula One team?

27. Which British Army officer, who shares his name with a UK prime minister, is credited with having invented the game of snooker?

28. Which A-League Women player holds the record for both most goals and most appearances?

29. Which US golfer holds the record for winning the most men’s major golf championships?

30. Which English fast bowler is set to play his final Test in July against the West Indies?

Michelle Heyman

Mick Doohan

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Uncovered (7)

5 Tools used to hold a wood or metal workpiece (1,6)

9 Amply (11) 10 Angry crowd (3) 11 Votary (6) 12 Comfort (7) 14 Directs (4) 15 Uneducated (10) 17 Rival (10) 19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

20 Induct (7) 22 Resolve (6) 25 Pester (3) 26 Offender (11) 28 Raffle (7) 29 Forest workers (7) DOWN

1 See (4)

2 Alias, pen-name (9) 3 Lecher (5)

4 Submissive (11) 5 Hair product (3) 6 Launch a tirade at (3,4) 7 Latin American dance (5)

8 Section title (10) 12 Aficionado (11) 13 Partial (10) 16 Christmas plant (9) 18 Instance (7) 21 Spectacle (5) 23 Capital of Italy’s Piedmont region (5) 24 Advantages (4) 27 Narrow beam (3)

and

letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 What kind of food are poffertjes?

2 Who is the narrator in Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief?

3 Colloquially, what is a sparky? 4 What kind of fruit is ume? 5 In 1942, Earl Tupper developed the first product for which homeware brand? 6 What year did World War II end?

7 Natasha Lyonne (pictured) stars as Charlie Cale in which comedy series? 8 What is an archipelago?

No. 187

No. 187

CX-30 a winner for Mazda

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Launched here in late 2020 the Mazda CX-30 is a small-medium SUV that squeezes into the space between the company’s original SUVs, the compact CX-3 and the mid-sized CX-5.

Between them, these three vehicles accountedforjustoverhalfoftotalMazdasales in 2023 and were a major factor in the brand being locked solidly into second place behind Toyota in total sales.

CX-30 was given a minor upgrade in late 2023 that included improved connectivity and fuel efficiency, together with a new model grade, the GT SP.

The CX-30 now comes with five equipment levels, in ascending order: Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Astina.

Prices range from $33,290 for the Pure FWD through to $47,390 for an X25 Astina AWD. On-road costs need to be added.

Styling

CX-30 has quite a conservative design which is likely to appeal more to owners at the older end of the age-scale. The shape is similar to the Mazda3 hatch but 100mm taller with 25mm extra ground clearance.

Although technically an SUV it has a sporty profile that’s almost coupe like.

At the front there are swooping headlamps flanking a large black version of the current Mazda family grille with an attractive textured fill. All variants get daytime running lights, LED in the Astina, halogen in the others.

The new GT SP gains a sleeker, more sporty appearance with exterior styling enhancementsintheformofblackalloywheels, a black front grille and mirror caps finished in piano black.

The entry-level CX-30 Pure comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, all higher-grade models roll on 18s.

Outthebacktherearewraparoundtail-lights, smallroofspoiler,twinexhaustpipesandblack plastic in the bumper.

Nine colours are available, five of them metallic are costed options.

Interior

The quality of the cabin has taken the CX-30 to a new level. The driver benefits from a high seating position and auto dimming rear-view mirror. The leather-clad steering wheel offers a comfortable grip, plus paddle shifts and the air vents are angled to the driver, servicing the dual zone air-conditioning.

Versatilestorageincludesagood-sizedcentre console, and a space below the fascia thanks to theuptakeofanelectricparkingbrake,plusbig door bins.

The dashboard isn’t as expansive as others in the segment but is well laid out and easy to read.Welovethefactthatitresistedthecurrent trend of locating almost all controls in screens by the use of physical knobs for adjusting air conditioning and audio.

Pure and Evolve have manual black cloth seats. The others have two different grades of leather (black and burgundy) and 10-way power adjustment.

Versatilestorageincludesagood-sizedcentre console, and a space below the fascia thanks to theuptakeofanelectricparkingbrake,plusbig door bins.

In the back, CX-30 has good headroom but legroom for taller passengers could be a problem. The smallish centre-rear seat is not unusual in this size class in that it’s hampered for footroom by the central tunnel.

There are air vents and a fold-down centre armrest with twin drink holders. Bootspaceis317litreswiththerearseatbacks folded. A space-saver wheel is stored under the boot floor.

Engines/transmissions

CX-30 offers either a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre, or Skyactiv 2.5-litre petrol engine, mated with a six-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission, plus front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

RATINGS Looks: 7/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 9/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 8/10

The 2.0-litre Skyactive-G 2.0 generates 114 kW at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4000 revs is available with all spec levels apart from the Touring SP.

Two variants, the Evolve G20e M and X20 Astina e-Skyactiv are mild hybrids and share the G 2.0 engine with a 24V lithium-ion battery.

The larger Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine has a 2.5-litre capacity with outputs of 139 kW at 6000 rpm and 252 Nm at 4000. It is available in the FWD or AWD Astina spec-level as well as Touring and Touring SP, AWD only.

The previous entry-level Pure came with a six-speed manual gearbox option but that was dropped with the latest upgrade and all models now have a six-speed torque converter automatic.

Infotainment

The top spec Astina and GT SP variants each get a 10.25-inch colour display. All below have an 8.8-inch centre screen. Note that neither is a touchscreen but rather the control system uses a rotary dial and accompanying buttons, situated on the centre console.

It’s large enough and within easy reach of the driver to minimise the amount of time taken away from looking at the road ahead.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired in the Pure and Evolve, wireless in all other models. Likewise, there are USB-A ports in Pure and Evolve and USB-C ports and wireless charging above.

Satellite navigation is standard across the CX-30 range.

Safety

Mazda has a long-standing and admirable focus on safety and this continues in the CX-30 which achieved one of the highest ANCAP crash scores to date, with 99 per cent in adult occupant protection.

All variants come with a comprehensive list of safety features including seven airbags (now with a driver’s knee bag), autonomous emergencybrakinginbothforwardandreverse, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, advanced speed assist system and IsoFix child seat anchorages.

The higher-spec models add a 360-degree view monitor, cruising and traffic support (traffic jam assist), front cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring and front parking sensors.

These latter features are available in other variants with an optional Vision Technology Pack.

Driving

Entry is relatively easy and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The steering wheel is height and reach adjustable and, even in the base level Pure, has leather wrapping as does the gear lever.

The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in our test Evolve lacks sharpness of the a turbocharger in the at 2.5 although the six-speed automatic worked well and had the SUV country cruising with confidence.

The new-generation Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture contributes towards excellent ride

quality and interior sound levels. Coarse-chip surfaces do increase noise levels although not to the same extent as others in this class.

Handling is accurate and the steering wheel provides the right amount of feedback.

Cornering is accurate enough, but this is not a sports sedan, and is certainly not claiming to be one.

Fuel consumption on our test route sat in the nine to ten litres per hundred kilometres in suburban, motorway and rural segments. It dropped to just over the claimed 6.5 L/100km.

Summing up

The CX-30 was the first Mazda model to adopt the two-digit suffix which was introduced to highlight the brand’s aim of pushing into the premium segment and competing against the big-name Europeans. It has subsequently been joined by the similarly-sized MX-30 together with CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 larger SUVs.

The CX-30 is a pleasant car to ride in and to drive. It’s built to Mazda’s usual high quality with a semi-premium feel, neat styling and, though not the cheapest in its class, offers good value for money.

It also achieved one of the highest ANCAP crash scores to date, achieving 99 per cent in adult occupant protection.

Like all new Mazda vehicles, the CX-30 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as five years of Mazda Premium Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

The CX-30 is a pleasant car to ride in and to drive. (Pictures: Supplied)

There was plenty of action on the sporting fields on Saturday and Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the football, netball and soccer action.

Action from around the grounds

1/ William Thornton-Gielen. 09292_19 2/ Michael Sdregas. 409297_02

Lachlan Evans and Dean Halliwell. 409294_02

Jorja Mckenna.

Kimberly Philipps. 409293_10

Sunbury Lions against Coburg Districts. 409288_06 7/ Melton Centrals against Kyneton. 409292_39 8/ Balmoral in action. 409297_04 9/ Marcus D’Angelo. 409294_04

Gisborne appoint Marantelli as senior coach

Gisborne is already making steps forward to get its women’s side back on the park for next season.

The Bulldogs had to withdraw their women’s side from the Essendon District Football League season due to a lack of players.

The Bulldogs have announced that Bernadette Marantelli will oversee the women’s football coaching program and take on the senior coaching role in 2025.

Marantelli started playing in 1983 and played in nine premierships and won two league best and fairest and several club best and fairests.

She also represented Victoria as a player and coach and also umpired in the Western Region Football League as a boundary umpire.

“Bernie’s coaching portfolio includes time at the Scorpions, Melbourne Uni and St Albans and the Victorian state side, as well as spending a year mentoring at Williamstown VFL [Victorian Football League].

“More recently, Bernie coached Strathmore

senior women’s division 1 EDFL for three years building up to the 2022 finals and a premiership win that resulted in their promotion to premier division in the EDFL.

“Bernie is looking forward to becoming a part of the Gisborne community and beginning a journey with the senior women’s football squad.”

Marantelli said she had thought she’d retired from coaching after her time at Strathmore but was excited by the challenge at the Bulldogs.

She said a conversation with Bulldogs’ Shannon McFerran got the wheels turning.

“I had last year of and this year off as well,” she said. “Shannon, I knew from St Albans days, lured me out of retirement,” Marantelli said.

“It’s [Gisborne] is 20 minutes from me and I’m going into traffic. I’ve been impressed with the club so far with the conversations that we’ve had. There’s a bit more of a country feel and they are keen to get women’s footy back up and running.”

Having coached against Gisborne,

Marantelli has a good idea of the club and some of the players they’ve had the last few years.

She said their first step was speaking to the players who were keen to play this season, some who have since gone to other clubs.

“There were some that wanted to get some fitness and skills up and moved to Macedon,” she said.

“I’llmeetupwithsomeoftheseniorplayers and some of the leadership group. We’ll get some of the stalwart girls together, see who is coming back and who we can invite and put some recruitment strategies in place.”

Marantelli said they would also look at the under-18 program and see which players were coming up next season.

She said at this stage they were keen to return to the EDFL competition.

Marantelli is under no illusion there is plenty of work to be done.

“I’ve got a good support group around me,” she said. “We want to get everyone on the same page and move forward from there.”

Tara Murray

Burras beat Bombers

By Tara Murray

Diggers Rest sent a reminder to the rest of the Riddell District Football League, ending Riddell’s unbeaten start to the season.

The two powerhouses fought it out in the hardslogalldayonSaturday,withscoringhard to come by.

Havinghadthelasttwoweeksoff,theBurras were able to use their fresh legs to come home strong and win, 8.6 (54)-6.10 (46).

Burras co-coach Jamie Lobb was pretty happy to come away with the points.

“It was really good,” he said. “We haven’t played our best footy yet and had two weeks off to set ourselves up for this game.

“It was a weird game with how low scoring it was. It was highly contested and the ball was moving around quickly but there was a lack of scoring.”

Lobb said the amount of pressure there was around the ball, contributed to both sides struggling to hit the scoreboard.

In the end, he said their ability to run out quarters was the difference.

“Towardstheendofeachquarterwethought

we’d be able to get them at the back end of the third and fourth quarter,” he said.

“We were able to kick a couple of goals late in the last quarter and played some smart footy.”

Mitchell Day and Brodie Meyers kicked two goals each for the Burras.

Lobb said ruck Hayden Davis was their standout.

“It was his best game for the club,” he said. “He played one out against Josh Grabham.

“Hopefully it’ll give him a bit of confidence and boost that he can play senior footy.”

For the Bombers, Dean Galea was the only multiple goalkicker, kicking two goals.

Jesse Horton and Ben Sonogan were named their best.

The Bombers remain on top of the ladder ahead of the Burras and Romsey, but have played one extra game than both those sides.

Lobbsaidtheyhaveagoodplatformtosetup their season.

“It wasn’t our best footy,” he said. “It was a good competitive game and we kept in the game when it wasn’t going away.”

The Burras face Kyneton this Saturday, before another weekend off due to the King’s

Sports shorts

EDFL

The Sunbury Kangaroos have announced the reappointment of Shanon Carroll for the next two Essendon District Football League seasons. Carroll joined the club last season and took it to a division 2 grand final in his first season. Carroll is now contracted until the end of the 2026 season. The Kangaroos suffered a loss to Burnside Heights on Saturday.

Bowls

Club Sunbury Xtreme has announced its team for the upcoming Victorian Bowls League. The team will be led by bowls director Marc Bullows and new head coach Michael Vesikko. They will be joined by Brad Janner and Bryce Young, with one of Australia’s best Aaron Teys headlining the side.

FV

Birthday bye.

It’s the first time the Burras have faced Kyneton.

“The boys are looking forward to it,” Lobb said. “It’s nice old ground and has a nice grandstand.”

Kyneton enter the match on the back of a strong win against the Melton Centrals.

The Tigers claimed the points, 10.13 (73)-4.6 (30).

Ethan Foreman kicked four goals for the Tigers, while Caleb Fisher and Ethan Turner were named their best.

Josh Smith in his debut for the club having crossed from Greenvale also put out a strong performance.

The win was the Tigers third of the season. Romseywonitsfifthgameoftheseasonwith a thrilling win against Woodend-Hesket.

Scores were locked at three quarter time, with the Redbacks kicking the only goal of the final quarter to win, 9.10 (64)-8.9 (57).

Justin Waldron was named the Redbacks best and Daniel Toman the Hawks best.

Intheothermatch,MacedonbeatLancefield, 15.5 (95)-7.5 (47).

Sunbury United had to share the points with the Sebastopol Vikings in the FV state league 3 north-west competition on Saturday. Coming off its second win of the season, Sunbury was at home to the Vikings. Sunbury led 1-0 at half time before a goal scoring feast in the second half. The teams had to share the points, finishing 3-3. Jake Zomaya, Jason Hayne and Nathan Long were the goal scorers for Sunbury. Sunbury is up to eighth. In state league 5 west, Gisborne had the bye.

RDFL

Macedon had a big win against Lancefield while Melton upset Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition on Saturday. The Cats came away with a 7.7 (49)-2.2 (14) win against the Tigers, while Melton snuck home against the Hawks, 4.2 (26)-3.5 (23). Romsey forfeited to Mount Alexander on Friday night. The Cats move to top of the ladder, while Woodend-Hesket has slipped to fifth. Kyneton had a bye. This week Melton hosts Macedon, Kyneton plays Mount Alexander, and Lancefield plays Woodend-Hesket.

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Bernadette Marantelli (Supplied)

Hayden Davis. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Sharks sneak home after the siren

Having thought it had blown its chance, Rupertswood kicked a goal after the siren to claim victory against Roxburgh Park in the Essendon District Football League division 1 on Saturday.

The Sharks did everything right for three and half quarters and had led for the majority of the day when the Magpies hit the front.

With the ball in their half, the Magpies had locked it in. They scored a point which gave the Sharks one last opportunity.

The ball went down the other end, with the Sharks getting an opportunity through James Fox to win after the siren.

He was able to kick truly, with the Sharks winning 14.9 (93)-13.11 (89).

Sharks coach Brad Fox was not only a proud man, a relieved one.

“I was happy for them,” he said. “It was a growth experience in the tough game.

“Most of the players will never experience games like that.”

Fox said going into the game they had a bit

of confidence having been in front in all the statistics that he looks at.

Not much separated the two teams all day andtheMagpiesmanagedtohitthefrontwith three-four minutes to go.

Fox admits he had felt like the Magpies had stolen it from them.

“They had a big fundraising day around women’s breast cancer and the ball got stuck in front of them,” he said.

“We could not get it out of there and every mistake of 50-50 ball, the crowd was vocal and it felt like they were out there.

“It ticked over 32 minutes and they missed a shot on goal and we got it out of defence and moved it the way we had in pre-season.”

For the coach, he was not only watching his team go for a shot after the siren, but also his son.

“I would rather no one else have the ball,” he said. “I was relieved when he kicked it though.

“We live on over an acre and had goal posts in the backyard.

“He would have kicked for goal after the siren out there 100s of times.”

Clayton Bonello was the star for the Sharks kicking seven goals in a best on ground performance.

Ehtan Fitzpatrick and Mitchell Johnson also had strong performances.

Fox said he wasn’t surprised by Bonello’s performance after he was left disappointed by his performance the week before.

The win was the Sharks second of the season.

Fox said the performance was massive in the context of their season.

“We are in the middle of a five week period where we face four of the stronger sides and Roxburgh Park,” he said.

“The win against Roxy is super crucial in the overall season. The last quarter was like a grand final and for a young side you have to learn how to play in finals before playing in finals.

Tara Murray

403555_16

Jets turn season around

By Tara Murray

Things are starting to fall into place for the Sunbury Jets in the Big V women’s state championship season.

After a slow start on a number of fronts, the Jets have started to turn their season around in the last few weeks.

On Saturday night, the Jets produced one of their best performances of the season to beat the Warrnambool Mermaids, 102-78.

Jets coach Monique Caparello said the playing group really stood strong.

“I’m pretty happy,” she said. “It was a fantastic game by the girls and they executed what I wanted them to do.

“We showed that we can be up there with the contenders. We had five players in double figures, that was fantastic.”

The Jets got a big boost heading into the match with import Anissa Pounds being cleared to join the squad.

They had hoped to have her the week before, but there were visa issues.

Caparello said now having both their

imports had given them a boost on both ends of the court and lifted the whole playing group to another level.

“It’s credit to the other girls who have held strong in offence, the imports are the icing on the cake.”

On Saturday night, the Jets faced a daunting task against the Mermaids.

Caparello said they were up to it.

“We took a bus up there,” she said. “No parents or supporters came with us.

“Just the team and the coaching staff on the bus. Warrnambool can be a rowdy place, but our bench atmosphere was at a fantastic level all night.

“We jumped out to an early lead and were able to sustain that.”

Chloe Hildebrand scored 30 points for the Jets, while Veronika Mirkovic scored 28 points as she played all 40 minutes.

The win was the Jets fourth of the season.

Caparello is hoping that they can continue to build in the next part of the season.

“I think against Pakenham and Sherbooke was the turning point of our season, but we

Bulldogs enjoy a strong start

A strong pre-season has been the instigator for Gisborne’s strong start to the Bendigo Football League season.

The Bulldogs sit 4-1 after six rounds, having had a bye on the weekend due to a split round.

Bulldogs coach Rob Waters said things were going along nicely.

“It’s not too bad at the moment,” he said. “The bye came at a good time with a few guys sick with the flu.

“We’re able to hit a bit of a reset ahead of the next four weeks before interleague.”

Waters said after a disastrous 2023 with results and injuries, this season all started in the pre-season.

The Bulldogs lost their first game of the season before winning the next four.

“Most of the boys have had a long pre-season,” he said. “Last year a lot didn’t have that and we had a couple of season ending injuries.

“It makes a huge difference.”

The Bulldogs focus on locals and youth is also continuing to pay off. The next generation has taken that next step.

Waters said Harry Luxmoore, Harry Thomas and Ryan Bourke are among some that have taken the next step.

were disappointing last week.

“We learned heaps last week. Hopefully we can solidify that against McKinnon and Hume at home.

“It’s our first home games in five weeks and everyone is super excited to play in front of the home crowd.”

While in the men’s state championship, the Jets lost their fourth straight game by five points or less.

On Saturday night, the Jets faced the Western Port Steelers.

After a slow start the Jets reduced the margin to one point heading into the final quarter. Neither team could be split in the last, with the Steelers winning 86-85.

The Jets never had the lead in the last quarter.

Joshua Yorke-Frazer top scored with 18 points.

The Jets now sit eighth with four wins for the season.

The Jets this week face the McKinnon Cougars on Saturday night.

“The young boys are doing well,” he said. “We’ve got a good team and we will keep playing them.

“Some are getting better each week and they are local boys and that is the club philosophy to get games into them.”

Waters said they had been able to get a couple of wins against some strong sides in recent weeks.

The tests keep coming after the bye, first up against Strathfieldsaye on Saturday.

“That is a big test for sure,” Waters said. “It’ll be good to see where we are at.

“We’ve had a couple of good wins in a row against sides that will likely be competing for the same spots as us.”

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have had 11 players named in the initial interleague squad.

Waters said it was good recognition for the group.

Tara Murray

Abby Hildebrand. (Ljubica Vrankovic).

Brett Martin. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 341896_45

Lions draw on depth to find a way

The Sunbury Lions depth was on show against Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday.

Missing five of their core players in A-grade and missing several players across the other grades, the Lions had to dig deep.

In A-grade, the Lions were able to work hard to come away with a 68-48 win.

Having struggled against the Lakers in recent times, Lions coach Kim Bailey said it was a really good performance.

“Since I’ve been back at the club we hadn’t beaten them and we had a heartbreaking finals loss to them last year,” she said.

“We had a couple of B-grade players come up in Ava Hellyer and Mackenzie Wood and they did an awesome job.

“We had no bench as well with a couple of players coming up to sit on the bench only if we needed them.

“To have five out of our starting line and get

a 20 goal win, was really pleasing.”

Bailey said the combination of Rebecca Hicks and Tara O’Grady in goals was starting to click as they learned each other’s game.

Hicks scored 54 goals on Saturday and O’Grady shot 14.

The win gets the Lions back on the winners list after a draw and loss in their last two matches against last season’s grand finalists.

Bailey said they should get Elly Randall back next week, while Olivia Taylor, who has been filling in, is also available.

Taylor Honey is still four to six weeks away, while Ruth Smith will miss a few weeks while on her honeymoon.

Lani Fauonuku’s availability is limited until the under-17 Australian camp in July.

“We got all those players to come back and it will be exciting to see what they can do,” she said.

“We now have depth in the club. Mackenzie

did an amazing job at goalkeeper and later said she’d been sick and had a crook back.

“We had illness and COVID through the club, we had the bare bones.”

The Lions remain in third spot after seven rounds.

This week the Lions face East Point.

Bailey said East Point is another one of their bogey sides.

Meanwhile in the football, the Lions had a massive win against Lake Wendouree.

The Lions jumped out of the blocks and led by 40 points at quarter time.

It was a sign of things to come, with the Lions running away with a 25.12 (162)-5.4 (34)

Jake Sutton kicked six goals, while Jacob Bygate and Mitch McLean kicked five goals each.

Bygate was named best on ground.

Warriors stun Cougars

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors produced one of its strongest performances of the Victorian Netball League championship season to knock off the Geelong Cougars.

Playing at home at Cobblebank Stadium in Melton for the second time on Friday night, it was a performance the Warriors had been working towards.

After starting off well, the Warriors were able to hold a lead throughout, winning 66-57.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey was thrilled with the performance.

“It was really pleasing for the girls to come out and play really well,” she said. “They played four quarters of consistent netball.

“Therewasalullofaboutfiveminutes…But they stuck to the game plan which was good.” Bailey said despite it being a Friday night there was a really good crowd at Cobblebank and a really good atmosphere.

She said the group really enjoys playing at the court and bringing this quality netball to the local area.

The Warriors goalers continued to show they were finding form in a partnership.

KimBorgershot46goalswithjustonemiss, while Julia Woolley shot 20 at 100 per cent.

“To miss one goal for the game, that wins you the game,” Bailey said. “Juls missed last Sunday and had she played we might have got a win. They are two of the best goalers in the competition.”

“We had some awesome turnovers in the mid court which was really pleasing.”

Having lost to the Cougars back in round two by 23 goals, the Warriors created a 32 goal turnaround.

With the Cougars sitting around the top four, the performance was one of their best for the season and keeps them in touch with the top four

“If you compare the two games, it was completely different,” Bailey said. “The structures are different and we didn’t know each other.

“We are finally knowing what we are doing, I can’t be prouder. Geelong have set the benchmark along with the [City West] Falcons for so many years.

“There’s an aurora around them. A lot of girls have played for them and I’ve coached there, it was a great win.”

The win moves the Warriors to four wins of the season. They are one of three teams with that record.

The Warriors under-23s had a 55-34 loss to the Cougars.

Bailey said they still need to do some work

on making sure they put out a four quarter performance.

“The first three quarters they played well,” she said. “We capitulated in the last quarter. “Weneedtoworkoutwhythisishappening. We’re a little perplexed why we can’t play 60

Upset and big wins in RDNL

Diggers Rest caused the upset of the Riddell District Netball League season so far, while Woodend-Hesket, Macedon and Melton Centrals came away with big wins.

The Burras hosted Riddell and were slow out of the blocks.

The Bombers led by six goals at quarter time, but the margin was back to two goals at the main break.

Scores were level heading into the final quarter. It was goal for goal in the final quarter with the Burras winning 44-43.

Alice Sacco was best in the win for the Burras, while Finnuala McKeagney-Stubbs had a strong game for the Bombers.

Woodend-Hesket made the most of having its full side in a a big win against Romsey.

After trailing at quarter time, the Hawks started to fire, coming away with a 73-41 win.

Hawks coach Tayissa Coppinger was the standout for her side while Charlee Duff-Tytler shot 34 goals for the Hawks. For the Redbacks, Emma Grech was named their best.

Melton Centrals were firing on all cylinders against Kyneton.

After leading by 10 goals at quarter time, Centrals continued to grow the lead on the way to a 72-41 win.

Talasa Helen Aumua shot 36 goals for Centrals. Claire Oakley shot 30 for the Tigers.

In the other match, Macedon came awaywithagoodwinagainstLancefield. The Cats jumped out of the blocks to lead by 13 goals at quarter time. They were able to maintain the lead in the next two quarters, before coming away with a 50-33 win.

Eliza Petherick shot 37 goals for the Cats, while Darcee Ellard shot 16 for the Tigers.

Wallanwhichhadthebyesitsatopthe table,aheadofRiddell,Woodend-Hesket and Melton Centrals.

Tara Murray Simona Di Fillipo (Jacob Pattison)334038_12

minutes of netball.” Bailey said one pleasing aspect was getting

Eliza Gollant back from a knee injury.

The Warriors play the Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night. In the championship division, the Waves sit bottom.

Kim Borger (Netball Victoria/Grant Treeby)